A Merry, Quiet Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Last night and today have been lovely, quiet days around here. Maybe quiet isn't quite the right word....at least for me. I have been working like a beaver, but enjoying it thoroughly.

Here's Mom all ready to head out for Christmas Eve candlelight service. She looked super in her new coat and accessories.

After church, we came back here for our "traditional" brunch. I usually make a breakfast strada and coffee cake with fresh fruit. The casserole bakes while we open our gifts. This year was the usual routine......without the fruit.

We won't be doing any entertaining this year......I'll miss it. I so enjoy having people over. The hubby doesn't enjoy it like I do. We often have the in-laws over right after Christmas, but this year he wanted to have a more restful holiday......maybe I can talk him into something for new year's.

Here's a couple pics of the scarf I whipped up for the work gift exchange. It's a slip stitch pattern that I've worked before.......it's fun and easy.

This is Barb.......my "secret Santa" pick. She's a great gal and really loved her gift. Her favorite color is purple......can you tell?

In between all the rush lately, I got out Timmy's vest to work on. His exact words when he saw it were, "that has sleeves, right?" "'Cause I really want a sweater." Well, I was having a problem with the pattern, so I decided to tink back to the rib and make him a sweater instead. Hopefully he can wear this before he graduates from college ;)

I also want to start some embroidery work. I purchased eight cotton dinner napkins at Target (four white and four ivory), and want to embroider on them and crochet around the edge. I'll keep it simple since I'd like to have them done for spring....and at the rate I've been going, that's wishful thinking.

One last thing before I go. Have any of you read The Shack? I received it with part of an early birthday gift and couldn't put it down. I'd love to know what you thought of it. All I can say is that I enjoyed the story very much, but felt it was not theologically accurate.

Next post I'll show a couple of the sweet birthday gifts from my beloved friend, Nancy. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Until then, I hope you all feel the love God has sent to us in Jesus.

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people..."
Luke 1:68

Addition and Subtraction

The past year has been a series of pluses and minuses for me....lot's of addition and subtraction. I had to subtract a few things from my life.....but have a lot of happy additions. Here's one....the "birthday girl." Pumpkin is one year old today!

Of course the biggest addition is having my mom here full time. Every day brings a new little something with it........be it a concern, a surprise or some sort of challenge. Some folks may consider that a "minus," but I think it's been a plus for all of us. I'm thankful for the help of my family, and for the strength God has given me to meet this most humbling responsibility.

If someone had asked me five years ago what I thought my life would be like today, my description would be vastly different. Knowing my children would be in college and pursuing their own dreams, I figured I would pursue some of my own. I had geared up to go back to college myself......looked forward to spending more time with the hubby, etc.

Now my days see me working more at my "professional" job, and working so much harder at my "home" job. Every once in a while, though, we take some time for fun. Yesterday Emily and I dressed Mom all up and took her to the mall. She bought a new fur (faux) coat, hat, gloves, and purse. She had a good time, and afterward we met the guys for dinner.
Emily and Gram stop to window shop.

Mom is having a good time.

Out to dinner and getting tired.

Not too much needlework getting done. I continue work on Timothy's vest and just finished knitting this hat for a friend at work.....I drew her name for Christmas. My friend loves purple.

I found this handy dandy little pom pon maker a couple of years ago, and I really love it.

I love making "bobbles."

Our house is ready for Christmas...but I am not. I have only picked up a couple of things for the stockings. No baking has been done, and I have only partially planned our menu. I won't be taking any time off between now and the new year, so I'll somehow squeeze everything in. I suppose a lot of little things will be let go.....a far cry from all the years I was a full-time homemaker. I dream of being home again full time......until then, I'll remember all my blessings, including my job in this difficult economy.

I'll ring off for now......with thanks to all my friends who have left comments while I was away to remind me of your lovely thoughts. I am so blessed to have you all.

I'm going to endeavor to post again before Santa comes......until then, keep warm and let me know of all your doings.

"You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast..." Isaiah 26:3