Whew… holiday complete. Lots of happy gift recipients. Too much food, lots of imbibing, and a lot of joy this year!

I am looking forward to settling in for the rest of this year… some snuggly time with D and cowboy… and general quietness.

Some much needed (gulp!) housecleaning has ensued and the cooking has begun again (don’t blink… you may miss this stint!)

I am looking forward to a new year that is a little more… well.. ordinary. More routines and less scattered-ness is in my thoughts are changes I would like to see in the New Year.

I hate New Year resolutions… I think they are a set up for failure (at least in my world they are). I am slowly starting to think that gradual change is best… slowing down… less (psychotic) multi-tasking and more thoughtful scheduling of my time may be best.

So.. if anyone has mastered that art… feel free to drop along your tips/ tricks.

I do have one goal for January ( 30 days to make a habit, right?) Every night that D, the cowboy, and I are home I will cook a healthy dinner. Now, we are home together about 3 nights during the week and Saturday and Sunday. Looks like I will be cooking about 5 times a week on average ( I KNOW! Shocking that I am intimidated by that..) I am actually looking forward to that!

I also have a knitting goal for January… I will finish D’s sweater.

Remember this?

)

Yup! That’s D’s sweater. I stopped because I wanted to measure him and get a really good fit. I AM NOT ALLOWING MYSELF TO CAST ON FOR ANYTHING ELSE UNTIL THIS IS DONE. I also can’t start a major sewing or printing project until it is done.

OH! On the subject of printing… wanna see my Christmas present?

My very own Print Gocco set! This is a silkscreen and printing press rolled into one! I am awash with MAJOR ideas for this baybee!

I love my D… he researched it and bright this new realm of creativity into my life… I love my man!

But alas, it will have to wait until I finish a sweater. I am looking forward to finishing the back and starting in a sleeve. The reward for knitting a back is a sleeve in my world.

Much rest to you, friends! How will you be spending this next year?

I am so proud of my efforts on this one… most everyone on the list has a handmade gift!

Here is the tally:

11 felt hands for my good friends

A baby bird ornament and a sweater for baby Maggie.

6 aprons and 4 potholders

2 apples for the teacher…

a big I love you for my husband

5 Gift card holder ornaments for the after school program teachers

3 Etched Candles… This one says K N I T !

(I also etched a set of 6 glasses with snowflakes a la Martha!)

2 quilted wallets

3 Art totes

8 Amy Butler place mats and coordinating napkins

Saving the best for last:

One Jedi Bathrobe!!!

I hope that you and yours have a very peaceful and joyous holiday season!

My hands have remained constantly busy this month. The focus has been all holiday all the time. The Christmas radio station is fixed on the car radio, the “light rides” are in progress (the cowboy likes to prolong bedtime by going to see the lights), the holiday baking is underway, and the general list checking is in progress.

All of this concentrated effort towards the Holidays and gifting have really helped to improve my outlook. I lost my love for Christmas when my dad died. That first year was spent trying to “get through it”. The second year was better… but still the dread of a Christmas without dad waiting for me was horrible. The third year was better still.

This fourth year, the difference is the cowboy. He is truly mystified by Christmas. He loves the lights. He loves the movies. He loves the feeling. I thank god that he brought the feeling of Christmas back into my life.

One night, as we were laying down and talking about his day (nightly ritual), he leaned over an whispered to me “Mama, I know what I want Santa to bring me for Christmas”. I asked him what…

He said” A big bell. I want to be able to hear Santa.” ( a la the Polar Express)… the sheer magic that a 4 year old sees in lights, hears in music, and tastes in candy is enough to cure this broken heart.

So… because I didn’t have any thing to do….

I embroidered (with help from the Jodster) 20 elf hats for the cowboy and his classmates. Everyone got a hat with THEIR NAME on it.

(our most recent “Say Cheese” face!)

They were a huge hit with the 4 and 5 year old set. They even got to go to the Holiday assembly with them….

Speaking of the assembly… you have to love a school where 4 of the male teachers get up and do this:

Alvin and the Chipmunks! The cowboy’s school is so amazing… the level of dedication on the part of the administration and the staff is so wonderful.

I have 2 more handmade gifts to sew… and some knitting left! Then a review of all of the items is in the line up for next week…

ETA:

Wow! You guys are fast!!! There are a only few skeins left!!
I have been in destashing mode both personally and for the business… I have found so many single C*EYE*BER Fiber skeins that are sitting and needing good homes….

I have put them up in the warehouse at a VERY STEEP Discount as my end of the year organization begins… Most skeins that retail for 24.00 are selling for 14.00 to 16.00… there is spinning fiber, silk lace, sock and more!!

Enjoy!!

Wow… it is amazing how a day of hazy sleep on the couch and naps will put you on the mend. The family is better, the cowboy is returning to his normal atomic energy level (and is back in school…woot!)

I have some exciting news….

I will be teaching in North Carolina! Yup! Sammie Jo from Knit Picky is arranging an amazing weekend of classes with yours truly!

You can find all of the information right here. I am so excited!!! Call her today to register… spaces are limited and she has a special holiday discount for you all!

In the 4.5 years since the birth of cowboy…. we have not shared the “family sick” experience.

Not until today. I guess the bright side is we will be in the clear by Christmas.

I have many things to post about… but I have to wait until I get slightly less attached to my couch….

Think good thoughts… the cowboy has not mastered the art of resting yet.

Hey Everyone!

Thanks for all of your well wishes, e-cards, and general cheer-ed up-id-ness! It worked. I am on the road to eating solid food (yay!) and getting things back in order.
I am trying to get back in the saddle today after 5 days of recovery and pain medicine induced fog. I have not answered many emails since Wednesday and am going to filter through the in-box this week. I will get back to you… it may take a couple days.

Thanks!