I have been MIA...sorry

Oh my oh my...I have been MIA. Sorry my Friends...
We have been so busy since Christmas Eve and right up till this point that I have not had much time to blog. I have checked in a couple times here and there to update myself on a few of my favorite blogs but other than that, that is as far as I got.

Since my last post, we spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with my In-Laws.
The Christmas Eve Mass was just beautiful. I love listening to the kids sing. It brings you right into the Christmas spirit. Here is just a peak to how many kids are a part of our Church Choir...keep in mind there are four church's in our area. Tabitha is in the second to the last row in the back, wearing a hot pink sweater with a white shirt underneath. She did such a wonderful job singing her solo. She makes us proud.
After Mass we were heading to our home for some awesome homemade chicken stew. But to our surprise when we got outside, it was snowing. Now it really felt like Christmas :) Of course the girls were spoiled with all their gifts. They both were very pleased with what they received...making mommy very happy. And of course my DH spoiled me...one of my gifts was a gift certificate to one of my favorite Prim Shops. Oh how I can't wait to spend it...LOL.

The next morning Santa left a couple more gifts for the girls. Abby was so excited...she was just to funny to see. I love watching the kids during this time of the year, especially when they still believe in the big guy. We then headed out to my parents house for a wonderful Christmas dinner. It was sooooo good...of course we all ate to much. The girls once again were so excited to share and open more gifts.

We then decided early into the evening we would head on over to the In-Laws to finish the gift process. This way here we could sleep in and relax on Boxing Day. Again...everyone was very spoiled. Now I knew my gifts were going to be homemade but I had no clue to what I would be receiving. Do you think I yelled any...of course!
My FIL made me this wonderful bread board that fits the stove top perfectly.
He did not dare to paint it because he did not know which color I would prefer. But he gave it many dents and bangs. I LOVE IT!!! I am thinking I will paint it barn red because I have so many pieces already in black and the red would be a nice punch of color. What do you guys think?

The next gift box that I opened was full with these beautiful placemats, napkins and hand towel. I love how each placemat has a word in the top corner and a Willow Tree in the bottom corner.
My MIL did a wonderful job on each item. She says that she test tried everything many times in the washing machine to make sure they were durable because of the kids. She is just to cute!

Another gift that I received was this old brown Javex Bottle. I have never seen anything like it before.
Now I know you all have been waiting to see what Tabitha made for Mommy...I can not believe that this child made this all by herself. Look what she made for me :)
I just LOVE it!!! I have to say that this was my most favorite gift.
Of course I received many more gifts from Family and Friends, that I truly love from the bottom of my heart. As I mentioned at the beginning, the girls were spoiled but I was also.

As mentioned, Boxing Day was spent in our PJ's all day. We all relaxed while the girls kept themselves very busy with their new Christmas Gifts. Then for a few days in between Christmas and the New Year we had Friends & Family popping in here and there. We enjoyed every minute!!! Also just before the New Year I spent alot of time tearing everything down...LOL...no really putting away all the Christmas decorations.
It is soooo nice to have my house back to normal.

We then had a New Years Eve party along so many more things to do and places to go. I have not been this busy in a long time. Now it's time to unwind and relax. The girls are back to school on Monday which will bring everything back to normal. At least I hope so :)

I have not been doing any crafting just because I have been so busy...that is why I am hoping by next week I will get my snowmen penny rug completed because I have a new penny rug pattern that I can not wait to get started.

With all that said...I must run for now but I promise I wont be gone for so long.
I also forgot to mention a very late "Happy New Year". I hope everyone had a great Christmas and rang in the New Year safe and sound. So until next time...