A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

December 17, 2013

WOYWW #237 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Hectic-One-Week-Before-Christmas Wednesday!

I'm not sure if Julia, whomsoever we all love dearly, is posting a What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday (WOYWW) on Christmas Day, but I won't be able to play in that one if she does, so I'm taking this opportunity to thank her for all she does to keep this showboat afloat and my hamster and I want to wish Julia and her family and all of my WOYWWer friends and their families a very Merry Christmas!!
That, crafters and craftees, is a picture of a card-maker gone 'round the Christmas bend in a Playhouse that has exploded with Christmas cheer, both in the glass and on every surface, including the floor. 
 
BTW, in the interest of honest journalcism, the hamster on the sign is actually a mouse.  I couldn't find a Christmas hamster, but if I were to take a picture of the hamster in my head, he would look eerily simpattycake with the wee mouse.  Whaddya mean?  What's wrong with my nose?
 
~~~
 
And I'd love to share our family Christmas photo card, which you may have already seen in an earlier post. 
It's sweet, right? 
 
Since you might overlook the names, or may have missed the names in my earlier post, here, I'll enlarge it for you:
Ho Ho Ho!

Mister is a good sport.  He got the wet knees kneeling to set up the tripod on the lawn in the early morning dew.  It's our personal Christmas miracle that we got that picture in one shot, considering it includes two boys who will turn nine on Friday and who love nothing more than making faces!
 
~~~
 
And now you might want to cross your legs as I give you our best 2013 Christmas photo taken by Rachel of granddog Duke all dressed up for the howlidays:
Ho Ho Ho!
 
Duke is a good sport!  This tickles me no end.  I've seen other dogs in this get-up, but the way Duke has planted his front paws gives his Santa such attitude!  Yes, sir, we will have a Merry Christmas, thank you, sir!!  And no, sir, we don't have a problem with the outfit!
 
Snort!
 
~~~
 
Enjoy your holidays, WOYWWers!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!*  For those of you who visit me other than just for WOYWW, I'll be back with scheduled posts on both Saturday and Monday, at least.
 
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower!  Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 

Mwah!
 
  
Displaying Darnell Signature.png 
*Life Is Too Short!

(Reminder:  If I have to be a Google + member in order
to leave you a comment, then I'm sorry, it won't let me in. 
I didn't want you to think I'm ignoring you.)

102 comments:

Unknown said...

You look too cute all decked out for Christmas. That's a cute photo Christmas card. Duke is just too cute in his Santa suit. #6

Patti J said...

What a fun post! Thank you for sharing with us! Hugs...

Peggy Lin said...

This is so cute ~

Lisa Elton said...

Well just look how darn cute you are!! Looks like you were having some serious Christmas crafting going on in the playhouse!! DUKE...LOL...What a trooper!!!

RosA said...

You're all having some serious fun there! Just not sure about the dog ... kinda spooky, in a Christmassy way :)
Have a lovely Christmas and thanks for welcoming us into your fabulous Playhouse :)
RosA # 21

Eliza said...

He is one handsome dude, I love his Santa suit.

Mery Christmas to you too and I hope you have a wonderful safe time. Love that cute nose.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda 15

Also thanks for the birthday wishes

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

You my dear lady are a HOOT..and that is good, cause Life can pass you by otherwise.
A great family photo, a funny dog, and great fun..Your space looks like mine last week. May you and yours enjoy a wonderful Christmas and very Best Wishes for a Blessed New Year. #8

Jean said...

Thanks for sharing all of the fun photos ~love your family Christmas card. Your playhouse looks a lot like my house right now with bags, boxes, wrapping paper, ... everywhere! Happy one week before Christmas day!

Sandy said...

How funny is duke he does look so serious in his suit.. lovely picture of all your family..
have a great Christmas
Sandy :) #26

Jackie said...

Great family photo!
