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Thank you for following along with our family's journey again this year as we've moved states, changed careers, added a member, and blogged a bit less. It's been memorable as I'm sure yours was. As we quickly move into the new year I hope it's full of progress and growth and plenty of grace as we meet new challenges and continue to overcome them.
Also, joy.
And naps.
-Rachel
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You may not have time to whip this up before Santa comes to town but file it away for next year. Sharing the full tutorial for weaving your own fancy stockings over on A Beautiful Mess.
I've been finishing up Smith's first Christmas stocking and a whole new set with a different color scheme than the last few years and love having an actual banister in our new rental to hang them from! It's the little things, guys.
It's been quiet on the blogging front only because it's feeling wildly busy on the home front. We've been healthy over here this year but the days have been full finalizing e-course projects and filming videos, going to school productions, Christmas shopping, trying to stay on top of the laundry mountain, keeping a certain crawler from getting into everything, weaving little weavings, shipping little weavings, sharing about essential oils, supporting Brett as he studies his heart out to get licensed to sell life insurance, etc, etc. What did I even do yesterday? I can't remember!
I told my mother-in-law that the last 18 months have felt like trying to run in water up to my waist. So much struggle to move from point A to point B but also so much growth. I feel like things have been harder in new ways since the day I found out I was pregnant with Smith and now that he's not sleeping for long stretches like he was, it's just a success to make it through the day having changed out of my clothes from the night before. Anybody? Bueller? So it goes. This is a season and one that surely has an end date once my youngest is a bit older.
Anyway, we're still here! We've just been a little more present on Instagram (@smileandwave) and a little more busy with the holidays. We've since added two new bunnies to the mix as of last night and things may change again as Brett's new job starts in the new year and my focus shifts again. It's all aligning and realigning but we're doing our best to roll with the punches and stay so thankful for all we have.
Plus, two more sleeps until Christmas!
-Rachel
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With the addition of some new nooks and crannies in this Victorian rental, we needed a few new things that sparkle. Just in time for Christmas, I made these three decorative pillows. I'll probably switch out the inserts with our regular pillows once Christmas has past and then bring them back out next year after Thanksgiving again. Except for that swiss cross. That one is staying up a little longer!
Head over to A Beautiful Mess for the full tutorial for making each of these three festive pillows!
Happy Holidays! -Rachel
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Black Friday may be over but there are still four more weeks of Christmas shopping to take advantage of! All ads are marked down to 40% off with the promo code 'snowday' so you can share your shop or blog with Smile and Wave readers through the New Year.
Ads available at this price for a limited time only so don't delay!
-Rachel
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We had our first snow two weeks ago and the first thing out of Ruby's mouth when she woke up to big flakes falling from the sky was, "Can we build a snowman?" There wasn't more than two inches on the ground but we got out there and did our best for about twenty minutes before it was time for hot chocolate. Also, I promise my kids own coats. You just wouldn't know from their excitement to get outside!
Smith was apprehensive as usual but quiet as a mouse the whole time. When you're not battling icy roads, broken heaters, and frozen car batteries, the snow really is magical. Here's hoping we fare better this year than last year at 6,000ft!
-Rachel
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I haven't carried a traditional diaper bag since Sebastian was Smith's age-back when all baby gear was exciting no matter how excessive it may have been. I'm also a work-from-home mama so I have the luxury of keeping baby essentials in the same space as my own stuff. JoTotes is a camera bag company but all I see is lots of space, convenient pockets, and something that looks great with everything in my closet so it's one of my current favorites for both running errands and road trips alike.
I'm also loving the blanket scarf trend! I've had this plaid flannel fabric sitting in my stash thinking it might be a great stroller/car seat blanket for Smith but I've stolen it. It's mine now, kid!
Red lips forever!
What fall/winter trends are making their way into your wardrobe right now?
-Rachel
On Me: Jeans, Jessica Simpson. Plaid shirt and jacket, Target. Boots, Steve Madden. Scarf, flannel fabric from Hancocks. Bag c/o JoTotes.
On Smith: Pants and top, Old Navy. Moccasins c/o Freshly Picked.
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I'm Rachel Denbow, an author, e-course writer, maker, craft stylist, and general DIY enthusiast. 
