Baby, Baking and an Ornament

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. I have been really tired and a little sick for the past few weeks...and also very busy trying to get everything ready for Christmas. i was not planning on making an official announcement for a while, but word got out and spread like wildfire. So...I will go ahead and confirm that YES, I am pregnant. We were shocked and surprised to say the least, but very excited about what a blessing this will be for our family.

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So...on to other things. Our family made plans to go to my moms house to make Christmas cookies tonight with my sister Jenny and her family. Our kitchen is VERY small and old and not really ideal for baking. So whenever I have a cooking project, I head over to my moms DREAM KITCHEN and make a mess! Now let me tell you that I am no baker. I dont know the last time I baked something that wasn't in a Pillsbury can. Seriously, it has probably been since last Christmas. I know some of you out there are serious bakers and you are so good at it, but it is just not my thing. There is just no joy in it for me. I dont get it??? Well here is how things went...

This is Jenny and my mom working on our first batch of Tree cookies. These are a Brewer family tradition.
This is me in the beginning with the first batch...all smiles and somewhat enjoying things at this stage.
Our finished Trees. Not perfection, but they were good. After we finished the first batch I was over it and ready to quit...but we had alot more to do.

Then came the real challenge. Candy Cane cookies. We did something very wrong and we dont know what? But somehow they tripled in size during the baking process and distorted to a very large and puffy state. The picture does not do them justice. They were ridiculously large.
People, I tell you what. My hat is off to anyone who bakes..and enjoys doing it. I have the utmost respect for all of you out there (Elizabeth) who make those beautiful cookies and cakes.
I was exhausted when we were finished. Seriously exhausted as if I had run a marathon. And check out how filthy dirty my apron is! Embarrassing!
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I have also been feeling very uninspired to do any crafty stuff lately. But I did make some of these monogrammed ornaments for Christmas gifts the other day and thought I would pass it along.
I bought these blank ornaments at Michaels. They were originally $2 each, but they are 50% off right now....so $1 each!!!!
Then I had these rub on letters. You can find lots of options for rub ons in the stickers aisle at Michaels or AC Moore. Make sure they are rub ons and not stickers.

Just cut out the letters you want to use and lay them on the ornament. I tape them down to hold them in place while I rub them on. Peel off the backing and then spray with a tiny bit of clear coat so the rub on doesnt come off. Add a bow and you are done.