Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

11/12/2018

Easy Thanksgiving/Fall TableScape

Here is an easy way to put together a Thanksgiving TableScape.

1. Lay down a light colored table runner.

2. Add garland from your local craft store in the middle of it.
You could use some branches from your yard too.

3. Add some small fall decor items, pumpkins, pine cones, apples, fruit, etc.
You could also use real fruit here too.

4. Add 2 candle holders at the end of the table runner.

5. Add your plates, cups, silverware, and fabric napkins.

6. Not pictured but fun to add, are a name place card of some kind.
 



 I love this table runner from Target. It washes up well, and doesn't wrinkle to much.
A garland idea  and small metallic pumpkin gourds from Hobby Lobby.
Gold Candle Holders and Candles from Target.



Other Thanksgiving TableScape Inspirations:

Emily Clark
Fancy Farmgirls 
Jones Design Company





1/07/2016

Our Christmas Eve Program and Christmas Morning

My grandparents started a tradition of having a
Christmas Eve Program -  a Talent/Variety Show with their 5 children.

My mother and some of her siblings continued the tradition with
their own kids, and now the grandkids -
our family and others do the same tradition!
It's strongly encouraged that everyone participate in some way.

This year we hosted my sister and her family of 5 boys, my college brother Steven,
Dianne, my mother-in-law, and our family for our program this year.

Here was our program:
written down by cousin Matthew.
 The coloring contest.
I was the judge, this was my talent. Judging!
Steven wrote an awesome poem that he shared!
 Kyle performed the saxaphone.

Lindy performed on the piano!
 Cousin Spencer Sang!
 Sadie Clogged!

 Tate showed us how to solve rubik's cubes!
 Sam demonstrated how to make snowflakes with paper!
Both Tate and Sam's performances turned into some comedy as well!
Hilarious and great Fun!
 Molly read us a story from our prophet, Pres. Monson when he was a boy at Christmas.
 Chris did the 12 days of Christmas Star Wars Version!
Fantastic, he handed out the words so we could all follow along.
 Brandon did Jingle Bells, and encouraged all the cousins to sing with him.
 Molly's family also did Christmas Bingo!
 Uncle Jeremy read 'Twas the night before Christmas'

1/06/2016

Oh Christmas Tree

Once upon a Saturday in December we took too long to do our chores.
But, we decided to head into the mountains to cut down a Christmas tree.

A 1st for our family.

It was nearing 5 'o clock, by the time we got started,
and picked up a Christmas tree permit from the local ranger station.
We only had about 45 min. before it would get dark - to find a tree, cut it down, and strap it our car.
Thankfully, we found one, and we're able to get on our car  in the dark.
It was a fun adventure, one worth doing again, but next year will get an earlier start in the day!






Lindy loves how her dad's ear/head warmer is above his ears!




I loved our Christmas Tree this year!

1/02/2015

Decorating Sugar Cone Christmas Trees with Cousins

Tate, Hunter, and, Matthew doing serious work.
 Brandon being extra careful.
 Cousin Sam and Haylee busy at work.
 Aunt Karen showing them how to get it done right.
 Kyle carefully adding his details.
 Cousin Matthew sooooo super excited.
 Tate making sure to get every part of the cone covered.
 Finished Trees:





My sister, Karen, came to town as a last minute surprise
in early December. All of our kids, including my sister's kids
who live nearby, had fun hanging out one evening.

We needed an easy Christmas activity.

My sister, Karen, suggested decorating sugar cones as Christmas Trees.

Just buy a few boxes of sugar cones, make some green frosting,
and decorate with any small candies.

Favorite Frosting Recipe for Decorating (very sugary, beware)
2 lbs. (8 c.) powder sugar
2/3 c. crisco
2 T. milk (I always add more for right consistency for spreading)
1-2 t. vanilla
1/4 c. light corn syrup
Mix together, add your food coloring.
My favorite food coloring paste by Wilton.

It was super easy and fun for all ages, boys too!