The dog looks so cute in the outfit
But ... I have never seen your craft space so well..... I hate to say this ...... Untidy! Your the lady of tidy ness
Jackie 22

Julia Dunnit said...

I love the photos. Love 'em..so nice of you to share the joys of the Christmas hamster, and to let the homeless guy set up the tripod for you and be in the pic - what a fab family group, aren't the boys gorgeous. And Duke..I'm guessing he may the most patient of his kind...!

Greta said...

Took awhile for me to be able to write my comment as I was rolling on the floor after seeing Duke's picture--that is priceless! The wet knees make that family photo even better! Merry, merry Christmas, my friend!

sandie said...

Such fun photos Darnell and thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. I wish you a Merry XMas, have a fun time and see you in blogland very soon x

sandie said...

Such fun photos Darnell and thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. I wish you a Merry XMas, have a fun time and see you in blogland very soon x

Cathy said...

Great photos Darnell, hope you have a fabulous Christmas too :) Cathy x

Shannon J said...

You are hilarious! Love the state of your playhouse (reminds me of the constant state of my mind!), and I ain't messin' with that Santa Duke - he looks like he means bizz-ness! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!!!

vic said...

I've just wet myself ha ha you do look super sweet though :) love your craft room I bet you have soooo much fun in there :) your family is adorable and I've just fallen in love with duke!

Have a lovely christmas Hun

Hugs

Vic x

Neil said...

Good morning
Just popping my head around the door to say hi and wish you a very happy Christmas. Love your playhouse and your dog is so funny!
Thanks for sharing your workplace.

Neil #20

Colleen said...

Your humor brings such joy in my day!! I wish you a most blessed and Merriest Christmas ever! Your dog is a hoot in that Santa outfit!! thanks for sharing Darnell!

Sue - said...

Great fun photos Darnell and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Scrapcat 1 said...

awh the poor dog, although I have to say he looks happier than most dogs who are dressed up. Love the picture of you all. Thanks for sharing, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Tracy #41

Claire said...

Funny post Darnell...always love your play on words! How nice to see that someone else leaves a bit of a mess in their crafty space...doesn't that make you a better card maker? Have a lovely Christmas!

Andrea said...

great post Darnell ..love the nose ! your family photo card is awesome and happy 9th Birthday to the boys on Friday ..they grow up so quickly ! ..It looks like Christmas festivities is going to be fun with a capital F in your household .love the Santa outfit that one cool dog !..love and best wishes to everyone enjoy the festivities Andrea x #48

Elizabeth said...

Great photos, Darnell, love your festive socks and that nose is fab. It's so nice that you got a family photo ... it would take a miracle to get all my family together for a pic. Many thanks for the super new home card - been too ill to thank you before this but it is much appreciated. You, and Duke, look all charged up for the festivities - have a wonderful time over the holidays. Greetings, Elizabeth x #45

Glenda said...

Your post has made me smile this morning! Thanks so much for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Glenda #50

Sammy said...

Bwaahaaahaahaa! Duke looks AWESOME! By far the best thing I've seen today! :-)

Wishing you and yours a fabulous festive season Darnell! x

Sarn said...

Morning Darnell . . . just popping over to wish you and yours a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Carol L said...

What a great family photo, even if Duke appears to be too embarrassed to look into the camera! He probably doesn't want anyone to recognize him after wearing his Santa outfit! ROFL!!
Love the photos, and the explosion of creativity that's taken place in your playroom too! Have a super Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2014 as well! Big inky hugs to you my friend :)

Ros Crawford said...

LOVED seeing your photos and I've just been in your play house!! Wow!! I want one! My DH says it's too cold here for one ... sigh ... Have a wonderful Christmas!

Kim M said...

Oh Darnell, you're too funny! I don't see anything wrong with your nose at all. ;-). Wink, wink. Your work area looks like mine. Actually I think mine is worse. You can still see some desk area on yours. LOL! That picture of Duke is hilarious! He looks like he's thinking, "what I do to please my people. Sigh." LOL. Love your family picture card. I didn't see what it said on your previous post. Too funny. Hope you have a great Christmas! Big hugs! :-)

Michelle said...

