12 Days of Christmas Swap~

It's here, it's here!! I joined this swap and I just received the goods that I'll start to open on December 14. I love all the creative packaging the ladies put together. I wonder what creative crafts they put together and what awaits me inside.

• My name on a cute little tag.


• A sweet white bird that looks to be stamped.


• The red and white twine.


• Each package numbered.


• Red felt flower on a tag.


• The textures.

Reminds me of Darryl Hannah when she plays a mermaid and Tom Hanks gives her a present. She thinks the packaging is the present and doesn't realize there's something inside to be opened. I'm happy just to see all the packaging. Yay for the 12 Days of Christmas Swap~

10 Things Tuesday~

Wow, what a busy week I've had and it looks like it's going to get busier the next two weeks so I need to focus on the now and be mindful of today.

1. Great family time over the weekend.
2. Fun sister time shopping on Friday.
3. Not really great sales on Black Friday so I didn't spend that much money.
4. All the flannel purchased on Friday and at a really great deal so only 2.50 or less for each pair of
pajamas I'm making for my family.
5. My fun 'Holiday Swap' partner- Hazel Joy. I like her site and her style.
6. For the opportunity to pray with my family at our Thanksgiving meal.
7. For past and present troops that have fought for my freedoms.
8. For fun craft ideas stirring up in my mind.
9. For all 'yes' RSVP's for my daughters birthday/slumber party on Friday. That makes her very happy!
10. For my daughters appreciation for friendships and bonds with family & friends. She's a people person.

2 Dishes~

Two dishes for Thanksgiving that I do not care for are Green Bean Casserole and Yams smothered in marshmallows & brown sugar. But my man loves them and requested them for Thursday so being the ever lovin woman of his I made these for him. Eewwhhhh. Well while I was making the yam dish, Ben wandered into the kitchen and immediately zoned in on the marshmallows.

Ben: Can I have one of these marshmallows?
Me: Sure.
Ben: What are they out for?
Me: For this dish I'm making.
Ben: What is that?
Me: Yams.
Ben: Are there marshmallows in that?
Me: No.
Ben: Are you going to put marshmallows in that?
Me: Yes.
Ben: Why?
Me: Because that's just the way this dish is made. Brown sugar too.
Ben: Why do you put marshmallows and brown sugar in that?
Me: That's the way dad likes it and it's a Thanksgiving dish that a lot of people make.
Ben: Noooooo! That's just a waste of good marshmallows!!

Amen brother~

10 Things Tuesday~

This week of Thanksgiving is a great week to post 10 things I am thankful for. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

1. Excited for my mom and sister coming in two days. Girl time~

2. Re-arranged living room and knowing it's all clean behind and under all that's in there.

3. Sitting by the fire.

4. Talking to my dad on the phone. He's a great guy.

5. Successfull luncheon pulled off for the Sunday school teachers.

6. Shared laundry soap recipe from Karen. I'll be making a double batch when I'm finished here.

7. Some cheery fall color from a few trees late to los their leaves.

8. Learning to knit.

9. God's provision.

10. Family and friends as we support each other through life.

10 Things Tuesday~

1. A dry fall that has allowed the leaves to swirl around and fly about.

2. Time to tidy up my craft area.

3. Time to craft some Christmas presents.

4. This site and this site that are getting my creative juices flowing.

5. Free wood to re-stock our firewood supply. Two huge firs and one cherry.

6. Two kitties laying togethter, next to me, snoozing. Sweet.

7. Answered prayers and peace of mind for my man. Thank you Lord!

8. My mom and sister coming next week for Thanksgiving. Girl time!

9. The smell of pine as I walked out of my workplace. I went back in just to be able to walk out again.

10. The freedom to write anything I want.

Homemade~

Making Christmas present tags for this wrapping season. Used Elaines tag punch, her 'Ho,Ho,Ho' stamp, my rubber stamps and other punches I had. Used our saved Christmas cards from last year for punching out pictures. I can't bear to throw out Christmas cards we receive. Glad to be able to use them. Sooo much fun!!

Another link for homemade Christmas present ideas. Girls after my own heart~ Yay!

Embracing~

I am so excited to see this series being posted this Christmas season. I really wanted to make as many Christmas presents as I could this year but I was having trouble with ideas that would be for all ages, both male and female. So I'm really hoping to this will be the doorway to creativeness.