December Daily 15

Today I finally knocked a few things off my to do list. I spent almost the whole day shopping, my hopes of missing crowds & lines by going on Wednesday were crushed. I was thrilled to discover that our Michaels offers a military discount on Wednesdays including sale items, oh Happy Day! I am scared to think of what this weekend is going to be like! There also seemed to be an abnormal amount of screaming children out & about today. It made me oh so happy that mine were all in school & I remembered when one of mine had the nickname Early warning device. One of the grandparents used to joke that she couldn't ever lose us in a store, because she could just follow the shrieking. Thankfully she outgrew that little bit of joy.

Supplies used:

Christmas Treasures kit from dynes digital designs

Number from Katie Pertiets Simple Classic Christmas kit designer digitals

Journaling reads:

Today was all about catching up and getting ready for next week. Friday is the last day of school, so teacher gifts need to be completed. Shopping needs to be finished. After today's busyness my to do list is now smaller. I got most of the shopping done. Christmas cards picked up from Costco. The girls helped me make their teacher gifts with lots of extras left over for friends and family.

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December Daily 14

Today I finally let the girls wrap the presents they bought for us at the Santa shop last week. They have both been very excited to put their gifts under the tree. Marissa even asked for a box to put one of her gifts in. I gave them the camera & asked them to take pictures of each other. Apparently Marissa was to busy to take pictures of Maddie. I think she was trying to help her wrap her presents instead of letting her do it herself. They had Christmas music playing & were so proud to bring them down & put them under the tree.
Now if I could just get them to clean their room. Maybe our elf Fisbee needs to visit upstairs.

Supplies used:

Sleigh Ride paper pack from Echo Park Jessica Sprague

Christmas Treasures elements from Elaine Anjos TM digital design products

Merry & Bright flair by Crystal Wilkerson

Number from Katie Pertiets Simple Classic Christmas kit Designer Digitals

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December 13 & Happiness

Having our tree up & decorated is pure happiness for me. I love everything about it. Our random collection of ornaments that bring back memories of Christmas past, especially the ones the kids have made. The smell. The glow of twinkly lights. I love Christmas time.

Here are my December Daily pages.

Journaling reads: After visiting Santa we decided to check out the trees at Lowes. They had a nice selection for reasonable prices. Plus it was quick & easy. Matthew found the tree we ended up with. Using our military discount we got a 7ft Douglas Fir for less than $25.

Journaling reads: Our plan was to decorate the tree after dinner. Right as we were sitting down to eat our neighbors brought over some Christmas cookies. They were the perfect dessert to eat while we decorated. We listened to Christmas music & reminisced about some of our special ornaments. Marissa was especially into finding "her" ornaments. Matthew stuck around long enough to hang just a few ornaments.

Supplies used:

The Greatest Gift Kit by Trish H  trish designs

#13 by Katie Pertiet Simple Classic Christmas kit  designer digitals

Journal tag from In the Making  in the making design

Linking up with Ali Edwards

December Daily 12

Today was one of those days where I had a really hard time picking the photos. We went to see Santa, picked out our tree & put it up. Here I was thinking today would be a relaxing day ~ ha!
In the end I decided to save the tree photos & just do 2 pages for tomorrow since we will be decorating the tree then.

Supplies used: Simly Kelly Designs Santa Bling Kit simply kelly designs

#12 Katie Pertiet Simple Classic Christmas kit designer digitals

Journaling reads:

Every year we go to the log cabin museum to see Santa. Usually all 3 kids dress up, this year matthew was having no part in it though. He even said he wasn't going to smile for any of the photos. Thankfully he changed his mind even if he didn't change his clothes. Marissa asked for a CSI junior investigator kit. Maddie asked for a telescope & a video Barbie. Matthew asked for driving lessons.

Keep up with other December Daily pages Ali Edwards

December Daily 11

Here is today's page:

Supplies used: Merry & Bright kit from september blue
#11 from Katie Pertiet's Simple Classic Christmas http://www.designerdigitals.com/

Journaling reads:
We had another busy Saturday. We were at Lowes at 10 to build the second part of our train.
We helped out with a friend’s baby shower in the afternoon. Then we had friends over for pizza and watched The Polar Express. The highlight of the girls day was when the fire department escorted Santa through our neighborhood. Even though it was pouring rain, the girls were so excited to say hello & get a candy cane. This is always a fun surprise!

For everything you need to know about starting your own December Daily pages visit Ali Edwards

December Daily 10

Today was one of those days when it felt like the sun & the moon alined & everything just fit. Our church gingerbread party was tonight but I was torn because Marissa was invited to a Christmas party by one of her school friends. I really struggled with keeping her with me or letting her go to the other party. In the end, I decided to let her go to her friends because she does not get to do that often.
So while Maddie & I went to the gingerbread party, the boys would be left on their own, since I knew bringing them along would just be asking for trouble from both of them. Matt decided they should go to a movie which was a fabulous idea.
Sometimes I forget how easy it is when I just have 1 kid to play with & have fun. There was no fighting, no choosing who to watch, it was just us.
Maddie ate a ton of cookies & candy & was on a complete sugar high for most of the evening. Usually this would drive me bonkers, especially because it is multiplied by 3. Tonight it was just part of the fun.

