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I’ll get back to the handmade Christmas gift recap eventually, but today I have to change things up a bit because I want to shout to the rooftops that
I ONLY HAVE FOUR MORE DAYS UNTIL I GET TO SNUG ANOTHER BOY IN MY LIFE!
I’ve been telling everyone I see. Seriously. Yesterday, I informed everyone at church, the checkout man at the grocery store, and the grocery carry-outer guy, too. I couldn’t tell you if they truly cared about my exciting news, but if they didn’t, they were pretty good actors.
I have so much to be thankful this time around. God has truly blessed this little family of mine and I can’t give Him enough thanks.
Here are some things during this pregnancy that I have been so grateful for:
1. No pre-eclampsia!
In the third trimester of my last pregnancy, I was diagnosed with Pre-E, and didn’t really realize how serious it was. This time, no sir-ee!
2. No moving!
Last time we had to move to two different houses during my pregnancy. Let me tell you, it was no bueno. This time, I have a comfortable, warm place to bring my baby home. And, I love it.
3. No swelling!
Oh, man. Really. If you did not see me when I was busting from the seams with Wylder in my panza, you are one lucky person. My kielbasa ankles and arms didn’t really hurt, but they sure did burn the eyeballs of anyone who happened to glance in their direction. I should show you a picture. Or not. The memory still freaks me out.
4. No stretch marks!
I have no earthly idea how I escaped those bad boys. And just so you know, I would gladly take them any day in exchange for a wrinkly, fuzzy shouldered redhead. It’s just a bonus to have escaped them. That’s all I have to say about that.
Although Wylder’s birth was one of the happiest and exciting times in my life, it was a tad bit traumatic. If you want to read about it, you can go here. This time I am excited get to take my baby home right on time. I am looking forward getting to hold him, feed him, kiss him, and have him all to myself.
And only FOUR more days! We are so ready.
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If you happen know my husband, you’ll know that not only is he dreaming up something big to build, invent, or sell on an hourly basis, but a lot of the time actually following through, making his over-the-top plans come to life. So, in other words, it’s a pretty challenging task to try to out-create him during gift giving seasons.
However, a few years ago, while rummaging through his old high school bedroom, I came across these nuggets, neatly tucked away in a Tony Glenn folder.
Apparently, in the sixth grade (so he says) he was already dreaming big. In his mind, he would someday own his own sneaker company called “Neeki.”
Now, folks, let’s not to get this confused with the ever-popular “Nike” shoe company.
As far as I can see, they have nothing in common.
He obviously spent some hardcore class time whipping out these amazing shoe designs for his business.
I mean, that right there my friend is pure helium. Helium! Who would’ve thought? He’s a dreamer, I tell ya.
Last Christmas, I decided I would make a photo book for him with all his rad creations.
Well, I never actually got around to it. The scanning, cropping,...etc. (on top of my procrastination behaviors) proved to be a little tricky, I guess.
So, this year, I was totally going to make it up to him. I ended up taking one of his simpler shoe designs, making a template/pattern kind of thing, tracing it onto a t-shirt and embroidering it with white thread.
I think it turned out great! And as far as I can tell, he really liked it.
So much better than a book.
Now when he wears his shirt, he can be reminded to think outside the box.
Okay, I just totally made that part up, spur of the moment. There was absolutely no deep meaning to the gift idea. I just thought it would be funny.
Plus, to be perfectly honest, sometimes I’d like him to think a little more inside the box. But, “think inside the box” isn’t really a motto you want tagged on you in this day and age.
And, you never know. Someday his crazy ideas just might really pay off for our little family.
And there’ll truly be no way of escaping the heat.
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You’ll be glad to know that the littlest boys on my gift list did not go unnoticed this Christmas…which is pretty much a miracle if you happened to have seen me flying around by the seat of my stretchy-paneled maternity pants just hours before our Christmas celebrations.
I’m serious.
So, lucky for this three-year-old, his Aunt didn’t drop the ball (figuratively speaking) this year.
However, I’m not sure he really would’ve noticed at this point. He was a little too busy “reading” the instructions to his new toy to pose for a photo. If you want to take a look at his sweet little face (and I think you should) just go to my last blog entry. Precious, huh?
Anyway, since Camden’s been playing a little backyard soccer lately, I thought this fabric soccer ball would make a great gift for him. My sister made this same thing for Wyldman a little while back and it’s always a hit in our home. One, because it’s a ball I actually let him throw in the house, and two, because the varied fabrics and interesting patterns make it so intriguing for little guys.
The soccer ball pattern comes from this book by the amazing fabric designer, Anna Maria Horner. I’d say it’s an easy project to undergo. The most time consuming part would be cutting out the pieces. But, if you’re a fairly patient person, go for it! I used some vintage and some new fabric scraps I had laying around my craft room. I think it turned out pretty neato.
And then there’s my nine-month-old nephew, Judo-chop (shown here with my sister, Amber.)
