Candy Cane Christmas

I know, I know you're expecting Day 1 of Basically Christmas Cards and I promise they are coming, but I'm just so excited about how this is turning out! I'm in charge of our ward Christmas party for about 250 people and this is essentially the color theme and part of the display. (such fun because I got to pick!) This is in particular for the dessert table. Isn't it cute? The tin is from the $1 Spot at Target. I used rub-ons and loads of miscellaneous ribbon, straight pins, tacky glue, starlight red & white mints, spray adhesive and some "snow!"

Bet you want to lick your monitor!

Basically Christmas

I'm gearing up for a little Christmas fun on my blog. I promised myself that if I were going to send homemade Christmas cards out that they MUST be done by Thanksgiving weekend. As a result I came up with a plan. I am making 5 Christmas Cards of 1 design for 12 days in a row. At the end I'll have made 60 Christmas cards. Those coupled with the dozen or so I've already made and have stashed in my drawer and I'll be set! Dress warm and be on the lookout!

I'm going back to the basics. These cards are fun but most of all SIMPLE! They are completely doable and utterly copyable! So watch for what's coming, complete with cutting instructions so you can pull out your supplies and make them right along with me! Make 1 or 20 of one design. It will be up to you, but I promise if you have the basics in your stash you'll be able to do my basically Christmas cards!

P.S This photo was snagged from Moo.com/blog

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

and for my card class a little bit easier to relax and enjoy knowing they have at least some of their Christmas cards ready to go! I thoroughly enjoyed coming up with the 6 cards they made Friday night, but it was hard too. This may be one of the last 2 classes I am able to hold for a while. The economy has hit my family hard and like many we are in a huge position of uncertainty. I'm hopeful, but let all of my nearly 30 regular class members know that I may not be able to continue our scheduled classes. This for me, is one of the hardest parts of the trials my family is currently facing. I love to create, to teach and to be surrounded by friends regularly in my home; I'm sure that without it a very important part of my life will be missing. So here they are, I am hoping you find something here that inspires you!

My personal favorite. I love how this came out! A nice rustic look! So many possibilities with this idea!


The glassine envelope holds snowman parts. . . a snowman for you!

This cheerful card is easy to replicate and holds a warm sentiment framed on the inside.

I tried to get a photo that shows the reflection of the snowflakes on the snowmen. Love the clear card look!


This is a recreation of a card I made many years back. Just love to mimick Santa's belt on a card with his image. This card sparkles inside and out!

It's fun to stretch a "Christmas Card" to the point where you're not quite sure if it is one. I borrowed this idea from Yvette West. She's amazing!


May this truly be the most wonderful time of the year for you and your family. I think I'll go roast some marshmallows now!

If God Brings You To It . . .

He will bring you through it. Gratitude. Naturally in November our thoughts to thankfulness. It's easy to be thankful for the blessing we see, but not always so easy when they don't appear in things that seem to be trials.



I keep a gratitude journal and when I get around to it I add to my gratitude blog. (If you click you'll see it is woefully behind.) I've seen several worthy bloggers posting 27 days of Thanksgiving and other equally named thankfulness posts, but the reason for my post can be found here. Erin is an amazing gal. She and I are "virtual friends" and if you spend a minute at her blog you'll know why I think so much of her. Please take the next 15 minutes and read her post, view the videos and then join me in looking for the blessings in your life; even if the blessings are disguised in things as difficult as missing all of your arms and legs.

May this be the month where our hearts and attitudes are turned in great ways to ones that Heavenly Father can use for His good.

Bennett

This is my surrogate nephew Bennett. Dawn (his mommy) and I have been friends for almost 17 years. I waited a VERY long time for this little guy to be born. He was actually born in July and I made these hybrid announcements for her in late August, but things were really crazy at that time and I never posted them! I made 80 (hence the hybrid!) I'm nuts, but I'm not completely crazy! I did make all of his baby shower invites and goody boxes that you can see here.



He's already laughing, smiling and turning over. They grow up so fast!

Fall Means Pumpkin!

I love pumpkin in just about any variety. Combine pumpkin in a simple recipe and it's a must share!



Here is the recipe in 2 variations:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 Box Carrot or Spice Cake Mix -Dry
1 Small Can Pumpkin
1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Mix well, spoon into Pam sprayed muffin tin or use paper liners. Bake at 350' for about 15 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness.

For a healthier version, omit chocolate chips. . . yeah right! LOL!!! You can also add nuts or raisins or a combination of all 3.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake

2 Boxes Carrot or Spice Cake Mix - Dry
1 Large Can Pumpkin
2+ C Chocolate Chips

Mix well, spread in sheet cake pan sprayed with pam. Bake at 350' for about 15 minutes, use a toothpick to test doneness.

When baked, mix 1 brick cream cheese, 1 bag powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla and enough milk to mix with an electric mixer to creamy. Spread on warm cake. Enjoy warm or cold! You can half the recipe and make a 9X13 as well.

I recently took the cake to a homeschool potluck and the sheet was devoured. I guess that means it's good! And to think they were so impressed that I brought something homemade! SHHHH! I won't tell if you don't!