Big Brother

No not the television show...the real thing! Here he is a few years ago.


I have an older brother and a younger sister. If it weren’t for the ‘middle child syndrome’ I am sometimes ‘tripped’ by, I would say it’s just about perfect. I love my siblings…though I don’t tell them often enough. I’m not sure I’ve ever actually told my brother…if he knew…he might just use it against me, LOL!

My brother was in town all last week as I had shared. He was at my parents for several days alone, and Thursday his wife (my sister-in-law) came and joined him through Sunday.

I can’t think of much that makes my father happier than to spend time with his son…my brother. I know my father loves us all…but he can talk to my brother for hours on end…and my brother appears to sit and listen. It could be because he’s only here once or twice every few years. Whatever the case, it makes my dad’s year, to visit with my brother.

My brother is a ‘life of the party’, conversationalist, intellectual, spiritual, well-read, talented writer, gifted story-teller, sometimes annoying (as a sister), kind of guy. He has never met a stranger and finds himself surrounded by friends (old and new) regularly.

He used some of those gifts this week to remind me why he is a “good brother”. I don’t really need the reminder…I know he’s a good brother, but it was good to hear these ‘never told’ stories.

He shared about ‘beating’ the guy who date-rap*d me in high school and I had heard tales of this but never knew for sure. It made so much more sense why the guy never even looked at me again…because my brother not only beat him, but threatened him.

He also shared a story about our ‘youth group’ at a church I never felt a part of. We went together…because he was old enough to drive. It was a Halloween party and I had made ‘caramel apples’ which apparently looked HORRIBLE! The caramel was all melted around the bottom and stuck to the wax paper and no one was going to eat them. It’s clear my ‘baking/cooking’ skills were a work in progress!

Apparently my mother convinced me they were ‘fine’ and I took them. My brother said since no one was eating them, he ate every single one of them so I wouldn’t be hurt by it. I never knew that. I barely remember the party…and don’t remember the apple-failure humiliation. He remembers and shared that with me.

I’m not sure why he felt the need to remind me of these things, cause I think he’s pretty incredible and he’s always had the honorable ‘older brother’ status for me (but I’d NEVER say that out loud…his head would swell MORE)!

Suffice to say the time of reminiscing and sharing and spending time together was really incredible. I wish we lived closer and could talk more often. I know he has pearls of wisdom I could grow from and clearly I too, have much to offer him in the ways of humbleness and such!

It’s amazing to me this is the same guy I used to have to threaten I’d ‘tell mom’ almost hourly during our youth. It just goes to show…we really do mellow with age…and thank God for selective memory!

I also thank GOD for a brother who, even in the less-than-stellar seasons, was there for me and is one of my biggest champions. He is a confidante’, a counselor, and a friend… he is my brother.

May your Tuesday be full of future wonderful memories!

And Then He Blessed Me...

Due to a VERY busy weekend, I won the role of grocery shopper at Wal-Mart. This is NOT one of my favorite things to do...as a matter of fact...it rivals one of my least favorite...right up there with laundry.

...so I go to Wal-Mart about 2 p.m. today and I pulled into an overflowing parking lot thinking... "Lord HELP ME!"

The Lord answered my prayer...He gave me the second parking place in a row near the garden entrance. Thank you Lord!

I entered and could immediately tell it would be a test. I stopped my cart and took a deep breath and prepared to enter the abyss from the safety of the garden center which is currently being transitioned into Christmas Corner. Thankfully most of the shoppers are too overwhelmed with Thanksgiving plans to give Christmas much more than a passing thought.

I pushed my cart along at a slower-than-usual pace and tried my best to smile when approaching others and tried my best not to peel the heel skin off the slower and strolling shoppers. "Lord please don't teach me patience TODAY!"

The Lord answered my prayer...He led me through less trafficked areas and I shopped and perused (as much as one can while shopping at the local Wal-Mart Supercenter).

I made it back into the actual grocery section and it always looks as though the end of the world is approaching on a Sunday afternoon. There is almost NO creamer left, only a few randomly placed cartons of water and the meats are being restocked during this peak shopping hour.

On aisle 3 I found myself stuck behind a shopper who had parked across the aisle and I moved over as far as I could as an elderly couple made their way through. I was about to make some snide remark to the woman taking up the aisle...but the elderly gentleman smiled at me and said: "thank you so much, young lady."