12/04/2014

An Easy Christmas Kid Craft, Christmas music, and a Christmas Video

Brandon is working on this craft today.
Inspiration found here.


My favorite Christmas music this season is this album:


I like song #'s: 1,3,4,7,11 and 12.

We watched and talked about this video:


for our Family Home Evening,
and our trying to do a little something
each day to share the gift.
Just small acts of service:
 a smile, a compliment, a thank you, etc.

With raising a family,
I can feel inadequate at times.
Not doing enough here or there.
I just do the best I can,
even in small ways.
A video, some music, a craft.

11/20/2014

2014 Favorite Things

This has become a fun tradition on my blog to share with you.

Everything on this list are things
I have used throughout the year, and have loved!
These are just my own honest opinions,
and where I have found it easy to purchase these products.

1. The Wet Brush

This is the best brush of all time
for combing you or your daughter's long hair.
It is has been a life saver in our home,
My girls hate it when I comb their hair.
We have less tears now,
and less threats from me that
I'll chop off their hair.

2. The Apple Peeler


My kids love to help in the kitchen with this.
Making an apple pie has never been easier.
You do have to clean it carefully when done.
That's the downside, you can't put it in the dishwasher.

P.S. Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons never expire,
and you can use as many as you want during 1 purchase at the store.
I'm not familiar with how to use multiple coupons online.

3. The Lodge Enamel
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
My husband gifted this for me last Christmas as a surprise.
I have loved it!
I use it weekly for soups, casseroles, pasta, etc.
I have the 6 qt size,
which is the perfect for our family of 7.
It's more affordable than other competitive dutch ovens,
and is less maintenance.
You don't have to season the iron. 
You can get this at most stores. Walmart, Fred Meyer, etc.

4. DownEast Wonder Tees


I wear these shirts under my shirts or dresses for layering.
It's the best under shirt for modesty. The best.
They come in lots of colors.
Most of you probably already know about these shirts,
but just in case, I thought I would share it anyway.

I get them at DownEast online or at my local DownEast store.

DownEast also has the essential tee, which are the same as the wonder tee, 
but they have a nicer finished edge around the collar, and sleeves.
They cost a couple dollars more than the wonder tee.
They also have the classic tee which is made for everyday wear,
and not as much as an undershirt and more loose fitting.

5. and 6. Garden Kneeling Pad
and Fall Planting Bulbs
My Garden Knee Pad makes planting,
and weeding so much more comfortable.
I use it to sit on in the dirt too.
It's the perfect gift for any gardner.
You can get these at any store in their gardening section.

I love planting fall bulbs for spring flowers.
I get my bulbs at Costco.
I know this is usually a Christmas list,
and past planting time for some of you,
but I thought I would include it in this year's list anyway.

Here's a map for easy reference of the best time of year to plant bulbs where you live.
Bulbs are super easy to plant.
If you get a lot, though, it takes more time.
You just make some holes and plop each bulb in the hole,
then cover it back with the dirt.
I like planting a lot in a small area.
You plant once in the fall,
and then every spring for years to come
you have beautiful flowers.
It's the perfect sight in your yard after a long winter.
I never do any fertilizer or anything. 
My bulbs usually last 3-5+ years.
Sometimes longer depending on how much I disturb the soil with planting
other flowers in the summer,
or how much my kids get into the dirt.

7. Small and Simple Things
by Marjorie Pay Hinckley



I love this little book from the prophet's wife, Sister Hinckley.

It's a small book, easy to read, and glance through.
You only need spend a few minutes,
and you're quickly cheered up from her.
She shares some favorite quotes and scriptures,
easy recipes
(I've tried them, they're delicious),
and some stories.
She reminds me of my grandmother too.
You can get it on Amazon.

8. Maybelline Color Whisper
Lipstick
A favorite drugstore find.
You can get this at any of your local box stores.
These are great when you need a new lipstick,
and you don't want to break the bank with dept. store lipstick prices.

9. Netflix Finds

Any Cheesy Romantic Movie

Have a wonderful holiday season!
Enjoy it.

Here's some previous favorite posts: