December has come and gone in such a whirlwind I've barely had time to enjoy it this year. I had so many plans to relax this year and enjoy every tiny moment of the Christmas season. It didn't happen. :( In the first week I had the flu. The second week, Greg had the flu and I still did not feel good at all. The third week I was crazy stressed about getting presents done on time. And then it was Christmas. It was a busy and exhausting month with many, many late nights and far too little sleep. There were some highlights, though, so I want to skim through them before I write my next post on Christmas itself.
December first - the first day of Advent. After much debate I gave in and bought a Lego Advent calendar this year so the boys could each open a door every day, rather than always fighting over the one.
I also went to my goddaughter McKenna's birthday party on the first. She's so big already!
I gave her my very first playable Annie. She opened it and immediately hugged her. So sweet. :)
Such a cutie!
December sixth was St. Nick's Day. Twinkle our elf was pretty lazy this year. Most days he really just sat on various shelves. Occasionally he'd do something a little more exciting. :) I did St. Nick presents a little different this year by giving everyone a shared huge Lego set and individual candy for each person. I think that might be the new tradition.
On December 7th I took part in my very first craft fair! I signed up for this craft fair in June, right after I started Heartstring Annie and was desperate for customers. I then spent six months stressing over it and if I'd have enough inventory.
It was a very long day (still right after my flu, so I was exhausted to begin with!), but I made a few worthwhile sales. Overall it was a good experience, but I don't think I'll be doing it again for awhile. I'd rather just sell online if I can and maybe once Shepard is in school full time I'll think about doing more and bigger craft fairs.
A week later, we finally did one of those memorable family experiences I was hoping to be doing all month long. We put together a gingerbread train.
Greg was in charge of frosting...
The boys were taking their decorating very seriously!
The final train. I thought it turned out quite nicely for a two and five year old's handiwork!
After the craft fair was over my goal for the rest of the month was to sew everyone a handmade gift for Christmas. It was fun to take a break from Annie's and try out a lot of new things. These are the bags I made for all of Caden's teachers.
Christmas mice for my mother-in-law. I'm in love with them.
Standing teddy bears for my mom and I. I've been admiring this pattern from Sweet Meadows Farm for months and finally decided to give it a try. I was hesitant since I needed to cut dowels, drill holes, and stain wood, but I think it was worth all the effort. So cute.
I made a few Annies for relatives, as well as trivets, mug rugs, tote bags, and book covers. Lots of new experiences!
I also took a day to make something for myself. These turned out SO cute.
Sometime around Thanksgiving I made a vow to go on a weekly date with Caden. And then something come up every time I planned on going out with him. Finally on the 17th we had our first date. We went to Chili's for dinner and then Barnes and Noble so he could pick out a calendar. Despite his expression in this photo, I think he had a really good time. I hope once the holiday season dies down, we really can make this into a weekly tradition. Caden and I have such a rocky relationship at home and as soon as we leave the house together everything gets so much better.
Just a cute picture of my babe.
The 19th was Caden's last day of school before Christmas and also his winter program. It was adorable to watch and he did so well! Last year he seemed kind of hesitant to get into the songs, but this year he was singing his heart out. :)
At the end of the program, Santa appeared! We avoided Santa all month because Caden didn't want to see him, but he went fairly willingly that day.
Then Shepard, who was scared to death of Santa last year, was all smiles and giggles.
One thing I totally slacked on this year was baking. I usually spend the entire month baking! Sewing has definitely changed my life in that regard. Finally, because I decided to make SOMETHING, I decided on three simple cookies. Shepard was my helper.
On the 20th, my best friend Dianne and her boyfriend Jack were in town for one night. She lives in DC, so I don't get to see her very often, even though we talk almost daily. It was so nice to go on a nice date together downtown.
I love our annual Christmas dates in downtown Madison.
The 21st is my dad's birthday, though we weren't able to see him. Being a Fedex driver around Christmas is bad enough, but when your birthday is right around then too you're too busy working to enjoy much. Shepard and I did make him some chocolate peanut butter cookies, though.
And finally, we had our first huge extended family Christmas party on the 21st. I didn't take many pictures because it was super loud and chaotic, but we all had a nice time. Santa showed up there too and brought the boys each a change counting bank. A great idea, though it's now made my children obsessed with money and given them yet another reason to fight, fight, fight. That seems to be all they ever do anymore. :(
Anyway - that was December! It was quick! Christmas overview coming up next...
