More Projects Than...

If you finished that phrase with "you can shake a stick at," we might be related.

I finished my hats last night. Muchas gracias to Debbie for the help on those (I would link to her blog, but my links button has disappeared!!!). I did one for all three kids. They were so easy that the nieces and nephews are getting the same thing. The only time I can work on them is when kids and animals are asleep.

Last night I also finished the stockings. I added the ribbon to the girls stockings (had to go to the ribbon outlet for that. What an AMAZING place), and then added thicker ribbon to the inside to hide the seams. Then, I hung them on the 97 year old bannister, as we have no fireplace. They look great. I will post a picture as soon as picture posting capabilities return. What's up blogger??

I think I am ahead of schedule as far as projects go. I wanted to make ribbon belts for the girls, and I still need to pick up the hardware for that. I need to knit up the princess hat for Mini-me, which I have all the stuff for. I can even work on that in front of her. She never notices what I'm doing.

If I haven't said it before, this is a "Homemade Christmas." Santa will be bringing toys, but Mommy and Daddy are making everything else. Well, I say Daddy, but Mommy will make it and Daddy gets to put his name on the card. All joking aside, I am grateful that Curly is on board with this lofty dream of a homemade holiday and he gives me the time and help required to do all of it. Plus, his tips from Way off Broadway are paying for supplies.

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl this year. I have changed countless poopy diapers, cleaned up after sick kids, made more meals than you could shake a stick at, and tried to do it all with a smile on my face. My Christmas list is not long. I would like a roasting pan for my Sunday dinners, an immersion blender, a waffle iron that you can flip so that all the nooks and cranies get filled, a few new cookbooks, peace on earth, tens and twenties. Not much. Oh, I also want my kids to feel the magic of Christmas, especially Flower, who may not believe anymore. I want them to remember Jesus amidst all the wrapping paper and toys. I want them to learn all the words to our favorite Christmas songs and sing them loud for all to hear. That is, after all, the best way to spread holiday cheer. And, most of all, I want to remember that there's room for everyone on the nice list, even the guy who cut me off and took my parking spot on a cold and windy day when I have my kids with me. That's all.

Sincerely,
Jana

I Can Run Like the Wind Blows

Last night, Rebeccah and I ran nearly the whole way. I give the credit to my new running shoes. They support my arch much better than my other shoes. This morning, however, we were both feeling sluggish. My quad muscle kept grabbing at me, so we walked the route today. But hey, at least we were moving.

Curly has gotten a babysitter for us tonight. It's a friend of his from the theater, and she is doing it for free. Can't beat that. I don't know what we're doing yet, but whatever we do, it will be nice to be together.

In stitching news, I finished the stitching of one of our family ornaments for the year. I'm not going to say what it looks like. I'll post a picture of it after Christmas. I don't want to spoil the surprise! Anyway, it didn't take that long to do, so hopefully I will have the bulk of them done in the next two weeks. I am making headway in my projects but still have a lot to do. Hopefully I'll get it all done!