Putting My Best Foot Forward

Can't remember when it happened, or how it came to pass, but I'm not a big fan of Christmas. Aghast! I know!

There are several things I love about Christmas: the tree, the music, the cookies and the love and goodwill that can come from a complete stranger.

Then there are the things that bring me down. The commercialism, the wishes of "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas", the anxiety of getting all the gifts bought and wrapped, the added stress on a single income budget and etc..

Last year I believe I had an easier time with Christmas. Most likely because I was caught up in it being our first in VA in our new house. This year however, with it being our first without dad I'm trying to go into the season with my eyes wide open. Maybe if I go into it fully aware that it will be difficult and I need to focus on the true reason for the season all may just turn out well.

Mom is flying in December 22 and staying until January 4. I'm bound and determined to make this a wonderful Christmas for her and in order for that to happen I need to be in the right frame of mind.

Advent starts tomorrow. I already have the wreath on the table with candles ready to light. (Need to replace them with new ones, but they'll get us started.) After reading the blog of an online blogging friend, I'm going to use her ideas of incorporating the Jesse tree into the ornaments for our tree, and remember the saints who have feast days during Advent. As I did last year, I will celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas with a small gift for each of the kids and we'll read the story of St. Nick.

I expect there will be some days that will prove to be more difficult than others, but I'm going to put my best foot forward and make this a blessed Advent and Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

We need to change this next year!

Not sure how the ritual started or when, but the day after Christmas has always been the day we take down our tree, and yesterday held true to form. Our tree is down and put away, and when you get on the roll of cleaning up, any sign of Christmas has been picked up and put away until next year. Other than having new toys to play with you would never know that Christmas was just 2 days ago at our house.

Don't get me wrong my A-type personality really loves having things back in order, but it feels a little sad too. At dinner last night Haley made the comment, "It feels like Christmas was a long time ago." This morning I'm feeling the same way.

This may need to be one routine we change for next year. Will someone remind me of this then, please?

The Day After!

Mom and Dad got their sweaters and they both fit beautifully if I do say so myself.

This makes me feel better about the items I made for Haley's god parents. Which will not make it to the recipients because they really aren't as good as we would have hoped for, Haley has decided on something different for them.

What a terrifice first Christmas in Virginia we had. The weather was lovely and spending time at home playing with new toys is always wonderful. We all woke this morning a little sore from playing Wii sports games, but no regrets and we are right back at it today!

Our First Christmas in Virginia

In the pouring rain yesterday, we ventured out to get our Christmas tree. Cutting our own tree has been a tradition since before we had kids. This is a project Mike has always taken very seriously. My dear husband is very easy going and not an A type personality like myself. Until it comes to picking out a Christmas tree. In fact I could tell you a story about one year he had me hiking all over a certain tree farm with over 10,000 trees and none of them were good enough. After an hour of this I threatened to leave him there. I can't recall if we ever got a tree that day.

Anyway, one thing that really surprised us was how hard it was to find a tree farm to cut our own tree here in Virginia. We did prevail and found a very kind man who isn't usually available during the week, but was willing to meet us to get our tree. It certainly isn't as big as we usually get, but it will serve us well I'm sure.
This morning the girls were chomping at the bit to get the decorating started. They've gotten their dad to put the lights on and are now working on getting their brother out of bed to join their fun. Our first Christmas in Virginia, is going well!

Trying to Find the Spirit of Christmas Again

Not sure why it is I always struggle with the Advent/Christmas season. And this year is no exception. I have been playing the music, which always helps. Went to the town parade, had a great time there. Made the gingerbread house with the girls, it was fun. Have ordered our cards and expect to get them into the mail this week. All my shopping is pretty much finished, only have a couple of small knitting projects to complete as gifts. So, why is it I don't have that warm, fuzzy Christmas spirit feeling all the time? Is it normal?

Is it because this year I have mud to fight? Maybe I should take out our decorations from the move? Maybe we should go buy and decorate a tree? Is it because it is a new house in a new state?

I'm really not a scrooge, I just sometimes feel like one, and every year find myself trying to figure out why that is.

A Sweet Treat

I just couldn't resist a ginger bread house kit when I was shopping yesterday, and the girls couldn't wait to get it made when I got it home. While the men were out hunting yesterday afternoon the girls got to work. Here it is:

Nearly Finished and Settling In

So, my dad doesn't usually read my blog, but if you do today Dad please stop reading!

With the move into the new house I haven't had as much time to knit, as I would like, but I have found time to nearly finish Dad's Christmas present. Here it is:

All I need to do is put the neck band and arm bands. I'm really pleased with it. Because he lives in Florida he doesn't have too much of a need for wool sweaters, but he is 76 and tends to get colder than most. That is why I decided on a vest. I used Heirloom 100% wool, machine washable. It knits up beautifully, and I have bought more for my stash.

As for the new house: We are settling in and getting into a routine. There is still a lot of boxes to unpack, however we need to get them from the rental into the new house. We've been doing a little at a time, so it isn't too overwhelming.

Mike got his new shed on Friday,

As you can see we live on the side of a mountain. Having to jack up one end of the shed isn't uncommon in these parts! LOL

Oh the turmoil!

Wow, it has been 3 days since I had anything to write in my blog! Does that mean I live a boring life? Well, maybe.

I've been doing school work (with the kids), house work, laundry and of course plenty of knitting. I'll finish Laura's wrap for her 50th birthday today, and should even have time to block it. Maybe I'll post a picture tomorrow.

When a knitter is in the process of finishing one project she/he spends almost as much time figuring out what will be worked on next. Or at least I do. So yesterday morning I spent a lot of time figuring out what I wanted to make my dad for Christmas and then discovering I didn't have anything in my stash (yarn in waiting to those of you who don't knit) that would work for the project I decided on.

Which can only mean I had to place a call to my favorite yarn shop back in Connecticut!! My good friends Sue and Paula, found exactly what I needed, and it was all in the bargain bin for 50% off!! No kidding!! So, since I saved all that money I then put them to work to fill the box, that was already now coming to Virginia anyway, with a some more yarn for the stash. Woooooo Hoooooo!!

Now I need to find something to work on until the box arrives! Oh the woes of a knitter!

Just Everyday Stuff

Not much happening around here.

We had to renegotiate the contract on the house because the appraisal came in lower than buying price. Which is good for us. One more hurdle to hop over that is all. Because it is a new construction there are a lot of forms that need to be completed that we have to wait on. But, we still expect to close before the end of October.

As for knitting, I'm still working on Laura's 50th birthday gift. Almost finished there and formulating the next project. Thinking Dad will get something knitted for Christmas.

Today we all go to mass at 1:00, and then we will do some shopping. Haley is in need of warmer clothes. Then off to Liberty University for Jacob's piano lesson.

Yippee, It Arrived Today!

My box of stuff from, Woolworks Yarn Shop in Putnam, CT arrived today.

Look at the beautiful sock yarn. Alpaca Sox in a gray heather, Ultra Alpaca Fine in a dark brown, Reynolds Soft Seawool in black, and the Araucania hand dyed wool in a great purple colorway.

All the Jil Eaton Minnow Merino yarn, in a precious periwinckle, I need to make that cute cardigan (Minnowknits Garter Cardi #168)for Faith and the perfectly matched buttons that Jen and Paula (my friend from the shop) chose.

The magnetic clasps, that only Jen has, to put on the surprises I made for my sisters and their daughters, oh and some gorgeous pewter buttons for the finishing touches on their gifts.

Better get knitting on mom's Christmas gift so I can delve into this stuff. PURE HEAVEN!