2015

Once the holidays were over we were all ready to return to a normal rhythm.  Unfortunately for us, a nasty virus hit that took us all out and derailed our plans for getting back on track.  Instead we spent our days cuddled up in bed watching David the Gnome and sipping on teas.

Thankfully we are all finally feeling (mostly) back to normal, and it feels wonderful.  We've taken a slow path back to full stead with lots of rest and "doctoring" for all.

As we get back on track now in the new year I'm excited to share some of the handmade gifts we gave for the holidays, seasonal themes, and our new plans for 2015.

holiday season

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Christmas

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Merry Mail

I'm not sure why, but Christmas cards have always been one of the hardest things on my holiday list to actually complete on time.  I buy them early (sometimes even the year before) and I even write them out early most years, but they still never seem to make it to the post office on time.  This year I was determined to break that cycle and actually get cards in the mail in a somewhat timely manner.  I bought the stamps early, pulled out the cards and took over the table with Christmas cards in an effort to get them finished and out the door.  

Getting the kids involved really helped.  We all sat down and worked on our cards together while listening to our favorite Christmas music.  The girls also had some ornaments to work on that I found here.  We didn't laminate ours, simply printed them out on cardstock.  The girls handed them out at a Christmas program this week and they were a big hit.  

I love when something so small can brighten someone's day just a bit.  I think that's why I love Christmas cards so much.  It's so nice to open the mailbox and find something fun and festive this time of year.  We decorated our envelopes with stickers we picked up at the local craft store and I think it made a big difference.  Wouldn't you love to open your mailbox and find something like this peeking out at you?  

Christmas Parade

Not only has there been a lot of crafting going on, there have been a lot of Christmas activities attended as well.  Parades, parties, programs, the list goes on and on.  I don't think we've ever been involved in this many seasonal themed events ever before.  The season started with the local small town's Christmas parade. I always look forward to these parades, there is just something so sweet and fun about them.

The girls rode in a float for the dance studio, and since the theme was "The Night Before Christmas" all the kids went in their jammies!  The girls were so excited to get to go to town in their footie jammies and looked forward to it all week.

Thankfully though, they haven't wanted to wear their jammies to town many more times.  Ahem.  I may have taken Kaitlyn out one day in hers because it was easier than explaining "proper clothing".  Again. But she did have boots on at least.  Picking my battles with this one.

A hat for Kinsley

There has been a whole lot of elving going on around our house lately.  Some more secret than others.  I love the little craft areas that are popping up in various corners, whispers, and cries of "don't look in this box!" that are going on right now.  I love seeing the enthusiasm they have over new projects and finding just the right colors to make a special gift for someone they love.

I hope that they continue to love to give (and receive) handmades for the rest of their days.  I know that I'm soaking up these days of them still thinking it's awesome when mama makes something new for them.  While these things are still their favorites I can't resist making just one more of their requests, like this new pink hat that Kinsley desperately needed.   Nevermind the fact that we have a basket full of various hats, headbands, and earwarmers that have been made for them over the years.  Surely we always are in need of just one more.

She picked the Cherub Cheeks Beanie pattern on Ravelry and a beautiful pink wool from my stash for her hat.  And she added a white button because everything is better with a pretty button on it. 

Advent Week Two: Plants

The second light of Advent

is the light of plants,

Plants that reach up to the sun

and in the breezes dance.

*   *   *   *   *  

Once again I'm reminded that sometimes the simplest traditions end up being the most meaningful.  As we wind down for bedtime in the evenings the girls excitedly gather around our Advent table to light the candles and read a story from our book.  Such a small simple moment that has really grounded us during this busy time of year.

An Advent table doesn't have to be an expensive or time consuming set up to make it beautiful and special.  A simple cloth draped over a wooden base and some fresh greenery we gathered over the weekend has become a favorite location in our home.  A simple verse read, candles lit, and a page from our Advent Storybook make these few moments of evening time special for  us.

Start simple.  Start small.  Sometimes less really can be more.  Will we add more to Advent as the years go on?  Perhaps.  But for now, we are truly enjoying a more simple holiday season.