Supplies used: Sugarplum Kit by Connie Prince scrapin fusions
Journaling block from Homespun Holiday kit two peas in a bucket
#10 from Katie Pertiet's Simple Classic Christmas designer digitals

Linking up again with Ali Edwards December Daily

December Daily 8 & 9

Here are my next two pages for this month. I have really been working on trying to keep it simple, just a quick overview of the days events. Somedays we do so much it's hard to keep it short & simple.

Yesterday we joined our friends in celebrating the last night of Hanukkah & her husband's 40th birthday. He is gone for Navy duty right now so I made a "flat daddy" to fill in for him. My Twilight Edward is a little taller & paler but he worked out just fine. Edward is turning out to be very adventurous. He has attended 5 parties now including a baby shower (one of my friends is obessed!), the hospital to meet a new baby and now he is going to pretend to be a daddy for a few months.

Supplies used: Silent Night collaboration kit digital scrapbook pages

Katie Pertiet Simple Classic Christmas kit http://www.designerdigitals.com/

Journal box from digilicious

Tonight was Marissa's winter concert. She has been looking forward to this for quite some time. 4th graders are the only ones that get to play recorders during some of the songs. It's a big deal for some of these kiddos.

Supplies used: Katie Pertiet Falala paper, Simple Classic Christmas kit, Defining Christmas

designer digitals

Journal block from Homespun Holiday kit two peas in a bucket

Don't forget to visit Ali Edwards to see her fabulous pages & to learn more about capturing your December, one page at a time.

December daily 7

Today's page is about our little elf Fisbee. He is much better at finding hiding spots to watch the kids this year. Usually each morning I get a report on where he has been found. Today was the first day that the girls had a really hard time finding him.

Supplies used

Simple Classic Christmas number by Katie Pertiet from Designer Digitals

Christmas Treasures Santa Bling kit by simply Kelly from Simply Kelly Designs 

Christmas Love journaling block from Flower scraps

Journaling reads:

Fisbee has once again come to visit us & watch to see who is being naughty or nice.

Every morning the girls are so excited to see where he has moved to. Usually they find him quickly.

This year he seems to be better at finding hiding spots. Sitting next to the Wii games he took

awhile to be found. The best yet was today, among the wine bottles in the kitchen.

They didn't find him until almost bedtime!

Don't forget to check out Ali Edwards to see more December daily pages & photos.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

December Daily 6 & Happiness

First I just have to ask... please don't judge my decor. I am not such a Twilight nerd that I decorated with the poster. I threw a Twilight party & decided that having something up there looked better than nothing. I have a fabulous window frame just waiting for my attention that is going to go up there. It's just sitting waiting for it's number to come up.

So anyways here are my happiness photos for this week. We had just finished watching Fantastic Mr. Fox for the first time and the kids were supposed to be going to get ready for bed. Instead they were all wound up & Matthew wanted to show us how he could jump in the air, sit criss cross & then land.
Um, okee dokey.

Well he really can! Not only that, but he wanted his picture while floating in the air. The girls never miss an opportunity to try to keep up with their brother & getting their picture taken was a bonus. I was laughing so hard, I'm not sure how I got these photos!

I love these kids, they are so much fun!

Maddie has been wanting to have a wedding for her cats since she got Mr. Tiger Lilly last month for her birthday. I plan on documenting the story behind it all, but realized this isn't the place for it. I am trying to keep it simple so I can get it done.

So here is today's December Daily page

Supplies used: Christmas Magic kit from Design by Ginger from shabby pickle designs

Simple Classic Christmas by Katie Pertiet from Designer Digitals

Journaling reads:

The girls were so excited to celebrate the Tiger Lilly

wedding. They decorated their tree & selected the guests.

Daddy spoke for Spots who was the official marrying

the two cats. A cupcake reception immediately followed.

See how more people are capturing their daily December memories at ali edwards

December Daily 5

Supplies used: Echo Park papers & elements from Jessica Sprague
Journaling tag from cottage photo lady
Number stamp from Katie Pertiet at Designer Digitals

Also I just discovered that the kit that contained the tag from Cottage Photo Lady is still available for free & even better she is participating in another blog hop & has a new super cute kit for free now too!

Today we actually all spent the day learning at a Navy Reserve Family Readiness event. The kids had a gym full of fun activities & crafts while Matt & I learned more about services that are available to us. Most of it would have been really nice to know about when he was recalled 9 years ago, but there was still some good stuff that we can use now. Plus, I will take any opportunity to hang out with my hubby in uniform!
The girls even got to talk to Santa & they both received a backpack filled with fun little goodies.

We spent all day at the event, so by the time we got home we were all a little tired. After dinner & a bath we quickly put up the girls tree so it will be all ready to decorate tomorrow.

Do you decorate your kids rooms for the holidays?

