Teachers Flash Mob at my kids' school!

I had to share this awesome video of the teachers at my kids' school.  The kids had a sing along today and just look what happened!  (the elf is the school principal!)



Happy Holidays...I hope you all enjoy your families and good friends this season!

Felt Holiday Bulbs...sewing with my 5 year old!

There are few things I love more than creating with my kids.  Last week, Maeve and I did some hand sewing in preparation for the holidays.  We made light bulbs that we'll string up on the front door (as soon as mom makes a few more). 

Please know that a hand-sewing expert, I am not. I am more like a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of hand sewer.  :)

It's so simple to do!  I free-hand drew the shape of a bulb for a pattern, then cut the felt pieces.  Stitched almost all the way around (leave about an inch or so), cut up an old lumpy pillow to use the for stuffing, then sewed on the "screw part" of the bulb (use a rectangle, fold it over into the square shape to save yourself a bit of sewing on one edge!).  Then I stitched across the "screw part" to make it look more like an actual light bulb.  Simple. 

I had so much fun with Maeve on this little project!  She said she *loves* making things with Mom.  Melt. My. Heart.  

 

Hello, Christmas Jammies!

Last year, I sewed up some flannel jammie pants for my kids and the cousins on the hubby's side of the family. It was a bit of an after-thought I am a horrible procrastinator, so I was rushing at the last minute to get them all done.  I think I made them all a bit long (eek.)

The cousins in front of the tree at Grandma's house.  Which kids are mine?  Can you tell?

I am planning to do the same this year, but went with cotton instead of flannel.  When I pre-washed the flannel, it pilled up quite a bit and didn't look that great (it was cheap-y flannel).  Hopefully I'll get better results with the cotton...stay tuned, I'll let you know.  And maybe a tutorial?  

A tip:  if you're making these for younger kids, buy some cord locks for the drawstrings, if they cannot tie the strings themselves.

A cord lock.  I bought mine at Jo-Ann's (with a coupon, of course).

I think I'll do elastic with the cotton pants.  Thoughts or tips on that?   

Had to share a funny holiday pic (it's almost that time of year, right?).  This is my husband and my father-in-law, Randall.  The elf and Santa shirts are from Target last year.  This was not planned.  We arrived at their house and this is what Randall was wearing!  Like father, like son?!

This is Randall's debut on my blog.  I could not ask for a better father-in-law.