Oh Darnell, so much goodness in this post! I love the photo of you in your playhouse (you're so cute with that nose). I love the family photo with the homeless guy (your Kevin is definitely a good sport). And I love Duke in his Santa outfit, although I feel a bit sorry for him. I told my girls the other day that I was NOT buying Coco a Miss Santa outfit, now I'm second guessing my decision! Have a very Merry Christmas! You are on my Christmas list, but I have failed to send my Christmas cards, so just imagine that there is a card from me! Maybe I'll get a New Year card to you instead. :-)

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Fun, Happy Christmas post, Darnell...love all the pics but am particularly taken by your Festive Socks!!
Thanks for all the fun, support and general lunacy this year...may it continue into 2014 :-)
Hugs. LLJ 43 xx

Hettie said...

Merry Christmas Darnell from one nutty blogger to another truly nutter blogger!
Poor Duke!
Hugs
xx

Donna Wheat said...

What a great post, love the dogs outfir. Have a great Christmas and New Year, Donna #39

Claire Grantham said...

Great post Darnell, you and yours look very happy together. Mister is a good sport...I LOL when I read the text on the card. BTW Tracey in Australia received her 40 for 40 package and sent me a lovely email. Have a wonderful Christmas. Cx #60

stampwithsandy said...

Love all your fun photos and your terrific sense of humor, Darnell! Wish I could join you for a cup of holiday cheer!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

What a great post, you make me smile :) You look great in your Christmas attire, the dog is hilarious and your family photo is awesome. You look busy in your playhouse. Enjoy the Season, Cheers, Shirleyxx

Mrs A. said...

Thank you kindly for my lovely candy cane card that arrived today with the pile of snippety snips. Love those flowers! I have been so busy all year making Christmas cards that I had forgotten I was supposed to actually do something with them!!
Consequently yours may arrive a wee bit late but I did see I posted it only one day after yours to me so you can live in hope! Hugs Mrs A.
p.s. Thank you for the nice words you put. Double hugs Mrs A.

Susanne Vargas said...

That's a great picture of you in your playhouse, Darnell! You should keep it as a "About me" picture on your blog! But I have to say that Duke's picture is even cuter! You are one hilarious and fun family, right down to the dog! Thanks for my chuckle of the day!
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family!

Krisha said...

What a GREAT post for the holidays, I vote you #1, love the nose, the wet knees, the names, and most of all Duke!! LOL
Merry Christmas to you all!
Krisha #23

Pat said...

Hi Darnell, thank you for supplying today's measure of mirth. Love the nose by the way, and the suitably messy craft room. The photos are great - I do love your dog's cute outfit, he must be very placid to sit still with that lot on! I'm sure I will be keeping an eye on blogland into next week, but just in case I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Susan said...

Great photo of the family! Getting it in one take was definitely a Christmas miracle! LOL! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Tracey McNeely said...

Merry Christmas Darnell! This post just makes me smile! Love your nose!

Angi Barrs said...

Adorable craft room photo. Merry Christmas!

Laurie Unger said...

Great photo of your craft room! Love the Photo Christmas card and the homeless guy comment cracked me up!

OH Babs said...

I feel like you need a title: court jester, girl voted most popular, everybody's best friend, bundle of fun, I don't know which to choose. All I want to say is you are a delight and generous with your kind words. Wishing you the happiest. BTW all the cards are great. Hooray for the homeless guy.

Sharon Underwood said...

So happy to see so much Christmas spirit in one place! Love the pictures, the outfits, the smiles. Wonderful post!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness...so many great holiday pictures!! Thanks for sharing :)

Deborah Frings said...

Thank you Darnell! I needed that! I'm now smiling from ear to ear! Wonderful photos! Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas xx

Pia S said...

