I'll admit that it's been a rough time getting in the Christmas spirit and getting everything done. I always start in November so that I have plenty of time to enjoy and not stress. But the three family funerals that I attended last month put me way behind. I appreciate your prayers so very much! I know they helped me and my families cope with losing our loved ones.
The decorating is finally done as of today, four days before Christmas. I really don't like that because we don't have much time to enjoy. I was going to minimize this year but Rich said that he really likes to see the home decked out in holiday cheer... so it happened.
I have really enjoyed looking at your beautiful homes full of Christmas. It has honestly gotten me in the spirit and I thank each of you dearly for that, I needed it! =]
I thought I would share some homemade gifts that the kids and I worked on this past week. I made some Cinnamon Apple Jelly a couple weeks back. It is so delicious and so easy to make. I am not a jelly maker, but I can make this so anyone can do it! Here is the recipe link if you care to try it: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cinnamon-Apple-Jelly
A lovely idea that I gleaned from Pinterest: wrap a freshly baked loaf of bread in a coffee filter and tie it off. Of course I had to use baker's twine because I'm addicted to that stuff, haha. Quick, cheap, and cute!
The kid's five Sunday School teachers received a jar of Cinnamon Apple Jelly and 2 mini loaves of Brown Sugar-Oatmeal Bread that came from Gooseberry Patch's Gifts For Giving cookbook. They turned out to be cute little gifts.
Amariah has always had a giving heart. She wanted to gift each of her 7 school teachers, even the ones that she really doesn't care too much for, lol. So we made up some hot cocoa packets with candy canes, another Pinterest idea. I buy the big boxes of hot cocoa packets from Sam's so we already had that on hand.
Our teacher gift to the little guy's Kindergarten teacher was also a Pinterest idea. I like to give practical gifts. I know... no fun, right? But this is practical and FUN! I've had the paint can for awhile because I just had to have it, but haven't even used it so this was perfect. I wrapped it in some cute school scrapbook paper and added some matching stickers.
Of course Mrs. Baker's treat can had to have some fun treats! So we used a cute idea from yep... Pinterest. So quick and easy. I used the mini Creative Memories circle punch which was the perfect size for the bottom of the kiss. The gingerbread/heart theme will carry over to Valentine's Day so that worked out great.
Robbie signing his Christmas card to Mrs. Baker, with a back view of the treat can.
This was just a cute little idea that I saw on Pinterest. I bought a Jenga knock-off game at Dollar General for $3.50. We picked out some colorful scrapbook paper and some school theme paper then mod podged them on to one side of the blocks. Now the kids can build things with them or use them as a matching game because we made 2 of each design. Robbie really enjoyed this and played with it all weekend so I know that his classmates will enjoy it. Another practical gift...
Amongst the hustle and bustle that society has created around the birth of our Savior, my kids and I were able to have some fun creating and crafting gifts to present to their teachers. 13 gifts later and I am so thankful for the quality time we spent together, memories that were made, and all the $$ that I saved.
Now on to some cookie baking and candy making for 17 of Rich's co-workers... Chocolate Crackles, Snickerdoodles, and our favorite to make... Chocolate Stars!
I wish for you all to have a most delightful Christmas surrounded by loved ones with many wonderful memories being made! May you find time this joyous season to remember and celebrate Jesus Christ's birth. Hold on to His promises of a full life, an abundant life that only He can give you.
Merry Christmas~
