in the midst of all the turmoil and strife in the world right now, i find great comfort in the company of my family and friends. we are living through some pretty tough times. but you know what i think?

i think we are going to make it.

no, really. we will hopefully be better people for having experienced this refining process. i mean, aren't we all just diamonds in the rough anyway? they say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. i say when the going gets tough,

eat more chocolate!

and read more books...good books. and play with your children more. and laugh more. and drink more

dr. pepper!

we have decided to have a homemade christmas. with limited funds, we don't have a lot of choice anyway...but to look at it as a conscious choice makes it seem more fun! i am excited! i had to wipe the dust off my sewing machine, but i am loving it! i didn't realize how much i missed sewing. and the kids are really catching the spirit and getting excited too. yea! we have fun designing and creating and cutting and chatting together. sometimes we watch a movie while we cut or stuff or iron. it's great!

maybe we have started a

new family tradition...

and in that same vein...when i get my gifts finished, i will start working on my etsy inventory. that's right...

i have an etsy!!! i feel so grown up. i can't wait to get some inventory made and photographed and put up for the world to see. you can check it out at

shabbytrunk.etsy.com.

please keep in mind that there is nothing there yet, so come back from time to time to see what's new. i hope to have quilts, aprons, children's clothing, purses, children's "church toys" (you know...the kind that are quiet) and maybe even some scrapbook projects.

happy holidays to you all!

c'est tout bien...