Christmas 2013

Christmas was on a completely different scale this year than years past. And not so much in the way of so-busy-my-head-my-burst-catergory. It was more along the lines of laid-back, should we make breakfast at three in the afternoon kind of way. Which was so refreshing. Annnnnd it was also our first Christmas where we were all on our lonesome. A scary thought at first, but totally worth having the kids sleep-in (yes!) in their own beds.

 It was fun making Christmas traditions for ourselves. And it was even more fun mixing both of our traditions from our families--Christmas pjs, sugar cooking-making for Santa, coconut shrimp for Christmas Eve, Secret Santa door bell ditching, Christmas lightshow perusing, and ringing a bell Christmas morning. It was kind of jam packed that when we went to bed that night we had completely forgotten about watching a Christmas movie with the kids before bed, John merely remarked that there was no way we were keeping the kids up until midnight (um, I disagree--the longer they're up the later they sleep)? And along with all the traditions I gained a new appreciation for my Mom-- how did she stuff the stocking so perfectly?! I believe the orange in the toe is the kicker.

We decided early on this year that we wanted our little family Christmas to be simple. Less gifts equals less wrapping (and clean-up), which is a win for me because I end up doing both. It didn't matter though because once both kids found their toy of choice (Brecken-Angry Birds, Addy-baby doll) there wasn't really any desire to unwrap any other gifts. Ironically, I spent most my time unwrapping all the gifts I had wrapped the night before... ;)

 

Later that afternoon we spent time with John's family, sledding, and eating, and unwrapping gifts, annnd eating again because it's just the way we are. We also had a white elephant gift exchange.  everyone was coming off a sugar-high and a prime rib induced food coma which all culminated into lamp shade wearing, cowboy hate toting hysteria. you had to have been there. We came home with cookies cutters and Depends....

 

Christmas, you were good. And you brought us lots of memories. Until next year friend.

The day(s) Addy thought Santa was an ax murderer

So we are in fact sure that Addy does not care much for Santa. I guess we should have learned that bearded man was not clearly her favorite person the first time we went to see Santa, but we thought we would do our due diligence and take her again.

//Has begun to see her life flash before her eyes. And I am sure Santa is thinking the same thing..//

 

And there you have it folks. I think she's still skeptical and completely scared out of her mind. I could be wrong.

Christmas 2012

Usually I hold out until after the new year to dismantle the holiday clutter, but our Charlie Brown tree went without water for four days and it's dismal state upon our return from my parent's home was beyond repair. Thus the tree is down, the decorations are neatly stocked away and the lights are (somewhat) organized. 

This year Christmas brought the added joy of having a toddler who could unwrap presents by himself, albeit he didn't grasp the concept of unwrapping and then moving onto the next gift. Once he understood the idea that all the presents required he attention havoc broke out and a carnage of wrapping paper, bows and bakers twine almost buried Addison alive. She was spared--I just had to search through the chaos for the shiniest tissue paper of which she was ravenously trying to devour.

While gifts were fun to unwrap his heart was ultimately set on playing with a 50 year-old Fisher Price train from Grandma's toy box. go figure.  This year also marked the beginning of Santa Claus, the kid is stubborn and is quite skeptical of the white bearded man. I am sure by next year we'll make him into a bona fide Santa believer.

I could ramble on and on about my mom's home cooking, and the pounds of coconut shrimp, crab, and turkey that was devoured by all, but my laundry seemed to breed during my sabbatical. Wish me luck and Happy Holidays to all of you! 

Merry Christmas

We are leaving for my parent's house is T minus two hours and I am in a state of panic right now. There are still gifts to be wrapped, clothes to be packed, and dishes to be done. My parent's live in an area where dial-up internet still exists. Insane, yes? Which makes writing or  uploading pictures virtually impossible. Have you ever watched paint dry? It's basically that slow. It only seems fitting then to leave the computer at home and spend the next five days and spend time gorging on food, lovin' on my babies and relaxing with my family. 