Such fun photos, Darnell! Love the Santa dressed do!!!

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Darnell, love the pic of you, and your family photo is awesome! Your boys look lovely- funny how they always do in photos isn't it? then you tell people the sort of things they get up to, and no-one believes you, lol. Wishing you a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year, from me & my Beloved Hubby. Huge Christmas Hugs, Shaz #44 xx

Karen Petitt said...

Fab photo of you and your family Darnell. But what really tickled me was Duke - my word - what attitude - thank you very, very much for the giggle lol! We do make a lot of mess when we get stuck into the crafting lol! Merry Christmas sweetie xx

Sue said...

LOL Darnell what lovely photo's and oh my all so cute especially the dog!!! have a fabulous Christmas lots of huggles Sue xxxxxxxxxxx

Chris Dring said...

OMGee! This was by far your best post to date Darnell! I giggled at the picture of you enjoying Holiday "spirits" in the middle of that happy holiday paper bomb that went off in your playhouse. Then laughed out loud at the 'homeless guy' on your Christmas card. But by far the best picture is of Duke dressed as Santa! Tears running down my face from laughing so hard! Thank you for the laugh and for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Barb Ghig said...

What a wonderful following you have, Darnell! Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling down to be #55...must be nice to be so popular :-)

Now as far as the pic of Duke...I knew I should have crossed my legs, I mean, you did warn us! Snort!!! It's the BEST Santa/doggie pic I've ever seen...hands down!

Thanks so much for a great post...and for making me smile ~ I really needed that today!

Geri said...

Thanks for the 'cross your legs' warning....

Duke is such a good sport - what an amazing dog! I'm guessing that if he could talk it would be something like..."okay you humans who feed me and play fetch, I'll play your silly game, but only for one picture...then I'm out of here"

Never noticed Mister's wet knees before either! You're hilarious girl - love the nose!

Thanks for making me laugh out loud! You're the best ever :) MWAH

Ali H said...

Great to see you feeling festive ! Have enjoyed popping into the craft house to see you this year ! Hope you 7 your family have a lovely Christmas Ali #40

Kathleen said...

Fabulous post
Fabulous card
Fabulous outfit.

Kath x

Kay Miller said...

Oh my heavens!! I laughed right out loud Darnell!! I can't decide which is the funniest, the homeless guy, your nose, or poor Duke in the Santa outfit!! haha! Great and wonderful photos!! Hope you get everything you need to done this hectic week before, and manage to keep the holiday spirit too! ((hugs))

Bobby said...

You are hilarious! I wish I lived closer so I could partake of your merriment in person. But I sure am glad you have an almost daily post to keep me smiling. God Bless and have a Merry Christmas.

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous post Darnell! Love your family photo but the one of your playhouse is so fun and your nose, too cute! Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

You are absolutely adorable! I am so thankful I discovered your blog because you make me smile everyday!! Your Christmas card is hilarious!!!!! Don't ya just love those self timer photo shoots!!!!

ddazzled71 said...

Darnell what a wonderful post I just love seeing all those fabulous family photos and it definitely made me laugh. I think Granddog Duke takes the cake, so adorable and funny all dressed up for the Howlidays. LOL. Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing your desk in 2014. Danie #37

Unknown said...

Thank you for a good laugh! And for sharing your family photo and Duke. I hope you have a fabulous Christmas celebration! Merry Christmas and Happy WOYWW!
Carol N # 57

Nan G said...

When in need of a smile a chuckle or a good ol' LOL ...come visit Darnell! You're a cute hamster and poor ol grand pooch. Enjoy your time away with the family this holiday season. Many hugs and look forward to many smiles with you in 2014! Thanks for the earlier visit! Happy Holidays! Nan G #14

Karen Davis said...

Darnell, this post just cracked me up!! Love the dog, how understanding he is. PS I just love receiving your bright cheery comments.

