Happy New Year!

Gosh, talk about taking some time off, eh? It's hard to know where to begin. How about with a couple of Christmas photos...tired of those yet?

 

This year I finally realized why I am a veritable cooking fiend when I have a houseful of Christmas guests. It's my creative outlet. I can't go hole up in the studio and sew so I cook. Usually all new recipes-- which can be risky, but also tasty. I'd seen on many blogs throughout the year how yummy homemade marshmallows are, so after we frosted sugar cookies on Christmas day I gave them a try.

 

Madison approved of the taste and texture, but felt they could've been cut smaller. For all that trouble I think we'll just buy the bags from now on.

  

Caleb got a Nintendo DS, a pair of cammo pants and a booklet of 500 tattoos. Have you seen that commercial where the grown guy is remembering the best Christmas ever, until this Christmas, when he gets a new car? Yeah...2008 will be that memory for Caleb. We had convinced him there was no way in the world he was gonna get another mode of playing video games. Gosh he loves that thing. He and I drove 500 miles south to visit my folks last week and it was the first time in five years I wasn't memorizing The Sponge Bob Movie all the way there. And he didn't complain for me to turn down my iPod. I liked it!  

So Christmas was good here, and I hope it was for you, too.  In 1976 my mother and I each had a child. My first, her last. So here we are today both having same age grandchildren. I like it better this go 'round. ;-) Caleb and I specifically went down to visit when we did so he could hang with his three boy cousins for a few days. New Year's Eve was exciting for us all...we stayed up til 10:00 :-)

 

So precious. Somewhat stinky, but really precious. It's so important to foster consistent relationships in a child's life. I think a lot of young parents don't get that these days.

So my 2009 is off to a positive start. I've rejoined Weight Watchers, have committed to using what I've got (save a couple of new fabric lines coming out this month and next!) and have already started on next year's handmade Christmas.

 

This flannel by Moda is the softest flannel I have ever felt. Seriously, if you can still find some, grab it!! I found the panels at my mom's Beverly's store, and lucked into the jelly rolls and charm packs from Quilt Taffy's awesome ebay store for 40% off! I see a lot of snuggly Christmas quilts in our kid's and grandkid's futures!

I'm also clearing out the excess in my life. I have different piles going right now--donate to the thrift shop, sell on ebay, sell at the flea market next month. I also sat for quite a while listing stuff on etsy yesterday. Mostly stuff I've made, that I just need to clear out of here before I can comfortably move on. I've got it all priced super low..go check it out and see if there's something you might want for you or to start your gift stash for next year!

I'll be back tomorrow to share a new quilt. Have a great day!

Comments

[happy zombie]

I simply ADORE the Kiddie Christmas line! And it's got Jen written all over it. Can't WAIT to see what you do with it!

[Tracy Dodson]

Lol, does the shirt stay off until the tattoo is gone? He is too cute!

And I like your quilt the best!
Tracy

[BrendaLou]

Hi Jen!
Happy New Year. I remember that for about 15 years my mom made marshmallos for Christmas (some years she'd make some with peppermint oil & red coloring). I miss her every day.
Hey--I'd like to buy a couple of things on your Etsy...Can we do business just at the store? I'd like the vintage journal pages (what store are they from?) and the pyramid (triangle) zippered bag. Let me know if that's ok. $$ or trade if you want. Hope to see you soon.

[Barbara]

Hey Jen!! Love the photos and that quilt is really pretty!! Sounds comfy too. Yummy on the marshmellows. I have been wanting to try and make some too.