A gift for someone special tutorial

This year I decided to make the gift for my mother for Mother's Day.  I also needed to make a gift for a friend from her son.  So, I needed two gifts that would melt their hearts.  I saw an idea like this on Pinterest, but I decided to tweak it for my liking.  I thought this would be perfect.  I went to Micheal's and bought some letter stickers, paint, stencil, brushes, and a canvas.

Once I had everything I needed to make my project, I got started working on it.  I first started with painting the canvas.  I actually did two coats of paint.

Then I grabbed my stencil and starting painting.  I love the design of the stencil. 

This is how it looked after I took off the stencil.  I think it looks good!  I LOVE the damask design.

Once the paint dried, I laid the stencil down again and started painting.

This is how it came out.

Next, I added the words.

After a day I noticed the stickers were kinda peeling off so I ended up using Mod Podge over the stickers.  Then I painted my hands and Liam's hands.  Then I also painted my friend's son's hands. (which was difficult to do since he is so little)  Once the hands dried, I taped them to the back of the canvas.  The one I made for my mom looked okay with the handprints because my handprint is so big, but the one I did of my friend's I just tape to the back of the canvas.  The little tiny handprints with the canvas looked strange but I still wanted her to have them so I thought taping them to the back would be okay.  Here is how they turned out. 

My mom and my friend LOVED the art!!

                                                                          

Wonderful Christmas

What a Wonderful Christmas!  

I had such a wonderful Christmas this year.  I feel so blessed.  This year I really thought about family and how important family is.  Although some of our family lives in Ohio and we were sad we couldn't be with them, I am fortunate enough that my Mom and Dad live in Florida a few hours away.  I was so excited because they were coming to my house this year for Christmas.  My mom just got back from my sister's house in Ohio on Christmas Eve but she still wanted to come down to visit me on Christmas Day.  I had planned this grand meal for Christmas.  We made a Honey Ham, Salad, Cheesy Potatoes, and homemade Apple Pie.  Prior to them coming down I had been busy making Buckeyes, cookies, and homemade Chex Mix.  I had never made Buckeyes or Chex Mix before so it was very interesting to make them.  I did learn that the next time I make Buckeyes, that I need to make them smaller and figure out how not to have a toothpick hole in the middle of it.  Plus, I think some of the chocolate tastes funny so I need to figure out what chocolate is the best to use. (HERE is the recipe I followed for the Buckeyes)  I also learned that Chex Mix isn't hard to make at all and it is even better homemade than buying it.  Plus it is cheaper to make it.  I used the recipe on the box of the Chex box for the regular Chex Mix.  Here are some pictures of the Buckeyes and Chex Mix.  It is too bad that you can't smell them through your computer because they smell delicious.

Buckeyes

Homemade Chex Mix

 We were so lucky to have Santa visit our house this year.  I guess that means we were all nice this year. :)  We got a new tree this year.  I just love it!  I love how it has the fake snow on it.  I think it helps it feel more like winter since we are still having 80 degree weather.  We actually have 3 trees in our house.  This gorgeous one is in our Family Room.  I call it the pretty tree because it has all matching decorations on it.  Then we have another tree in the extra bedroom.  The extra bedroom could also be called an Office or the "Man Cave."  I love this tree too, but it has random ornaments on it.  Plus all the ones I had when I was growing up, Snoopy ornaments, and the homemade ones that Liam has made.  I love decorating this tree every year because it brings back so many memories.  The final third tree is in Liam's room.  It is the Charlie Brown tree.  I love this tree too because I love Snoopy.  Liam has also starting liking Snoopy so it is the perfect tree for his room.

Our Family Room Tree (matching tree)

Liam and Dad playing with the Black Car that Liam asked Santa for.  I guess, Syde the Elf, didn't tell Santa about the last few days.  :)

Opening more gifts.

And opening more presents.

Play with Play Dough he received for a gift.

Liam making a silly face when he posed with Grandpa G.

Gg, Liam, and Grandpa G

 Oh my!! I love the picture above.  I think it is so adorable. 

Gg, Liam, Me

What a wonderful Christmas!