Of Halloween and Christmas

It's been awhile since Ive blogged.  We have all been down with the swine flu. And bronchitis, and sinus infections, oh and ear infections, too. I don't remember the last time I have been so stinkin' sick. I actually had a 103 fever on tylenol. My sons were 105.2 and 104.1 Us asthmatics can't quite handle high fevers. We've been drugged up, and I think we have watched more t.v. in the past 3 weeks than in the past 3 months. I think I also set a new Sarah record for not showering or wearing makeup. Is that TMI? Oh well. It's true. Now that Ive disinfected my house, and scrubbed bathrooms, and am off of the medicine I still can't quite get back to myself. Ive heard this flu leaves you exhausted and weak. It's the truth! So Ive been reading books, sewing a little(that takes too much effort) and keeping up on the house. And taking lots of naps. LOTS of naps. Maybe sometime this week I'll be back to meself?
I have halloween costumes to hem, and pumpkins to carve. Mummy 'pup'cakes have been made and my boys want to make some 'magic wands'. The school party is tomorrow- I hope I have everything ready! Just kidding, I do. I think.
 And I am still working on the Christmas decor. Call me crazy. Christmas takes time, ya know? Although while sick I did my sons Christmas shopping. No joke- thank you ebay! My older 2 boys are getting a Didj each, with cool 'skins' and I have 4 games- 2 math, 2 reading/spelling. The little guy is getting a Leapster L-max loaded with 6 games. I was able to buy 2 of the systems used, but they look new, and save a whopping
$350.00! Seriously! And the new in the box system I saved about 50% on , too. I have spent less than $120.00 on all 3 boys total! Woo-hoo! Hubby and I are boycotting Christmas for each other this year. Stockings are all that are left to do. WHEW! And its not even halloween!
Back to decor.
I would like to make an advent this year. I have seen some cute ones. Some cheesy ones. Some downright hideous ones!  I would like somethign non-cheesy, something a little more elegant. Here are some options
Craftzine has the directions to this one. I was thinking it would be beautifuous in linens, grossgrain, silks... With printed numbers? Fancy fonts? Mother of pearl buttons? Ah my wheels are turning!

Etsy has several options! This is made of muffin tins.

Garnet Hill offers garland style ones- how cutesy are these lil buckets?

Wanna know a secret? Dollar Tree has little buckets in their wedding section... Four for a BUCK! SSHHH... now go buy yourself some before everyone else rushes the Tree and buys them up!!!!

I have seen cutesy mittens, and little bulbs, wall hangings... I am leaning more toward the garland style, but not sure what yet. maybe once I finish my tree skirt it will come to me... Now- go forth and create! get Halloween over with and enjoy your Christmas crafting!