I'm ready...

I, The Princess of Christmas, am ready to take down the tree.  Say WHAT????

We have some wonderful things going on right now,  After 3 months in our new home, our Little Lady's room is finally being transformed from a dinosaur world into a pink and purple princess paradise.  She is SO excited, to say the least.  What's the most special is how excited she and her brother are to be sharing a room again until her room is finished.  I'll cherish that while it lasts.

Additionally, as some of you may know, I own a small, home-based craft business.  I have only sold to family and friends in the past but will be expanding to include online sales in January.  Somehow... I already have 21 pieces to fulfill in January, along with a project for a friend... you'll have kitchen curtains soon, Kim!!!  I promise!!!

I'm also having a spring open house and planning a 2yr old's birthday party.  Phew...

So, I'm ready.  I'm ready to turn off the Christmas music (for now) and trade it in for a little Rat Pack. I'm ready to clear the pretty Christmas stuff out of the dining room and set up my sewing machine. I'm ready to catch up on laundry so I can craft instead.  I'm ready to stay up late with Adam, yarn and a hook, and a good TV show.

I'll cherish the memories we made this Christmas, like every Christmas, but I'm unusually excited for the new memories to come.

Bring on the cold snowy days, snuggling inside with the kids.  I want to make new projects and cook new things together.  I want to play and giggle in perfectly-pink bedrooms... sigh... it's the little things.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by my to-do list, I try to remember Proverbs 19:1."Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry."  Being busy is a blessing!  I find comfort in Proverbs 31:1."She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."  I'm blessed to be capable.  Moreover, 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds me, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  Every item on my to-do list is an opportunity to serve my Newborn King.

In the words of my wise mother, Do your best and God will do the rest.

So, I'm off to get everyone out of their PJ's and into clean clothes.  I'm off to clean and do laundry. I'm off to snuggle and kiss my toddlers.  I'm off to enjoy the tree and the joy Christmas has brought us for just a little longer.  Praise be to the Newborn King!  Wise men still seek Him!

Cheers,
Alyssa

Pony Bead Ornaments

These were the biggest hit during our big project day!

Line a cookie sheet with foil and place cookie cutters on the foil. Fill the interior of the cutters with a single layer of beads. Bake at 300 until melted. They will pop right out!

We decorated with sting, ribbon, beads, bells, etc and attached those items with hot glue. This is a FAST project so you still have time!

Hope you enjoy this one as much as we did!
Cheers,
Alyssa

We packaged them all up and gave some to family and some to friends.  We added candy and chocolates to other packages and brought about 30 to our local police department.  It's one of our kids' favorite traditions!

Project Palooza Update

Well, my friends, I made it. We started at noon and the kids made it until 1:45. I continued for another  hour (including clean up) and here's what we accomplished:

     25 Ornaments
     30 Little gift packages for our local police department's records division.
     33 Gift Tags
     15 Decorated Christmas Cards.


I'd be full of bologna if I said I wasn't totally worn out by the end but... IT WAS WORTH IT! I made a big cheese platter and we all snacked as we worked. We listened to Christmas music, talked about giving with a joyful heart, and laughed. Boy, did we laugh. Yes, there were dishes to do. Guess what? They were still there in the morning.  Oh, for sure, dinner was casual that night. Guess what? No one went to bed on an empty belly. I'll say it again... IT WAS WORTH IT!

All our supplies, including wine!

Chunky Monkey

Little Lady

Hard at work

The aftermath...

One. Tired. Mom... BUT... One. Happy. Mom.

More projects and pictures coming soon!
Alyssa

25 Days of Christmas Update

So, do you remember my "25 Days of Christmas" post?  I packaged up all of these activities to do with the kids over November and December.  I had intended that the kids would choose a package every few days but... We have been SO SICK!  Good health is one of those blessings that is very easily taken for granted, in my opinion.  I'm thankful things appear to be on the up-swing for us!

As I looked at that basket FULL of activities this morning, I realized there was NO WAY we would make it through all of them by Christmas. So... I'm planing a "Project-Palooza" for this afternoon and I'm a little scared.

I opened 10 packages and set them all out at the dining room table.  If things go well, I stashed another (slightly more involved) project away, too.

I'll post short updates and ideas with simple instructions, including photos! Expect to hear more from me over the course of this week and into the next.