He’s a charmer! If you haven’t met this little toot, you’re really missing out. He’s such a little man. I will say that this guy will completely freak you out with his verbal skills, though. I think he’s pretty darn close to introducing himself these days. That has nothing to do with fabric or Christmas gifts or anything relating to this blog, but seriously, it is freaky.
I thought about making him the same soccer ball that I made for Camden, but I decided it’s a little big for him to appreciate. So, in a desperate panic, the night before our family Christmas (I told you), I called up my sister, Jodi, and asked her if she had any better ideas on a handmade gift for this guy. She directed me to this website that had another smaller fabric beach-type ball for Jude’s tiny little hands. Using more fabric scraps and ribbon, I stitched this puppy up in no time.
I hesitated on adding the turquoise felt circle like the pattern asked for, but I was really glad I did in the end. I think it added the perfect touch. Overall, the beach ball was much faster and easier to assemble than the soccer ball.
And, by golly, it was a hit! That little booger was grabbing and chewing (with his only two tiny bottom teeth) on the ribbon ears the whole time the adults opened their presents.
So, there you have it! Two totally do-able plush fabric ball toys for you to make for the little guys/gals in your life. Now, get rollin’!
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Remember these little guys? I’m not talking about the redhead, or should I say the one in the photo that doesn’t seem to belong.
I absolutely love making gifts for them. I don’t know what it is, but I never have a hard time thinking of what to make for them. This year was not an exception. Especially for the twins. I think it’s something to do with making two of the same thing in different colors or prints. Love it.
Since the girls are turning six very soon, and I was six when I lost my first tooth, I thought it would be appropriate to make them Tooth Fairy pillows for Christmas. The idea being that when you lose a tooth, you can put the tiny pearly white in the pocket of the pillow to await the Tooth Fairy. She can replace the tooth with all kinds of money…or maybe a quarter. Cool, huh?
Different ones have caught my eye over and over again on various blogs and Etsy this past year. I ended up just combining some of the ones I’ve seen and made up my own pattern. I found some really soft bone colored fleece at Wal-mart that I thought turned out perfectly for the project.
After sewing on the buttons for eyes, fabric pants for the roots, and embroidering the smile I was pretty pleased with the finished product. My favorite thing was the tiny pocket on the front, though.
Toothriffic! That was actually the direct quote from my friend, Lori, when I showed her a photo of the finished products. I thought it was funny. If you don’t think it’s funny, blame her, not me. Just saying.
I think the girls liked them, too.
And word on the street is that they already have a loose tooth.
FANGTASTIC!!!! (I confess, that’s another one of Lori’s. They just flow out of her…)
So, if you have a little one in your life that has a wiggly canine, don’t let them do any twisting it until you make them one of these to put it in. That’s my advice.
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I had such a great Christmas this year! Lots of laughing, loving, eating, and gifting. I love, love, LOVE handmade gifts—-receiving and giving. This year I had a lot of fun working up some Christmas crafties for my homies.
For the next few days, I’ll be posting about all the fun gifts I got to make and give to my peeps. So, you might want to prepare yourself for all the fabric, batting, and hot glue talk.
Just warning ya.
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Approximately three days till Christmas and I am writing a post about Thanksgiving. What in the world.
This was the very first time Jbird and I have ever hosted a holiday of this caliber at our casa. For once in my married life, we actually have plenty of room for my whole family to gather and eat turkey without sending the unlucky ones to bedrooms and closets and such with their loaded up Chinettes. You think I’m exaggerating…
So people started trudging up the never-ending staircase with sweet and savory holiday dishes in tow at approximately one o’clock that afternoon. I was a little concerned about my lack of serving dishes until I took a gander at the spread on my dining room table. Pure classiness, my family. Gotta love it!
Speaking of classy, being that I’m pregnant and craving anything that will make your mouth turn inside out these days, I insisted on being charge of the kraut and weenies. Yes, you heard me right, kraut and weenies. I only learned to be a little embarrassed of our family’s strange culinary holiday tradition of the mock German dish after I married Jbird. Apparently, most families do not include sour kraut and weenies in their holiday meals! For real!!! I was amazed. Couldn’t believe it. Seriously, don’t freak out on me. If you’ve never tried it, you’ll never know how the tartness compliments the turkey and mashed potatoes. Yuuuummmmm! Man, it’s making me hungry right now. Excuse me a sec while I go grab a can opener….
KIDDING! It’s 11 o’clock at night. There’s not enough Prilosec in the world that could cover that mistake.
Yes, so my hubby despises the tradition, the taste, the smell,...etc. He seriously thinks it RUINS Thanksgiving. His explanation has to do with the scent overriding the rest of the food smells….yadda, yadda, yadda. One time, when we were first married, I even agreed to cook them outside so it wouldn’t RUIN his Thanksgiving with my family. I think I have a photo. Oh yes, here it is.
This year I confidently placed the dish smack dab in the middle of the Indian Rosewood with confidence. I heard no complaints. I saw no grimaces. I think he took pity on my poor hormonal self. Either that or….could he possibly be starting to enjoy the tasty treat? Hmmmmm. Interesting. I’ll check into that.
