The little joy for me this season

The big joy of course is spending the most joyful season of the year with my family. The girls loved every gift that they opened and smiled and squealed with delight.

My little joy was taking some time with my cricut. Scrapbooking really lifts my spirits. It is my outlet for my art. (It doesn't take as much time as creating a sofa sized multi media painting like I would really like to) So I decided to post a few of my favorites to share with you all.

 Here are a few of my felt ornaments that I've made. The owl is from this year.

Then this one I made as a gift for the Executive Chef at Cravings Wine Bar and Grill. He collects pigs.

Here are the final four stockings for our mantle. I made them. I think they turned out pretty good.

Honestly, Matt does most of the gift wrapping at this house but when nap time comes and there is wrapping to be done- watch out. I love the plain gold paper we have. It looks super here with an old Christmas card and a ribbon bow.

Any comments as to weather this post should be on its own blog? I have a few more crafting posts and am considering a secondary blog for them so that this one CAN remain for MAREN and LILLIAN the two greatest joys in my life.

New Hat

Maren and Lillian got cool new hats from the best babysitter ever for Christmas- 

here's Maren's:

oink oink oink

I guess you'll have to stay tuned for pics of Lillian in hers.

My Girls

I got these plastic animals for the girls for a Christmas present. They came in their own container. Apparently they get along well with My Little Ponies. 

I love to see Maren playing with them like this:

not like this:

 The girls love to wash dishes. I, however, am a control freak and this doesn't fit my bill. I can, sometimes let go. Forget staying dry - just embrace it.

More Christmas

We finally got to have our Christmas the next day. Matt was a hero this year and did a lot of the shopping and stocking stuffing all himself. Thanks, hun!

(perhaps she's still tired??!?!)

My girls love books and they got a ton this year! They also got a lot of games. That's what happens when mom and dad shop separate.

That morning Maren did throw up again. And the news from Grandma and Grandpa's house- so did Dustin... we got together despite the puke. Maren was fine. Dustin did NOT feel well but it didn't phase my girls!! 

 Heck they all dug into the gingerbread house and sleigh.

Then it was so nice outside that we went out - even with sleds- despite the fact there was no snow.

It was so nice out (and great light for taking photos)!!

We had Christmas when Grandpa got home from work. 

Look at that mess!

Apparently Gramma needed help

so did Grampa.

It was utter chaos this year. Even amidst all the puking just gift opening was chaotic. I didn't see half of the gifts get opened more of less get to see who they were from. It's chaos every year, don't get me wrong but I just feel like I missed so much. I didn't even get to talk to my cousins. That's just where we are in life. To all of you who got my girls something for Christmas this year, may God bless you in the new year (and appologies if I don't recall what it was you got for them). Love to all and thank you for loving my girls enough to spread the joy of Jesus' birth. 

Christmas Day

As if we haven't been busy enough the past few days Christmas day proves to be even busier. 

We get up and leave Gamma's early Christmas day. Maren found it hard to leave Gamma's robot dog, which she named Leilah, after Kristopher's dog. 

Then we drive to Alexandria to visit my Dad's side of the family. After 30 minutes Lilly threw up her breakfast... really, girls?!?? At least they kept acting fine but the puke just kept coming.

Great Grandma has a motorized chair for the basement stairs. She let Maren ride it.

Apparently Maren found a tiger mask down there.

Great Auntie Chris entertained the girls with her iPad. 

Dad and I were able to enjoy an adult conversation and a cup of coffee before getting back to the drive.

Next stop, Rogers. The piano is such a hit.

After dinner it's a parade of presents. Lilly had to hydrate before the event.

It's a long day but you wouldn't want to miss a time like this:

after all the chaos we finally made it home :)