For some reason this year it’s been tough for me to start feeling the Christmas Spirit.

Every year, right after Thanksgiving, I’m ready.  I’m not only prepared but I’m excited to bring out the Christmas Decorations.  Mid-way through November I’ve already thought about the projects I want to do with the kids, the baking, the shopping, the special memory making activities…this year…blah.  Not really sure why.  I’ve desperately wanted to feel excited, motivated, moved.  But I’ve been dragging my feet until…

Tuesday night my Mom showed up on my doorstep with Pizza in hand.  A few minutes later my kids hear a “Ho Ho Ho” outside our front door.  Another “Ho Ho Ho” and they’re so excited that they’re literally running to the door.

Standing on my front porch holding a huge red bag was my Dad.

The bag looked like this:

Except it had our name on it:

The kids were over-joyed and begun pulling presents out the the Santa Bag.  First, they opened new Christmas Pajamas and immediately changed into them.  Then, they opened Christmas Ornaments for the tree, a Gingerbread House kit, Sprinkles for Christmas cookies, Candy Canes, Advent Calendars, Games, Hot Cocoa, and a Search and Find Christmas Book.

How could I not feel the Christmas Spirit after this.  My parents generosity kicked me right out of my funk and helped me feel the spirit of the season.  I am so blessed.

My parents had thoughtfully planned this pre-Christmas suprise party to help my family feel the Christmas Spirit.  And it worked.

I am so very grateful for my parents thoughtfulness.  I am now ready to take the Christmas Spirit I received and pay it forward.

Time for Christmas Crafting!

I used the “Fa La La” Line from Making Memories and whipped up this little diddy.  It’s a 3×3 inch mini Christmas Advent Calender.

Specifically, it was this sheet of the “Fa La La” paper that inspired me:

I turned it into this:

Each day has it’s own numbered pocket with individual tags (I left the tags blank for personal sentiments).

I have to give a special shout out to my Mom for all her late night help getting things ready for my ESTY shop.  I sure appreciate all you do for me Mom!  Love you!

For those of you who want to see what my Mom and I have been working on Click HERE.

Do you want your blog featured and receive hundreds of lovely comments AND receive a $200 gift card? I know I do!

Check out the SECRET IN THE SAUCE they’re having a mind blowing day full of giveaways tomorrow!

I’ll be giving away a little something special on the SITS site tomorrow too!  Be sure to come back tomorrow to check it out!

This is the second year in a row that my kids have made Chipboard Gingerbread Houses. It’s no secret that I have a thing for scrapbooking.  My children can often be found with their little fingers in my supplies.  This is one of the rare occasions they actually had permission.

My husband and I have a good behavior reward system for our children.  The Marble Jar.  It’s been done before…OK, I stole the idea from my daughter’s third grade teacher but it works!  My kids love the Marble Jar.  The kids choose something fun to do (in this case it was the Gingerbread Houses) and then work together to fill up the jar.  It usually takes a week of doing things like, remembering to put their dishes in the sink after a meal, keeping their rooms clean, being polite, respectful and helpful. You know, the good stuff.

Last year, Parker and Izabelle had so much fun creating their Gingerbread houses that it was an obvious choice for a Marble Jar Treat.

This year we just plain had a blast.  The Gingerbread houses have officially become a tradition.

Here’s a look at Parker’s House:

Here’s Izabelle’s House:

Parker and Izabelle are neighbors:

So sweet.  I’m liking this tradition.

A project I made for the Graphic 45 Blog…Instructions on how to make this ornament will be posted HERE soon.

Also…keep an eye out on the Graphic 45 blog this month & next…they will be featuring projects from all of us on their design team.  Today’s project is by Heather Mellstrome, check it out HERE.

This weekend is packed full of projects & fun.

I’ve been working on these little charms for a swap I’m doing:

Here’s a close up (I threw in a sharpie pen to give you an idea of how small these charms are…they’re about the size of a nickle).

I’m also taking this class today at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique:

To top it all off, I get to see this with my friend Laura tonight:

YAY!  What a fantastic Saturday!

I’m teaching this Winter Magic Layout tonight at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

I love the full size embossed snowflake (from creative imaginations), I had a hard time covering it, even though it’s only slightly covered.  I made sure it spanned across both pages.

We don’t get a lot of snow in this area, that is why the title is “Magic” instead of “Snow” (or something similar).   Thanks for the suggestion Karen.

Off to cut, paint and glitter chipboard letters…

I can tell it’s Fall, not because of the cooler weather and vibrant colors…it’s the unwavering desire to CREATE!  I’ve been a mad woman.  I just. can’t. stop.

I thought I’d share some of the little details from the “HO, HO, HO” Garland that I created.

I’ve probably gone a little over-board with the glass glitter…I just can’t help myself…it’s…well, sparkly. I love sparkly.   I’m also having fun with textures…the red velvet scalloped ribbon, the paper & silk flowers, the epoxy glittered stickers, buttons, vintage wired tinsel…you get the picture.  Literally.

OK, first things first…the Shameless Plug:

I’ve been working hard to get some new product up on my ETSY store, here is what’s new:

As for the GIVEAWAY…my viewers (as in YOU) are going to choose the prize!

Here’s how it works.  CLICK HERE to visit my ETSY store, look around, find your favorite item.  When you’re done come back here and in the COMMENT section tell me what your favorite item is.  This Sunday (October 19th) I will draw a WINNER from the commenters on THIS POST.  If your name is chosen you will win your *FAVORITE ITEM!

*If your favorite item is sold before Sunday then I will be happy to create another just like it or present you with your 2nd favorite item.

GOOD LUCK!