Sorry about that kraut and weenie tangent. I think it was a little therapeutic for me, though. So, thanks.
So there were approximately thirty family members (from my mother’s side of the family) gathered at my home. I LOVED it! See?
A dream come true, really. Each and every one of them had a place card at a table that they had to find. It worked out perfectly. Everyone was happy and had fun finding their name and how I had described them on their card.
I hung the Thanksgiving banner that my mom and sister made a few years ago above the long green table at the top of the stairs.
Isn’t it cute? I think she got the idea from Pottery Barn.
Since Jbird has his recording studio just about finished up, most of the fellows gathered there for a jam session. There were even some tracks laid down.
Seriously. I never realized how much musical talent our family has bred over the years. Good stuff. Just take a listen.
There was a bit of dancing involved as well.
But most of the time the boys were slappin’ da bass and tickling the ivories, the women…and a few teen boys (who I won’t mention their names)...were having a hand at felt crafting. You know we can’t get together without some sort of felt craft at our fingertips. We even coined a few new titles for some of the participants.
For instance, my sister, Amber. She’s what we call a “Friendly Felter.” It’s all about socializing for her. She’d rather float from relative to relative checking out other’s projects than actually sit down and make something of her own. She makes it easy on mother’s of young children because she’d rather use her hands to love on babies than make the perfect blanket stitch.
Of course, there’s Jude. He’s a “Felt Fondler.” Rarely starts a craft, but has to get his hands on all the material and notions.
Then, there’s me: The “Fetal Felter.” Since the whole pregnancy thing, I’ve been making weird felt craft choices that consume more of my time and offer little gratification in the end. Usually, the projects are half-done and end up being thrown away.
One would call my Aunt Trish “The Focused Felter” for obvious reasons. But, my Aunt Nancy, she’s definitely a “Faux Felter.” Her hands are studying the fabric, but there won’t be a finished project. She will, however, give out tons of encouragement and praise to other projects in the making.
There’s always the “Feral Felter.” This one is usually under three years old. You never really see his face, but his fluffy hands and the back of his head as he quickly swipes your project and runs as fast as he can.
“The Festive Felter” is the one who only felts during the holidays.
We might call one who focuses so much on his or her project that he/she drools on the actual felt a “Frothy Felter.”
Okay, anyway, you get the picture. This is the weird stuff we do when we get together.
So, all-in-all, the family, food, fun, and felt make this Thanksgiving one of my very favorites. In fact, I hereby declare that it was one of the best ones I’ve ever attended. I confidently give this Thanksgiving a Ten Turkey Salute. And that’s a good thing, in case you were wondering.
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of the Smitty Baby Plush Owl Toys????
By the way, I do apologize for the lack of creativity that went into the making of this video. I know I didn’t promise humor or entertainment, but I can’t help but feel like a failure in the film-making quality today. Please overlook the crappy quality and boringness and just know that I love you!
Congratulations comment #6, Karen! When asked what she was most looking forward to this Christmas, she said:
Two little girls…..
Sydnee and Ellie…. need I say more?Maybe your two little girls will get to enjoy two little owls?
Thanks everyone for entering!
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If you haven’t been to the shop to see some of our new stuff, do it!!! When you’re there, you will see that I have recreated the stuffed owls that my sister and I made for the baby shower earlier this Spring.
Well, now is your chance to win not only one, but TWO of these fabric-feathered friends!!! I’ll send one to you and one to a friend of your choice as a gift FROM you! Tis the season of giving, no?
So, here’s the deal-y-o. You get a choice to pick from these three hooters below OR you can choose fabric colors that would look absolutely stunning and distinguished on your plush owl toy and I’ll custom make it just for YOU!
So, here’s how to enter:
Leave a comment on this blog and let me know what you’re most looking forward to this Christmas. Feel free to give good game ideas or family traditions that I could incorporate into our little gatherings. We need new ideas, baby! No offense to Apples to Apples or our annual “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” quiz bowl or anything, but anything new and fresh I’d give definite thumbs up!
OH! And if you’ve ordered something from Smitty Baby during the month of November or December (or you do this week), I’ll enter your name in the drawing AGAIN!
Good luck my lovely friends! The contest will close Friday at noon. And there will more than likely be a video announcing the winner. No promises on whether or not it will be fun, boring, sweet, cute, obnoxious, weird, or wonderful. But, oh yes, there will be a video.
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I have big plans to do a recap on Thanksgiving, a run down of our light parade watch party, as well as a giveaway this week. But, first things first. I’m dying to spread some holiday cheer. So, here goes a Christmas jingle from our house to yours. Enjoy!
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Remember when I wrote about our commercial/photo shoot with Blue 7? Well, I just saw the commercial for the first time. Although it kind of embarrasses me a little, I’m still gonna let you take a lookeroo.
My favorite is the footage of my little man in the orange striped shirt and fedora. What a guy. It was so much fun and I’d do it again in a heartbeat if they asked. Thanks guys!
On another note, go to the SB shop and take a peek of some new products I stitched up just for you! Giveaway is coming sooooooon!
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