Gratitude....

I sit here this morning thinking about many things.  It's been a while since I've updated Kaufman's Cottage mostly because I'm not sure of what to post.  From the very beginning I've felt strongly about being an encourager of homemakers.  We have a VERY important job to do!  I pray that if you are feeling discouraged about your role in the home that God will lead you to my post.  Don't think for a minute that it's just a coincidence...that's how He works sometimes!

I wanted to do a year end review for 2013.  Better late than never right?  I wholeheartedly believe this:

Are you struggling with discontentment?  Don't feel alone!  From time to time we all do.  I've found the best way to combat that is to simply look for things to be thankful for.  A home?  Someone to love?  Food to eat?  Clothes to wear?  A book to read?  A God to worship?  If you look hard enough, I guarantee you can find something to be thankful for and that my friends is victory over discontentment! 

2013 was a tough year with deaths in the family, broken relationships, unfair expectations and a whole lot more but I've got SO much to be thankful for!  If you are reading this, then you are a part of that as well.  So thank you!  Here are some random highlight's from 2013...

Front Porch Modification...

Garden August 2013...

Random Cards from 2013...



Trunk or Treat October 2013...

A Quick Fall Wreath...

Christmas 2013...

Our Best Friends....

Chris and I December 2013...

What are you most thankful for today?

Many Blessings,

Melissa

Capturing December.....

I think I'll do this!  Will you join me?

Days 7 and 8.....

Doggone it! I did it again! Please forgive me as you take a look at some of my past projects.....






Have a good evening!

Days 5 and 6......

Yesterday kind of got away from me so here's day 5 and 6 together....have a good evening!

Day 4 of the Twelve Days of Christmas.....

A sweet little Christmas card using the Stitched Stockings stamp set....

Have a good evening!

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas.....

I hope you've all had a good Saturday.....I've had a pretty relaxed one and before I turn off the computer for the night, I wanted to share day three's project.

It's a simple one really because the mini paint can with white snowflakes on it was super cute on it's own. But what stamper can leave something like that alone? Not this one! I took photos of it from multiple angles so you could get the idea of how it looks from all sides....

I added the small tag and the striped ribbon and love how it turned out. I hope the recipient will too!

Day 2 of the Twelve Days of Christmas.....

Boy it's been a long day but as promised, here is day number 2. Please join me tomorrow for day 3!

12 Days of Christmas....

Good afternoon!

It's officially Christmas time and I for one am excited! I love this time of year and decided to celebrate it by featuring a new project every day for the first 12 days of the month. Are you with me? Have you made anything fun lately?

Thanks for dropping by!

Supplies used: All supplies are from Stampin' Up! unless otherwise indicated. Paper: Very Vanilla Cardstock, Basic Black Cardstock. Designer Paper: Mocha Morning. Ink: Stazon Black. Stamps: Delightful Decorations. Accessories: Ornament Punch, Black Satin Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stitched Stockings....

Oh how neglected my poor blog is! I appreciate those of you who still stop by here when I post something....goodness know my posts are few and far between these days. There's something about a best friend being diagnosed with cancer that makes you see your life in a different light and then suddenly it's 8 months later and you know you'll never be the same. That's how things are for me now...

On a positive note, I stamped! I had a downline meeting with a sweet friend a few weeks ago and we swapped cards. Here's the one I made for her:


I used the Stitched Stockings from the mini catalog from Stampin' Up!. It's super cute and very versatile!

Thanks again for stopping by and have a good afternoon!

November Stamp a Stack....

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted....it's a good indication that I've been really, really busy lately!

I'm hosting a Christmas Stamp a Stack next Saturday and wanted to post the cards on here real quick this morning.....

Have a good day!



Linking to: Share Your Creations Thursday at Kristen's Creations

Christmas 2010

Good Monday morning everyone!

We are down to the wire now with only 5 days until Christmas. Are you ready? My to-do list consists of:

1) Christmas Dinner grocery shopping
2) Baking
3) Finishing up a few Christmas cards

That's not too bad right? Wish me luck because if there is one thing I'm good at, it's procrastination! :o)

I snapped some photos around the house this weekend and as promised, am sharing them with you this morning. I tend to keep things simple....I'd much rather have a few things that I love than a bunch of things I don't. It helps me to focus on what's most important to me during this busy time of the year.

Nativity Set

Day Tree

Night Tree

I pray for a blessed Christmas for all of you!

Handmade Christmas....

Good morning everyone!

I wanted to pop on here and say that I didn't fall off the face of the earth....and that I appreciate the emails making sure that I'm okay and checking in on me. You guys are too sweet!

It's been a busy season with Thanksgiving, then a birthday and now Christmas so my blogging time has been cut way down. And while our shopping list is pretty small this year, it's just not the same without something handmade!

Jolly Holiday

Merry and Bright

Both of these sets start with a stationary gift box with misc. cards/envelopes, tags, stamps, a pen and a notebook for writing things down. It's a perfect gift for the someone who has everything! Then add in a little chocolate card and a anti-bacterial hand gel holder and you are all set to go! :o)

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season and that you are taking the time to experience it to the fullest. Be sure to come back Wednesday for a tour of my own Christmas home!



Linking to:

Additional Favorite Christmas Projects....

Happy Friday everyone!

As promised, here are a few more of my favorite past Christmas projects.....



Have a good weekend!

Past Christmas Projects....

Good morning guys!

Like I said on Monday, this is a crazy busy week but I wanted to post something to jump start the holiday spirit here on Kaufman's Cottage! Today and tomorrow I'll be featuring some of my favorite past Christmas projects and will show you some new things next week.

Enjoy!

A paper bow with a matching gift tag and card...

A challenge card made with some sweet, sweet friends...

A 6x6 scrapbook page

And finally some Christmas cards done in non-traditional colors....

I hope you were inspired to create something handmade this holiday season and be sure to return tomorrow for more fun ideas!