Our Handmade Christmas

We are just now getting over the hubbub of Christmastime.  I love it that we get to spend so much time with our extended family over the holidays-- we really love them all so much, and what a blessing it is for us to gather with our parents and each of our siblings and their spouses and their kids and laugh and eat and play games.  And then to get to see my grandpa and aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides?-- so thankful.

Our own little handmade Christmas was a delight, as always.  Mark had Isaias' name, and made him a football card game.  He was delighted.

I had Audra's name, and made her this:

and these little books for her to use for drawing during church:

Ella had Isaac's name and made him a book of mazes and riddles and puzzles and games, and an empty jar with a treasure map inside.  He had to follow the map to find his treasures-- (candy, hidden throughout the house), to fill his jar.  It was a fun treasure hunt.  :)

Isaac had my name and is working on a shoe rack for our entryway, but didn't finish in time.  I can't wait to see it.  :)

Isaias had Adelia's name, and wrote and illustrated her a story, with all sorts of her favorite things in it and inside jokes.  It made her giggle so I think it was a success.  It was such a thoughtful gift.

I know this is a blurry photo, but this captured just how delighted she was as she was reading the book!

Adelia had Ella's name and made her some bookmarks, with a promise that she'd also "take her on a date". ;)

And finally, Audra had Mark's name.  We bought a white pillowcase and some fabric markers and she went to town on a new pillowcase for daddy.  He loved it.  :)

We also spent an evening going through the Samaritan's Purse gift catalog and giving gifts there, too.  (It's one of our favorite Christmas traditions!)

We are going to ease into school this week and be back full time next week.  I am thankful to be heading back into routine. 

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!  And blessings to you for a fresh new year.  :)