The Lord heard my prayer.

On aisle 5 I passed the elderly couple going the other way and I got behind a woman in a large electric shopping cart/chair with about 5 children under the age of 7 with her. There was NO getting around the cart and kids and they were buying up the remainder of the macaroni and cheese. I thanked GOD that I didn't have to survive on Mac and Cheese and for providing so fully for Paul and me.

The Lord heard my prayer.

As I turned the next aisle I got behind an older father or grandfather with his baby along for the ride...and he was selecting peanut butter or jelly...once again...movement was stalled with the traffic. I finally stopped closed my eyes and said to God (yes, out loud)... "Lord, remind me to be kind to others." and I heard the Lord say: "Kim, it's already within you to be kind...you have the very spirit of kindness within you...lean on that spirit, instead of your own flesh!"

Then something happened.

No...my heart did not grow to 3 size too large...but I sort of melted a bit inside...and I approached the coffee area (with no expectation for my favorite, albeit seasonal coffee) and lo' and behold, my favorite coffee in the whole world; "Holiday Peppermint" is OUT! I got my pound bag and thanked God for blessing me so much!

When I finally made it to the dreaded checkout lanes, my heart was less heavy and my attitude had improved, but this is typically the place where I go read books while Paul checks out...I knew today I had to do it...get through checkout. I looked for any 'red coats' (Wal-Mart clothing for team leaders and typically FASTER checkers, FYI), and found one with only 1 person ahead of me.

As I got to the front of the line with my purchases on the belt...the checkers switched and it appeared I was getting a young, 'non red-coated' male. I asked God to help me be patient and kind with this young man.

The Lord heard my prayer AND He blessed me again!

This 'boy' was the best checker I've ever had at Wal-Mart...and I told him so!

Then I wheeled my purchases out to the car in a light rain and thanked God for blessing me on this day!

I love how God can take the seemingly mundane and make it all about Him!

Have a wonderfully blessed evening!

Excuses, Excuses

I've been a bit 'absent' this week as I've celebrated both my Mother's and Father's birthdays this week and my brother and SIL are in town from NJ AND one of my girls got violently ill yesterday (she's better now)... so free time has been sparse...and my visiting down! It always amazes me how much I miss 'reading' everyone, til I'm away a day or two.

I received this email from my mom and it is HILARIOUS! I wanted to share it here...I don't know the origin, but if you haven't seen it...put the coffee down and prepare to laugh!

SHOPPING AT WALMART WITH HER HUSBAND

Mr. and Mrs. Fenton are retired. Mrs. Fenton insists that Mr. Fenton go with her to Walmart. He gets bored with all the shopping. He prefers to get in and get out, but Mrs. Fenton loves to browse.

Here's a letter sent to her from the store.

Dear Mrs. Fenton,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and may ban both of you from our stores. We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment. All complaints against Mr. Fenton are listed below.

Things Mr. Bill Fenton has done while his spouse was shopping in Walmart:

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in housewares ... and watched what happened.

5. Aug 4: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.

6. Sept 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. Sept 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.

8. Sept 23: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'

9. Oct 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.

10. Nov 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk if he knows where to find the antidepressants.

11. Dec 3: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.

12. Dec 6: In the auto department, practiced his Madonna look using different sized funnels.

13. Dec 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"

14. Dec 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the fetal position and screams "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!"

And last, but not least....

15. Dec 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door waited awhile, and then yelled very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!"

Living From the Inside

I was watching a television program last Friday evening and there was some talk about how we live our lives…from the outside. It got me thinking.

I have seen in my own life and in the lives of others, an external focus. A focus on our outward man/woman…what I would consider largely a ‘learned’ behavior. I remember my mother teaching me from an early age how important it is to ‘look’ good; to ‘dress’ appropriately. Of course I had to learn what “good” and “appropriate” looked like and what the measure was. It’s obvious it could be interpreted 50 different ways by 50 different families.

For my family it meant, as a young woman, I was to wear makeup in public, have my hair brushed and styled, and wear clothes appropriate for the function and my age. Even in my own rebellion through various hair colors (from pink, red, white, black, even fuchsia); I felt a certain reliance on these lessons in my outward expression.

The inherent problem with this mindset, however; is the lack of originality and more importantly the lack of recognition to the inner-man/woman. I’m not suggesting we all pick and choose how we want to look/act/live at our own whimsy. I am suggesting we heed the inner man/woman when it comes to finding our significance, our purpose.

