tree trimmings...

These past few days have been very sweet as Christmas draws nearer.  I have enjoyed wrapping up special gifts, finishing handmade projects, getting packages filled with love mailed off to my family far away, and slowing down to enjoy my little one as she certainly knows how to bring the magic of Christmas into our lives.  We've had snow here which is always a treat in the desert...it doesn't last long, but is so fun to see the kids run out to soak it in and enjoy it before it disappears.  They can build muddy, mini snowmen faster that you can blink :).  My heart has been touched like never before as I have reflected back upon the tragedy that took place this past week.  I have learned to slow down and savor the life I have with the beautiful gifts of my husband and daughter that have been given to me by my Father in Heaven.  Christmas songs such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, and many others seem to have such a different depth to them now as I celebrate the cherished gift of our Savior's birth and know that He is cradling those sweet babies in His arms now...just for a while until they can be reunited with their mothers. I pray every day for those sweet mothers and fathers, for the families, for the dear little children that were witnesses, for the teachers...teachers are such special people.  My mom taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade for more years than I can remember and so I find myself picturing her in that situation.  Teachers are angels as are the little ones that they care for, teach, love, and protect.

I ran across this quote the other day and have found myself looking back and searching for the helpers and of course finding them everywhere.

I have a few last Christmas project to share.  I hardly touched my Christmas stash of crafting supplies this year.  I always have such big plans to create with this and that and use all of the things I love, but before I know it, it's too late.  Anyway, for you today, I have a couple of paper mache Christmas tree boxes decorated in buttons and glitter, and my holiday ornament this year.  I love to come up with a new handmade ornament each year, and this year was invited to an ornament exchange so I was able to sit down and enjoy making 20 of them.

I started by painting a silver snowflake with pink acrylic paint, then I attached a layer of pink tulle trim from Melissa Frances to the center, next came a small scalloped circle cut from newsprint paper, and then I finished by adhering a bottle brush tree, also by Melissa Frances, to the center.  The wooden snowflake is from Studio Calico and was painted with Krylon Catalina Mist.

My little one will be home from school soon and we've got to make a treat for her class Christmas party tomorrow.  We'll be making one of the following:

I think this looks SOOOO delish!  You can find the recipe at iheartnaptime.

or,

This look so good too!  How to choose...this recipe can be found HERE.  

Got to run...have a wonderful day.

Melis

 

Comments

[Kolleenmoss]

Stunning! May our Lord bless you and keep you, always. Merry Christmas!

[Troy Louise]

Thank you for your beautiful words & quote that are so fitting for the tragedy that touched us all last week. My heart aches for the many who were directly affected. May we all find a way to love and not harm one another. Your ornaments are so pretty. Cherish your time with your little one. Big Hugs.

[laura huffman]

always love viewing your creations. wishing you many joyous days through the Christmas season. praying for those families who have lost so much.

[Patty O'Malley]

I love those tree boxes as well as the ornament! Wished I snapped them up before someone else did! lol Love the words you shared today, also. This tragedy is just incomprehensible. Life can change so quickly in the blink of an eye.

[Meredith]

I made a really similar popcorn the other day - just rolled in melted white chocolate, and dusted with a tiny pinch of salt and some sanding sugar... oh my WORD... deadly. And it took mere minutes, with my 4 year old's help!! If you make it, just don't eat any... you won't stop!

Gorgeous ornaments... what lucky recipients!!

[Evgenia]

so lovely projects

[MaryAnn]

Beautiful!God Bless You...May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year...

[Sarita]

You can always find just the right words from mr. Rogers. I'm grown woman and I have 5 sweet little books by and about mr. Rogers. I think we all hold our loved ones,big an mall, a little loser,as we should anyway.

[Pendra]

Somehow you always find the words that express calm in the storm, light in the dark and goodness and strength in love and family. You are an amazing lady! Your Tree Boxes and ornaments are amazing too, these are truly lovely...wish I had your creative touch!
Holiday Hugs,
Pendra

[Kelly Schirmer]

I saw that quote being shared on Facebook on Saturday morning and it helped me feel calmer in the face of such overwhelming grief and anxiety. Thank you for sharing it again on your blog...as well as your beautiful words and projects that put a smile on my face today :) Merry Christmas, Melissa!

[M. Kim]

Thanks for the quote - I plan on remembering it and using it when needed, like now with what happened at Sandy Hook. Your work is always beautiful - it brings me joy just looking at it! Merry Christmas!

[chaussures de foot mercurial]

I am really impressed by this blog! Very clear explanation of issues is given and it is open to everyone.It contains true and fair information. Your website is very useful.

[deb]

Hi Melissa, I just want you to know that your words and thoughts always just calm me down. I can almost hear you softly speak them,. You are an artist, but you are also a scribe. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and thank you for the respite.