Since several folks asked exactly what my daughters are sewing, I decided I'll take a chance and post a few things tonight. Hopefully the people for whom these gifts were made won't read my blog until tomorrow. This first tote Anna made a few months ago. Since then, she and Lizzie have made many.

This was Lizzie's first tote. I love the patchwork idea.

Lizzie made this black and white tote for Sarah who loves all things black and white.

Then Lizzie made this music themed tote for Meemaw...who is her piano teacher. She also made one for her violin teacher.

I like the way Lizzie randomly stitched the treble clefs on the handles.
Lizzie also made lots of coaster sets for all the aunts and uncles. My favorites are the music-themed coasters...sorry no pic...already wrapped.

Right now Maggie, Lizzie and Ruthie are baking up a storm. They made these delicious spice cookies. Next will be sugar cookies.

Allen, Ruthie and I wrapped all the gifts today. I am SO glad that's done! I always wait until the last minute or else I'll forget what I got.

When Sarah and Maggie were small, we used to wrap our gifts using the shiny advertisements that come with the newspaper. Then, 15 years ago, a friend gave us this huge roll of painter paper. It was so wide that I couldn't wrap my arms around it. This is the only paper I've ever used for wrapping gifts for our family...and it still has a long way to go!

Have no fear, I don't use this paper for wedding gifts or special gifts. But I'm thankful that my extended family doesn't mind...my sister-in-law says our paper makes it easy to tell which gifts come from our family.

I bought this picture of a true longhorn at a Craft Show this fall. Even though I didn't draw my Dad's name, I still want to give him this gift for his Texas home. I'm not sure if you can tell how big it is, but it's a large 18x24!

One good thing about the economy doing poorly...companies are using less dairy and egg products to cut down on expense. Yippee! Food Lion came out with oreos, chewy chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, and butterscotch baking chips! At first we really enjoyed eating foods that have been off limits for years...then we got sick of the overly-processed junk. It was fun while it lasted.
We also discovered Junior Mints to have no egg or dairy products. I do love a mint now and then. Many thanks to our local Dollar Store for carrying them cheaply.

My friend Tara announced on Facebook this morning that she was making Cornflake Wreaths. I'd never heard of such a thing, so I googled it and found the recipe for these adorable wreaths! Tara, a misplaced Minnesotan living in West Virginia, says to be sure and use the almond extract, and Red Hots for the berries...not mini m&ms. Okay, Tara!

And finally, Allen's award for getting 100% perfect attendance at the Tang Soo Do banquet on the 5th. Tang Soo!

Tonight we are breaking tradition and staying home for Christmas Eve. Our driveway is icy and treacherous, so instead of going to two churches as we normally do, we are going to sing some carols and read the Christmas Story.

My friend Mark sent me this verse that I have always loved: “The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The LORD is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works." Psalm 145 : 8,9

Wishing you a warm and merry Christmas Day with your loved ones. Thanking God for coming to earth as a humble babe that he might one day die on the cross for our sins. Many blessings ~ Kathie