Getting The Crafty Urge

I have been checking out craft inspired blogs for quite some time now...ok, since about November when I suggested to my mom that we do some crafts and put a table in at the 2011 Keene Pumpkin Festival.  So, I started out looking for Fall/Halloween crafts, which then merged into Christmas crafts and other fun stuff.

Here is my custom made Christmas Card holder

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, this when completed.  And so simple.  I went to the local Re-Use store and picked up this frame for $2.00  I liked the rustic, peeled paint look (plus, I was so eager to do this, I didn't want to take the time to sand and paint...I'm lazy like that, just ask my mom)  Then, I went to Michael's, picked up some garland and holiday craft picks.  I stapled fishing line on the back of the frame, 3 rows per section.  Then, I stapled and hammered the garland on, inserted craft picks, dug out some old bells and added ribbon.  The skate was my favorite addition.  Mom gave it to me last Christmas and I wasn't sure where to put it, but this is perfect.  I just added some mechanic's wire (my husband's profession does come in handy for more than just fixing cars on the cheap) and VOILA!!!  In total, it took me less than an hour to complete and then I just had to wait for the cards to start pouring in.

For the new year, I have a number of crafting ideas on my mind, but I will wait to post info when I get started!

A Twinkle In His Eye

I love my kids and Hayden is going to make Christmas a blast this year, because this is the first year that he really "gets it".  He has been talking about Santa and actually, the threat of calling Santa and letting him know that Hayden is not being a good listener works wonders.

Last Sunday, we wrote our letter to Santa, which consisted of cutting out pictures of toys and more glue than one letter could ever need!  But he loved it.  So, earlier in the week, I stumbled across a website that lets you create a personalized message to your children from Santa, including details and photos you upload.  We e-mailed it to the house and let Hayden watch it.  You should have seen the "wowed" expression on his face every time Santa said his name or he saw the pictures from things we did this year.  It was so cute!

http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/guest/9XcxUlA1EpvNM65JfX0Chw

(this is the link to his video)

He was also excited about the first big snowfall yesterday. It took me a while to convince him to go outside and play in the snow.  But while he was out there, he made his very own snowman, with no help from mom or dad.  He came to the door..."Mom, I need a carrot"  Well, the problem is, we are a non-veggie eating family and carrots are not a staple in our fridge, unless I plan on making cake out of them.  We settled on an orange Popsicle stick, because the craft bin is well stocked!  Then he needed eyes and mouth, again to the craft bucket....pom poms and a pipe cleaner. 

I know as I get out the decorations this weekend, that smile will grow larger and I will remember the true meaning the holidays!