Still working away

I will be working on Christmas presents for the next few says. I hope they all go smoothly!

Finally Finished!

I'm done with the Bible cover I made for Laura's Mom. Their Christmas party is tomorrow so it HAD to be done. This was a doozy. I 'm not sure what would have helped. Maybe a pattern...

On to the next gift! The snow flurries are making me smile.

One down, five to go

I haven't ironed it yet, but I have another order to finish today and I wanted to share. 

It feels so great to have it done. Now on to the sewing machine!

A Christmas tree, a Christmas tree?

Hmmm...

We're trying to decide if we should have a Christmas tree this year.  The other option is a garland over the two windows in the living room with the ornaments hanging from there. The reason is because of space. We got a new dining table and the kitchen table moved into the living room and became my (long awaited) sewing/craft space. Can I spare the table to the garage before Christmas? ( I am making almost all the gifts this year )

For some reason I could not find any photos of the ornament garland idea online. I think I might like it. 

BUT. It is Jaren's 2nd Christmas and he is enjoying the trees and lights at other peoples homes. Should we have one for his sake?

I like these small trees on tables. I just don't know if I can spare the space. Oh the dilemma. 

Snowflakes blowing in

This is what we get to enjoy today. Fluffy snow is falling and actually accumulating this time! 

Fresh air walk

During a walk yesterday Jaren and I went down an alley and came across this bunch of bright moss. The textures of the moss and seed pods are so interesting together.
"We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive at where we started
And know the place for the first time."
- T. S. Eliot

 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

Enjoy some walking, fresh air does wonders.

I'm glad it's warmer Wednesday!

It has warmed up a nice 15 degrees here in western Ohio.. I'm glad since Jer and I walk to church for the Zone around 1:30.

This great article popped up on the Etsy home page and I want to share. It is about St. Nicholas and why there is a Santa Claus. Rich and I are not going to pretend about Santa with our children so I am glad to have this story about where the real man came from to share with them.  

Saint Nicholas: The Story Behind the Myth

Story by swanmountainsoaps
Published on December 2, 2008 in This Handmade Life 

Yes, Virginia – there really is a Santa Claus.

However, he’s not what you might think: you won’t find him hanging out at North Pole sweatshops, sipping triple-fudge espressos and cracking the whip on overworked persons of diminutive size. And contrary to what advertising says, he’s not the sweaty fat guy at the mall in the red velour suit handing out candy canes, either.

Many people do not know that the real Santa Claus was neither a storybook creation nor a marketing ploy. He was a real man. And while he didn’t have a reindeer-powered sleigh or slide down chimneys, he did become famous, in part, for his gift-giving.

St. Nicholas was born in Lycia (modern-day Turkey) in the fourth century AD, and was known for his kindness and charity. The most famous story of his generosity was about a rich man who had three daughters. The man fell suddenly into poverty and decided he had no choice but to sell his daughters into prostitution. St. Nicholas heard about it, and on three nights as everyone slept, he slipped past the man’s window and tossed in a bag of gold.

Eventually, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children. In Northern Europe his name was changed to Santa Claus, but he’s also known as Jolly Old Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Papai Noel, Sinterklaas and even Dun Che Lao Ren.

The real St. Nicholas was not fat or silly, but thin and sober. He was, however, the kindest of men. In the Orthodox Christian and Roman Catholic traditions, saints are usually honored on the day they die. In many parts of the world, Saint Nicholas delivers gifts on the eve of his Feast Day, December 6, and Christmas is reserved for the religious observance of Christ's birth, or the Nativity.

Orthodox Christian children around the world leave their shoes by the fireplace or in the church hall while they attend a service in St. Nicholas’ honor. Somehow, when they come back for their shoes, they find them stuffed with oranges, chocolate coins, nuts and small gifts.

These days, even as many parents line up at Walmart bright and early on the day after Thanksgiving to get the best deal on the latest cool toys, we often bemoan the fact that Christmas seems to have become all about the presents. This year, on December 6th, why not take a moment to tell your kids the story of the REAL Santa Claus, and why giving can be so much better than receiving.

Then tell them to check their shoes.

* For more information on the life of St. Nicholas, check out the Saint Nicholas Center.