Gifts on the go

I made these little canvas bags for the girly girls. Actually the canvas bags I already had. I just painted faces to resemble (I am so not an artist) the girls. Then I put some candy canes, coloring books and crayons inside. I thought it would be a good bag to tote all their things back and forth. Then Mama said they needed new bags for dancing SO there you go. It is hard to find something for kids that you know have everything and also to not spend alot of money on. I also made bows and glued them on the hair I painted.

The third graders at our elementary school singing at the Christmas program. Although, it doesn't look like anyone is singing but they were. The cute one in the middle with the earring belongs to me. She's my oldest grandchild.

I am officially on a two week vacation. Non-paid but still a vacation. I ran errands today. Oh my, people are grumpy out there. I saw some finger gesturing going on and some horns a honking. Slow down people and cheer up. I had a rough time telling the girls from the boys......geez what is up with that.

Off to do Christmas with our Mamas tomorrow. We will be doing things a bit differently. Hubby with his mom and me with mine. Mine is sick. I need to help her do a couple of things.....like get her car from the repairman, etc.

The computer I am on is as slow as a sloth. It won't let me read some of your blogs. It also won't let me leave comments on some. I am asking (begging) for a new computer in the New Year.

Okay that's about it for now. Ho Ho Ho.

Christmas Keepsake

A fun art project to do with your little ones and to keep for years to come.
The reindeer is the child's hand. The footprint is the sleigh. Santa's head can be a thumbprint. The child or the adult can add a few special touches to complete the project. Use some glitter for the stars and paint snow for the bottom of the picture.
This can be tricky getting the right placement. Painting their feet tickles them. A little bit messy as well. But I have done this for years and the parents love it.

On another note my computer died. I am using our backup which is slow as Moses. I don't know how long it will last. So if I disappear and you need me, shoot me an email.

Hope you are checking off your Holiday List..........be nice not nauty.

Inside looking out

The opposite from my last post. This is Izzy checking outside for squirrels, deer, wild turkeys, or the lady that walks her dog with the motorized wheelchair. Oh those furry babies do not like her at all. The pillows are all nice and pretty until Piper tosses them around to make the sofa all comfy for him. Usually he is under one of the pillows when he is finished. Hubby's leg searching for another Christmas movie to watch. The TV used to fit in the cabinet.

I put the children's tree on the little chair and moved the other one that was there. You are wondering aren't you....why this is the children's tree when all the other trees look like trees for kids. Well this one has Charlie Brown ornaments and Crayola ornaments. The Crayola ornaments started with a gift from a friend. You see, I met our adopted son at a pre-school named Crayons. The mason jars are missing their lids because I can't remember where I put them. Two have candy in them, one has pictures and the other has a bottle tree. Don't you love all the things in jars for decorating this year. So cute, aren't they.

My house ornaments on the china cabinet, my Dad's antique chair. Had to move it from under the tree because I couldn't get to the outlet to plug in the tree.
A basket full of all the catalogs for Christmas. Geez, how many trees were used for those crazy things. The frame is many different years of my children on Santa's lap. There are ones with the first born only, of the original trio, the youngest alone and also with his birth sister. Very special pictures.

Piper, the check eater, looking out. He loves this spot. His toy is on display on the white coffee table, hah.

I want to paint this sideboard this summer. I am thinking of white. Speaking of white. Still nothing but those little flakes the other day. I heard last week that we might have a White Christmas, we will see. I know once it starts it will be snowing forever but I still love it.

So this is my house in it's Christmas glory.
Plain and simple but COZY.

(((((HUGS))))) to all.

Outside looking in

We wish you a Merry Christmas inside and outside of our holiday home.

The wreath from the Boy Scout's fundrasier. I took off the bow, turned the pine cones around so you couldn't see the red bells, and added this garland (from Urban Farmhouse, last year) and it looks so much better.

The Santa was a gift as was the star lantern. The high chair is from this summer's Buckeye Blogger outing. We went to the neatest little antique store in Tipp City. Everyone walked out with goodies from that store. The chair was $5. I was going to refinish it and let the kids play with it. One of the Bloggers said to put a plant in it and set it outside. Well it's had a plant, then a pumpkin and now Santa. It has made it to the front door but never inside yet. Love this $5 chair
We all need angels in our lives.

Of course, Santa is the star of the season but we need to always remember the reason for the season.........

the birth of Baby Jesus. (Sorry Baby Jesus, I almost didn't get you in the picture)

Just pretend the white spots in this picture are snow flakes.

The bank cashed my check. There were some giggles about it but not to my face.

My cards are mailed as some little packages. My decorating is done. Several things still in the boxes but I am pleased as I don't like it to be all cluttered up. My presents are all wrapped. So now there is Peace in my house. I still have things to do but Christmas is under control. It amazes me, but it gets easier through the years.

I remember when I worked at a Montessori day care. They parents were so stressed the first couple weeks of December. The kids were a mess. It dawned on me that it was from all the pressure of getting the tree and the decorations, the presents, the cards, and the parties. Then things seemed to settle down the next couple of weeks. I have learned from seeing what it did to the parents and the children that things need to slow down for everyone's sanity. It all gets done somehow. So hoping that you are all taking time to enjoy and to rest. Happy Holidays my friends.

Santa is in the house (Well kinda)

Cindy of Rick Rack and Gingham hosted a little house swap. You were supposed to make a house that reminded you of your blog. The little houses make up a "Blogging Neighborhood". I hope to turn mine into a banner and display it in my craft room. Look how creative these sweet ladies are.

Ooops, this one is blurry. See the bee hive with the banner.
All gussied up for Christmas. Somehow I missed that part of the instructions. Can you tell which one is mine, hah.

How about the little camper. The other one looks like a candy shop.

A cottage that's cozy but still in summer mode, two sweet little cottages.

Thanks Cindy for hosting this swap. Thanks to all that made these sweet homes.

I hope your sweet homes have a bit of Christmas cheer. You don't need alot to make it sparkle. My wish for you is that you take time to take care of yourself during this crazy busy holiday season.


Piper chewed a hole in my babysitting check. Just happened to be half of the account numbers and half of the signature. Will they take the check? I will let you know. It might help that the person works at the bank.....we will see.

Happy 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Q. We love your blue eyes, your curly hair and that great smile.

You have style as well. XOXOXO Grammy and Grampy love you.

Do you have a best friend

I watched these two from the time they were 6 weeks old. Of course the one on the left is K. Bug my granddaughter) and the other Doodle. (just like a granddaughter) You have heard about her many times before. She was so tiny when she was born. I think she only weighed 6 lbs when I started watching her. These two have been the best of friends ever since. K. Bug and I went with Doodle's family to Breakfast with Santa.

This is how they stood in line to see Santa.

They have their lists ready. When they get this age you dread that they find out for real about Santa. I loved Mrs. CLaus. She was so sweet to all the children.

The girls are in their own world aren't they. That's Baby B. in the middle. He has no clue what is going on. He's only 18 months but a very tall little guy. Everytime anyone says anything about Christmas he says, "Happy Halloween." It is so funny.

K. Bug jumps out of the picture and Bew Baby B. sits down. He wasn't liking this at all. He's almost 3 months.

Mrs. Claus is going over K. Bug's list while Santa is in shock over Doodle's long list.

Later that evening Doodle's parents went to a Christmas party. I took care of all the little ones. I finally got the boys to sleep but those little girls chatted to the wee hours. I slept with the 18 month old. That was interesting. He'd reach over and pull my hair every so often. I think he wanted to make sure I was still there.

If you haven't talked to your best friend in awhile give them a call and say hi.