We've got a Winner and some ramblings

Hey everyone!  I'm still here plugging along, but not much time for crafting adventures, much less time to blog about it.  Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by for the giveaway, especially to those who took the time to become followers!  What a simple joy in life to see that number under followers go up.  It's so silly, but it makes me so happy.  I guess it's that age-old want that we all have for people to like us.  Whatever it is, thanks again, you made me smile.  :)

So...out of 123 comments, out winner was #7!  I don't know how to do the cool screen capture thing, so just go with me, okay??  #7 was Lee who said
     how nice! I love to listen to classic music to relax. thanks!



Congratulations to Lee!  I've already emailed you about it.  I was surprised how many people mentioned yoga as their de-stresser.  I used to do yoga like 3 days a week, but then summer came and I had to actually be Mom all day long and I didn't have time.  Then this fall, I just never got back into the habit because running is so much quicker and actually, easier.  But I think I will certainly be adding it back in, because you all can't be wrong and I really do miss it.

Anyway, we're busy around here getting ready for the holidays.  I've got a tutorial for Christmas trees you can make with the kiddos written for Jenny over at Seamingly Smitten for her Sew Crafty Christmas event and as soon as it goes live I'll let y'all know.

I've spent 4 of 6 days in the last 2 weeks at Santa Shop at our school helping kids buy Christmas presents for their family, and honestly, for themselves.  We decided to go out and shop for inexpensive items ourselves this year and then sell them in the shop so the kids would get nicer gifts at a lower price than the crap (honestly, there's no other word for it) that we used to get from the Santa Shop company we went through before.  I always help with this because I think it is so important to teach children to love to give.  And what is better than bringing your money in a sandwich baggie from your Mama and figuring out how you can make that $10 or $20 become gifts for everyone you love and something for you too?  I love to see their smiles when they get their bag of goodies all ready to take home and wrap knowing that they are going to make everyone they love happy on Christmas morning.  Now...whether Daddy is really going to be happy with that mini flashlight or Mama with that bottle of shower gel...I don't know, but that smile is worth it!

I've also flipped pancakes for Oren's Christmas breakfast, served Pizza during Emma's Polar Express lunch, watched two Christmas concerts, went on a field trip to the local state park, spent a day in the "big city" shopping for Christmas presents, took family pictures of us with my self-timer for our Christmas cards, visited Sea World for their Polar Express party, and had 3 physical therapy appointments for my back, which is much better already.  Whew...I was so glad for school to get out just so I can breathe!  Now we've got a few days to enjoy each other and some Christmas spirit before we pack up to head to the Great White North (otherwise known as Western Illinois...we're just hoping for some white stuff) for Christmas next week.

I'll be back tomorrow or the next day to show off the finished baby quilt from last week and some other stuff we've got going on around here.  I'm telling you, this being able to breathe without worrying about what we have to do next is a good feeling.  I can feel my creativity returning as I type.  Now to work on a scarf, quilt, secret project, and that dreaded UFO pile that is snarkily smiling at me, waiting to be emptied...  :)

p.s.  I just whipped up some of the easiest dessert ever.  You MUST head over to Vanessa's and try her 3-minute, 3-ingredient mint fudge because you won't be sorry.  Mine is cooling on the counter...hurry, fudge and cool already so I can cut into you!!  ;)