It's been raining here for what seems like weeks.  I am sure it is only days, but man, I am sick of the rain.  So it's only natural that when I saw these I had to buy them.

Yes, peonies.  In December.  Not in season here, so probably from someplace on the other side of the world.  I did think of that before I bought.  I hesitated.  But then I scooped up two bunches and brought them home.

I'm not feeling very festive these days.  And it bothers me.  It bothers me a lot.  I am not sure how I can change it either.  I really want to feel all Christmas-y and excited.  I do.  I think the rain and the gray skies are a big part of it.

So basically, I treated myself.  I spent $34 dollars on 10 peonies so that I would smile every time I saw them.  I'm tricking myself and it's working little by little.

Snow would help, too.  Come on, Jack Frost.  Bring it on.

For the record, these are the only presents I've wrapped.  But I made them both - that has to count for something, right?

Day

and night.

...my ornaments will be mailed out today.

If I spoiled your surprise, I am sorry.  They are so cute - I just couldn't wait.

The pattern is from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts.  I had something else in my mind until I saw Kristin's version and the vintage patchwork fabric sitting on top of the red corduroy in my studio.  I knew right then.  I was supposed to make these birds.  Enough said.

I feel a bout of photo posts coming on.  Thanks for the suggestion, Susan.

I made a list this morning of all the gifts I want to make.  Then I had a little freak out.  I have a lot to do.  Time, where did you go?  Seriously, how can you fly so fast?

I came to my senses and got to work.  I finished a few appliqued items and then cut out ornaments in front of last night's Project Runway on TiVo.

I'm freaking out about the ornaments, too.  They are pretty freaking cute, that's why.

I've been working on our Christmas cards.

I used my gocco to print the inside of the cards and the envelopes.  And yes, it was silly of me to be so scared.  The gocco is so much fun - easy, too.

Fatty's hat is on the needles.  It appears that I have blue and green on the brain.

Did I ever mention how much I like fairisle?  Well, I do.  I like it a lot.

Thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes for Jane.  When I got to my inbox yesterday, there were over 100 emails waiting to be answered so I made the executive decision not to reply to the birthday comments.  I really do appreciate you all coming by and wishing my sweet girl a happy day.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ok....big exhale.  Three birthdays and Thanksgiving in three weeks time is enough to bog anyone down.  It's been busy here - the crazy, good busy.  I am a bit behind on the Christmas shopping and definitely don't have all my decorating finished.  The advent calender is empty, but I am hoping to rectify that situation today.  Time to get all my ducks in a row so I can get to the fun stuff - sewing and knitting!

Jane had her birthday party at our house on Saturday.  This is the second time we have decorated gingerbread houses for her birthday and I really think that this is my favorite kids' party idea.  It's fun for them, requires little work from me (I use the Wilton kits - bought on sale at Target and put together before the party), and provides a good activity and party favor at the same time.  The kit is great for a family activity, too, or you can do as I did last year and leave it for a babysitter to make with your kids when you are out at all those Christmas parties.

After we finished decorating the houses, we had chocolate cupcakes and peppermint ice cream - yum! - and a little impromptu dance party.  Eight is pretty great.

More good stuff coming later this week including my adventures with the print gocco, some finished knitting and hopefully some sewing, too.  Enjoy your Monday.

My little girl turns eight today.  Eight.  I know I said this last year, but time goes so fast.  Already?  Wow.  It went by in a flash.  But then again, the last eight years have been packed full of so much goodness that I can't imagine life without her.  She is large-hearted, kind, compassionate and friendly.  She is sweet to her sister and polite to adults.  Well, most of the time.  She is a picky eater and definitely opinionated about her clothes.  She's extremely creative and, at times, a little too hard on herself.  That's okay.  I am proud of her and the person she is becoming.  Seven was good.  But eight...I think eight is great.

Happy Birthday Jane.