Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas Made With Love

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 

There are not a lot of things in life I enjoy more than a home decorated for Christmas. The tree, white lights, stockings hanging, all just make a home feel more cozy. I have already enjoyed laying on the couch, snuggling puppies in the glow of the tree lights.

This year I took on a little art project...

I had a large frame with a giraffe picture that I have been trying to get rid of so I just decided to add to my Christmas decor. First, I covered a piece of cardboard with burlap. Then, I took a large piece of green flannel and folded it in half. I free-handed cut a half of a tree so that when it was unfolded it made a complete tree. (You could use a stencil instead.) I cut out a little heart tree topper and plaid circle ornaments out of fabric I had.

The names were way more tedious. First, I typed our names using Microsoft Word. (I used the French Script font.) After printing the names. I used an Exacto knife to cut each letter out. Next, I traced each letter onto fabric using a thin Sharpie. (I used the plaid fabric that I used for the ornaments.) Then, I got to cut out each letter again. I lined it up under the tree and then glued everything onto the burlap. Pop picture into frame and voila!

To complete the overall mantle look, I added
  • green, red, and gold ornaments and candles
  • garland wrapped with a berry garland
  • my cute folksy stockings (from World Market circa 2009)
 Now how long can I leave this all up again?!?!?!

I linked up...


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fairness and BUTS

"It's not fair."

I have heard these words so many times. They do not always come from the mouths of children. In fact, they have spilled from my lips several times lately.

But then I remember...

It wasn't fair that last week a young couple lost their 4 month old son. BUT at the funeral the mother asked everyone to dance and celebrate the short life that was.

It wasn't fair that an elementary student had to go home, make dinner, do his homework, and get his younger brother ready for bed without parents being present. BUT he made all  A's and B's on his report card.

It wasn't fair that a walker's foot swelled so bad that the skin burst during a charity walk. BUT she still crossed
the finish line.

Yesterday, I was rejected from my dream job position. This morning, I got out of the shower to find blood coming from my breast. Needless to say there have been a lot of tears in the past 24 hours. I have screamed that it is not fair. BUT then I remember that there is almost always a BUT.

Waiting to see what this BUT will be...


Daily Thanks

Each year in November, I along with the masses try to post things I am thankful for.

Today, I am grateful for a wonderful October! Some of the highlights included...
A fabulous wedding!
Healing.
Road trip/ ridiculously long walk with best friend!
                      
A short walk with some quality co-workers.
Halloween and other fall evenings spent with J.