Just came across this and it seemed a great way to end 2012--focusing on things I like....though I did not write these, I liked their simplicity and I agree with all of things she liked. 

Via: lajoiedespetiteschoses
Source: saltedskinandsexhair

What a Special Season

 Our Christmas can best be summed up by the expressions in these photos. We decorated cookies with cousins-Paisley was proud of her candy cane with clear and red stripes and sugar crunchies over the top; the kilts from Scotland and Timbo and Felicity are too cute(including jackets that were mommy and lolo's)...

 Leaving cookies and milk for Santa....and hanging stockings

 I love the simplicity of the tree at night with the teepee from Santa and the packages with the night lighting

 The excitement of receiving Caroline, the American Girl Doll...

 She curled right into her new sleeping bag with Caroline, and Harper celebrated getting her bathtime Ariel doll

 Balmer loved the teepee and sleeping bags, and Harper continued her daily activity of dressing in various costumes...."I'm a hockey player"

The joy of giving

 After making cookies, we headed out on the snowy morning before Christmas to deliver little, secret packages to some friends around campus. The girls climbed out of the car and into the snow, on their own and dropped the little bags, complete with homeade tags(written by the girls). We have done this a few times now and I continue to find it one of my favorite parts of the season. It is a nice reminder to us and the kids that the season is about giving more than receiving.

Loving giving to others

 In the wake of tragedy with the Newtown shooting, we pulled together to celebrate Brian and Jess's wedding on December 16. I made these gloves for them: her left hand and his right, so that they could remember how important it is to always hold hands...such a simple act, yet one that makes us feel so connected to those we love.

The very happy couple!

 

With all four of us in the wedding, unfortunately, we did not have a chance to take many pictures, but I love this one of Harper, one of the 8 children in the wedding(in a strict Catholic church!) and Brian. 

Searching for Christmas yummies to make, as if I don't have enough in my folder to explore, I came across these delicious and easy, kid friendly marshmallows for hot chocolate. 

The girls and I tackled this-and it proved messy, fun and a great holdiay treat...especially dipped in hot chocolate!

 

These seem like easy tools, right? Well, as it turns out, when you live where we do, it is not so easy! I am in the midst of a search for citric acid. CVS acted as if I asked if they carried drugs, the health food stores looked at me questionably, and then the "special" call that was made to their "susie homemaker" led me in the direction of a health food store an hour away. Apparently, though, she cautioned me that these simple bath fizzies were not so simple. In fact, they can easily erupt like volcanoes as you make them all over you, your kitchen, and any little hands that might be helping. 

Ah well, we are attempting a version of a homeade Christmas and it is turning out to be something ridiculous....though, I am sure in the end it will prove rewarding and special, regardless of whether the fizzies erupt or not!

  Tools and Materials               

• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Citric acid
• Spritzer bottles
• Food coloring
• Glass bowl
• Essential oil
• Baking molds

A sneak peek at a few more of the delights we are working on...
Like Comment

Lavender bath salts

Although this is not a photo of ours, they do look markedly close to these posted on pinterest. So far, we tackled, three different types, but in order to keep the surprise for those who are reading and might be receiving these, I will just leave it that they are refreshing!