Christmas in Disney World

The family and I headed to Disney World right before Christmas for our (almost) annual trip. We've found that going in late November or early December is the perfect time to make the trip. It's less crowded, and you get to see all of the Christmas decorations. Our all-time favorite seasonal experience is the Osborne Family Lights in Hollywood Studios. It is a massive Christmas light display that originated with a family in Arkansas. Seriously friends, it is a must see if you go at Christmas time. We headed there on our very first day at the parks.

 

Christmas 2012

Once again, we had a whirlwind trip of seeing all three sides of our family over the week of Christmas. From Dayton, OH to Georgetown, IN, then over to Yorkville. We learned from our exhaustion last year and spread out the trip a little bit so that we could really enjoy each of our stops. Boy, we have great family. Lots of food, presents, and fellowship together. It really is my favorite time of the year. 

Snowed In

The husband and I are snowed in for the day and loving it. We've had quite a whirlwind week of traveling for Christmas and finally made it home, through a blizzard and all. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some blogs to catch up on and some Netflix to watch. Ah, Christmas break!

Mason Jar Snow Globes

Ever since our wedding, I have been mildly obsessed with mason jars. I have accumulated quite a few, and wanted to use them in some way this Christmas. So, I made little snow globes!
 I bought miniature trees (usually used in the Christmas villages my mom likes) from Jo-Ann fabrics, along with some fake snow. I put some of the fake snow into the bottom of the jar. Then, I taped the trees to the lids of the jars and screwed them on. At this point, the tree is upside down in the jar. Turn the jar over so that it is now sitting on its lid. All done! Your very own snow globes. These would also be cute if you added little woodland creatures, or maybe a Santa. Now, if only we could get some real snow in our neck of the woods!

DIY Sharpie Mugs

After seeing this DIY on A Beautiful Mess, I knew I had to try it. It's much easier than it looks, which is a big bonus. I bought a ceramic mug at the dollar store, wrote on it with a sharpie, and baked at 350 degrees for a half hour. Done!

Husband got into the action as well when he found a mustache stencil he could use. We had a lot of fun working on these! It would be a good friends-night-in craft.

One thing though... I did have a little of the sharpie come off after I washed it a few time, so be gentle. No dishwasher for this one.

My Music Friends

Jake and I visited with both our friends from Mike Mains and the Branches and Jeremy Spring from Abandon Kansas this week when they came to town. I just love this music community that we have become a part of. We have met the most inspiring people through it, not to mention people we consider friends. Pretty lucky we have gotten to know them!

Indy Winter Farmer's Market

We had the best time this past Saturday at the Indy Winter Farmer's Market. I'm a little embarrassed that we didn't really think about going to this before. It is right up our alley. Lots of greens, artisan breads, local honey and coffee, tea and chocolates. I even bought turkey feathers. Don't ask me why, but I want to use them to decorate our house somehow. We just really enjoyed strolling around City Market and downtown without a time crunch. We even ran into one of my good friends from high school while looking around! Such a great Saturday spending quality time with the husband. I really treasure days like this.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

We celebrated Mom's birthday last night with a trip to Cracker Barrel with Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Larry. Have you ever been there during their friends and family deal day? 40% off merchandise, and everyone knows it. It was so crowded that a police officer came in to the restaurant threatening to tow cars that were parked on the side of the road. It provided quite a bit of entertainment for the evening! We do birthdays right in our family. :P

My mom...she is another breed. I have never met anyone as self-sacrificing and joyful as her. She is my number one role model. I hope I can one day get somewhere close to the servant she is to the people around her. So blessed to have her as my mom.

So, happy birthday, Mommy-O! Love you!

Bits and Pieces

   

Brothers at Thanksgiving/ Black Friday planning

New mustache ornament/ Tree decorating

Black Friday shopping with sister/ Letting Love Thanksgiving

It's finally here!

It is finally the Christmas season! I look forward to decorating for Christmas just as much as the big day itself. So many great memories were made growing up...getting the boxes out of the attic, picking out a tree, watching dad break out from being allergic to pine needles, and then listening to Christmas music while putting up the Dickens' Villages on top of the kitchen cabinets.

Jake and I are making new traditions in our own home now. Hopefully those don't include the pine needle allergy. :)