Friday, November 16, 2007

Potpourri Friday

It is raining today. A cold, rainy fall day. I do love this time of year. This last week before the holidays officially begin is my second favorite week of the year. There is a certain "feel" in the air, just right before it all begins. Like something that can hardly contain itself - it's going to burst. My first favorite week of the year is the week between Christmas and New Years. I love the holiday feeling and all the work is behind me. Love it!

I was taking an inventory of my Christmas craft projects. My husband pointed out to me that I have taken on too much. I told him I love doing it. I want to do it. It's just that it is so hard to find the time to do it. Here is where I stand:

Wallhanging for my sister. The blocks are pieced together. I still need to do the backing and the binding. This project turned out much bigger than I anticipated. I actually made two (one for me). There is a funny story about it I will share when I can also take a picture of the completed project. I love saying those words. Completed project. Completed project. Completed project.

Christmas ornaments for my daughters. Three completed - one to go. Can't say too much about them because they are a surprise. Not that they are getting them - they know that because they have gotten one every year since they were born. But I never let them see them until I give them.

Cross stitched ornaments for the church board members. I started the tradition of giving each of my husband's board members a handmade ornament 19 years ago. I'm wondering why now! This year I chose a white and gold cross stitch pattern. They are lovely. I need to do 12 and I am on the thrid one. Not too bad huh?

A set of 12 knitted dishcloths for a sweet elderly lady in our church who claims us as family. The problem is with women in their 70's is that they have everything already. So I thought the dishcloths would be something she would enjoy. I am on number 9.

A special gift for each of my daughters. Again I can't say what because they read my blog. I have two almost done. And two to go.

I have 4 little ones who don't have grandparents in their lives so we are their grandparents. And of course grandparents are big on Christmas presents. These little ones enjoy homemade things. So I am making the 3 little boys pajama pants and matching robes and the little girl a nightgown and a matching robe. So far I am about halfway through one robe. Yikes - I've got to get going on this!

This isn't for Christmas, but when I found out I'm going to have a sweet little grandbaby I started knitting a little hat. It's so sweet. And it's for a girl. If we have a boy I will give it away. But it's so sweet. It's from this book that I learned about from this blog. I couldn't help myself. Did I mention how sweet it is?

Okay, I think that's all. You can see that I have just outlined my weekend for you. Except that I have to work on Saturday - I proctor tests about 6 Saturdays out of the year. And Sunday is our church's big Thanksgiving dinner and dessert auction. This takes all day.

Oh, and last night I made Paula Deen's Coconut Cake that I hear so much about in Blogville. This is for the Dessert Auction on Sunday that raises money for our youth group. This cake was quite labor intensive. But it is beautiful. Every year I try to win the "dessert that makes the most money" award. I've never done it. Not even the year I made Esther Bolick's Orange Marmalade Cake. I even included the little Mitford book that goes with it. Somehow every year Wilma K's pumpkin roll brings in the most money. And I know why because one year she made me one. Wow! Words can't describe. But in my dreams, some year, I hope to win the coveted prize. I'm just competitive like that.

So anyway, I have much to do. But as I said, I love doing it. It's a good thing!
Happy weekend everyone!

11 comments:

Karen said...

Robin, you amaze me with all that you're accomplishing. I just want to go start cutting and snipping and sewing, but I know I would end up with a bunch of pieces on Christmas and no presents. But you and Barb and Becky are just awesome that way. And the Mitford book with the marmelade cake is such a great idea! Keep at it, I know you'll walk away with the big prize one day:)

I agree with you about this week being so exciting. It's the anticipation of what's to come that sometimes is better than the real thing. I just enjoy the holidays so much, and love finding people who feel the same way!

Unknown said...

Well, I understand completely the desire to do all that fun stuff, and just not realistically having the time. For me, when I was working, it was such a longing that it would ache. I would ache. For the chance to have the choice to do what I really wanted to do. I really do understand.

And I cannot wait to see all the things you are making and cannot yet share. I wish I could make some pjs and robes for little kids. That sounds like a lot of fun for sure.

So hang in there sister, and let some of the not-so-fun things go so you can do the fun stuff.

Have a great weekend and good luck on that cake contest. Mmmmm.

Willow said...

Robin,
It's funny that you posted about my becoming a grandma. I haven't said anything about it on my blog, but I've mentioned it to a few people online. I wonder who will catch it and ask me about it. :)
Willow

As We Sail... said...

It's been a pleasure to read your blog posts. Thank you.

Karen said...

Whoa! You're amazing!! Have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!

Dawn said...

Okay, between you and Barb, I'm feeling like a total slug. I have absolutely ZERO energy for making stuff, or even for shopping. AND we're leaving on the 6th for Hawaii for our 35th anniversary and I have nothing done! Nothing

I wish I was a board member at YOUR church! I really dislike being on the board, but would enjoy it more if I got a lovely ornament at the end of the year. Ha!

Show us a picture of Paula's famous coconut cake. I've seen Barb's version and it's gorgeous. Lots of work! It's cool that you made the orange cake from the Mitford books. Did you try it?

We have our church Thanksgiving dinner and silent auction for the teens tomorrow, too.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Susan said...

Hope your cake won!!!
Susan

gail@more than a song said...

Oh I can't wait to see all the things you've been making! When you can show us that is. You are doing a lot, working too...I'm so not accomplishing as much as the rest of y'all; I need to take lessons from you!

Midlife Cycler said...

Whew! You are really busy! I will give you one more thing to do...post the pattern to those cute little hats on your blog, and pictures of the dishcloths, for us knitters!

And...let us know if the cake wins!

Anonymous said...

eh-hmmmm, things your thankful for?
forgetting something? ;) Your sister, Missy

Tara said...

Don't worry, Mom. It's a girl.