Brenda said...

Merry Christmas Darnell! I haven't been over in quite a while, emergency surgery with DH in Oct and now chemo for 6 months, so I've had my hands full, but just wanted to tell you to have a fabulous holiday, which looks like you guys are off to a great start!!! And to have a healthy, happy New Year!

Jacquie Southas said...

OMG - there are no words - I'm just disappointed Duke isn't were his Santa ensemble for the family photo! Enjoy a glass of Christmas cheer on me . . . hugs!

Mary said...

Where to start....love the nose, and you need to know, your dog is Not going to forgive you! Wonderful family photo...and last....MERRY CHRISTMAS! See you soon!

Annie said...

I'm sat here chuckling now :-) Thanks for brightening my day with your fab pics.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and exciting new year.
Hugs,
A x # 36

Jessi Fogan said...

I'm not even sure which hilarious moment made me pee...your crossed leg warning came too late, lol! Darnell, I am so thankful I've gotten to know you & your crazy hamster :) Merry Christmas, you nut!

BJ said...

Well it is all certainly going down in your house! Thanks for visiting me this week. Happy Christmas BJ#35

BJ said...

PS Yeah I kinda like purple LOL BJ#35

Anonymous said...

LOL! You totally made me laugh, over and over, as I scrolled down. That dog-in-suit is hysterical! Having spent so much time tidying up, I wonder if wallowing in the chaos for another week or two wouldn't have been better?

Sorry to be late but now I can get to my desk, it's commenting time - pop back to see my tidy-up 85% done....but not if it'll make you tackle yours before the holidays!


Happy last WOYWW before Christmas!
Mary Anne (24)

Sylvia Blum said...

Merry Christmas!!!

LOVE your attitude and your super sweet and fun post! So glad you joined my side, so I was able to discover your awesome blog - I am now a new follower :)

Happy Holidays!!!
Sylvia xx

Dana said...

Sweet photos! Love the shot of you and your craft room!

Monica said...

tripper, who now considers himself a world class hunter, wants to play with your mouse. he left two in the driveway last week. your Christmas preparations appear almost complete. Have a good one
Monica 13

Unknown said...

Dippy, your Christmas post is the very best one I've ever seen.......cheered me up no end, especially that gorgeous Duke.....he can definitely bring my pressies on Christmas Eve! Tony and I wish all the Knauss family a wonderful Christmas and please say Happy Birthday to the gorgeous grandsons.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Robyn said...

fab photo's!!!
thanks for visiting and the snoop around your place.
robyn 7

Lindsay Weirich said...

love the photo of you haha! Merry Xmas, happy WOYWW! Lindsay #5

Brenda in IN said...

I laughed out loud when I saw you in the reindeer nose. So funny! BUT, when I scrolled to Duke I really lost it. Oh my gosh, how cute is he!! That look on his face, how fantastic. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. I'm sure it's filled with fun and laughter. You bring so much joy to us, your readers and I can't wait to visit with you when you post.

Redanne said...

Wow Darnell, it has taken me five minutes to scroll down the comments so I can leave a comment!! Love the picture of you in your festive finery but the biscuit has to go to Duke - I don't think I have laughed so much for ages, what a fantastic sport he must be, he looks adorable! Nice to see the family photo again too, such a great looking family - even the homeless guy! Big festive hugs, Annie xx

Melissa said...

Oh, Darnell! If anyone feels they are lacking in holiday cheer, they need to come visit this blog of yours!!! :) I am laughing too hard at the names on that family photo! Laughter is SUCH great medicine!!! And dear Duke is so good natured letting you take his photo in such an outfit! :)
Happy Holidays to you and yours!

p.s. You amaze me with your memory...thank you so much for the happy mail! :)

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Darnell, love the photo of Duke, showed it to Maisie and Stan our Schnauzers but they didn't seem as impressed as I was lol! Have a lovely Christmas, Angela x

Annie Claxton said...

