Advent Calendar Countdown

I have been doing alot of crafting lately. It's good for me, It has always been the thing that grounds me, calms me, rejuvenates me and so given the new circumstances of my life I need all of those things... daily!. I mentioned a few months back that it has been a long time dream of mine to share my love of crafting with other women. I had my first workshop back in may and then life got in the way. It's funny how we think we have a plan! Anyway, now here I set alone most every night and so now more than ever it seems like the perfect thing to do. So I am taking the plunge! I put together several projects and women have been trickling in little by little to relax and enjoy. It really is fun to watch. I've also been having private "Arty Parties" at friends homes. The hostess picks out the project she is interested in and invites a bunch of her friends and I show up with all the supplies. A couple of nights ago we made Advent Calendar Countdowns.

Don't they look great! I found this idea on Pinterest but couldn't find the original person who made it. If it's you, I'm happy to give you credit, just let me know. Mine is not exactly the same, I put a couple of twist on it and added my very favorite activity for the last day.

It's made with a mini muffin tin that has 24 cups. I raided my stash, Dollar Store, Walmart and of course Hob Lob too. This is the perfect project to do with a group because most of the stuff comes in multiples in the bag.

 I made these 3 with some things I had a round the house. The little wreath is made out of a half of a pipe cleaner and some twine wrapped around it. The middle one is a white Sharpie on black paper and the last one I embossed with a stamp I had that just happened to have the word believe. I think it may be one of my favorites. I filled each cup with an activity, something fun to do at Christmas time. I found all kinds of ideas on the internet. One of my favs was have a picnic around the Christmas tree, how fun would that be??? Now if you are thinking these cups are so small, how can I add any kind of a treat? A candy kiss works perfectly, but I also gave everyone a little bag and suggested it be the bonus bag. If you want to give your child something that is too large for the cup, just put a note in that says "check out the bonus bag or grab bag."

Here's the part that I just love. On Christmas morning have this sack filled with a horn and bells with this poem on it. Ring the bells, blow the horn, this is the day that Christ was born? When my kids were small we always did this and then sang Happy Birthday Jesus. It's a great way to remind them what the day is really all about.

So get out your stash, use up some scraps, and be creative. You will be surprised by how much stuff you already have. I should say I used  adhesive magnet sheets to keep the papers on and I printed off the numbers for each day from the computer. It is on a plate stand, which works perfectly to hold it up. I love this idea! The activities are great prompts and I think it's a great opportunity for families to enjoy the season! And as for our craft night... it was a blast! It's fun to see your dream in action. :)

Blessed!

First of all I want to thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers and for checking up on me. I am doing ok, adjusting to a whole new life. I miss my husband, would give ANYTHING to be able to just sit and hold his hand and chat but that isn't going to happen. My kids are doing great and we are sticking together and taking all of this as it comes. We are very blessed to have so many that continue to check in on us and care for us.

I mentioned that I was going on a retreat a few weeks ago.  Here is the wonderful creative team that led the retreat.

It was wonderful, everything I needed. It was fun to meet new people, to create, to just relax, no concept of time or no stress. It felt like I was there for alot longer than I actually was. I have no doubt that God placed this dear sweet lady in my path.

 These are some of my partners in crime, can you tell we're all happy to be there?

Seattle may have a reputation for having not so nice weather, but I didn't see anything but blue skies.

 We spent some time on the beach.

 The weather was spectacular!!! It was a great time, everything about it was exactly what I needed!

I spent the last day in Seattle with one of my dearest friends from high school. We went to see the Chihuly exhibit. It was amazing!!!

If you have the opportunity to see one of his exhibits, go, you'll be in awwww!

 

As I said it was a great experience, I stretched my neck out a little, tried some new things, met new people and realized I can do this. I am already looking for my next retreat. 

 

So again thank you, I'm learning a new normal. 

I'm working on my dream of having some craft classes at my home. Hopefully I'll get back to blogging soon.

Moving forward...

Hello friends,

I have to start by saying thank you! So many of you have reached out and offered a virtual hug or prayers and continue to check in on me and my family. I really do appreciate it. You also have asked if I have friends and family near by that can help me through this time and I want to assure you that I do, I am blessed beyond measure, that is for sure. This experience has shown me how much I have to grow in the way of supporting and loving on those who are going through a difficult time. I have said it often and I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I know the reason my feet hit the floor everyday is because of all who are lifting us up in prayer and the fact that my kids are doing so well, I feel like who am I to not move forward as well. So moving forward is what I must do. Not to say that I don't miss my husband terribly, I do, words can't explain how much, he's in every move I make each day but I have also come to realize just how much my husband enjoyed life and I know he would want me to do the same thing.

Our plan had been to go to the beach in Florida for my birthday which is just around the corner, that isn't going to happen now, but someday I plan to go back to our favorite beach. For now I am taking myself on a little vacation. I have to be honest, I'm scared, and excited! I happened upon a retreat that is happening in Seattle this week and so I am going, alone, all by myself and I don't know another soul. Here's a peak of where we I'll be staying.

I'll be taking mixed media classes, learning yoga and meditating. Sounds amazing right? I will also be meeting 12 other ladies that are on their own journey coming from all over the US. I love Seattle and I love to be creative, as for yoga and meditation that is a bit out of my comfort zone but I am nudging myself along. Before Mike's death this is one of those things I would have said, that would be fun, but I wouldn't have signed up. I'm trying to pay attention a little more now, listen to the desire's of my heart. I'll tell you all about it when I return.

I'm really looking forward to getting creative and walking on the beach, I do know how good that is for my soul!
And I have to share a cute little bag I picked up at a local craft show. I think it will be the perfect carry on!

Isnt' is adorable!!??? It's the perfect size and has a great long handle.

And the back side, love the graphics!
Oh and I plan to hang out with 2 of my friends from high school on my last day in town. It should be a great week!

So right now, put down the computer, go tell your husband you love him and then thank God for all that he is!