Christmas and New Year's Celebrations

This past Christmas, I decided to make several things to save money and utilize my creativity. Pinterest was such an inspiration. My mom collects blue Ball mason jars around the top of her kitchen cabinets. So, I decided to make her a mason jar soap dispenser. It was super easy and turned out great. Here's a picture of the final product with my mother.
 

Isn't she cute?!?

I also made my mom and sister-in-law, Jessica, framed scrapbook paper with various stamps, crayon art, and simple balloon art paintings. I neglected to take pictures of all of them; however, here is a picture of the balloon art painting I made for Jessica. I plan to post pictures of the other art at a later date.

I also made my dad and brother, Nathan, quote puzzles out of wooden cubes from Hobby Lobby. It was fun and challenging for everyone. I wrote the quotes on Nathan's puzzle first and realize now that his was quite a bit easier since I color coded the quotes. I used a black sharpie for my dad's puzzle. Here are some pictures of them.

I also made my dad garden labels out of corks and wooden sticks that I didn't take a picture of either. I really had a great time making gifts for my family. We were able to save some money, and I was able to actually create some things I found on Pinterest!


Here are some other Christmas pictures.

My parents' quirky tree.

Winston enjoying his huge Christmas bone.

Zac looking extremely tired and excited about socks :)

Mom opening the gift I made out of scrapbook paper, a stamp of a bird, and a dollar frame spray painted brown.

Bored Coffee

Winston loving on Zac.

Amazing homemade cinnamon rolls Christmas Eve morning.

Bird ornament for mom.

Pretty Momo ready to open presents.

Handsome Pawpaw ready to open presents.

Missy Lou cooking away in the kitchen!

Granny excited (or nervous) about getting her picture taken.

Nathan and Jessica's dog, Arjuna.

Bubbsy.... Winston

Silly Jes

Below are some pictures that are not from Christmas, but I thought were worthy to include.

Mocha and Winston chewing on bones side by side.

Winston cuddling with Zac... he looks huge here!

Tired sisters!!

Hope you all had a happy and safe New Year's Eve and day! Zac and I stayed at home and invited Hilda to come up to spend the holiday with us. We didn't do much. Saturday afternoon we went to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo movie. I loved the books and the American version of the film follows the book almost to a T. It was seriously a great movie. I will say that there are several graphic scenes that are hard to watch but depict what you would expect based on the novel. After that, we went and ate at Jerry Neel's BBQ. Zac and I had never eaten there... so, it was nice going someplace different. That night Zac rented Kung Fu Panda II.... we are an exciting bunch, huh?! :) It was fun. Overall, the night was relaxing with a little sparkling wine and just what the three of us needed after such a busy Christmas the previous weekend.


Much love,
Emily Wesley