I think it’s fairly obvious the way fad and fashion change so often and randomly, that the outward focus is lacking. There are few staid and true fashions or hair styles or timeless pieces of jewelry or anything outward focused. Even a look in our homes sees the changes in colors, décor, furnishings…fairly often. I have changed the ‘look’ of my own home at least 5 times since I graduated college. Sometimes I seek expression through what is popular and I mix in a bit of what I love…and others times I seek cost-effective and reliability as the most important qualities. These constant changes are due to lack of full commitment or acceptance to what I’ve ‘expressed’.

As I shift my focus inward and seek to live my life this way, I begin to express outwardly the peace, joy, love…that dwell within me. I find the ‘content’ Jesus has placed in me as a part of my transformation. I find a certainty that as I look upward and inward, I will find my purpose, my life meaning and that will be expressed outwardly regardless to what I wear or how I appear.

The value in our lives is truly found in leaving this world a bit better than we found it upon arrival. It is not found in looking good for the ride!

Have a wonderful Tuesday and remember to live your life from the inside!

****30-faces challenge picture #1 will be added to my new blog (A Time To Draw) this evening as I cannot photograph or load my picture until I am home this evening.****

A Call For YOUR Story

Rachelle over at Seek First His Kingdom is looking for stories for a new “Women of Faith” book. Lord knows everyone here has a story…uhhh…several stories…and you’ve already shown how you can put it into words…it’s called a blog after all!

It may seem a bit probing and take you to a place of unhealed wounds, and perhaps that is where God is leading, after all it isn’t just happenstance that you came to visit here today. God has ordained each of our steps and He has called us to share our story. She invites us to email our stories and remain anonymous.

I would challenge you to submit something to this and whether it makes it into the book or not…perhaps it will give you an opportunity to purge your soul or offer a hand of friendship to another woman who is lost on her own journey.

Pray about it…see what God says about it!


I have one more bit of news and a challenge perhaps. Jules at Maced With Grace introduced me to this guy named “onionboy" who has this “30-Faces Project” challenge going. There is a link in the new sidebar off to the right.

I’ve tried the Nanowrimo challenge in the past. I didn’t complete it. Frankly it overwhelmed me and freaked me out a bit. However…I know I can draw 1 face a day for the month of November.

All this to say if you come over and see freakish-ly out of proportion faces that resemble an 8 year old rendition of a comic book character…it’s just ME doing my November challenge. I’m not sure if they’re going at the top of bottom of my posts…but they’ll be there…each day in November!

Have a Tuesday happy endings are made of…

Dandelions For The Father

"Like the proud mother who is thrilled to receive a wilted bouquet of dandelions from her child, so God celebrates our feeble expressions of gratitude." Richard Foster~

Dandelions For The Father

There are some days when I walk slowly to His throne. I am a child seeking refuge and I bring my dandelions…wilted and bent at the death grip with which I have carried them. I lay them down at His feet with my minimal thanks.

I almost forgot them while I was distracted at the playground. At the last moment I remembered I was on my way somewhere…so I sail off the swing and pick up the weakened ‘flowers’ and carry them on their short journey.

“Thanks Dad.” I offer half-heartedly in the hand off.

His smile beams at me and I am usually surprised at His obvious pleasure.

Some days my gratitude-attitude isn’t what it should be. I find myself struggling to ‘accentuate the positive’. I can’t find the words to ‘rejoice in my struggles’ and have all but forgotten how to ‘consider it all joy when I encounter various trials’…I catch myself barely thanking God for the blessings and RARELY thanking God for the trials. There are some days I can’t even remember WHY I brought the dandelions to begin with.

Yet…I can feel God’s smile on me as I humbly bring these dandelions to Him over and over again.

And then the most amazing thing happens…my dandelions are returned to me…in the form of beautiful and glorious roses! They are the most fragrant, beautiful, soft, lovely flowers in His garden and He gives them to me.

“For ME?” I asked in surprise each time this happens.

That is the moment, in His light and under His smiling and watchful eyes; when He takes my gift, my offering of thanks (no matter how small and seemingly insignificant) and He turns it into something fit for a KING! It is at THAT exact moment…when he RECEIVES my tiny offering of gratitude and He returns it to me a HUGE and glorious blessing…that I begin to comprehend the measure of His love.

