Basking In The Christmas Afterglow

Here is a video of the boys coming down to see their presents for the first time!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

A warm holiday hello from the Grab Bag. I want to wish everyone a warm, loving, family-filled Christmas. And I want to say that, in this time of presents and food it is so easy to be swept away by the Christmas spirit and, in doing so, forget the real reason for the season. So, in honor of our Lord Jesus, and in celebration of his birthday here is the story of his birth.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born today in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

And they came with haste, and found, Mary, Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Gospel according to St. Luke Chapter 2 verses 1-20.

Luke Is A Daredevil Cutie

More Lukie pics!

Eating Lunch



Climbing the steps




He knows he's in trouble!

Made My First Ornament!

Last night I made my very first Christmas ornament, totally from scratch! I bought the clay and followed some directions online and here is the product! I blacked out the names b/c this is for my SS. And just in case she reads my blog I don't want the surprise to be ruined! Shhhhh!!

Henry's Turn for Pics!

And our tree

Books Giveaway!

Win some book pressies over at Riding With No Hands blog!

Reuseable Shopping Bags

Alot of you know that I use reusable shopping bags. Over at my friend Sarah's Ohana Mama Blog she has a giveaway listed for bags called Envirosax! These things are the epitomey of cuteness and functionality! Hop on over for her review of these super chic bags!

Have a Very Etsy Christmas!

My friends over at Busy Mom are sponsoring a tremendous Etsy give away. The list of sponsors is a mile long with some of Etsy's finest products! Here's the list! You should head over to Busy Mom and enter for your chance to win this amazing Christmas gift!

Children
This and That - $20 gift card
Red Pajamas - Little Man's Tie ($8)
Baby Luv Gifts - Cute Custom Beanie ($15) *
Baby Bears - $25 gift card
My Custom Baby Boutique - $25 gift card
Baby Goin Places - PocketChanger Diaper Changing Pad ($25)
Layla Legs - $15 gift card & free shipping
Second Story Window - $10 gift card
Inspiring Color Tie Dye - Youth pullover hoodie rainbow diagonal or swirl ($30)
Baby Peas - boy or girl cloth play blocks- set of 4 ($18)
Abby Chase Designs - Lotus Hair Flower ($13.50)
Tadpoles and Tutus - $20 gift card
Make it and Love It - onesie/bootie set of choice (14.99)

PiggyTails Boutique - Christmas tutu and snowman wand with a matching personalized bow ($26)

Jewelry
Four Dog Day - Cute Pink Key Ring ($8)
Jupita - $20 gift card
Zeba - Coin Pearl Earrings ($20)
Jodi Horgan - $25 gift card *
One of a Kind Custom Jewelry - $20 gift card
Across The Pond - choice of any vintage button ring ($14) *
Kerstin Hanson - $20 gift card

Bath and Body
Krug's Eco-Logic - $15 gift card
Indulgent Creations - Soy candle travel tin, soap and lotion ($16.50) *
koko candles - holiday brownie cupcake candles ($25)
Dazzle Dott - $20 gift certificate

Especially for Mom
Mary Zoom - Pink Polka Dot Glam Cleaning Gloves ($10)
Maggie Sue Designs -A cup cozy and coordinating set of Tame Your Mane ponytail holders ($12)
Gaia Conceptions - "My Everything" piece (clothing, $40)
Boojiboo - apron of winners choice (only ones in stock, $28.75)*

Stones of Healing - $20 gift certificate

Yummy Treats
A Sugar Affair - $10 gift card
Cakebox Cookies - $20 gift card
A Thyme 2 B Comforted - $25 gift card
Double Dipped Sweets - $20 gift card *
KE Cookies - One dozen chocolate chip cookies ($8)
AngelPie Cookies and Cakes - One dozen decorated sugar cookies ($18)
Meg's Creations - 2 pack of cookie and brownie mix ($24 including shipping)
Cookie Art by Sarah - One dozen sugar cookie snowflakes and $25 gift certificate ($53)

Paper Crafts
Paper Treasures 4 U - 2 page 12''x12'' Christmas layout ($9)
Inkspot Workshop - 1 Set of 6 Snowman Gift Enclosures 1 Set of 6 Tree Bird Gift Enclosures ($12)
Take Note - 1 set of personalized notecards ($15)*
Articulations - 6 lunchbox love mini cards ($5)

Bond.... Luke Bond

He snuck his brother's stool and was trying to open the door. Lucily we have ancient doorknobs that are nearly impossible for an adult to open! Doesn't he look SO pleased with himself. *eye roll* And nevermind the jelly face. This was immediatley after lunch.


And now looking super cool in his brother's shades!

I'm Coming Out!

I have a new blog!!!! It's a review blog and I will be reviewing anything and everything that I use or see in my life. If you want to look for some new great products, or enter in some giveaways (COMING SOON!!!), or if you have something you'd like for me to give my opinion on just shoot over to

Beautiful Necklaces

There is another giveaway I wanted to tell you guys about over at MomDot.com. klacustomcreations has tons of beautiful pieces but I love the one pictured in particular. For a chance to win head over to MomDot.com

TRAIN BEDDING!! ACK!

My friend Lee has an Olive Kids bedding giveaway going on her blog. I drooled over this bedding while I was PG with both boys and now I actually have a chance to WIN IT!! WOO!!! Head over to MySentimentExactLee if you're interested!

The Holiday Season Is Upon Us!

I'm finally back in the blogging swing of things. I've been spending alot of time getting my NEW review blog ready to go public, so I'm sorry for the neglect that Blushing Mommy has recieved. Once the other blog is off the ground I will have a bit more time to spend here... at least if the kids are sleeping. LOL

I hope everyone's holiday was good. My family drove up from Alabama and came to stay with us! We got our first big snow while they were here, so that was very exciting getting to share our winter weather with them! Turkey Day was amazing! I did the turkey ALL BY MYSELF for the first time, and it turned out b-e-a-utifully! It was so golden brown and moist.... yummm. I still have some in the fridge if you want a bite? lol I did my mom's stuffing while she layed the baby down and that was not such a success. Luckily my cornbread dressing swooped (or should I say scooped?) in and saved the turkey day!

It was so nice to have my family here and to feel like things were slightly back to normal because, I'll tell ya, being on your own without any help is exhausting! The couple days they were here, having help with the kids, was so wonderful! They helped me a ton with housework and dishes and laundry... too much actually! But regardless, it was so nice and endlessly appreciated!

We have the tree up now and the rest of the house is decorated. I finally found my camera charger so I will get some pictures of the house and post them in the next few days. I'd love to see pictures of everyone else's decorations too!! Have a happy holiday and go put on some Christmas music!