It's been raining here for what seems like weeks.  I am sure it is only days, but man, I am sick of the rain.  So it's only natural that when I saw these I had to buy them.

Yes, peonies.  In December.  Not in season here, so probably from someplace on the other side of the world.  I did think of that before I bought.  I hesitated.  But then I scooped up two bunches and brought them home.

I'm not feeling very festive these days.  And it bothers me.  It bothers me a lot.  I am not sure how I can change it either.  I really want to feel all Christmas-y and excited.  I do.  I think the rain and the gray skies are a big part of it.

So basically, I treated myself.  I spent $34 dollars on 10 peonies so that I would smile every time I saw them.  I'm tricking myself and it's working little by little.

Snow would help, too.  Come on, Jack Frost.  Bring it on.

For the record, these are the only presents I've wrapped.  But I made them both - that has to count for something, right?

Thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes for Jane.  When I got to my inbox yesterday, there were over 100 emails waiting to be answered so I made the executive decision not to reply to the birthday comments.  I really do appreciate you all coming by and wishing my sweet girl a happy day.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ok....big exhale.  Three birthdays and Thanksgiving in three weeks time is enough to bog anyone down.  It's been busy here - the crazy, good busy.  I am a bit behind on the Christmas shopping and definitely don't have all my decorating finished.  The advent calender is empty, but I am hoping to rectify that situation today.  Time to get all my ducks in a row so I can get to the fun stuff - sewing and knitting!

Jane had her birthday party at our house on Saturday.  This is the second time we have decorated gingerbread houses for her birthday and I really think that this is my favorite kids' party idea.  It's fun for them, requires little work from me (I use the Wilton kits - bought on sale at Target and put together before the party), and provides a good activity and party favor at the same time.  The kit is great for a family activity, too, or you can do as I did last year and leave it for a babysitter to make with your kids when you are out at all those Christmas parties.

After we finished decorating the houses, we had chocolate cupcakes and peppermint ice cream - yum! - and a little impromptu dance party.  Eight is pretty great.

More good stuff coming later this week including my adventures with the print gocco, some finished knitting and hopefully some sewing, too.  Enjoy your Monday.

This morning I have been to the post office, Target and Toys R Us.  I think I have everything I need for the soon-to-be 8 year-old's birthday this weekend.  I snagged some goodies for Christmas, too.  Jones Candy Cane Soda, anyone?  Sounds delicious to me.  Gingerbread Man didn't sound as appealing, but if anyone has tried it, I'd love to hear your verdict.

Yeah, more knitting.  This time it is a Christmas gift for Kate.  A sweet hooded poncho like the one Kristin made.  The brown yarn in the bag is to make one for Jane.  So far, they haven't asked what I am making.  I think I am going to have to limit this to nights and carpool time.   Then they surely won't be able to figure it out.  They want me to make them hats, too, and are very specific that they have ear flaps and pom poms.  Allrighty then - that is what I will do.

I need to go outside and rake today.  It's supposed to be in the high 50's and then the temperature is going to drop so I think this is my last chance.  The Christmas tree will be put up tomorrow and decorated on Friday night just in time for the birthday party on Saturday.  I also want to start on my Christmas cards.  I ordered prints of the photos so I just need to get over my huge fear of my print gocco.  Encouraging words welcomed.

I am participating in the Holiday Ornament Exchange again this year.  Again, I am at a loss as to what to make.  I was thinking embroidery on felt like last year, but my design is rather elaborate.  I just don't think I could get 10 done and in the mail by the 10th.  I have two back up ideas, though.  I guess I should just pick one and run with it.

Speaking of runs, I could use some exercise today too.  Other than leaf raking, that is.  Time to get on it.  Later gators.

Friday.  Yeah!  I am so happy.

This week has been crazy - the birthday, work, volunteer at school type of crazy.  The kind of crazy that leaves me with little time to myself and very cranky.  I started the week with nothing on the calendar for today, but have already volunteered at school and am going back in about an hour to have lunch with my kindergartener.  (Why do they eat so early?)  I am going to squeeze some sewing time in there somewhere.  Yes, I am.

The most frequently asked question on the blog:  Where are the labels from?  So, let me tell you.  I bought these labels from Namemaker.  I like them a lot.  They come in sew on or iron on and in many different sizes and colors.  The downside is that they take about 4 weeks to arrive.  Linda just got hers and she wasn't very happy.  Go read what she has to say.  But, for me, they work well and when these are gone, I will most likely re-order.

There is so much good inspiration out in blog land and on flickr.  I want to make:

Lounge pants out of vintage sheets - that brilliant Amanda has done it again.

The gum drop pillow - I love the fabric Blair chose.

A patchwork blanket out of old sweaters like Leslie's - got any discards to give me, Dad?

P.J. pants for the girls and matching appliqued shirts like the ones Jen made.

Gnomes - maybe for the nephews?  Any thoughts Heather, Georgia, Rosanna?

Quilt squares with Amanda Jean

Christmas cards on my print gocco (which kind of scares me).  Did you see Jen's?

How is that for a random post?  Off to sew....later, folks!

Barnyard waffles for breakfast

The birthday shirt

Favors for the pool party - my sewing machine has an embroidery unit.

And birthday cake, of course.

I have been tidying the studio, starting new projects, knitting at break-neck speed and taking some outdoor coffee breaks.  I love this feeling of accomplishment - I just hope I can keep it up with the busy times ahead.  We have three birthdays coming up in this house and the holidays to boot.  Things may be quiet here on the blog.  Photo posts, probably.  Maybe some words.  We'll see what develops.

Happy Thursday!

Is it really here?  Already?  Eek.  I think it came kind of fast this year.  I have candy to give out and the kids have costumes.  Jane is a pirate and Kate is a mermaid.  Both costumes are store-bought pieces of junk, but I am okay with that.  I couldn't make them after last year.  Well, I could have thrown a pirate costume together pretty easily, but the picky dresser didn't like that idea.  Kate's costume has already ripped.  Twice.  Oh well.  I am not fixing it again - it seems futile.

I've been sick since Sunday morning.  Monday afternoon it was a confirmed case of strep throat with a sinus infection chaser.  I'm feeling better today, but I am still not up to snuff.  I'm tired and just want to nap.  But I am the second grade room mother, so I have to go run the Halloween Party this afternoon.  Thank goodness we have a Krispy Kreme nearby.  The thought of making cupcakes really wears me out.  I wish I could find a good, age appropriate, short video for the kids to watch because playing GHOST bingo sounds like a lot of work, too.    But then again, I have the bingo game and I don't have the video.  I guess bingo wins.

On a brighter note, Jane brought home this drawing.  It made me smile.

Off to stuff goody bags (oh joy!) and then work up the energy to take a shower.  Maybe after school I will feel well enough to carve pumpkins.  Then again, no one has asked about doing that so I may not bring it up.  Yes, I am feeling like a bad mom.

Enough grumbling.  Hope your Halloween is safe and full of fun.  And candy - lots of candy.  Hey, I think a bite of chocolate might be just what the doctor ordered.  Now where did I put it?