Crafting, knitting, & decorating...

With the holiday season upon us, there is so much to be done!

Thankfully, I am finished with almost ALL of my Christmas shopping,

including gifts for teachers, milk man, garbage men,

and my family and friends!

The Christmas cards are another story...

every year, I dress Liam and Leighton in their Christmas outfits

and take their photos myself.

My strong willed, lovely, little two year old had other ideas.

So...I ended up snapping a few photos in the playroom of the two of them playing together, compiled with a couple of other photos from earlier this year, and there you go...the Brooks Family Christmas cards.

Next year, I'll try and make it more special!

Note to self: START EARLIER!!

After seeing so many cute "countdown to Christmas" calendars,

I decided to construct one myself.

It turned out pretty cute,

and the kids love to their "treats" every morning.

I used little wedding gift boxes from Michael's,

hot glued magnets on the back,

and decorated the front.

I made this for about $20...

I started knitting again and have been completely addicted.

I am considering taking a few classes at a cute little shop, Stash, in downtown Castle Rock.

I need to know more stitches and tricks of the trade.

I taught myself from a book called, Stitch & Bitch.

Finally, I will be done with my blanket in about 2 days...

and will give it to my Mom when she comes for a visit on Wednesday!

My little Picasso, Liam wanted to decorate gingerbread men yesterday morning.

At 7:45am no less!

Here is the finished project of our decorating adventure...

Lei Lei and I worked on this one together...she was getting a little frustrated with the frosting.

Liam so proud of his work, he would have liked to decorate 20 cookies!

Liam's masterpiece

We even rolled out the fondant.  First time using it...I may be addicted!

And last but not least,

Christopher Popinkins has been up to his shenanigans again.

This time, he was messing up the bathroom...

Still so much fun for all of us!

Here is a picture of the Brooks residence all ready for Santa's visit.

I don't think he will miss our house with those spot lights shining so brightly!

Happy Holiday Season!

xoxo