Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve Confession


I don't like the holidays.


There.... I said it. I don't like the holidays.


Don't get me wrong - I love creating memories for my family.  I cherish the time we spend together.  Our traditions of cookie baking, bingo playing, scalloped potato making, stair stockings, and Christmas PJs warm my heart to no end.  It brings me great joy to see that they are experiencing traditions - some carried on from my family and some we created new, that hopefully they will carry on to their families.  When I hear them talk about the holidays as they are approaching, I know I have done well as the conversation is centered around the fun but also the Faith that is a part of our holiday story.


If everything is so perfect, and I feel that I have done good, then why don't I like the  holidays?


As joyful as it is for me to see my children experiencing Christmas and learning tradition to carry on through the generations, there is also a part of me that experiences great sadness.  There is a part of me that knows that the joy of the season is temporary and will soon come to an end.  Like many moms who make the holiday experience for their families, I give  my all to creating a celebration that my children will remember.  Though I would never change it, I am tired. Like many other moms, I have moved from my family with my spouse and become the matriarch of the holiday. I find myself  "winging" it and hoping I am dong a good job, while at the same time longing for being  under the safety and celebration of my own family back home. As each season passes, I have my joy increased, but my sadness as well. With the passing of each holiday, I know I am one step closer to having my daughters step out and build their own traditions with their own families.


So What do I do about it?


I hang on to the joy.  I hold tight to each memory we are making.  I cherish the fun and laughter. I know that I am passing on Faith and the meaning of Christmas. I know that even though I don't necessarily like the "holidays" I love the moments, the laughter, the smiles, the anticipation.  I remember that each effort put out becomes a part of my legacy.  I find solace that in my old age as I look upon my family, though I may not have liked the holidays, I loved my family enough to be a memory and tradition maker for my dear daughters. I will love being a part of their holiday traditions with their families.


To any of the moms (or dads) reading this that feel the same way, you are not alone. Even if you are tired in the entirety of the holidays, find joy and happiness and love the moments.  Know that you are dong a good work and building memories for your family. They love you and will cherish you for it.


I wish you a Merry Christmas









Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Hat Tricks! Creative Hat!




Need a quick and easy project for this weekend? Something fun and creative that you can do just for you or with your little ones?

Today's Hat Trick is to help you stay creative. Some type of creativity is necessary to juggle all of the hats we wear everyday!This simple T-shirt bleaching technique is just what you need to don your creative hat!

I'd love to hear your comments on how this tip can help you be creative! Check out the Hat Tricks side bar for additional tips to help you juggle all of your hats!

Hat Tricks! Crafting Hat! Dip Dyed Shirts! Fun Home Made Gift!














Hello Friends! With the holidays upon us, I thought this was a great time to share this post again. It makes a great holiday gift idea!

Thanks to TaterTots and Jello blog for sharing this the Bleach it Away campaign info.  This project fits right in!
I received information about Clorox’s Bleach It Away campaign and am sharing my messy moment/craft fail/bleach project for the chance to win prizes from Tatertots & Jello and Clorox. You can find out more information about this campaign –  www.BleachItAway.com.  If you share YOUR messy moment story, you can enter to win $25,000 and daily prizes, and you can get a coupon for Clorox® Regular Bleach.

Here are samples of what you are seeing in the video. The first shirt you are seeing was made in this VLOG. Video is a bit grainy.....Time for a new camera!

Happy Crafting!