December Daily #4

Supplies used: Echo Park Tag & papers from Jessica Sprague

Tis the Season & lights from simply j studio

Today was one of those busy busy days we have so often in December. In addition it seems like our town's Festival of Lights usually falls on Matt's reserve weekends, so it makes it a little more interesting. Tonight we barely made it to the tree lighting. I also tried to take the girls to see the "beef & cheese" Santa at Wal Mart, but we missed him by 10 minutes or so. Marissa was quite amused & confused by what a "beef & cheese" Santa was, as I am sure most might be. It's one of those funky Santa's that is sporting a fake beard & pillow under his suit guys, like on Elf. I might have to try to find another one now, although the girls might start quoting Elf at him. For our real Santa photo we have a local museum that has an awesome authentic looking Santa that we visit every year. That will be next weekend.
I am loving Lowe's kids craft this month. They have 3 train parts, caboose, passenger & engine. Today the girls made the caboose.
I was impressed with the library craft today. I was expecting paper stockings & was pleasantly surprised by felt ones. The girls talked about who to make the stockings for. Maddie's is for her adored Tiger Lilly & her new husband Mr. Tiger Lilly. Marissa is leaning towards giving her's to the dog.
The girls were so excited to see the tree light up. After the lights come on Santa rides a fire truck through town. The girls both started chanting for Santa as soon as they saw him.
We ended our evening by walking around the marina looking at all the decorated boats. They have a contest to vote for the best decorated boat. This year the girls both picked the boat that had a cute dalmation who poked his head out to be petted.
Matt & I debated going to a Christmas party this evening one of his co-workers was throwing, but since he has to get up at 5:30 in the morning we decided to pass this year.

What is your favorite local holiday event to attend?

December Daily #3

Tonight I went to our church's women's ornament exchange. I wasn't sure what to expect since it was my first time, but it was a lot of fun. It was the first time I had seen several of the ladies outside of church & it was quite amusing to see how different they were tonight. It was fun to see who really got into getting the ornament they really wanted. Lots of laughs & just a nice evening with friends.
Here is my page:

Supplies used:
Christmas Treasures kit by crafty queen
#3 from Katie Pertiet at http://www.designerdigitals.com/

Want to see more December Daily pages? Ali Edwards is having a linky party on her website here
Ali Edwards December daily compilation

December 2nd & Snapshots of Life

Here is my December 2nd page. Tonight my husband & I went out for coffee to go over the kids wish lists. It was a nice relaxing way to finalize our shopping plans. It was definitely a bonus not to worry about having the kids hear our plans.

Supplies used: Katie Pertiet, Simple Classic Christmas from http://www.designerdigitals.com/
Splendid Fiins, Cards add on pack from http://www.jessicasprague.com/

This week's Snapshots of Life time was 7am. I don't always have a cuddle bug in bed with me, but our rule is once daddy is up, his spot is up for grabs. This one usually takes it. She has been snuggling with me just like this for 8 years now & I love it! I'm so glad Matt was able to help with this week's challenge.

http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/

December 1st

Here is my first page for our December Daily album. We have never participated in a Hanukkah celebration before so tonight was fun & informational.

The journaling reads: We were invited to join our friends as they celebrated their first night of Hanukkah.

We listened to a quick history lesson since we didn't have much knowledge about this holiday.

Each child got to light a candle on their own menorah. We learned about dreidels & how to play the game.

We also learned a few of the songs they sing. It was a lot of fun to learn about this different holiday.

The kids even got a small present which they loved. I am very thankful we were able to participate in this

celebration with our friends.

Supplies used: In the making journaling tag from Jessica Sprague, Frosted papers by Michelle Coleman,

Celebrate doodle word, Wire rimmed alpha & #1 stamp from Katie Pertiet at Designer Digitals.

Day 1 is pretty easy, create a manifesto for your journal. I love how Shimelle summed it all up so I am using hers here. I definitely could not have said it better!

Finally just for fun I thought I would share Amazon's link for 25 free Christmas songs

Amazon free Christmas songs

they post a new one every day. I picked up a few good ones last year.

December Daily & Journal Your Christmas

Can someone please tell me what happened to November? I am SO not ready for December!
Pause button please!! I still haven't figured out what advent calender to make/do yet... so many cute choices & no more time.

I am however looking forward to creating 2 new scrapbooking projects this year. Nevermind that I have been attempting to Journal my Christmas for, oh, 3 years now and still don't have a completed album.
I am disregarding that tiny detail & adding in a December Daily project too.
I could choose the easy route & mix the 2 together and maybe actually finish one, but what fun would that be?
My plan is to fill in the gaps of my Journal which is an 8x8 Memory Keepers binder and to start an 8 1/2 x 11 December Daily album.
The journal is also going to be more about Christmas memories while the daily album will be all about this year.



One of my favorite things about Shimelle's classes is that once you sign up you will continue to be a part of the class each year & have access to previous years materials. Plus they are just fabulously well put together.

Ali Edwards started December Daily a few years ago. I can't get her cute banner to work but here is a direct link on how to get started with this awesome project:
Ali Edwards December-Daily-compilation
She makes it as easy as can be to do this yourself.

Here is another post from one of my favorite digital scrapbook stores ~ Designer Digitals with some inspiration for your December Daily project.
Designer Digitals
This month they also have a daily digital scrapbook item every day on sale for 50 cents! Love that!
How are you going to document your Christmas?