Wish me Godspeed, people.  All joking aside, I'm looking forward to a really special day with my kids and all the new memories we will create.  That's really what days like today are all about.

Cheers,
Alyssa

Yes, that's a bottle of wine next to the glitter glue. Yes, I need to iron my table cloth. 

Halloween

You know, I've never really gotten into Halloween. Maybe that's because the Lutheran Reformation falls on the same day? There was always more emphasis placed on that on the Christian day school I attended; the school where our oldest now attends.

I remember talking about it with other kids but I don't remember ever having a classroom party. I can also only remember going out to trick-or-treat 3 times as a kid. We always had off of school the Thursday and Friday before and we would go "up north" to our cottage for a long weekend. I guess I just associate this time as being family time. Don't feel bad for me. I can pretty much guarantee that my grandparents provided me with 10x the amount of candy and treats than I would have gotten if I'd actually gone trick-or-treating.

I know there are MANY Christian families who chose not to partake in this holiday because of its pagan roots. Others choose to focus on the reformation. I'm glad they have chosen to remain true to their personal convictions!

Adam and I have talked about it and our opinion is this: almost all Christian holidays have roots in pagan traditions. Frankly, I'm glad the Christian emphasis is what's prevailed in most circumstances.

So, we celebrate both. We talk about the freedom and encouragement our church body gives us to own a bible and to study it daily, as our Savior commands within His word. In Luther's time, bibles were only available to laypersons at the local library and they were chained to the floor. Each year, I make a paper bible and attach it to the floor with a paper chain. Then I have the kids rip the chain. We also "nail" 95 Theses to our front door. I've included a couple of pictures from severs years ago.

Later on, we DO trick-or-treat and spend time with family and friends. There is no violence or gore and modesty will always be a rule in our house.

I hope you enjoy the holiday in whatever way you've decided is best for your family. My only hope is that you keep Christ in the center of your celebrations, as always, and that you enjoy being together!

Cheers,
Alyssa

95 Theses

Bible and Chaim 

True Fulfillment

There are so many things in this life that I find fulfilling.

I find fulfillment in being a wife.
Proverbs 31:10-12 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good not harm all the days of her life.

I find fulfillment in being a mother.
Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

I find fulfillment in maintaining my home.
Proverbs 31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

I find fulfillment in being busy running errands, crafting, blogging or cooking.
Proverbs 19:15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.

I find fulfillment in being a friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have better return for their labor; if either one of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

I find fulfillment in being a big sister.
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

I find fulfillment in the relationship I have with my dad and my mom.
Ephesians 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" -which is the first commandment with a promise-
Proverbs 31:28a Her children arise and call her blessed.

These things in life are blessings, as you can see.  That's the way God intended them be.  But... we live in a world corrupted by sin.  Husbands and wives argue.  Children disobey.  We run short on time and patience and are often quick to anger and slow to love.  We put ourselves before others.  Loved ones are called to their Eternal Home and we miss them.  Good health comes and goes.

Yes, these things are truly blessings but they do not last.  Not always.  Not perfectly.  Not 100% of the time.

Do you know where you can find TRUE fulfillment?  The unwavering, lasting, eternal kind?  You'll ONLY find it when our Heavenly Father speaks to you.

His love is constant.  His promises are binding.  He is the same... Yesterday. Today. Forever.

If you are searching for fulfillment, look to Him:

• Attend worship services, as commanded (the 4th commandment).  God loves us and wants only what is best for us.  The blessings he provides are far greater than the hour of sleep you're missing out on.
• Exudos 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 
• Hebrews 10:24a&25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching

• Open your bible.
• Psalm 119:15-16 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word.
• Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,  it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
• Deuteronomy 8:3b ...man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the Lord.
• Pray.
• Is this a daunting idea for you?  Try this acronym I learned from a Sunday School Teacher

• A - Adoradion.  Praise God for who and what He is.
• C - Confession.  Confess your sins before Him with a sincere heart.
• T - Thanksgiving.  Thank Him for all He has done for you.
• S - Supplication.  Ask God to supply your needs and the desires of your heart.

• Psalm 116:1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

This time of year is something I long for and look forward to for months.  I cherish special memories and enjoy creating new ones.  My love for this season and celebrating my Savior's birth is part of who I am.  I'm not oblivious to the fact that so many struggle through this time of year the most.  It's my prayer that God spoke to you today and brought you some encouragement.