Enjoy the egg nog (of which I have never tried *gasp*) and a Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

The Great Christmas Tree Adventure

In the six years that John and I have been together we've developed a knack for picking out the trademark Charlie Brown Christmas tree. {It really is a fine science if I do say so myself}. Take the year our tree only had branches on one side, or last year's tree which had height on it's side but lacked substance in the needle area, it then proceeded to get blown over while we rested it against the house--which left us scrambling at the last minute to find a new tree. So our weary bones ventured to Home Depot where we picked through the last-of-last hoping that the perfect tree was somehow hidden amongst the needless/crooked/branch-less trees. But to no avail, we again were left with a tree that managed to loose most of it's needle on the short jaunt home. 

This year I vowed to find the perfect tree. You know the one, plump and full, perfectly symmetrical, branches sturdy and strong for the heaviest of ornaments, maybe a few pine cones {I'm dreaming, right}? Fate seemed to be on my side, early Saturday morning the first round of Christmas trees were delivered to our local grocery store and within minutes I pulled John and the littles out the door to retrieve my vision before it was snatched up by another eager Christmas tree adventurist.

So we looked and scoured and John remarked that it just seemed too easy. After poking and prodding we finally decided that Christmas wouldn't be the same unless we went to cut our own tree. so we set out on an adventure and this year's recipient seemed like a match made in heaven--a little sparse, slightly tilted, and missing branches here-and-there. Charlie Brown would be proud.

{Wishing you a Merry Christmas}

I feel as though I sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas. Between finding the perfect Charlie Brown tree, Santa pictures, ugly sweater parties and strolls I sometimes get so wrapped up in the commericalization of Christmas that I forget the true meaning of the season. I love you all, but now is the time I need to give my Hunk and Punk some much needed TLC.  So I hope you'll not judge me for taking a break until after Christmas.

My wish to you:
I hope you can get stuck under the mistle toe with you honey and enjoy a smooch or two.

I hope you take a moment to read Luke 2.

I hope you wake up Christmas morning to the bubbly faces of your babes.

I hope you enjoy the gifts of friends and family more than the little boxes under the tree.

So from our house to yours we hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas.



{Feature Fridays} Christmas Ideas....

Between working on SJ's Homemade Christmas and trying to unravel my Christmas lights (yes, that's right...I still have NOT put up my tree yet...) I have totally picked up the Christmas bug. Here are a few of the Christmas decorations, ideas, and printables that I have fallen in love with...

Check out this amazing mantle by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating. What an amazing job!

I am in love with this FREE printable by Second Street. I am kind of addicted to all of the circus fonts. What a bold and vibrant banner!

Go look at this amazing Candy Cane sign from Flamingo Toes. I am in complete awe of her work, she  made her own knock off and it is even better than the original sign from Pier 1. Best of all! She provides an amazing tutorial!

Check out the adorable printables Tomcat Studio! I love the colors and how cute are her pictures?! I just keep drooling and drooling over her amazing ideas!

I am in love with this headband by Vintage Wanna Bee. Really?! How can you not think this is not sooo gorgeous?! This would make a perfect gift for Sis #2.

Check out these amazing FREE printables from Candy Tree. I love the colors and they match my Christmas decorations perfectly! Love! Love! Love!

Okay these birds are so adorable. I am totally jealous of anyone who can knit or crochet. Fowl Single File did such a great job...I totally want to hit her up to find out how to crochet wash clothes that don't look like rainbows!

Check out these amazing crocheted headbands at Sew Much Ado! I love the brown color and I think I may just have to have one ;)

Keren at Free Pretty Things for You has this amazing FREE printable on her page. Isn't is so cute! Check out her blog to see all the amazing things you could do with this lil' bambi!

The Hicks Girls made this beautiuful Pottery Barn Knockoff noel sign. I have been drooling over it since I saw it in PB Magazine! Isn't it awesome!

