8:06 a.m. - First Trip to the Post Office

Stocked up on priority mail supplies and sent out our Christmas cards (yes, you read it right).  I felt compelled to stamp all the envelopes with Happy Valentine's Day because, although they say, "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All," most likely they will show up on Wednesday.  And talk about mixed messages...the photo of the girls was taken on the Fourth of July, they are wearing red and blue sundresses and waving the flag, and the bottom of the card has 2006 on it.  Oh well, better late than never.

9:47 a.m. - Second Trip to the Post Office

Kate's class field trip to buy stamps and mail letters.  She told me not to look!

3:22 p.m. - Third Trip to the Post Office

 

Miniswap package finally sent to Amanda and Max!  To see what we gave, click on the photo.

Chances are that if you are expecting something from me (and there are a few of you who are), your box will go in the mail this week, too.  I have a long list of stuff I need and want to do over the next few days.  So, I think I will be posting more photos and less words.  Now, if I could just remember to take my camera with me when I leave the house, I'll be in good shape.

While I was away some goodies came in the mail.

This pile is from Superbuzzy.  I couldn't resist these sweet floral stripes (obviously) - they scream summer dresses for the girls.  And the pears?  Well, they are green and I have a thing for green.

Lots of Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy and some Alexander Henry prints - these came in the box from Purl Patchwork.  I like pink, too, you know.  As if you didn't guess...

An update on my jacket....thanks to all your encouragement and tips (you guys rock!), I managed to do the bust adjustment.  I added 3 inches to the length of the jacket also.  Something happened to the sleeves, though, so I am still working on those.  My instructor fitted it and we are adding to the hips and more to the length.  Muslin version number 2 is finished and hopefully by Monday, version 3 will be done and will not need any more adjustments.  I feel like the little engine...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Meg's daughter, Jane, and my Jane had themselves a little swap.  These super crafty girls had been working on their goodies for a few weeks and sent the packages off last Thursday.  Sadly, I don't have photos of the package that arrived.  (Call me a bad blogging mom, but the camera battery was dead and I didn't have the heart to make my sick kid wait to open it all.)  You can see it all here.

Jane was so excited and very happy with the goods!  She loves her hot dog buddy and "J" shirt.  Jane also sent my Jane a cd full of great music.  We've been rocking out in the car!

To see what we sent off, head on over to flickr.

Thanks Jane (and Meg)!  I'd say the whole thing was a hit!

The sun is shining! Woo hoo!  I had playground duty at Jane's school today and got my fair share of vitamin D while watching the kids play out in the cold.  Oh happy day!

Something else making me smile is this:

Vintage buttons!  I bought this button card on ebay for a mere $5.50 (plus shipping, I know).  It had writing on the back and the date - July 1948.  It says, "Sent to me from Florence Meek.  Many of the buttons belonged to her mother and my pal in Port Arthur Texas."  That makes me think that some of these are really old.  Can you believe my luck?  Oh, I just love it!

Yeah, I actually said that to Jane.  It was in reference to a great box that arrived last week from the even greater Meg.  She rocks.  And it couldn't have arrived at a better moment.  I came stumbling home from Target with a migraine looming and found the box sitting on the doorstep.  Look at the goodies she sent me...

This little votive and the decoupaged match box are so frigging cute.  I just love that the little elf is making a littler house!  And the Ritter Sport - YUM!!  And yes, that is what I was telling Jane to keep her paws off.  Angelique may be up for sharing, but not me.  That one is all mine.

Then there was this precious tissue holder.  Would you look at the great vintage goods that went into making it?  I love it!  Now, I have been sharing the tissues....Kate's nose has turned into a faucet and needs constant wiping.  I think she wants it for herself.  I am not giving this one up, but might make one or two for stocking stuffers.

After a couple Advil Migraine, I looked it all over again.  It was such a nice surprise and even nicer of Meg to think of me.  Oh, I am a lucky girl.  Thanks Meg!

Who doesn't like a good swap?  I returned home on Saturday to find this in my mailbox:

This gorgeous felted poppy pin was made for me by Sarah.  Not only did she make this for me, she is kind enough to share her pattern.  You can find it here.  When I first saw it on her site, I knew it would look great on my black and white check winter coat.  But the more I thought about it, I knew that it would be even better on my very own flapper hat.

I knit this in the car while traveling to Chicago for Thanksgiving.  Once again, I used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran....love that yarn!  And like the others, this one knit up fast and easy.  Woo hoo!  It is the best color green and fits perfectly.

I was right - they were made for each other.  Thanks Sarah!  You've got me smiling!

Fatty and I arrived home last night.  We had a great weekend getaway to Jamaica!  And no, it wasn't his birthday present.  You see, Fatty sells beer and those good folks at Red Stripe treated us to four days away which just happened to coincide with his birthday.  Nice, huh?  So thank you Red Stripe!  We ate and drank far too much, but had a nice relaxing weekend.  I wish I could say the same for my parents who flew in to watch the girls - the furnace went out, Kate was sick and there were some issues with our alarm system.  Yikes...we owe them big!

Some nice mail was waiting for me when I got home.  First a package from Superbuzzy...

They have lots of cute things over at their site.  I don't have any grand plans for these new fabrics, but I still have two Archies to make and all of the dolls' accessories....these might just fit the bill.

I also got these sweet postcards from Alicia.  Do I ever love her style!!  Just the perfect thing to put me in the Christmas spirit.

And speaking of the holidays...there is nothing quite like putting a bathing suit on the week before Thanksgiving to remind me that a little pie will take me a long way!

Oh....lest I forget....  Big Birthday Greetings headed your way Nolan!  Hope you have a great day!

It is here!  The package from Susan finally arrived!  And let me tell you, I am a happy girl.  A VERY happy girl.

I especially love how she wrapped them up.  The pink, brown and orange paper is great looking and I adore the wide, pink satin the earrings came wrapped in.

Check out the cute card Susan uses to hold her wares.  Love it!

These Sulu Design earrings are so beautiful and so well made.  The beads are a gorgeous brown that compliments my red hair.  When the light hits them, they sparkle a bit, too!

Thank you Susan!!!  The earrings arrived at the end of a very long week - perfect timing to brighten my Saturday.  Susan has more of her gorgeous jewelry for sale in her shop - check it out.  You will not be disappointed!!!

Swapping was really fun.  Susan received my package earlier this week.  Check out her site to see what I sent her!