Bittersweet Journey: I hope...

that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Sorry that I didn't post before, but it's been crazy around here. It took me two days to get my house back to normal...needless to say that my house was a madhouse. Ironically, this Christmas, even with the economy the way it is...Santa was very good.

These pictures melt my heart...

On Christmas Eve we went to my aunt Liz's house. It was only 10 of us, but we really enjoyed it, it was warm and cozy. Unfortunately, my family has been through several problems and some don't talk to others and we don't make big parties like we used to. I miss that a lot...we were a very united family...it's all down the drain now. It didn't bother me though because the most important people in my life were with me which are my kids, hubby, and parents...although someone very essential in my life (air that I breathe) my grandma/mother wasn't there because she lives in Puerto Rico...that would've been my greatest gift, but I'm thankful anyways because after 20 years battling with cancer, 81 years of life...my God still has here around. I love you, mami! I love you, my Lord! Here are some pictures:

It was also special because my cousin that I haven't seen for 4 years was there. It's unbelievable how living in the same state we let that long passed by before seeing each other.

On Christmas day, we were home in the morning and at my mom's...then we went to my grandma's house from my dad's side and spent the afternoon there. I was very exhausted from the night before and the day...but we really enjoyed it. I have to say that there is nothing more breathtaking that the look at my kids face opening their gifts.

Here's my son's pile and his favorite gift. Yay, baby, finally you got your blue Nintendo DS.

Here's my daughter's pile and her favorite gift was this American Girl that she named Nikki...she loves her, and so does grandma (that would be me, lol).

Now on a scrappy note, what is a post without scrapping somewhere? You all know that I'm big fan and luckily for me cyber friend with Val & Janna. These amazing and talented gals are heading towards a new crafty adventure: Got Crafts? You know I will be on that journey with them. Two of their latest additions are Val's Desktop Calendar and Janna's Dates to Remember.

The downloads section of the Got Crafts? site is all about downloadable project ideas and inspiration. What that means for you is that with just a few clicks of the mouse, you can have a crafty project to create and an afternoon (or late night :) of creative bliss! All of the current downloads are $16 and are available in a pdf format. Downloads include numerous process and finished product photos, supply lists, instructions and helpful tips. I think you'll really love these cool projects! Just wanted to add that there's also still time to sign up for GOT SKETCH MINI-their FREE sketch mini class. You'll get a taste of what their online interactive classes are all about. It's only available until December 31st so HURRY on over to SIGN UP NOW!

Finally, here are three LO's that I did for my kit club, Apron Strings. There are doing 12 challenges until Epiphany Day or Three Kings Day as I call it. On the first LO titled Noel the challenge was to use one picture; on the second challenge titled And Away You Go the challenge was to use only two colors of cardstock (no patterned paper); and the third challenge was to use 3 colors scheme (I used brown, blue, and white). There are two more challenges that I haven't done yet. One is to use a bird on the LO and the other one is to use 5 circles or rings. I'll probably work on those during the week or weekend.