Are the Holidays really actually here already!

For those of you itching to see what I am up to, I have news!  I am up to TONS.  It dawns on me that all of a sudden, we are in the midst of full blown holidays!  As much as I think I prepare, what I really do is make huge lists of things to do that are crazy unattainable.  Google and Pinterest are a blessing and a curse.  More curse for people like me who are not content with just "pinning" an idea.  I feel an overwhelming, nagging urge to actually go forth and try it.  So, this time of year gets really busy for me.

One of the problems I did not anticipate when writing a blog, to share with people all of the things I work on and attempt, is that my audience would consist of many of the recipients of said projects and gifts.  So, I have been struggling with wanting to share all of my goodies, but in doing so, ruining really great surprises.  Hmmm, I am open to suggestions on how to handle this.  I have been photographing and documenting said projects and will maybe share in the future.  After my recipients...receive!

One thing I can do is share with you all of the projects for my kiddos.  No one better blab to them though!  

I just picked out fabric for our Christmas Eve Jammies.  In previous years, since Jude was born, we have always just bought new pajamas for Christmas.  However, with more of us to buy for, costs run high and it is way more cost efficient (and special) to have hand made pajamas.  I have the ability (time is a whole 'nother issue, but it never stopped me before!) so why not utilize my talents while I still have some right?

I am also finishing up my very first crocheted "garment!"  Just have to sew the buttons on!  I had always avoided the patterns that seemed like they would take forever, or seemed "too hard."  I could make scarves, hats, mittens, slippers, baby blankets, etc. with no qualms...essentially, anything that was closer to "instant gratification" than not!  My little Rio showed an interest in my crocheting and actually requested some slippers, which I was all too happy to oblige.  I finally bit the bullet and decided to crochet a matching cardigan and slouch beanie to go with the slippers I made for her.  It was surprisingly simple and super quick.  I think I got a good enough grasp of the pattern that I can make a ton of adjustments and size changes on my own to suit other sizes and styles in the future.  My new "go-to" gift I think.  Fat chance I will make it until Christmas to give them to her though!  We don't get a lot of cool days in Georgia, and I don't want her to miss any chances to sport her awesome new gear.  Plus, she can show it off to family in Wisconsin!

Speaking of Wisconsin...we will be leaving to visit and celebrate Thanksgiving with both of our families and party it up for Grandpa Buster's Retirement in a few short days.  So, naturally, I have been planning ahead (mostly in my mind and not enough in physicality) and trying to get all of our normal travel gear in order, plus Christmas gifts (What?!  It saves on shipping.  I'm not cheap...I'm frugal!) but also planning for any sort of early labor I may go into, what with being 36 weeks along and driving 18 hours...one way, and then back again, of course.  Yay!  Aside from all of the stressing planning, I am so super giddy to see our families.  It is such a treat that we have things like facebook and skype to stay in touch, but nothing beats walking in that familiar door back home, to familiar sights, sounds and smells (especially at Thanksgiving time!) and feeling such warm welcomes from all of the most important people of your life!