Happy {New} Year

Just wanted to say Happy New Year! Sorry for the neglected blog. We are currently enjoying our newest addition - Baby Brother. :) Will get back into the swing of things come 2012! I have big plans for instagram pictures from 2011. Just got to get stuff printed. Does anyone else have this challenge? I can't ever get pictures printed to go into my projects. Wish me luck with this in 2012 :)

Christmas Card 2011

I decided to make my own cards this year. It actually wasn't too bad as I've realized how easy PSE has become for me! Hooray. I never thought I would feel that way.

Anyways, I had big plans to make a front and back side for my cards, but I wanted to simplify. It just had to happen this year with baby due on the 23rd. I also had big plans for a cute letter too, but SIMPLIFY! So I just went with the front. However, since I created the back of the card, I figured I would share it with you, my crafty friends.

I got the Joy paper pack from Photo Card Boutique. I was also feeling inspired by their templates - Collins and Taylor

I also got my cards printed at Persnickety Prints on Pearl paper. They turned out great! Loved them.

Rhonna Designs: Chevron Love

I bought this kit (Chevron Tool Kit) from Rhonna Designs. I decided to try it out making my own Christmas tags. I thought they turned out pretty cute. I did also use some stuff from  the Christmas Art Brush kit, Christmas Junque Borders, Christmas Junque brush kit, House of 3 - Christmas Borders and Banners. The tag templates came from That Girl Designs.

I thought they turned out pretty cute. I printed them on ink jet sticker paper so I could just stick them to packages rather than trying to try them to the packages.

Craftaholics Gift Exchange: What I Made

What I Gave

Valerie over at Occasionally Crafty was kind enough to take pictures (since I had a pregnancy brain moment and forgot) of what I sent to her! Enjoy

Craftaholics Gift Exchange Winter 2011

I decided to join up with this gift exchange again. I got a really cute clutch last year. I exchanged with a cute blogger Valerie. I just got her package today! So cute. Love what she sent me - a Christmas planner, a NOEL sign, and cute washcloths for Baby Brother. 

I sent her a canvas "Let it snow" and some cute Christmas stuff. She hasn't gotten that stuff yet, so I'll hold off posting pictures of this until she gets it.

A {grateful} month: Day 14

Nov 21 - (Wow am I ever not being consistent.)

Today I'm grateful for my bed. Seems simple enough. I haven't been sleeping very well lately because Baby Brother is residing up in my right rib cage at the moment. However, once I find a good sleeping position, I'm usually out for the next 6 hours. I would like to thank my bed for this blessing. Plus, E always comes to snuggle us in the morning and I'm glad we can all fit perfectly.

A {grateful} month: Day 13

Nov 17 - Today was a frustrating day. I was finding it hard to think of something I was grateful for. Needless to say, I was feeling kind of crappy.

I had the chance to go hear the US Army Orchestra play and Brunker Hall over at Fort Myer. There is a lady in our church that plays for this orchestra and in fact, she had a solo. It's amazing how some classical music can be soothing to the soul. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy just listening to classical music and enjoying the talents of others. Made me miss playing the violin though. So today I'm grateful for good music and the talents of others.