Homemade Christmas

This year we are decorating our house with handmade items and enjoying the holiday spirit with homemade memories. I've become extremely tired (okay, fed up) with the commercialization materialization of Christmas. It never used to be like this...we are going back to what Christmas used to be about - the birth of Jesus, our Savior, and a time for family.

This past weekend we went searching in my Grandma's (now my younger brother's) woods.

We found pine cones which we heated in a warm oven to open. Today we painted and put glitter on them to make ornaments for the tree.

We found small pine branches for an upcoming craft.

We found grapes vines which we made into a wreath which still needs decorating.

We found a perfect stick for an idea which has been swirling around in my mind for quite some time. You see, for years I've never had the perfect spot for hanging our stockings. No open staircase, no fireplace mantel. So I decided to improvise and create a place to hang stockings.

I found a stick with little knots and branches. I had Ben spray paint it a metallic silver color. I then took two pieces of ribbon and glued loops on both ends and added red buttons for looks. We then hung the ribbon from the ceiling and slipped the branch into the ribbon. The stockings fit nicely on the little branches, though I tied a couple onto the stick with metallic string so they wouldn't slip off. I then wound some garland around the stick. It's pretty much completed, though one stocking is missing as I can't find Ben's anywhere. I'm sure it will turn up sooner or later!

What have you been working on recently?

Breakfast

Last weekend breakfast was made by the kids.

Pumpkin spice muffins which are oh so easy and delicious to boot. Becca made these by using a boxed spice cake mix and adding in a can of pumpkin (we always add one egg as good measure since I can't remember if the inital recipe called for one or not!). They are that easy and everyone here loves them...a great way to get pumpkin into the diet.

Jacob placed all the muffin cups into the muffin pan.

Joe helped pour the milk.

What an easy and family filled breakfast it was!

Today

Today we scavenged through my brother's woods to find natural beauty for upcoming crafts.

Today we put both Christmas trees up.

Today we made popcorn and cranberry garlands for the small tree upstairs.

Today we drank hot cocoa and tea.

Today we spent time as a family and got into the holiday spirit.

Bookworm Deal

If your kids love to read as much as mine you may be interested in this great deal to stock your home library shelves. ShopTasteofHome is offering this 10 hardcover book bundle for $19.99 (down from $33.99!). Add code LST94 and you will also get a free Celebrations book, 30% off, and free shipping!
That means you will get it all for $13.99! Even better, go through your Shop at Home account to get 7% cash back. If you haven't signed up for Shop at Home yet, go through this link to sign up and get $5 for doing so, plus the 7% cash back on this deal. (Disclaimer, I also get $5 if you sign up with that link.)

I did order this bundle as $1.40 per book is a great deal! These would also make great donations for Toys for Tots, to your local Children's Hospital, or as gifts to any child in your life.

Thanks to Hip2Save.com where this deal was found.

Quick Frugal Tip

Plum District is offering a $50 gift certificate to Ecomom for only $25 (they sell all natural, organic, earth friendly products). Better yet, you can use coupon code enjoy10 to get another $10 off, making this certificate only $15! This is an excellent deal as I saw several things that I would never spend $50 on but would gladly spend $15 on. If you aren't already a member of Plum District, go through this link to get $5 in your account for signing up!
Limited quantity available. Free shipping on all orders over $50. Limit 1 voucher use per order. May not be combined with other offers. Please wait 48 hours to redeem your offer. May not be applied to taxes & shipping. Limit 1 per person and 1 as a gift. Food, diapers, diaper accessories & gift certificates cannot be redeemed with this voucher. Some products excluded. Expires 05/25/12.

Thanks to Hip2Save.com where this deal was seen.

God's Blessings

There is so much to be thankful for this year.

I'm thankful that I have three healthy children. I'm thankful for the medical advances which helped my little boy be healthy again.

I'm thankful for my husband of 10 years who does things God's way, instead of the world's way.

I'm thankful for all the family, friends, and complete strangers who loved us and supported us through the most difficult time of our life. Your love and prayers held us up this past year and made us see the good in everyone.

I'm thankful that even in the darkest times God shines His light and proves that we are never alone.

I'm thankful to have a roof over our heads, enough food to eat, and everything that we could ever possibly need.

I'm thankful to realize early in life that love is what makes a family rich.

Smells of the Holidays

It's starting to smell like the holidays here at our house.
(A coupon fairy left a $1 off coupon on the shelf near this. What a refreshing tea!)

(A 50 cent garage sale find. Love the spicy scent!)

(15 cent to $2 garage sale finds. Our whole house smells yummy with these!)

What holiday scents have you been enjoying?