hehehehe - or rather hohohho, your post did make me chuckle! I just had to show your picture to my DH to prove that mine is not the only workroom which gets messy when it's busy! Love your family Christmas card and I must say your homeless guy scrubbed up well! Happy Christmas to you and yours :o)xxx Annie #62

Anonymous said...

You are definitely full of Christmas cheer, Darnell ... enough to brighten the day of even the most curmudgeonly-bah-humbug types ... such a fetching nose! Anita :)

Angie said...

Merry Christmas and love your post!
Angie #59

Diane said...

Hi Darnell what a fun post, I am still laughing at your dog, love the nose disguise.

Hugs diane

cm said...

Okay, you have me laughing, tears spilling over, with this post! What else to say but FABULOUS!! You have just quadrupled x 100000 my Christmas spirit! Duke in his Santa garb: hahahahahaha! LOVE it!!
Hugs~c

Lisa-Jane said...

Oh my! How I laughed at that doggy pic! He is a gorgeous beast but in that outfit he did tickle me! I love your exploded supplies - that's what floors are for right? Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2014! #41

Daniella said...

You sure do look like you are in the Christmas Spirit for sure!!
I'm not going to be playing next week either so I want to say,
Thank you (and the hamster) for visiting me every week!! And I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with Blessings!!
xxDaniella#12

Lindsey said...

Merry Christmas to you, Darnell! You are all kinds of wonderful. What a truly beautiful family you have. I love that your good humor made its way onto your card.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you like my purple snow blowing knickers (what a picture that forms in my mind!), I never said I make a fashion statement whilst clearing the driveway! And I hardly think you're qualified to comment on my outfit either, lol!! Out of the two of us, the best dressed is Duke the Dog, oh, and that homeless guy too!

Hugs
Brenda

Winnie said...

What a fun post! Love your humor! Thanks for sharing your family photo too, just perfect. Your granddog Duke made me smile too. Have a blessed Christmas! Thanks for the kind visit today! Now, I need to get into the spirit like you obviously are! Winnie#51

Winnie said...

What a fun post! Love your humor! Thanks for sharing your family photo too, just perfect. Your granddog Duke made me smile too. Have a blessed Christmas! Thanks for the kind visit today! Now, I need to get into the spirit like you obviously are! Winnie#51

Winnie said...

What a fun post! Love your humor! Thanks for sharing your family photo too, just perfect. Your granddog Duke made me smile too. Have a blessed Christmas! Thanks for the kind visit today! Now, I need to get into the spirit like you obviously are! Winnie#51

Marybeth said...

Merry Christmas Darnell ! I love your family photo! The photo of Duke is too cute........that is the best Santa ever!
Oh yes ,you made a great reindeer ! Hugs

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

I still would love to have my own little playhouse - perhaps in retirement..... that's when I'll actually have time to play!

The family Christmas card is great. Twin boys turning 9 - Wow. How fun is that!

I'm glad you liked your Christmas card. I wanted to make cards and looking through my photographs this one just jumped out at me. I love it for so many reasons.

Hugs,
Kay

shirley-bee said...

Fabulous! Granddog Duke makes a mean Santa!

Bonnie said...

He He He! Duke's a riot! Love the hamster nose but the big smile is my favorite look!

JD/ Jill said...

What a fabulouse Post! Okay all your posts are fabulous! But this one was over the top CUTE!!!

wienerhoneymooners said...

Darnell, the craft room is great, and you in the middle with a Merry Christmas is priceless!! I HOWLED, literally when I saw the doggie in the santa suit, and - as for your homeless man, at least his shirt was open so it was not buttoned up katawonkylike!!!!

Merry Christmas to a FIRST CLASS Merry maker and encourager of all crafters!! May your 2014 shine as bright as you make other peoples day when you visit their blogs!

Hugz always!!!!!
Kimberly MWAH!