“See you later Dad!” I tell him as I run off to put the treasured roses in their waiting vase.

Homemade With Love #2

I shared last Monday that I was going to post for four weeks every Monday on different Homemade projects to use for gifts or just to create.

This week I’m going to share the Angel Earrings I wrote about previously that my mother and I are making and a craft from several years ago that was very popular…the “Decoupage” plates.

Decoupage Plates: Here are the supplies you need: 1 clear glass plate or platter with fairly simple lines (works best); ModPodge (decoupage medium available at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, even Hardware Stores); and a piece of fabric (the most ‘showy’ plates are made with fabrics with a gold, silver or metallic thread somewhere in them. I chose a Christmas themed fabric for this project. You will also need an older newspaper to do the ‘dirty’ work on.

Cut the fabric in a large circle big enough to cover the plate and have an extra inch or two of fabric hanging over. Then lay the fabric face down on the back of the plate and pour ½ of cup or so of the ModPodge on the fabric and start spreading it around. Yes I ‘spilled’ the ModPodge on my work surface…that’s one reason why you want the paper down!

I use my hands to spread the ModPodge around. I love the feel of this “white glue” beneath my fingers, but you can also use a large paint brush to spread it around. You want to be sure and smooth the glue all over the plate and down to the very edge; pushing down the bottom edge onto the surface you are doing it. Keep working the ModPodge around and get air bubbles out as they will distort your finished product.

*It’s okay if the plate ‘seems’ glued down to the paper. Leave it to dry and when dry to clear, cut the edge of the fabric/paper off the plate (this one took approximately 2 hours to dry). Then cut close to the plate all the way around and VOILA’ the finished plate.

It’s beautiful to give homemade cookies on, wrapped in cellophane and a pretty ribbon (of course) or just hang up on a plate hanger or use a plate stand, as I have in the picture. It must be hand washed, and if you ‘hate’ your finished product, the fabric will peel off.

The second project is the angel earrings.

Here are the supplies:

2 teardrop beads (pearl or any color)
2 round beads (for the head)
2 ‘rondelles’ or flat beads for halos (gold or silver)
2 wings (gold or silver)
2 earring wires
1 set earrings

Pliers to cut wires and round pliers to make ring for earring.

I order almost all my beading supplies through http://www.firemountainbeads.com/ only because they are FAST at delivery (will be at your home within 2 days including Saturday orders) and they are the least expensive that I’ve found for my supplies.

Place the teardrop bead, the wing, the round bead, the flat disc on the wire (in that order) and cut and bend it to round to hang from the earring. Attach to the earring and VOILA’…the angel earrings. These cost approximately $2.00 to make. The wings are the most expensive thing and they are $1.34 per pair.


There you are…2 more Homemade With Love projects for your library!

Have a wonderful and creative Monday!

I Wish I Could

I have this personality (don’t we all…LOL…it’s pretty bad when you can’t even finish your own sentences without your smart-alec brain taking over…)…anyway I have this personality that draws some people to me with their innermost thoughts and feelings and hurts and pains. I don’t begrudge it at all! It’s so much a part of who I am.

I love people and care deeply for them. I want people to experience wholeness and healing (in every sense of the word) and reconciliation to not only the Father but to themselves. It’s one of the reasons I considered Art Therapy as a degree so many years ago.

What dawned on me at that time (thankfully) is I get far too emotionally invested in these people to be an effective counselor. Over the years I’ve done better to pray about it and somewhat “let it go”, but it still haunts my brain, heart, dreams, ultimately my life.

On the heels of a ‘poetic’ week between Chapter Chat (the online book study I’m involved in), my own humble poetic offerings, and a friend coming to ‘vent’ and seek advice about a pending divorce, I close this weeks posting with this…

I Wish I Could
By: kpjara

I wish I could heal your hurt,
I wish I could seal the pain.
I wish I could bear your tears,
I wish I could remove the stain.

I wish I could show you tomorrow,
I wish I could offer you more.
I wish I could gather your anger,
I wish I could release your eagle to soar.

I wish I could give you a mirror,
I wish I could have you look inside,
I wish I could see your expression,
I wish I could watch the turning tide.

I wish you could hear the Father whisper,
I wish you could see the Father’s face,
I wish you could feel His arms around you,
I wish you could understand his incredible grace.

