Joe the Elf

 

A couple of days after Thanksgiving the Butler kids got a nice surprise when they woke up: a new elf from Santa.  We read the book and they decided on a name for him, Joe.  We have had so much fun seeing where Joe will be next and what funny things he will be doing.  The first morning after he went back to visit Santa, we found him in the bathroom sink taking a marshmallow bubble bath.  Jack said, "I knew when I saw that elf he was going to be a silly elf." 

I thought I share with you a few things we've found this silly boy doing!

 

Tallassee Christmas Parade

This past Saturday was the annual Tallassee Christmas parade.  We usually participate in the parade for the radio station or dancing, but this year we decided to simply be a spectator, and I am so glad we did!  Tori, Kami and Nana came to our house to watch it with us.  The parade line up begins in our front yard so it is always fun prior to the parade. 

Tori, Banks, Kami and Virginia Kate

Patiently waiting for the parade to start (with bags for their candy)

Tori and Nana

Finally the parade begins!

Daniel loved the band.

The grand finale: Santa Claus

Showing off their goods...three big bags of candy, beads and flags.  They got a ton more candy at the parade than they did at Halloween.

Banks enjoying a sucker he got, while Virginia Kate looks on pitifully. 

Silhouette Ornaments

 

I am still working on getting my house decorated for Christmas and hope to have it all done by this weekend to share with you.  Until then I thought I'd share a quick and easy project with you: silhouette ornaments.

 

I recently purchased this magazine (which I love).

 

Which featured the home of Melaine from My Sweet Savannah.  When I saw these pretty silhouette ornaments she had on her tree, I knew I had to make my own version. 

 

On a recent trip to my local Dollar General I spotted these Christmas ornaments that were only $1 each and I knew they would be a great base for my silhouette ornaments. 

 

If you can't find these or similar ones you could always purchase any small photo frame and remove the glass.

First, I took the wire hanger off and painted the frames with chalk paint in Old Ochre. 

 

Next I printed off my existing family silhouettes on white card stock.  I cut a piece of black card stock to the exact measurement of the inside of the frame, then trimmed the silhouettes slightly smaller.

 

I actually did the silhouettes myself in Photoshop but there are great generic silhouettes at The Graphics Fairy that would work perfectly (search her site with the keyword silhouettes).

 I used rubber cement to adhere the paper to the frames and added a little jute twine to hang them from.

 

Happy Birthday Banks!

 

Sunday afternoon we celebrated my nephew Banks' 2nd birthday.  Banks loves Elmo so it was only fitting that he have an Elmo party.  My sister, Tori has worked so hard on this party and it showed.....It was PERFECT!

 

Toe Toe posing with the party favor table.

 

 

He was so proud of himself that he blew out his candles.  Yea, Banks!

He would not be still long enough for me to take his picture....so this is the best I could do.

The bouncy house was a huge hit!

My three crazy kiddos in the photo booth.

All in all, the party was a huge success, as measured by at least one of my kids throwing up from enjoying too much party food.  Fun times indeed!

Happy Birthday, Sir Banks-A-Lot!!

 

 

 

Little Cotton Pickers

My brother-in-law manages a cotton gin here in the Tallassee area.  Saturday he called and wanted to take the boys out to see one of the big cotton pickers in action.  They were so excited and had a great time.  He was even nice enough to take these pictures and send them to me.  Thanks, Joey!!

 

Happy Halloween!

 Happy Halloween from

 

Tinkerbell...

Peter Pan...

 

and Captain Hook!

 

Georgie didn't like wearing her wig, so P.J. decided he would give it a try. 

I hope you get many treats today!!

Happy Halloween from the Butlers!