Ornament-a-Day

   Seems like all my inspiration and creativity these days starts with something found through Pinterest. And this is no exception! I came across a neat idea of sharing a photo a day of a special Christmas ornament, with an explanation or special memory. So, that is my plan. I'm obviously very behind so I will do 2 a day until I catch up. ;) 

   

   If you would like more info to join in, the original idea came from here: http://www.enchantedhomeschoolingmom.net/2012/11/christmas-ornament-day-picture-on.html. As an added bonus, I found a cool homeschooling blog to follow. 

  
  Two of my first Christmas ornaments. Doesn't get much better than that! I actually had 2 "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments. The other one was a cute yellow plastic rattle, with a nursery scene inside. My parents gave me that, and several other childhood favorites, when I got married. Unfortunately, we had an apartment fire 3 years ago and lost most of them. Thankfully, these were still at my parents and I acquired them last year. Makes me cherish them even more!

   Do you have a favorite ornament? Maybe from your first Christmas? Or one you, or your child, made? A precious family ornament handed down from a grandparent? I'd love to hear about them!

Blessed

• My Wonderful Merciful Savior. He took on flesh and bore God's wrath so that I may be in fellowship with Him here on earth and for eternity in Heaven.

• My dear husband. It's not always been easy, but it's always been worth it! We have been through so much in the time we've been together, and I know God has only made us stronger through it. I am blessed to be your wife. 

• Our 2 sweet kids. Thank you God for entrusting us with these two precious lives! They teach me about love, trust, and patience, in new ways everyday. 

• My parents. Thank you for modeling Christ's love in a loving marriage. You lived out your faith everyday, even in the hard times and you instilled the same in me. You continue to give selflessly of your time, energy and resources, even when there was nothing left to give.

• Our families. Brothers, Sisters, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins-whether blood related or by marriage,...we love you! I don't know where I would be without my family and I am so thankful for the relationships I have with Jim's family. 

• Friends who are like family. God has blessed us with a great extended family! I love doing life with you. I love making memories with you. I love watching our children grow up together. Thanks for sharing your life with us!

This is just part of the long list of things I am thankful for, but the ones that are nearest to my heart. 

From my family to yours...Happy Thanksgiving!

The Anderson's 

Vinyl Obsession

I LOVE craft vinyl! I think it is one of the coolest inventions and the craft medium I reach for most often. Hopefully, you love it as well...or maybe you will grow to love it, because I promise-you will see it alot!

Here is my newest vinyl creation. It's a project I've had in my head for quite some time, though I've never mentioned it to my husband. So I thought I would surprise him with it when he came home from church last night. From start to finish, it took 2 hours. And that includes the 5 different ways I designed it in Cricut Design Studio before finally narrowing it down to my favorite one.

The coloring in this picture makes the name look pink, but it gives you an idea of the size & positioning on the fireplace.

Details:
   Vinyl used: OhMyVinyl in Peanut Butter, Cherry Red, and Walnut
   Cartridges used: Home Decor, Plantin SchoolBook, & Wall Decor and More

I have a few more vinyl home decor projects planned. Hoping to work on another one this afternoon if the kiddos will nap!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Sweets for my Sweets

I can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post! I have had a very sick household. Thankfully, I have managed to avoid most of it. That has been a huge blessing since I have been busy taking care of everyone else! My husband has had a cold for weeks, my daughter has a sinus infection & brochitis and my baby boy has a cold & bad ear infection. It's scary & heartbreaking when little ones are so sick. :(

Needless to say, I haven't had a ton of time to craft. I do have lots of pending projects filling my craft table at the moment. And I'm expecting 2 shipments of goodies by the end of the week! Now if I can only find the time...

For now, check out these Valentine's cookies I made for my sweet family!

I made these mini's for Lily.
They are the perfect size for little kiddos.
But I'll admit, the mini cookies are my favorites to make!

I thought they looked like the Conversation Hearts, so I wanted to give it a try.
Not bad, but needs some tweaking.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! I'm off to attempt handmade Valentine's cards with Lily. If all goes well, I'll post them tomorrow!