Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Handmade Christmas Challenge


Is it the men "up on the rooftop" today that is making me think of Christmas (we are having our home re-shingled)? Or is it the oh-so-comfy days we've had around here (all of my children are sick, now on day 3, and we've just been home **delightful sigh** [truly, having all my children home is wonderful for me :)]). Then again, it could be the cooler weather we've had - it sure seems the last few years that September, even October, have been unseasonably warm. But this year it is very normal....cool. That is wonderful for me too!


Whatever the reason, I am thinking of Christmas gifts! Yeah! (This feeling of mine must be rubbing off on the boys, because I was just beckoned to come look at the Polar Express train set they just put together. I think I have a good idea for an afternoon video to watch - Polar Express - special thank you to Grammie for letting us borrow her DVD! We never tire of watching that movie!)


Its possible my list is bigger than the time I realistically have left, but I sure am going to give it my best try to make almost all of the gifts for our family! Let's call it a Handmade Christmas Challenge (anyone care to join me?) I am very excited about it! I have Googled and found all patterns and instructions I need. Now I must make a list of what I need from JoAnn's, and then I will be good to go! Unfortunately because family reads my blog, I can't share with you that list :) If you need ideas, check out the links on my side bar - Handmade Holidays and Crazy Mom Quilts. Fabulous ideas there!


I will put this little ticker below on my sidebar to help remind me of the time I have left - hmmmmm, about 20 days between Christmas and my due date - I better get started PROMPTLY! This will be very fun!


Get Myspace Christmas Countdown


Above it all, I must keep everything in focus. That being two things: remembering and teaching my children about the birth of Christ (we have wonderful traditions that keeps Christ in our Christmas - over the coming months I will share those with you); but also remembering and showing a grateful and cheerful attitude to my family - nothing takes the joy out of gift giving than a grumpy Wife and Mommy, nothing. *Keep it in perspective, Jen - keep your daily priorities to the Lord and your family as you do this, otherwise it is all in vain, yes it is.*

The sun and blue sky is just now peeping out here - what a lovely gift and surprise :) Another lovely gift to our family was my niece, who was born 6 years ago today! Here she is a few years ago, and then here are a few more recent pictures.


My sister made this beautiful dress for her daughter, my niece - didn't she do a wonderful job!


This last picture is of her with her cousins (the blondies are my children) this summer. What a beautiful bunch!

Well, bellies are calling - its off to make lunch! Have a wonderful day!

Love, Jen :)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'll join ya!! You should put up a Mr. Linky! (btw, why isn't it called a Mrs. Linky?!) lol! :o)

The Crazy Bus said...

Hope they all feel better soon! Three days of the kids at home I can handle. My house has reached "ridiculous" at breakneck speed.

Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.

Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.

Then stay at home, my heart, and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest;
O'er all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow