ok, so as you may have noticed, I haven't sewn in a long time. A few projects have really cured me of any desire to sew. Now I'm having a girl. I hear my old self looking at fabrics and projects saying "if only i had a girl!" but now I can't motivate myself. Do y'all have some simple-get-your-groove-back ideas for a girl? links to pictures but especially tutorials are very much appreciated. i'd like to have a project to start after christmas. i'd also love to learn how to knit/crochet/something that i can do on the couch downstairs with brent. how did y'all learn?

I might be bragging....

I hesitantly say, I think I'm ready for Christmas. I'm sure I'll go back to the stores. I'll do more cooking. But for the most part, I'm not stressed and I still have 15? days to go (if we're up to date on our Christmas countdown). Here's my proof.
Christmas at Chilhowie park. We go every year but I really don't know why. They have free hot chocolate, marshmellow roasting, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, balloon animals etc. Well, its free if you don't mine waiting with children in a 20min.-1.5 hour line! Jackson loves it. Last night we waited in the hot chocolate line until we realized they were out. He didn't care. He just moved to the end of the balloon line without ever complaining. He was thrilled the whole time he waited and honestly, I was proud, or rather grateful, for him. I found myself thinking good things come to those who wait and he just seems to know that. (He's been saving his money for Disneyworld for at least 6 months even though I told him we'll go when he's 8.)
Christmas goodies for friends and neighbors.

Christmas cinnamon rolls for the families Brent and I home/visit teach.

I know this just looks like a plate of cookies. It is so much more. I've made the same recipe for my whole marriage. It's awesome. It's my mother-in-laws and deserves a post of its own. Starting in July every time I made them they went totally flat and crumbly. It was so hard going from memorized, easy, always amazing cookies, to flat, crumbly, stressful cookies. I seriously made a dozen recipes of bad cookies and couldn't figure out what was wrong. Last night, I don't know if it was a Christmas miracle or new shortening but they were the beautiful cookies I love. I sang for their beauty and deliciousness but too bad for you, didn't record our festivities.

Well, this is the best Santa picture this year. oh well. nobody's life is perfect. :)