If you have an amazing idea that you would love me to feature, well, send me an email and I will show you some love!!!

{Homemade Christmas} Find out how you can be a part of this event!!!

Here's the deal. Money is tight for everyone these days. If it is not tight for you, I certainly would not object if you passed a little my way ;)

So I decided that everything I buy this year for my family will be handmade. Yes, yes, there are a few exceptions. I will not be making chocolate oranges or andes mints. Somethings are best left to the experts.

I am, however, going to be making some cool fabulous gifts that I will be sharing with you over the next few weeks.

I will also be having guests come by to show you their homemade gifts and ideas too!

AND WAIT!!!

I will also be having LOTS and LOTS of giveaways, from some amazing blogs and stores! So even if you decide not to make your own gifts at least you have a chance to buy or win some that come from other homes ;)

There is still room available if you would like to be a part of the Spunky Junky Homemade Christmas.

Here is what I am looking for:

**guest posts for homemade christmas gifts

**blogs or stores interested in doing giveaways

**individuals interested in sharing ideas on how to be more thrifty during the Holidays!

If you are interested in joining The Homemade Christmas send me an email
spunkyjunkyblog@gmail.com

I would love all of you to be a part of this wonderful event and to help make the Holidays amazing {and less expensive} for everyone!!!

{Guest Tutorial} Rolled rossette ornament...

Last week I did a guest post at Under the Table and Dreaming. Head on over there to see the 24 the amazing ornaments ideas!

As for my ornament tutorial. Check it out here!

Hope ya'll had an amazing Thanksgiving!

In our house we have finally recovered from our turkey coma. I have also finally showered and recooperated from my Black Friday mishaps. just in case your were wondering ;)

{Tutorial Tuesday} Tissue Paper Christmas Trees...

So remember how I talked about hoarding? Well, if you don't remember check it out. I hoard a lot of things. One thing that I just can't break the habit of hoarding is tissue paper. I unwrap presents carefully so as not to rip the tissue paper. I then stack in nice, neat piles. The stack is tall...I mean very tall...and very annoying to Hunk. I just can't bring myself to throw it away. It's an addiction.

Sooooo, I figured out a way to put all that tissue paper to a good use.

 That's right! I made Christmas trees out of tissue paper, and it was soooo easy!
For this project you will need:
*tissue paper (Ten sheets for the large tree and six or eight sheets for the small trees)
*Styrofoam tree foams
*LOTS of hot glue

Once I had made a ba-gillion tissue paper flowers I then started from the bottom of the tree foam and began to glue them in place.

While doing this step I made sure to glue them close enough that I didn't see the styrofoam, but not so close that they overcrowded one another.

When I was finished I used the extra tissue flowers to fill in the bare spots! Note: You will see that I started off using polka dot paper, but I ran out...So when I started the blue tree above I mixed different colors of blue paper together to provide added texture. I am just that much of a genius ;)....and I will finish the polka dot tree, promise.

Fact: I am somewhat lazy. Okay, maybe I am not lazy, but I hate driving to the store. Sooo, when I ran out of styrofoam tree foams I decided to make my own. Easy, easy, and it will save you a ton of money. AND, since YOU will be covering it up, who cares what is underneath the tissue paper!

Note: I used a cup as the base because it has a curled lip and it was more sturdy then just using scrapbook paper....it also provided extra height to the tree.

I knew I wanted a variety of textures so for the green tree I cut  tissue paper in 1 1/2 inch wide strips and rolled them into rosettes. NOTE: occasionally place a dab of glue on the rosette as you roll so it stays together. Once I had finished making a few I would glue them to the ghetto, yet ingenius, tree form.

Didn't they turn out great!

And the price?

Styrofoam Tree form: $3.99

Tissue Paper: FREE

Paper cup tree forms: FREE

Time: 2.5 hours

Look: Supa' Stylin'

Hey! I'm not done!

Don't forget to check out this week's giveaway!!