Finally found a sitter

I heard through the grapevine at school that one of the aftercare teachers also does babysitting. It turns out she is the daughter of Jared's teacher's aide. So she already knew Jared and Jared knew her. The kids hit it off great last night. I went to scrapbook with Debbie and Elisabet at Devine Memories, it was wonderful. Nick gets home at 8:45 so the kids were in very capable hands for about 3 hours. It felt so good to get out of the house before 9pm. Nick and I are definitely going to be taking advantage of this wonderful lady and finally going on some dates. Imagine that, dates, foreign concept to us for the last few years.

Here is what I got done last night, of course, more chatting was going on than actual working but that is the whole fun of it.



yes, these last two are pictures from this Christmas, I was on the ball at ordering prints this time around.

Merry Christmas recapped

Everyone had a blast on Christmas eve. Jared outright refused to take a nap so he ended up a bit tired, but overall everyone behaved very well. Jared and Nathan helped Nick be Santa and hand out the presents to everyone. The kids were all so excited by their piles, but they were very polite to each other as far as seeing what the other one got before ripping into their own. Very amazing for two four year olds and a 2 year old. My Christmas Eve pics were less than stellar due to the flash, but I got some great pics of Lily on Christmas morning and then there is also a picture of Nathan and Jared playing with their new Thomas the Train set (Thanks Aunt Tanya and Uncle Tony and clan). It is awesome, it takes up so much less space than the Geotrax and the kids seem to love it just as much. Jared is really figuring out his Leapster (thanks Grandma Sue) and the games are amazing (Uncle Dick, and T and T).

Only holiday knitting completed

This is the only piece of holiday knitting that I set out to do and it was so cute and easy I want to make Lily a ton more. It is the Bunny Hat from Itty Bitty Hats. This book will be perfect for me for the next two years worth of gifts. I handed the book to Tony and Tanya on Thanksgiving and told them to pick one out, I'm so glad they picked this one, so cute. Here is Lily modelling it on Christmas Eve. Also here is the first shot of all four cousins together, granted all four of them decided to cram themselves on Grandma Sue's recliner. I'm hoping for something a little more comfy for the next photo op, but I'll take what I'm given.



Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it!!!

The Clouds are sleeping

We woke up on Saturday morning to fog and tons of it. I don't recall the kids ever getting to see fog or at least not this bad, so it was really cool. Nick told them the clouds were sleeping and that is why they were on the ground. Jared and Nathan bought it at first, but then Jared told me at noon that he wanted the clouds to wake up, he didn't like them sleeping anymore. So cute.

Hanukkah highlights

This Hanukkah we had so much fun, we had three menorahs to light including one that Jared made at school. Throughout the eight days Jared hasn't really wanted to say the prayers with me, I just thought he didn't know them so he didn't want to help. Turns out he doesn't like to sing along with others, when given the chance he said the prayers perfectly all by himself. I was so impressed since his hebrew sounded better than mine in spots. The boys got a bunch of learning toys, plus some new Geotrax thrown in for good measure. Of course the favorite gifts were the ones given by Grandma and Grandpa, a Lego airplane and a garbage truck. Here are the highlights from the last week.

Getting Ready for Hanukkah

We are getting ready for Hanukkah to start at our house. This year that meant getting a few new menorahs. Nick commented last year on my parents menorah so I got a similar one for us. Theirs had more of a true tree look, but I love the simple look. Nathan picked out the boys' menorah. When we went to the Jewish Collection store, he immediately found the ultra expensive menorah that was in the shape of a fire truck (his favorite vehicle currently), I found this one which also got a high five. It was labelled Community Helpers. I thought this was meant to be because in October at Jared's school, community helpers was their focus. Of course I also came home with about 10 different dreidels and tons of gelt. Jared is just about coordinated enough to make the dreidel work, Nathan not so much, but it will still be a blast. Now all I have to do is get everything wrapped.



Here is my progress on the Broadripple sock. I have done the heel flap and turned the heel but got stuck on the next step. I went over to Sarah's house last night and got a quickie lesson and now I'm well on my way. I love the Socks that Rock, this colorway is Marble.

Sweater update and other stuff

Yes, I am still knitting, but it hasn't been as interesting to look at as the other crafty stuff. I'm working on the sleeves (both at the same time) for the Not Your Standard Issue sweatshirt. I'm already done with the back, the sleeves shouldn't take me much longer and then I just have the front to do. Here is where I'm at:


Also got done with a gift for Trudy and Clayton, I'm trying to spread some more joy. Used paper mache letters, painted and covered them with paper, added Diamond Dust to the sides of the letters for the necessary bling.