34 In Life

No time for words

gumdroptree
gifts
gigiandraiger
roverallover
dollhouse
nativity
powderedlips1
powderedlips2
powderedlips5
bedhead
candycanes
starcookies2
starcookies
candycanestarcookies

… ok, just a few words, I still have lots of making, wrapping, laundry, and packing to do.

Pictured above: We had Christmas a little early with the in-laws { and since you asked what I was making… PW cookbooks wrapped in dish mats, a coffee cozy by Erin with gift cards inside, & a tissue cover}. My mother-in-law has the most festive house, even her dollhouse is ready for Christmas. The kids absolutely love going over there… who could blame them! We’ve also been eating lots of junk food and baking LOTS of cookies! The kids and I went to a cookie exchange today… which is my favorite kind of party to attend. There were lots of people, lots of kids and the best of all… lots of COOKIES! Thank you, Angie & Sarah for the hospitality and sugar highs!

… be back soon!

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  • Janice
    December 21, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    That little face eating cookies is beyond precious! Oh my. And oh how much I wish that doll house lived at my house. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. I enjoy your blog so much.

  • Katherine
    December 21, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Seeing your son eating powdered sugar donuts reminds me of mine at about that same age…..he LIVED for a visit from his “adopted” grandparents (friends of ours who are our parents’ ages) just so he could have some powdered sugars….of course, his mean old mother would never allow him that on a regular basis…..just “special” occasions! Oh how I wish I had a camera like yours back then! Looks like a wonderful time was had by all! Enjoy your holidays!

  • Lexi
    December 21, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Thanks for sharing, we know how busy you are. Everytime I think I have the cutest 2 little boys in the world, you post another pic of JM that takes the cake! I just want to eat him up! Darby, you are so talented, your blog is a gift to all of us SAHMs. Merry Christmas!

  • Mandy
    December 21, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    so cute…looks so fun! I love the PW recipes…they rock! Do you read her blog? It is too funny! Looks like you are making your way to a Merry Christmas! Have fun! Love, Mandy

  • alyssa
    December 21, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Wish I was on the receiving end for those gifts! They look great…very impressed that you have found the time to do do much! Hope yall have safe travels and a great Christmas!

  • Amber
    December 21, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    The cookies are so pretty. My hubby crushes candy canes to powder and mixes them into sugar cookie dough. I think I will go have another.

  • Anne
    December 21, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    Cookie exchanges are fun aren’t they! I’ve been baking and storing the cookies away for Holiday parties…going to a cookie exchange makes it easy to have lots of choices! Love K’s dollhouse!

  • Brittan
    December 21, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    Hi Darby! Love Rover’s bed head! We are constantly wetting down the boys wild hair before we leave the house:) We made a lot of the 12 days of Christmas crafts also. Your tags, the candles, the fudge, some coasters, etc, it was so fun!! If I had a sewing machine I would have made more. Merry Christmas friend ( and I do refer to you as my friend although we have never met!)

  • Susan V
    December 21, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    Oh my, what fun. I have a certain little 20 month old boy that loves “baby donuts” too. My mother-in-law put several sleeves in his stocking and he has been munching on them for breakfast that past few days. I love the PW cookbook/dishmat combo gift idea. I will tuck that away for next year since I am finished with my Christmas shopping for this year. Yeah! Merry Christmas to you!

  • JJ
    December 21, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    Merry Christmas and safe travels. My own children are married and we always look back at the memories when they were little chaps. I have a daughter with a Christmas birthday and I have always insisted we celebrate that special day for her so holidays have always been twice as busy. I don’t even remember how I found your blog but am so glad I did…you always bring a smile to my face.

  • Sarah M.
    December 21, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    Hello gum-drop tree. I haven’t thought of you in years, yet suddenly I realize you are a fond part of my childhood memories that is missed greatly.

  • rhonda
    December 21, 2009 at 9:57 pm

    Love the pictures of Rover!! I have made the coffee cozy by Erin too.. I love your color combos!

    Have to say thanks- made your honey cin.butter and my neighbors LOVED it! (I don’t have up a wreath, but at least I made gifts, right?! Gotta have priorities and as a working mom, something has to go- and I have the BEST neighbors ever~) Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!!

  • Jenna
    December 21, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    I TOTALLY burst out laughing at John Martin’s bedhead. What a doll!
    And the gumdrop tree – adorable!

  • Brooke G.
    December 21, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the photos!!!!! Have a very MERRY Christmas 😉

  • Katie W
    December 21, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    I just love the little doll house all decked out. Have a Merry Christmas.

