this season

The season is here in our house.  Decorating for Christmas is a magical part of all our lives this season.  As much as I love looking at other's blogs and admiring their houses and their decorations, nothing compares to feeling our home in person.  The added warmth and love that comes with the season that clothes us like an extra layer to what we already "wear" each day is hard to put into words.  It has to be felt.  When the house gets quiet at night for a few short hours before I turn in, I may take a few moments to walk slowly around the tree admiring the memories and anticipating the next few weeks and wonders that will be waiting for us to open next year.

Life.

Here we are!  I'm finally getting settled again from the Holidays and New Year.  The kids went back to school on the 2nd and the pace of my schedule seemed to soar again with appointments, after holiday clean-up, Nathaniel's interest in eating solids and exploring his environment, and all the interuptions that come with that!  So much for one mama to do!  

That being said, here are some moments from our holidays, looking forward to a very interesting and incredible year filled with magical moments and miracles that fill our lives!  I'm so grateful for all the magic and miracles I witnessed last year, gives me so much hope for what's to come!

Happy 2013!!

and to go with his sweater . . .

It's been a long time since I had a successful encounter with a sewing machine.  This week I managed to sew up these adorable pants so this sweater would have a suitable match.





Here's Mr. Fancy Pants in his new pair of "Quick Change Trousers" from Anna Marie Horner's book, "Handmade Beginnings", to go with his newly knitted sweater of course.  The cuffs on these pants come in a pretty close second to the cuteness of the panel on the back side, wouldn't you say?



It gets even better.  With Christmas time so near, I couldn't resist making the reverse side of these a bit more festive!



These are "santy pants" for sure!!!



 

There you have it, quick change "santy pants" trousers!!!

Merry Christmas Ya'll!!

Days/Nights of Christmas Part 5

This week we have played new games, seen our paperwhites come and go, brought new greenery into the house, admired 1,000's of lights, baked, enjoyed an amazing Nutcracker performance. We are so grateful for each of our days and nights through this holiday season. They are each so different yet filled with much excitement and anticipation, yes, much anticipation from us all!

this moment ::

Inspired by Soulemama's {This Moment}

{this moment} - a friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from my week. I want to pause and savor this moment.

. . . and Christmas Day ::

Our Christmas was spectacular - full of holiday and handmade cheerfulness. Hope yours was too!

this moment ::

Inspired by Soulemama's {This Moment}

{this moment} - a friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from my week. I want to pause and savor this moment.

The Night (and day) Before ::

It went late, late into the night to finish this doll. But it was worth it!! Lots of memories made making this Christmas!!

this moment ::

Inspired by Soulemama's {This Moment}

{this moment} - a friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from my week. I want to pause and savor this moment!

Shhhh!

I had so much fun sharing this sneak peek two years ago, I wanted to do the same today. So here goes!

I’ll share more when I can . . . the workshop is still going strong!

Side note::

I’m so encouraged that so many families are chosing to make gifts for their children at Christmas. Just today, I met a lady at Michael’s who was buying a lot of random scrapbook paper. Whenever I can, I like to ask the person what they are making when I see someone buying supplies. She shared that she was using the paper as wallpaper for the dollhouse she is building for her girls. I was so proud of her and didn’t even know her! That’s the spirit. I love the creativity that comes out sometimes with necessity. I know for me, when I’m not able to purchase something already made, the creative juices seem to flow even better. I feel like I need to start planning for next year, because it seems like I always run out of time . . .

So if you feel inclined, please share what you are making this year in your gift giving. I know we would all be inspired!

Merry Christmas. I’ll be back after the merriment!