Happy Holiday Season and Merry Christmas!
Alyssa

25 Days of Christmas

You guys, I'm so excited that I think I might pee a little!!! Hahaha

Have you seen that post floating around social media about wrapping Christmas books for the month of December? The idea is that you open one each night with your kids at bed time.  I really LOVED this idea from the very first time I saw it a couple years ago.  Every year, the expense is what holds me back.  Even if I wrapped some of the Christmas books we already have, I'd still be buying at least 20 more.  I might start buying some end-of-season or at the dollar store and stashing them away to do in the future.  For now though, I wanted to come up with something else.

The reason I love this idea is because it's Christmas related, hello??? and also because the emphasis is on setting aside quality time with your little ones.  It really doesn't NEED to be reading-related to be a cool tradition, right?

I decided to head to the dollar store to see what I could find, giving myself a limit of $20.  Guys, I found all of this for $16.80, including tax.

I bought the supplies to make several different projects and I also went around the house, looking for ideas.  Here's What I came up with:

• 2 clear, plastic ornaments and styrofoam "snow".  I packaged these with a black and an orange Sharpie that I already had on hand. (Snowman Ornaments)
• A 4 pack of puzzles.  I wrapped these with mod-podge and paint brushes from my craft stash.
• An ornament kit that came with paint and a brush.
• Green pipe cleaners and red bows.  I packaged these along with other pipe cleaners I already had, ribbon and beads.  (Wreath Ornaments) 
• 2 Christmas books.  I wrapped these with cups I bought end-of-season last year for $0.99 and hot chocolate packets from our pantry.
• Coloring books crayons and stickers.
• Ornaments and stickers.  I packaged these with ribbon.
• Foam gingerbread boys. I packaged them with black pompoms (for eyes), bells, and ribbon that I already had in my craft stash.
• Foam Christmas balls. I packaged these with sequins, ribbon, and glitter from my craft stash.
• I filled snack bags with popcorn from our pantry for our air-popper and wrote, "popcorn and a movie" on the outside.

• Christmas card kit.  I wrapped cards I bought end-of-season last year with colored pencils and stickers.
• I wrapped cookie cutters.  When the kids pick this, I have a huge box of plastic beads to melt and make ornaments.
• I packaged a set of Christmas stamps a friend gifted me along with the kids' ink pad and some brown-paper gift tags left over from a birthday party.

I was able to make 25 packages out of the list above so there are some duplicates.  This reaffirmed to me that my craft hoard is worth having.  My husband thinks some of the things I save are senseless but it all paid off.  All of the craft supplies I added to my dollar store finds were left over from other projects.  Save everything.  Be organized and dedicate a corner of the basement.  It's worth it! Right Adam??? Right???

If you were to purchase everything on this list, including the cups, a couple of cookie cutters, a stamp or two, ink, etc, I think you would be spending at least $50 total.  If you do it this way, great.  It should come out to $2/project, which is far less than entertaining the kids at the zoo, play-cafe, out to eat, etc.  Plus you have a cute little treat to give to a loved one or to tie on a package.  Awesome, right?  Yes... but you might be missing my point... use what you have!

If you're not a crafter and have no "stash", here are some other ideas for you:

• Wrap names of Christmas movies you own or can DVR
• Wrap a note that says, "Trip to the park!"
• Wrap a note that says, "Get your blankets and pillows, we are building a fort!"
• Wrap hot chocolate packets
• Wrap a small treat you don't normally buy for your kids, like a candy bar.
• Wrap a package of store-bought muffins to bake together
• Wrap a container of pancake mix and have breakfast for dinner

I put all 25 of my packages in a laundry basket and will allow the kids to choose one every now and then through December.  I would love to hang on to these and start Dec 1 through Christmas but I know myself.  Some days I'm lucky if the bed gets made... you know what I'm getting at, right?

I hope you have just as much fun thinking up ways to make this idea your own as I did!  I'll be breaking down some of these crafts, along with a couple others, in future posts.

Cheers,

Alyssa

P.S.  All of the gift bags were purchased last year, end-of-season.  Each December and/or January, I work a small portion of shopping money into our family budget and stock up on bags.  I usually make my own tags and I buy character wrapping paper at the dollar store.