Christmas Creations

We really get into our saltwater aquariums around here, which means we end up with a lot of discarded crab and snail shells. We never quite know what to do with them. You feel bad throwing them out, but we don't like all the "litter" in the tank. So, I made it into an art project for Ben. I found some picture frames at Hobby Lobby and Ben painted them one morning while I made breakfast. I had to help smooth out the paint, but he 75% of the painting himself. After those dried, I used the hot glue gun, and he chose where to put each of the shells (I had a few suggestions of course, but ultimately the decision was his). Ben had fun with it. We only made it threw 1/2 - 2/3 of the shells, so I will have to find another art project for him. I hope all the Grandma's like their picture frames.



Project number two was making Christmas cut-out cookies. I made them a few times growing up, but it wasn't on the regular list of Christmas cookies. I had never made them with Ben, but after making the ones for Ben's Christmas program, I decided it might be fun to do with the kids. I thought we would have no problems getting through 2 batches of dough. I was wrong though. We didn't even make it through one batch of dough and both Ben and Kyle had enough. So, two of the three trays I was able to decorate myself. The upside, I had no problems bringing the ones I decorated to church on Sunday. Although I was vigilant about making the boys wash their hands, I kept the cookies at home that may have possibly been sneezed, coughed, or slobbered on at home since both kids had been fighting a cold for several days. I think that may be why Ben gave up on the cookies, he had to wash his hands at least three times during the process because of slicking fingers or blowing his nose.


We all still enjoyed eating the Christmas cookies though.

Ben insisted that I have my picture taken. I didn't think he did a bad job. I didn't crop this picture or anything, although the camera was on a tripod.