How I sewed boys shorts without a pattern

I made my first clothing item for my son today! I made him a pair of shorts. I bought some flannel to line the inside of my rice hot/cold packs and my son wanted shorts made out of it. I have always wanted to learn how to make clothes. I love the idea of custom clothing. I don't know how to read a pattern, yet, so I took a pair of his pajama pants and studied them. Then I cut some fabric and sewed it together.  When it was almost done, I put the shorts on him to see how long/short I wanted them. I hemmed them and then added an elastic waste, which was easier than I though it would be. The whole project took me about an hour. I think they turned out cute and my son loves them, which is the most important thing! He wore them the rest of the day!

First Christmas as a Family of 4!

This was our first Christmas as a family of 4. Princess's 1st Christmas was very nice and Blue Rock loved having someone else to play with. It was almost like they got double the toys because they were both interested in what each other got as well as what they got. It was so cute and fun to watch!

One of my good friends came over for breakfast Christmas Eve. My hard working husband worked half a day and then as a family we went out to lunch. Christmas Day we spent with my family. Overall we had a wonderful time! I feel like I was the most blessed this year. I have two beautiful children and one on the way. I also got a sewing machine and a serger. There will be lots of fun projects in my future!

This was our first Christmas without my father-in-law being on this earth. That was tough. I really wish my mom-in-love lived in our city or was closer but I am so glad she lives close to one of her sons. 

I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas and has a blessed New Year!

Christmas Traditions with Kids

We are really trying to make Jesus the reason for the season of Christmas. Here are some of the things we're going to be doing as a family at home.

25 days of Christmas stories. We've done this the past few years. I wrap 25 Christmas books and everyday my child (now children) get to open a book to read. On December 25th, we read the story of Christ's birth.

We started celebrating Sankt Nikolaus' Day when we lived in Germany. We're adding a little different twist to it now that we're back in America. On December 6th, our children will find their stockings full of Christmas cheer rather than their boots.

We're going to be going through The Jesus Storybook Bible advent-style with our church. Everyday we read a passage from the Bible that leads up to Jesus' birth.

I'm going to read and go through The Donkey in the Living Room, starting December 15th. That's when the kids will find a different piece of the nativity scene in a special place. We'll read about the person and why they are part of Christ's birth.

We'll be doing lots of fun crafts. Today Caden and I made a Christmas countdown chain. We'll be counting down in lots of ways, including with the chocolate advent calendar. 

Have a Polar Express night. Our church has a movie night every year featuring the Polar Express. Since we unfortunately will not be able to make it, we'll watch it at home as a family movie night with Caden after Gracie goes to sleep. Then another night we'll surprise our kids with tickets to go see Christmas lights. I even bought little bells to give them. Originally, I was planning on us riding the train to the north pole but decided to wait until Gracie was a little older.

Lastly, we have added a cute little Elf to our Christmas traditions. He will help guide our children in the Christmas spirit. Everyday he'll be up to something and have with him our daily Bible passages to read. To start with, he left a note for the kids asking for a name and telling them about himself. He's hiding in our Christmas tree. Do you see him?

What are your Christmas traditions?

Texas German Christmas Market

Yesterday we took Princess to her first German Christmas market. When we lived in Germany we used to visit as many different ones as we could. They were always so much fun! The one near us is neat but not nearly as neat as the ones in Germany. In Germany they would have rides for the kids, delicious foods at very reasonable prices, and beautiful booths of things to buy. One of the booths at this Christmas market was Costco. I mean really? Costco was advertising at a German Christmas market? Germany ran Walmart out of their country so I know something like Costco would not survive either. Although I love Costco and am glad to be a member, I just thought it was interesting that they were advertising at the German Christmas market.

Last year we had our pictures taken with Santa at this market, so we decided to do the same this year. It was extra special because we now have two cute kids to see Santa. Princess was NOT impressed at all. Blue Rock was fine and told him he wanted a candy cane that lights up and makes sounds when you push a button. After thinking about it a while, I think he is referring to a candy cane we saw at Hobby Lobby. He was happy that Santa gave him a candy cane to eat. I love how his wishes are simple and pure.

Here are some pictures of us with Santa and at the Texas German Christmas market.

Princess is walking!

How is it possible my baby is walking?! Yesterday she walked half-way across our living room. Our little 10 month old baby is growing up too fast. She was so proud of herself. After we sat and admired her a little, I decided I should video her. I got her walking a little on my camera phone. I love you, baby girl!