December 2009

Christmas Paper Bag Album

December 18, 2009

I want to share a Christmas paper bag album that I did several years ago, but before I continue, I want to mention that I’m giving away several similar albums – details are at the bottom of this post.

This mini album holds memories of my very first Christmas in Illinois. Rinoa wasn’t even born yet.

We were looking through the album one night and Rinoa asked “Where was I?” I answered, “You weren’t born yet.” “You mean I was still in your tummy? You haven’t pooped me out yet?” “Well you weren’t even in my tummy yet.” “Was I dead?” “No. You were, uhmm, particles floating in the air.” “Huh??” (with a very confused facial expression) I know that was probably a lame answer but how was I supposed to explain? I didn’t know how to answer her question.

My mom, brother, and sister flew from the Philippines, and my aunt from California, to celebrate Christmas with us. It was a joyous reunion since I haven’t seen them in 6 months – the longest I’ve been apart from them at the time.
This is my mom with Mica. Mica was just 4 years old then.
Here’s Mica with my sister on the left and my brother on the right.
And here’s my mom and aunt with my father-in-law and mother-in-law.

If you’ve noticed, the flaps and openings of the paper bag make great pockets to hold journalling tags, tabbed pages, and other keepsakes.

{ 5 comments }

Felt Gingerbread Man

December 17, 2009

Another one of our Christmas projects this year – scrumptious gingerbread men without the baking. All you need are felt sheets that you can buy from a craft store – they’re 4 for $1 in my area, embroidery thread and needle for sewing (yes, you’ll be sewing), rice to stuff your gingerbread man with, and foam paint for decoration.

Just trace this template on the felt and cut out. You’ll need two pieces – a front side and a back side.

Then sew the two pieces together using a thick embroidery thread – we used DMC floss. Leave a small opening to fill the insides with rice before closing. This was a good way for the girls to learn needlework.

Using accessories we already had, Mica and Rinoa decorated their gingerbread men. With foam paint as icing, they painted happy smiles and curly hair.

{ 1 comment }

Holiday Baking

December 16, 2009

It’s been our tradition to bake and giveaway Chocolate Crinkles for Christmas.

This year, we made some for unsuspecting recepients, like our mailman who tirelessly brings packages to our door and Ms. Melissa from Rinoa’s Friday night Story Time at B&N.

{ 0 comments }