I pray you will hear my heart,
I pray you will see His love,
I pray you will open your soul
I pray you will receive the dove.

Have a wonderful weekend and I pray you see God’s hand move this weekend!

Not Much, But it's All I've Got

I Love To Blog
By: kpjara

I love to blog, there is no doubt,
I LOVE TO BLOG, I want to shout.

Some days I have lots to say,
Other days words just won’t play.

Words are here, Words are there,
Words are ‘literally’…everywhere!

I read the writing in my home,
I read the writing while on my phone.

I cannot stop it, no I can’t.
I cannot quit the bloggers’ chant.

Even when my fingers cramp,
Even when I have no lamp.

I will write here, yes I will
I will write here, it’s no drill.

The words they come, the words they go,
The words they grow and grow and GROW!

I have so many words inside,
They cannot find a place to hide.

I will put them here and there,
I will put them in the blog-o-sphere!

Happy Seuss-day!

Rave Reviews!

#1 ~ Some time ago Shalee did a product review of these
And I commented about it and lo’ and behold I received an email from a firm in NY offering a trial of this product. Of course I coyly…said “ABSOLUTLEY! Send those puppies out!”

The very nice women did and I received them Fed-Ex in 1 day. I have used them ever since and in all likelihood will never use anything else. They are THAT good. I really am one of those people who wash dishes before I wash dishes….sort of like the person who cleans their house BEFORE the maid gets there…? I never understood that one, but then I don’t have a maid…too embarrassed to let anyone see that much dust accumulation in a house.

Anyway, I tried these, and tried them, and tried them…waiting for their failure. They never failed. The only food debris it didn’t clean completely was melted cheese on a plate. I had to wash that a bit, but we let our dishes sit in the dishwasher until it’s full and with two people it can take a week sometimes to fill it up. I put these bad boys to the test and they came out with flying colors! What they say is true. You don’t even have to rinse the dishes off, just put them directly into the dishwasher and watch them come out sparkling clean.

Give them a try! They are wonderful!


#2 ~ My mom asked me a random question this past weekend. She asked: “Isn’t one of your favorite books of the Bible Esther?”

“Yes, actually it is.” I replied.

“Well…there is a new movie out we should go see based on the book of Esther.” She said.

So, last night we headed over to one of the two theaters where it is showing and saw “One Night With a King”. It was incredible.

I must say I don’t typically like ‘period pieces’. I will also say (to all the legalists out there, LOL) that there IS some story adjustments added for what I imagine is Hollywood-ization of the story. In my opinion it didn’t affect the experience. The actress that played Esther did an incredible job of playing an educated, beautiful, spirited young woman, who also loves God with all her heart.

“Uncle Mordecai” (one of those changes…he was actually a cousin), also gave quite a performance. Hegai, the Kings eunuch almost stole the show. He has some one-liners in there that had me laughing out loud! The relationship between Esther and Hegai was something I hadn’t thought this much about. The EVIL Haman sent chills down my spine. King Xerxes was, in a word, a HOTTIE…and of course a wonderful actor. The whole show was wonderful.

The filming was unique and creative. The costumes were elaborate and beautiful. Even the make-up and landscape were perfect. It’s a definite must see and I won’t spoil the ending for you…because of course you’ve all read the story of Esther…she DOES live happily ever after!

#3 ~ Today is Wednesday, October 25, 2006! Pablo Picasso was born today in 1881 as was Minnie Pearl, in 1912.

And for a bit of Mid-Week humor…

Real newspaper headlines
These are actual newspaper headlines gathered from papers across the United States and world.
March Planned For Next August
Blind Bishop Appointed To See
Lingerie Shipment Hijacked--Thief Gives Police The Slip
L.A. Voters Approve Urban Renewal By Landslide
Patient At Death's Door--Doctors Pull Him Through

True stupid stories 01
Really Stupid People Police in Wichita, Kansas, arrested a 22-year-old man at an airport hotel after he tried to pass two (counterfeit) $16 bills.

Steven Wright one-liner
Last week I bought a new phone. I took it out of the box, hooked it up to the wall... Pressed redial. The phone had a nervous breakdown.


I pray you see the humor in your day today! Happy Wednesday!

Learning To Let Go

I had one of those “duh” moments yesterday. I would say “AHA” moments but really, I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, it’s such a no-brainer.

