A fireplace to be proud of

It took me 4 days to get the fireplace right.  I still think it's missing something but I really like the way it looks...

What I'm most proud of is the poinsetta's.  I made the gold one but Molly made the red one (all by herself)

I wish I could've uploaded the video of Molly working on her bouquet....(YouTube keeps telling me the video is unavailable)....???  Here are the pictures of the fireplace and the poinsetta's.

The true Reason for Christmas

Although I love decorating and the beautiful lights.  What I love most about Christmas is the true reason for it.

God sent his son to be the savior of the world.  Born of a virgin he was sent here for one reason and only one reason.  To save US (all of us) from our own sinful ways.  We aren't worthy of such a sacrifice but he did it, BECAUSE HE LOVES US.....

Let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas by getting caught up in all the hype.

Tonight, while I was at church, my husband set up our Nativity.  I sure do love that man of mine....

LIGHTS, LIGHTS everywhere lights

Last year I bravely climbed up on the roof to hang the lights.  Let's just say "steep" is an understatement when you describe the pitches and peeks of the roof.  Any daredevil would find it hugely entertaining to sled off the top of the roof in to a deep snow pile.   I sat on my rear end scooching the whole way up and saying lots of prayers that I would be spared from pain should I prove just how graceful I am falling.  This year I hired someone to hang the lights for me.....I love my lights.

It's begnning to look alot like Christmas

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas..... I get so excited about
 decorating... and of course.....the tree is
where the decorating starts.

Our tree is up and decorated and now it's on to the fireplace.

Grey Thursday and the luckiest man on earth....

Let me just say..ONE MORE TIME.... I will never go shopping on Black Friday again.  I did it about 10 years ago and NEVER again will I do that again....... and now I add to the list of things I won't ever do again... Grey Thursday....

My husband is the luckiest man on earth... or atleast he better think so after last night.

He decided (at the last minute) that he wanted to take his boat to go duck hunting this morning.  Except the starter battery wasn't working.  I told him Walmart was opening at 8pm for their early sale.  He said he was going to go get the battery, then suddenly had a epiphany.  An epiphany that
involved ME going to get the battery and him staying home and putting the girls to bed.  Remind me
next time he has an epiphany to just thump him on the head and get it over with.....

It took me 30 minutes just to get through the crowd of people back to the automotive department.  The manager was nice enought to ring up the transaction on the register in automotive.  However, it then took another 30 minutes to get back through the crowd and out of the store.... Try convincing  the crazy people in line that you are just trying to cut over to the next aisle and closer to the exit.  Not trying to cut in front of them in line. WOW!!!

I'll spend my Black Friday....on my couch....shopping the smart way..... ONLINE!!!

Earning cash back, getting great coupon codes and great deals.  If you haven't already,
check it out....

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Decorating theTable for Christmas

November 22

What a great day....Wish we could've had family here for the holidays but it was still a wonderful day.  Filled with Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and of course
PIE!!!! 

Thanksgiving is Tony's holiday.....not really because of the food (although he does love the food) but because Thanksgiving day is the "OFFICIAL" opening day of the ORDEAL.  Otherwise known as Duck Hunting Season.  Several years ago I named this season the ORDEAL because that's exactly what it is.  A huge ordeal consisting of several months (prior to season) planning.  How many decoys do we need?  Buy waders, blinds, bullets, building blinds, and on.....and on.... and on..... I'm sure you get the picture.

If you haven't ever watched the show before... check out "Duck Dynasty" it says it all.....

My favorite Thanksgiving tradition you ask?  Black Friday?  NOT IN THIS LIFETIME......
My favorite tradition is pulling out all the Christmas decorations and decorating. 

First order of business.  Out with the old decorations, in with the new ones.  Decorate the table for Christmas

Here's a picture of my table now.

Oreo Turkeys

Thursday is Thanksgiving  and tomorrow is the last day of the school week for Harley.
In honor of the holiday I am going to take the kids a special treat to school tomorrow.

Oreo turkeys....

Here's what I used to make them.

Each one is made out of

2 oreos
2 white chocolate chips
6 pieces of candy corn
1 reese's pb cup
1 malted milk ball
chocolate frosting
red gel
(I forgot the yellow frosting but it can be used for feet, you could also use another piece of cany corn for a nose)

I am going to put them on top of a cupcake so they have plenty to enjoy.

Setting the table for Thanksgiving.

Sorry I didn't get this posted last night there are just not enough hours in the day sometimes.

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is decorating and now that I have a formal dining room set I HAVE TO decorate it.  Not that I mind....

Happy Birthday Aimee

Another Fall tradition is for my good friend Aimee's birthday.  Her birthday was Friday and I was so busy I didn't get her gift made in time to give it to her on time, but I know she won't mind (since it's her favorite cheesecake). 

Chocolate/Peanut Butter/White Chocolate Cheesecake.......mmmmmmm..  I've made her one for the last 4 years and I hope she loves this years just as much as the past.....

I will be taking it to her tomorrow.....

Scarecrow gift bag

I love all things FALL....the cool weather, crisp clean air, the beautful colors, the pumpkins the scarecrows at the pumpkin patch, and the craft projects that you can do to celebrate the season are endless.

Here is one that we did with Harley's class for their Fall party last week.

You will need the following supplies to get started.

1 brown paper gift bag
1 sheet of each of colored foam (Yellow, Brown, Orange, Blue)
2 eyes
foam glue

If you would like the template for foam pieces send me a msg. on my email and I will send you the template via email.  My email address is a_daniels31@hotmail.com

Here's the final results

Supplies needed:

 

Step 1: Glue Hair on to bag.

 

Step 2: Glue Hat to the bag (over top of hair)

 

Step 3: Glue Blue hat band on to hat

 

Step 4: Glue Orange center to the center of the yellow flower

 

Step 5: Glue flower to hat band

 

Step 6: Glue blue scarf to bottom edge of bag.

 



 

Step 7: Glue scarf bow and knot on to left edge of scarf

 

Step 8: Glue on eyes and nose and with a black sharpie marker draw a mouth to give it character.

Have fun.........

Holiday Inspirations

Starting tomorrow (November 10th) there will only be 46 days until Christmas, I will be posting a new crafty/inspirational idea as I cmplete a new one.  Ideas that will be sure to entertain and/or inspire you during he holiday season.  I will start with Thanksgiving ideas then move on to Christmas. 

These will all be crafts and ideas that I try out myself or do with the girls.

I'm really looking forward to the fun that can be had by all...

Here are some sneak peek ideas that you can look forward to....