Moving On

Pop Open Pouch bags #16,

#17,

and #18

are done and gifted. I love that pattern but it’s time to move on to quilting and baking for Christmas. 

Not sure I like the new quilting toy tool I got today

but I’m planning to give it a good workout, trying to finish three wall-hangings in the next three days. 

Wish me luck. 

Reindeer Games

I bought a silly reindeer ring toss game for Christmas Day fun

but broke it out early to entertain Jac and Leanne today.

It took Jac about 30 seconds to decide 

the antlers were even better as a floaty

and she started ‘swimming’ around the room. 

Please excuse Jac’s bed-head and crusty nose. We managed to squeeze an art project and reindeer games into the hour Jac felt good today. She’s still pretty miserable and went to the ER tonight with an ear infection. Better now than Christmas Eve, I guess. Poor Jac. 

Yet More Bags

The next (last?) set of Pop Open Pouch bags is cut, interfaced and ready to sew tomorrow*.

This might be my last batch; I’m starting to get a tiny bit bored making these. Then again, I’ve thought of a couple more people who might like one . . . Decisions, decisions.

* Sewing may or may not happen tomorrow. Leanne has had a stomach bug, Jac has had a nasty cold and both have spent the last two days with us, while mom was at work. Pop and I are taking bets on which version we will get - and if we will get the same illness or split the difference like the girls did. Fun times.

(Almost) All Wrapped Up

We decided to switch things up this Christmas. Usually, we keep the grandkids’ presents hidden away until the big day, even after they are wrapped. But change is good, right?

This year, we’ve put them on display . . . but out of reach*. They are going to go crazy trying to figure out what’s up there. 

My assistant knows, since she supervised the wrapping, but I’m trusting that she won’t tell. 

* Jac and Donovan are too little to climb up there, this year anyway. I wouldn’t put it past either of them next year though . . . .

Holiday Tradition

Taking the grandkids to see Disney on Ice at Staples Center has become a holiday tradition. 

My preference, if we can work it out like we did this year, is to go on my birthday.

 Photobomber

I love seeing how excited Leia and Leanne get in anticipation 

and how thrilled Jac 

and Donovan are when they see what’s happening. 

 Donovan *loved* the bubble wands

This year’s show was one of the best we’ve seen.

Lots of the kids favorite characters and tunes

along with some really great skating stunts and choreography.

But if you ask the baby grands for their favorite part?

 I was bubbled from all sides.

The light-up bubble wands would win, hands down.

Bag Lady

The latest round of Pop Open Pouches - #’s 8 through 14 - is done and gifted.

Wish I’d gotten better pictures, and shots of the linings, but I was pressed (ha!) for time this morning.

I started making this pattern in October and I’m still not tired of it.

I am getting faster though, which is a good thing since I have several more to make before Christmas. 

 My favorite lining, a fat quarter of Downton Abbey fabric I’ve been hoarding.

Can You See Me Now?

You can’t seeeeeeee meeeeeee. 

Lily was so interested in chewing on the delicious fake tree - one of her very favorite things - 

 Jac bouncing with excitement 

that she let the Jackie and Donovan get closer to her than she usually allows. 

Normally, she runs as soon as she sees a grandkid. Maybe she really thought she was invisible? #sillycat

Early Presents

its officially gift-opening season.

Leanne 

and Jaclyn 

got to open presents they received from Travis and Isaac.

I think Breanne nailed it!

Happy Early Christmas!

Christmas Begins

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. 

Yesterday the tree, then today lunch - and gifts! - with Breanne, Garrett and their boys.

So much fun.

Travis, who loves sports and reading, will be 8 on the 23rd

and Isaac turned 3 in October. 

Sure wish we lived closer - or all our lives would slow down - so we could see them more often. 

Merry first Christmas party of the season!

Meet Betsy

I opened one of my presents early . . .

Betsy* replaces a Sunbeam stand mixer I’ve owned for probably 25 years,

and would happily still be using if I could get replacement beaters for the ones I wore out. 

Leia and I put Betsy through her paces last Wednesday,

making Leia’s favorite chocolate chip cookies. 

They were even more excellent than usual, so I guess Betsy is here to stay.

* Betsy is a Hamilton Beach Eclectric 12-speed 4.5 quart stand mixer. I looked at the different Kitchen Aid mixers, along with a few others, and decided Bets was the best fit for me. Plus, I love her red paint!

Christmas Tree, Round 1

Our Christmas tree is 2/3’s decorated, thanks to Leanne and Jaclyn.

Leia will do the last section - all the breakable stuff we try to keep out of Jac and Donovan’s reach - when she comes over next week.

This was Jac’s first year as an active decorating participant. She was thrilled when she  mastered placing the little wire hangers on the branches (without bouncing the ornaments  off the ground first.) 

Victory!

The new name ornaments were also a hit.

Jac was happy, honest! (She had just woken up from her nap. Her faces crack me up.)

Can’t wait for Donovan to see our tree for the first time. He’s going to be so excited. (Hope the tree survives . . .😜)