Holiday Crafts Preview

I realize that it's early, but I've been busy getting ready for the holidays. I like to be able to enjoy the season, so it takes a lot of planning! So this is what I've been working on for the past few weeks:

Fall Decor

Felt Leaf Garland

Melted Crayon Leaves

Still To Do: Paint Leaves, Fall Pillows

Halloween

Woody Costume. It cost me under $4 to make since I already had a yellow shirt and jeans. The fabric for the vest cost $0.63. The Sheriff star cost $1.99. The bandanna cost $1.00.  I wish he'd wear a hat, but it's not worth the money since he won't.
Still To Do: Treat Bag

Thanksgiving

the inspiration

Thankful Tree. The idea is that each day in November leading up to Thanksgiving you write something that you are thankful for on a slip of paper and put it a leaf pocket on the tree. I got the idea from pottery barn (what's new?). I'm not going to lie, it was a LOT of work. Cutting out all those little leaves, hand stitching the numbers and word, then using the sewing machine to put it all together. I'm so glad it's done. I got the felt at 4 sheets for a dollar. I used 5 sheets of felt and an old pillow case. The "dowel" is really part of a hanger. So it was an extremely cheap project. I just love how it turned out!

Still To Do:  Finger Puppet Favors, Table Runner

Christmas

Pottery Barn Knock of PJ's. I followed this tutorial. I don't have much experience making clothing, so this project took me a few days. Next time I think I will just purchase a real pattern. This one didn't quite line up and since I haven't really dealt with much clothing there was a little more guess work than I would have liked. Overall, they didn't turn out bad. They are a little big, but at the rate he's growing they'll probably fit by Christmas.

I'm excited to share what I've come up with for our Christmas Advent. After I've put it all together I make sure to post it. It's going to be awesome.

Still To Do: Stockings, More PJ's, Update Wreath, Advent Calendar, Update Tree Skirt, Christmas Gifts (you'll have to wait until Christmas to find out what I'm making!).

Gratitude

This season I have been trying to be more grateful. I really do have so much to be thankful for. This year has been trying for us at times, but always in the background is the love of the Savior for us. We have felt His love on many occasions as we have traveled down the path of life.

I am thankful for my family. My husband works SO hard at school and work. I know that sometimes he is overwhelmed with all that is on his plate and yet he pushes through, not complaining so that I can be a stay-at-home mom.

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted us with a precious child to raise and love and cherish. He brings so much happiness and joy to our lives.  I love that my home is filled with little laughter. I feel that I have much to learn from him and enjoy every moment of being his mother.

I am thankful that no matter where we live we can bring the spirit into our home. Moving around so much makes it difficult to feel "at home" but the spirit in our home is always the same.

I am grateful for eternal families. Having lost so many loved ones can be very difficult during the holidays, but the knowledge of the gospel and the special bonds we share make all the difference.

I am thankful that our Savior loved us so much that He volunteered to be a sacrifice for each of us.  I am so glad for the atonement and for it's application in our lives.

I am grateful for amazing friends.  We have been so blessed with friends who always seem to be in tune to our needs and are always giving of themselves. Through our friends we have been able to feel the love and compassion of the Savior and look forward to the day when we are in a position to help others in the way that we have been.

I am thankful for a plan in a bad economy. We have steady income with benefits and the prospect of moving up in Paul's current job.  Even though things are rough and I get antsy to be in a home of our own, we do have a plan and slowly but surely we will get there.

I am grateful for the scriptures and for the children's scripture stories from Distribution. I love walking past James' room and seeing him "reading" his favorite books (if you ask him he'll tell you that everyone with a beard is Jesus).

What are you thankful for?