FELT STOCKINGS: Christmas 2016 Gifts

So, not sure how it all started but somehow...making Tony a stocking last year turned into making stockings for the nieces/nephews whom do not have an old fashioned Bucilla felt stocking with sequins. And agreeing to do half, turned into me doing a majority as stockings kept randomly being delivered to my house.  (Even created an extra one to spare).

 

So let the fun begin....

 

#1.  Ava's "Sugar Plum Fairy"

This by far was the least favorite one to create.  Why?  It was beyond tedious and way to many steps and tiny details.  (Good luck to my sister who is making Hadley one)

#2 - Spare (possibly Sophia's) "Nordic Santa"

 

#3 Brendan's "Santa and His List"

And to add to the fun, my mom requested customization of a few; hence adding in sports elements to this one.

#4 Aiden's "Santa and Snowman"

Another customization of Lego's and a stuffed dog for this one.

#5 Emerson's "Princess"

This one wasn't as tedious as the Sugar Plum Fairy, but still more details than desired.  The hair strands were left off as they were not cooperating with me.

 

Hope the kiddos enjoy and realize how much love & work went into each detail.

(and yes, there is puffy paint used on each one.)

WHAT A DAY!: Birthday, Baptism, & Easter Blessings

IT'S EASTER WEEKEND...AND TONY'S 44TH BIRTHDAY!!

Tony came up on a Thursday evening, and we started his celebrations on Good Friday...

with an appointment with a sports therapist/chiropractor/back specialist

And then Mr. Hangry showed up and we went to Cowfish Sushi for a late lunch.

Although not liking his hamburger too much, he was utterly shocked and happy with his birthday dessert and song "It's our Birthday song, it doesn't last too long."

And last but not least, another movie of his picking...and not a good one...we both about fell asleep at the beginning, plus it was way to crowded to enjoy a movie.

SATURDAY arrived with the doorbell ringing with a fun gift from my parents.

and flowers from my parents...

 

and the sweetest card from Tony (he totally gets my artsy self)

 

And the start of me trying to bake my first birthday cake...pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting.

(And finding time to take a nap.)

The evening arrived and the cookout began. (the cookout may needed to last a little longer on some meats = chicken was a bit raw, so the oven was needed.)

with lots of sides...and another first of making deviled eggs.

 

Before dinner was over, another package arrived with an email to go along with it

 

 

....creating lots of tears of being grateful for being together and tears of missing ones not with us today to celebrate.

 

And then to lighten things up, we dyed Easter eggs....and let's just say, I spent a bit more than the 3 minutes Tony did on his eggs. 

IT' S RESURRECTION DAY!

IT'S EASTER SUNDAY!

IT'S TONY'S 44TH BIRTHDAY!

IT'S BAPTISM DAY!

(and we were up at 7 am to prepare)

Pastor Larry was probably a perfect fit to baptize Tony, such a sweet charismatic funny guy.

 

 

 

 

 

This little girl is 8 years old and was baptized by her father.  I think she didn't know what to expect as her legs sprung straight up when she went under, but she came through smiling.

Such a sweet moment to share together. 

 

The church members graciously congratulated Tony & I; plus one elder lady told Tony..."I know you are not trying to steal my birthday from me."  Such a cute moment.

After changing, we came back out and met the head Pastor Kelvin.  Such a great soul and loving man.  We definitely found the right "home" for us to grow.

And then the celebration concluded at O'Charley's for brunch (and free cherry pie for his bday).  Tony was such a celebrity that day, he was getting recognized everywhere.

We got home, and crashed.  I think I napped for 3 hours.  Then before Tony left, candles were blown out and gifts were opened after searching for them via an indoor egg hunt.

 

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

 

p.s.  Thanks Gail for video recording this awesome memory for us!!