The Princess Of Christmas: December 2016

Thursday, December 29, 2016

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

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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!

Thursday, December 8, 2016

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!