Whoopdidoo and Dickery Dock! Its the Holiday Season!

Its so hard to believe that we are in the midst of another holiday season and the year is coming to an end. I don't think I lived up to any of my new years resolutions but its been a great year anyway! We are enjoying our time with the little guy and with friends and family. I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed because I have a lot going on. I was going to give up on all the new things I did last year that I had hoped would be the beginning of family traditions for us. But I woke up the other morning reflecting on how happy I was last holiday season and decided that I had to change my attitude. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming stuff, I decided that the traditions must live on! Even though its hard to get anything done with an active 20 month old running around, I decided to sacrifice and stay up to get everything done. Afterall, I am only going to have one Christmas 2010 with my family so I have to make the most of it. So I have been up sewing every night trying to get our family pj pants done. I thought I did not have time but I have two pair basically made,(just to to hem the cuffs and add elastic to the waist) I will make my pair today.

We also joined some friends and made holiday cookies and going out to view Christmas Lights. Some neighborhoods go all out and its so fun to see. My son was totally into it as you will see from the pics.



We also decorated our tree finally:






And I have completed all of my blocks for the baby quilt I am making using the tube quilting technique. Its coming out great. Its so far from perfect but I think its going to make a great gift.







I think I am going to add white flannel sashing and then I have another blue lamb print for the border and backing. Its turning out nicely! I really love easy techniques that work up quickly and this one fits the bill.

Finally, just a little more cuteness!

Handmade Holiday

This year, I did not have much time to prepare for the holidays. I am still pursuing my masters and had prepare for an oral presentation due on 12/21. Since my son came along, studying has not been a priority so I was barely hanging on academically. I had no motivation. I just wanted to be with my family and craft. So, since I did all that, I ended up putting off the studying until the last minute. I am happy to say that I passed. So that is over with. Unfortunately it also meant that my shopping, just about all of it, was done on Christmas Eve!

At any rate, I did manage a few handmade items. We really want to create memories and traditions. I did not grow up with many family traditions so I really want that for our son. So here are some of the things we did this year that we plan to continue.

Family Pajama Pants! One thing my parents always did was get new pajamas for us every Christmas. I decided to take it a step further and make family Christmas Pajama pants. Check us out:



I got the fabric at JoAnn's on Black Friday. I found an easy tutorial online and made the pattern and then sewed them up. Very easy project.

I also participated in an ornament swap. I received some beautiful handmade ornaments for my tree. Here is a picture of the ornaments I made:




Its sort of a beaded icicle. I swapped these and only kept one for myself. They were a hit.

Then decided to try my hand at candy making. I made these decadent sea salt carmels. I found the recipe here

These are these most decadent treats ever!



Here they are wrapped:



The Holiday has been fantastic so far. Our son is the best gift we received this year.

More Christmas day photos to follow.

Oh, here is our 2009 Christmas Tree: