It's Christmas time!

a time of "sweet" celebration...

shared with many "sweet" friends...

filled with lots of "sweet" treats...

and extra *special*  "sweet" surprises...

"sweet" memories made...

"sweet" moments shared...

all mixed together in the "sweetness" of the season...

and topped with the "sweetest" gift of all...

sent from above with love, 

a tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes...

and laid in a manger,

Jesus!

"For unto you is born this day...

a Saviour."

Luke 2:11

Wishing you a "sweet" Christmas filled with great joy and many Blessings!

Love,

Jill

"a pocket full of notes"

one of the little gifts created this year...

simple felt pockets,

stitched up the sides using embroidery floss,

a pretty covered button sewn on,

and a slit cut in the top flap for the button...

little notepads were then created...

I chose to cute the 81/2 X 11 paper into eighths,

then gluing together with a cardboard back...

making a perfect "pocket size" notepad,

then tucked into their felt pockets...

with a Christmas greeting...

and given to some of our sweet friends (and precious teachers)!

"a pocket full of notes"-

a perfect little notepad to tuck inside a purse-or a pocket!

Happy Monday!

Many Blessings!

Jill

"A Moving Story" Chapter 6: It's Beginning to Look Alot Like...

a real house!

one that will soon become a "home"...

the trim is being added...one of my favorite parts!

I just love window sills! don't you?- the perfect little spot for a posy or two...

the doors are going up...

outside is beginning to take shape as well...

I can hardly wait to enjoy a fire on the back porch,

 maybe even roast a few marshmallows-

I love the ones that get burned on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside! yum!

part of the driveway and sidewalks have been poured...

and I almost forgot!- the animal's house...

it's coming right along too...

Princess #1 & #2 are beyond excited to have their horses "just out the backdoor"!

and I think we will all enjoy our new "homes"...

maybe in January?

Hoping your weekend is simply wonderful!

Many Blessings!

Jill

an *UNexpected* break...

*quite literally!*

littlest Princess #2 was in a frightening accident with her horse a few weeks ago...

while she has been on-the-mend,

she has been working on her little Christmas gifts...

and in-between Doctor's appointments, basketball practices and games,

football workouts, a-million-and-one-home building decisions, birthday parties,

celebrating Thanksgiving, out-of-town company visiting, Christmas shopping,

cleaning up after septic tank back-ups in the house we are renting TWICE!,

desperately trying to catch-up and respond to all the *overwhelmingly* kind emails I have received-

so sorry if yours is one I have not yet reached! - I promise I'll be there soon!

AND replacing the dead battery in my car-( which died at football pick-up),

I have also been working on a few Christmas gifts!

(which I hope to share soon)

but mostly I have been counting my Blessings that with His mercy and grace

I am able to celebrate the wonder of this glorious season...

the birth of our Saviour!...

even with broken things and exhausting schedules!

Many Blessings!

Jill

So true...

and what a lovely little thought to ponder

throughout this Holiday season!

Happy Monday!

Many Blessings!

Jill

p.s. I'm linking to my sweet friend Heather's "Life Made Lovely Monday"

simply celebrated...

a handmade birthday...

for our littlest Princess #2...

her special outfit created for the big day...

the shirt made by mommy (me)...

the skirt by one of our very favorite shops...

lots and lots of bitty buntings created...

the cake bunting boasting a tiny flag to celebrate each year...

placed atop a homemade birthday cake-

complete with a few "finger swipes" through the icing...

(she didn't think I noticed!)

and bitty buntings topping cupcakes to share with sweet friends at school... 

and of course a *few* little presents too!

just a simple celebration...

filled with lots of love for our littlest Princess!

"It is the accumulation of the little details, the small things, that

cumulatively make a big difference in our life."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!

Jill

Well, Hello Dolly!

Little Princess #2's "thoughtful gift" I created for her birthday...

a little dolly...

(and my very first attempt at doll making-don't look too closely!)

with brown eyes just like hers...

a pretty posy in her hair...

a lovely pink dress gathered with a tiny bow...

and of course, a hug and kiss stitched in...

(cause she was made with lots and lots of love!)

she spent her first night tucked gently beside little Princess #2...

grasped in her little hand,

and proudly given the name-

"Olivia"

Oh, how my heart just melted!

I do believe the "thoughtful gifts" are my very favorite!

Have a happy day!

Many Blessings!

Jill

just a thought...

"Thankfulness...

the soil where joy grows."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!

Jill

In the bag!

my book bag...

because 99.9% of my current "season" of life is spent on-the-go!

(with a lot of waiting in between the "going")

and a good book always makes for good company...

currently in my bag you'll find-

for the home...

(really love that couch!)

for the upcoming holidays...

for creative inspiration...

and for the soul...

(a very appropriate title for this "season" of life!

an insightful read, filled with wonderful wisdom and encouragement!)

As for the bag...

I simply purchased a pre-made tote (found at Jo-Anne's Fabric Store),

and embellished with a removable raw silk flower pin I created...

so now I can just grab my bag of books and go (and wait)!

Are there any other books you might recommend to fill my bag?

I'd love to know some of your current favorites!

Have a wonderful day!

Many Blessings!

Jill