You know that expression “Let Go, and Let God!” I’ve ALWAYS struggled with this lesson and just thought it was because I was a slow learner (which I know I’m not), or it didn’t apply to me (which I know it does). What I’ve found was a bit surprising (which it shouldn’t be).

I’m at my desk on Monday morning after a heart-wrenching conversation with my sister. She is walking through an abyss right now…in the name of marriage. If I may borrow from a relatively famous musical: “she is the very model of a modern major general”…in the Lord’s army, anyway. So to see her suffer as she travels through this process is really tough.

She’s my little sister. She’s the one God brought for me to help care for. She’s the one that is supposed to have guidance from her older sister so that she doesn’t have to experience the same pains.

Yet she aches. She aches with such intensity I cannot even fathom it. She aches openly and vividly. She aches in Technicolor. My body nearly shuts down just at the sound of this pain. I can’t help her. I don’t have the tools or the words. I CAN and DO pray. Somehow it feels a bit lacking. Does that mean I lack faith? I don’t think so. Somehow, words don’t always seem enough, even to God above, when someone aches so deeply. It’s as though to leave it in HIS capable, mighty hands is somehow releasing my own self-offering of strength and power. Yes, I know it’s what He wants, but it is so difficult to speak a few words and trust God to ‘deal’. To trust that His will is what is best for me…or for my sister. TO trust that no matter what the outcome, He’s got her ‘back’, better than I ever could.

I WANT to act. I want to act on behalf of her. I want to destroy the destroyer. I want to scream at the very top of my lungs (and I just may do this…privately). I want to shake my fists at this enemy. I want to throw things and hear them break. I feel a swelling of anger…to the point of barely contained rage.

Today I was reminded and I am TRYING to let go and let GOD! Because ultimately I know He is the sovereign God. He is the mighty warrior. He is our defender. He is our counselor. He is our fortress. He is our conqueror. He is our Father.

Watch out enemy, Dad’s here!

Have a Tuesday full of realized potential with God at the helm and pray, pray pray!

Homemade With Love #1

Monday, 10/23/06, is the day GiBee has called us to pull all our Homemade gift ideas together (I know I’m a day early, but I wanted to add the pictures at home tonight). I’m such a craft-a-holic that I’m taking it 1 step further. For the next four Mondays I am posting homemade gift ideas previously used or being used this year and I WILL include the angel and snowman earrings!

My darling husband has a HUGE family. Nine years ago, when I told him I wanted a small intimate wedding and he sprung on me that his immediate family included 72 people…I knew I was in for a major change. He has 14 aunts and uncles on either side and 4 sisters. Not to mention a mother, step-mother and grandmothers on both sides. Suffice to say, the pressure to come up with creative and inexpensive ideas is sometimes stifling.

Thankfully it’s also one of my favorite challenges each year. For the past 10 years we’ve come up with different ideas for homemade gifts for the group of them. The first year they received simple decoupage baskets filled with my husband’s annual contribution of Biscochito cookies. The year we married, they all received crosses like these. We made a total of about 25 of these things. One year it was scarves…just something homemade each year.
This year half of the aunts and uncles are receiving ‘inspiration frames’ like these.

They are fairly easy to construct. I purchased multiple frames at a fabric store at the end-of-season sale last year for .40 each. They are fairly nondescript fabric frames but quite striking when embellished (I'll include a couple I've completed next Monday). The embellishments I also typically pick up at end-of-season sales or garage sales through the spring and summer. The paper I’m using primarily is a Christmas toile’ that I picked up at an end-of-season sale last year. It is reversible with one side red and beige and the other side a black/white Christmas toile’.

I have lots of paper options as I scrapbook and collect unique papers. Here are some that I've used or could use this year for a less 'holiday-ish' frame. I picked this rather ornate frame (to the right) up at a "Ross" store here in town last year for about $1.50 or less. I'm a big 'bargain' hunter (translation: somewhat thrifty AKA: cheap) which probably helps my cause.

For the Christmas frames, I choose a quote or poem to print on clear paper or sticker paper and add it and other stickers, etc to the picture. I then embellish the outside with a recycled ornament or some fun fringe I have on hand.

They are really quite fun to make and not very time consuming and you can do one for $1.50-$3.00 on average. I also love to wrap each gift in a unique manner, but I'll include that on my final Homemade Monday post in November.

Let me know if you’re participating! I can’t wait to see all the ideas. Have a creative and inspired Monday!