Slow Down!

Goodness sake!  The holidays are upon us.

I always plan on being more organized this year...More on top of things...ahead of the game.

I love to decorate.  I love holiday projects.  I love making presents and giving presents.  I love everything about the holidays.  I love the busy time...the barely managed chaos, especially when it all comes together and balances out and everyone is happy because of the work I've done.

This year is no different.  But, I have found these past couple of weeks that I am having a hard time coping with the stress of it all.  And, I have found that I am worrying myself too much about things that aren't as important as other things.

Things like my blog.

Not that I don't love my blog, because I really, really do.  And, I really love my group of followers and friends who have been so kind with comments and friendship.

But, with taking care of my home and kids, work, church responsibilities, and my husband about to dive in head first to finals, it has just become too overwhelming to keep up with all of my posting.

I've been doing projects and planning posts, but I have had a hard time finding quality time for my computer.

The time will come back.  I'm sure it will.  And, I will pop in here and there.  I've got a few guest posts set up and some awesome blogs.  I've got things to tell you about.  All those projects and ideas and fun things waiting for their time to shine!

Guys, I have even been given some blog awards (which I am so thrilled about)!  I have to give my speeches for those and pass them on!

I was planning on taking some time off for the holidays anyway.  It's just become necessary a little sooner than expected.

So, Happy Holidays.  Enjoy them!  Have fun with your families.  Find time to give and love and feel loved.  I'll see you soon!

I am Grateful for crochet

I can remember as a child watching my grandma crochet.  It was what she did when she was sitting down watching TV or talking.  

Source

Her blankets were beautiful and it wasn't long before I wanted to play too.

I don't remember if she taught me the basics or not, but I know that at some point she helped me figure some things out.  For the most part, though, I used a book to learn crochet.  It was a skill that I caught on to quickly and easily and I like to think that is from watching her for so long.  (crochet by osmosis?)

It has now become a source of relaxation for me:  something for my hands to do when they are bored (if that's the right word...boredom is something I very rarely experience lately), but also a focus point to calm my mind when it gets overwhelmed and stressed.  

When my grandma passed away, I inherited some of her crochet hooks and pattern books.  I feel close to here whenever I bring out my yarn and hooks.  

I am so grateful for the skill I have and for the connection to Grandma.

Sugar Bee Crafts Holiday Extravaganza!

Hey all!  I'm participating in the Holiday Extravaganza over at Sugar Bee Crafts today!  I'm so excited!

Come on over and see the fun craft I'm sharing.

I am Grateful for Socks

Seriously.

Is there anything else like a nice comfy, cozy pair of fuzzy socks?  Especially when the air is cooling off and your toes are having a hard time staying warm and happy.

It's like wrapping your feet up in a soft, cozy blanket and giving them hugs as you walk.  Beautiful.

I am grateful for my socks.  =)

Handprint Turkeys!

Have you visited Meet the Dubiens?  It is one of my all time favorite blogs!  I love all of her projects.  They are fun and simple and kid friendly.  AND it's packed full of fun lunch ideas.  So inspirational!

So, when she posted this tutorial for hand print turkeys, I decided it was time for me to stop admiring from afar and actually give one of these beloved projects a try.

My girls were thrilled when I pulled out the paints, construction paper, and glue!  They ran for their paintbrushes and started painting away.

They were totally mystified when I grabbed L's hand and started painting directly on it!  But that changed to fascination when I pressed her hand down on the paper.

COOL!

By the time it was O's turn, she was pretty eager to have her hand painted and she didn't need any help stamping it on the paper.

Here are the final results:

O, very careful and clean and precise.

L, a little more "creative liberties" taken here, but beautiful just the same!

Be sure to check out the original tutorial and enjoy spending some time browsing her fantastic blog!

By the way!  It is 1:11 on 11/11/11...Make a wish!

I am Grateful for Fall

A while back, I found this beautiful printable over at the letter 4.

I fell in love with it and downloaded it immediately!

It should be noted, though (in case you haven't noticed already), that I tend to take simple things and make them a bit more complicated.  =)

So, I took this print, transferred it to a nice scrap of white fabric I had just waiting to be beautified, and embroidered it.

It is hard to tell from the picture, but I added glitter paint to some of the leaves and to the word "fall."  Then, I mounted it on a fancy fall woven place mat thingy I've had forever.  

I made this project specifically for a new blog that I am a contributor for!  Woo!  Isn't that exciting?  The blog is called A Crafting Start.  It is a place to go for inspiration and help getting your creative juices flowing.  I am very excited about it.  Come by and visit!

I am very grateful for Fall.  As much as I love Summer, I love how Fall brings with it the holiday season and all the happiness involved with that.  It brings it in with warm colors, comforting smells, and good food.  =)  

I am Grateful to Create

The talk this video is taken from, Happiness, Your Heritage, changed my life.  

For so long, I had felt the desire to craft and create, but at the time this talk was given I felt that taking the time for my crafts and projects was more a luxury than a necessity.

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul."

My heart was touched.  It was a deep yearning for me and it brings me great joy, especially when the things I can make bring joy to my family.  

I love how creating can bring me closer to God, no matter what I am creating: quiet books, paintings, cookies, happy kids, a clean home, laughter, tears, comfort...

Me.

By creating, I learn who I am:  A Child of God.