  • Amber E
    December 21, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Your little Rover reminds me so much of my Wyatt! That shaggy blonde hair…… I love it. Looks like a great start to the holidays! I wish I was so diligent in taking pictures are you are. Everytime I read your blog, I think, I’m going to do better tomorrow! You would think being a photographer, I would take tons. Unfortunately, during daily activities, I forget! I need to just wrap my camera around my neck when I get up in the mornings!! Love your posts. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • alison g. (brazil)
    December 21, 2009 at 11:04 pm

    Looks like a little slice of Heaven to me! Absolutely love Paige’s dress – when you have a moment, mind sharing your source? I’ve found lovely smocked dresses for Avery the last two years on Ebay for a fraction of their original price – most of them, only worn once by the previous owner. Raiger’s reminds me of an angel’s gown {sigh}

  • b.a.
    December 21, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    sigh…don’t you just love kiddos sleepy eyes? so dear. i’d like JM to marry my little P. i promise she’ll be better behaved by marryin’ age. 🙂

    also, at church on sunday i had PEPPERMINT OREOS. oh. my. word. they are so good. buy them at your own risk.

  • Jan
    December 21, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    do you almost always shoot with iso 800 when taking pictures indoors? random, i know! love, love, love how festive you are!

  • Abbie
    December 21, 2009 at 11:46 pm

    lovely decorations on the dollhouse!

  • edie
    December 22, 2009 at 7:01 am

    Sweet Darby,
    I absolutely would NOT get anything done with that little powdered-donut face looking up at me. Those kisses are all the more sweet! And I love all your handmade goodies. I’m still sewing and hoping to finish by Thursday—-only one more dishmat to make! I’m so thankful to have ‘found’ you and hope you and your beautiful little family have a most blessed Christmas.
    p.s. 4:30 am can be quite addictive—-it gives me 2-3 hours in the mornings before the circus begins!
    lot of love and hugs,
    edie

  • Casey
    December 22, 2009 at 9:44 am

    John Martin’s powdered sugar face is to die Thought you might be interested in nominating somebody for the special Christmas give away at the following blog… for.https://amberstricklinphotography.blogspot.com/2009/12/give-something-to-someone-this.html

  • Sue
    December 22, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Your gum drop tree brought back memories from my childhood. My mother ALWAYS had a gum drop tree. I am going to be sure that I have one next year. I love your gift ideas…who wouldn’t be tickled to receive these. Merry Christmas!

  • brandy
    December 22, 2009 at 10:44 am

    You are so creative, I love it! I am making coffee cozies today! A perfect quick gift to have on hand! Thank you, thank you for the link! Have a Merry Christmas, and travel safe!

  • jade
    December 22, 2009 at 11:36 am

    look at you go! i wish i could have done at least some handmade this year. but no… and i LOVE that pink dollhouse! where on earth did she get that?

  • Kristen
    December 22, 2009 at 11:43 am

    I love that gumdrop tree, seems to be a known thing, but I’ve never seen one, so cute! And the coffee cozies and kleenex covers? Those are great! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

  • Kim
    December 22, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    Love all the Christmas photos!! Is that nativity scene as “kid” friendly as it appears? Where did it come from? I would love to get one just like that. Thanks and merry merry Christmas!

  • Emily
    December 22, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Merry Christmas! I love that you have a magical world for your children! Even your mother-in-law’s house has a doll house with Christmas decorations! Thank you for painting a beautiful, fun picture of motherhood – your pictures and postings always wind my biological clock forward a few months! The baby-fever is in full effect today! Wishing you, your children, husband and family a very Merry Christmas!

  • Jennifer
    December 22, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    I have one New Year resolution this year…”Be more like Darby”. lol Seriously, I love your creativity and your loving way with your children. The girls reciting Luke 2 was precious beyond words. You keep on teaching them to hide the Word in their sweet little hearts! What an inspiration you are time and time again. Thanks Darby! Once again, I learned something new from you today. Have a very Merry Christmas!

  • Sarah
    December 22, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    love everything.. christmas in your house looks joyous.
    merry christmas.

  • Paula
    December 23, 2009 at 8:39 am

    I LOVE the decorated dollhouse! I made a dollhouse for my daughter a couple yrs ago, but it’s not very popular. Thanks for sharing your inspiration! Very pretty!
    Paula
    And you’re making me want to do some of those cutout cookies that I detest doing so MUCH! But if you use the recipe from The Joy…with real butter…they are SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!

  • Lori-Anne
    December 23, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    Oh. My. Goodness!! Could your son BE any cuter?! And I love, love, love the homemade coffee cup holders – am now inspired to make my own! Happy Christmas 🙂

  • Becky
    December 23, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    This post should have been called “No NEED for Words.” The pictures tell the story of a beautiful Christmas full of homemade gifts, kids and plenty of sugar. What more could anyone ask for??? (I especially love the picture of JM’s turkey feathers in the back…ADORABLE!!!)
    Merry Christmas!

  • Erin Joy
    March 25, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    Quick question: where in the world did you find that sweet nativity??!