It’s been just NUTS around here!  I can barely catch my breath, and I’ve decided this has to be the busiest week of the year.  I love it!  I love the food, the fellowship, the friends, and the lack of sleep, but I think it’s catching up with me.  I keep telling myself, “If I can just get through this week…”  Then I remember that next week is Brad’s birthday and Christmas, and the next week is New Year’s celebrations, Preston’s birthday, AnnaLeigh’s birthday, and AnnaLeigh’s party, and soon after that I’LL HAVE A NEW BABY!!!

AGHHHHHHHH!!!

I’m guessing my life will just have to slow down after the baby is born.

HA!

No rest for the weary.

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Well, here are a few things we’ve been doing lately.

Lilly Katherine had a Mini Dance Show (just for parents).  I love watching her.  She just smiles the whole time, and she really does a great job.  She loves to dance, and I love that she loves to dance!  :)

We had a surprise baby shower for Meredith and her twin boys at a random little restaurant that Mere loves.

This pic is very blurry, but it’s the only one I was able to get of Meredith as she walked in…totally surprised! :)

Ok, so this is the worst pic of my pregnant FACE in the whole wide world, but I wanted to have another belly pic of the 4 of us before our babies start entering into the world.  It will be so soon!

Lilly Katherine, AnnaLeigh, Caleb, and Truett rang the Salvation Army bell with Mimi.

LK and I have made several wreaths for our house and a few other houses :)

The kids helped make blankets for grandmothers and other children.  It’s so easy and wonderful for them to see a project from start to finish…and then get to deliver them.

Here are a few easy steps on How to a make Fleece Blanket.

Lay 2 pieces of fleece on the ground.  About 1 1/2 yards in length.  It’s fun to choose 2 different, but coordinating patterns.

Cut strips all the way around the blanket that are about an inch wide and 3-4 inches long.

Cut the corners off.

Then just pick up one pair of strips at a time (the top and bottom fabric) and double knot each little pair of strips.  Tie them tightly, but not too tight.  That’s IT!

The sassy little thing right there dressed herself and she was more interested in applying lip gloss than knotting fleece…which worked out fine for us.  Her “help” made this project a little more of a challenge.  Preston and Lilly Katherine did a super job and didn’t need assistance (except with cutting the strips.)

When you have knotted the blanket, the edges may appear bunched like Lilly Katherine’s blanket does below.  Grab the corners and gently pull them to stretch the side out.  Perfect!

This is such an easy project in which your kids can really take ownership and be proud to give as Christmas gifts.  Plus, these blankets are warm, cozy, and so soft!

Unfortunately I didn’t take a pic of the final product, but here’s a blanket P made to give.

We have had so many fun parties and I wish I had pics of them all.  If I can get it together, I plan on posting another easy, cheap gift idea for the little girls on your list as soon as I possibly can.

Happy FRIDAY!!!

-kate

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