Brownies, Forts and Santa - Pictures.

Jesse wore one of my aprons (poor guy!) to help me make brownies.  Another thing to make him for Christmas :D

He kept all the brownie mix in the bowl while he stirred. Impressive for two!

Don't judge. I ate the batter as a kid and Im doing just fine.

Building a living room fort with Dad.

My bestie Madison who I threw a Bridal Shower for (with her mom and sister's big help!)



This morning's thirty second bento.



The Neck pillow I sewed for Grannanny for Christmas. (surpirse!)

Jesse and Chuck and Chuck's work Christmas party

Jesse with his balloon Mickey Mouse

Merry Christmas!

Cute kid huh!



How many presents do you give your kids?

The main reason for writing this post is to get YOUR opinions! Please help me out!




Each Holdiay season, since I've been married, I have participated with my in-laws in the thrill of Black Friday shopping. The anticipation of the ads coming out, the pouring over them to decide what is best for my husband, and then recently what I should get for my son, the pain of standing in the cold, the rush of getting the perfect toy or the perfect outfit at the perfect price.



This year, I'm not quite sure I'm feeling it. I've looked at ad previews, and nothing catches my eye for my little two year old munchkin. Sure, I will wake up early and grab some great deals on PJ’s and a couple of things for Jesse that I have decided on. But I've been thinking. Will he appreciate these things? Do I go Christmas shopping for him, or for myself?



Recently I have found some great ideas on blogs about how others give gifts to their kids. Some have an all homemade Christmas, Some give the four gifts on Something you want, need, wear, and read.



My favorite idea (and if my husband would ever agree to it I would start right away) is the Three Gifts of Christmas. Jesus received three gifts, it should be enough for us right? There have been two ways that I have seen it and I really like both:




Gold – G – Garment/Clothing

Frankincense- F – Fun

Myrrh – M – Mind



Gold – Want

Frankincense – Spiritual Growth

Myrrh – Body (clothes)





I have also heard of three presents. One from mom, one from dad, and one from Santa. I think I would stick with the three themed presents above, keep Santa in the picture for his Present and stocking stuffers, and then have the traditional PJ’s opened the night before. I really like the idea that it concentrates on the Birth of Christ, rather than present giving, and it gives more time and money to Family Traditions.



How many or How do you give gifts to your Children? Any ideas would be great!



Happy Early Thanksgiving! Good luck to the Black Friday shoppers out there!

O Christmas Tree-- You need an Ornament!

Aren't Ornaments the best? Tiffany and I have tried to exchange ornaments for Christmas every year since we both got married and I love the tradition.  Others love it too!! Check out this awesome Ornament Exchange and sign up! 

It should be lots of fun and you have until November 1st to sign up!  So hurry over there and sign up to make and receive an adorable ornament! 

Santa's Undies!

I know that is only October, but this would be a great thing to start on for stocking stuffers or to hand out to friends and neighbors!  

Santa's Undies!! 

These cute little things have candies inside!  Here is the saying that goes with them:

We looked for stockings but couldn't find a spare

So we ended stuffing Santa's Underwear.

Cute right? 

I made a Santa's Suit one, as well as a green pair.  Both are really cute.  Here are some more pictures of the front and backs:

My son going in for a grab of lifesaver candies

Chocolate covered raisins

Want to make some of your own?  This is my first attempt at sharing a PDF. Here is the pattern:

Santa Undies

Let's see if that works!

All you do is cut out the front and back and bum flap on felt.  I used a blanket stitch on the two shown, but I have previously hand sewn it just rustic looking. You could also machine sew it.  Make sure to attach the bum flap before you sew the front and back together.   Once you have sewn it, cut out a heart on card stock and write the cute message on it and attach with ribbon or embroidery floss.

Fill with candy and you are finished.

Wouldn't this be cute for kids, nieces, nephew, grandkids, friends, etc!

Merry Christmas!!

From us to you -

Merry Christmas!

We hope you have a wonderful day with friends and family wherever you are.  What a great holiday!  Let's all remember to give more than to receive, and never forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  We wish you the best this upcoming New Year. Best Wishes on this wonderful day.


Love from us,

  and

12 Days of Christmas

Check out the twelve days of Christmas starting tomorrow! I am going to be the guest blogger on Day 12 (12 Drummers Drumming). Hopefully you can stop by and check it out!  Also, check back tomorrow! Exciting news!

Nap Time Crafts- Ornament

Isn't this the CUTEST ornament you have ever seen?  Check out Nap Time Craft's Santa's Belly Ornaments Tutorial.  I have fallen in love with this and need to go buy some sqaure ornaments!