Merry Christmas from the Garners

“If we look for the good, we can see this time of year with new eyes, perhaps even with the eyes of a child.”
—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Trees, Trees, Trees...

{ella's tree: we made a paper chain to match the felt ornaments that my mom made when I was a child. Love them....}

{Sydnee's tree: she redecorates on a daily basis. I also have a basket of Christmas books near each tree. In years past, I have had them just in the family room, but they just didn't get read and enjoyed as much as now. We can read a story each night before bedtime.}

{Christian's soccer tree: We made the ornaments from hackysacks (sp?)}

We decided to have a christmas tree in each of the kids' rooms this year. These are some old trees that I have had since before Sydnee was born. It was fun to decorate each one with them and put their personality into the decorations. They are very simple this year, but maybe we will add some ornaments in years to come.

Handmade Christmas

I was feeling a little bit 'blah' about my christmas decorations this year. But that is nothing a little paper and glue can't fix!
Here are a few of my creations:

{inspired by a project at The Scrapbooking Studio}

{Teresa Collins' NOEL & Blingage goodies & Tattered Angels Glimmermist in Gumdrop and Jingle Bells, and Melissa Frances tinsel}
{Tim Holtz goodies, Melissa Frances goodies, and Technique Tuesday stamps}

After I finished the banner and the candles, I just had to try Tim Holtz's christmas tags for the first time. My friend and I had a fun, creative afternoon and we learned some really cool new techniques in just a short about of time! I did a little happy dance when we finished. I am adding these tags to my christmas card tree. I can't wait to try another one...

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

This layout, Grandma's Glasses, is the reason I scrapbook. I found these 2 pictures in 2 different piles, over 3 years apart from each other; and they go together PERFECT to tell this story. This is when I get so excited about this hobby, when my pictures from the past come together so amazingly!

Go check out the TSM December Special today!

P.S. I do love The Story Matters Kit for many reasons, but the main love is because I can add bits and pieces leftover from a previous month's kit and they will coordinate with the current month. I don't keep my monthly kits separate, I put them all together in a 12x12 clear container, with the current month on top. Then I can use embellishments and paper with this month's kit. Love it!

December 1

I am going to be creating an album that is all about December {but not-so-daily} and this was the first photo I took for today.