I am on a working marathon right now, so it’s really been hard to get some sewing in. I STILL have to finish my “Three Bluebirds” wool rug before Christmas. It’s very close to being done. My last day working for the year is tomorrow. Yipee! My sister, Kristin and Scooter are home for Christmas break. Kristin is a huge help to me with taking care of the girls while I am working! While I was at work yesterday, the three of them made a beautiful gingerbread house. It’s tradition that Kristin is always the foreman on the job overseeing the construction! In years past, I’ve made it ALL from scratch. It was super time consuming. Not to mention, what a mess!! Then I wised up and realized I was no Martha Stewart and bought a pre-made kit. Genius!! Some of the best money I’ve ever spent! It’s so much easier for the girls too.

I think they did a wonderful job on the 2010 Gingerbread House! I woke up this morning to notice that a few of the candies were mysteriously missing already!
I came home from work yesterday to also find another little surprise. I know I’ve mentioned before how blogging friends are the best, well yesterday was no different. I received a little package from my friend Lynn in California…

Lynn sent me her own pattern that SHE designed, “Heartfire” and a lovely Christmas card. Lynn is an amazingly talented designer, teacher and quilter! Her blog is Sew’n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog. It’s such an AWESOME blog. Lynn is always posting beautiful quilting pics, tutorials and the most delicious recipes! I just told her I’ve probably gained 5 pounds since I started reading her blog! If you’ve never been to her blog, stop by and say “hi” and check out all her wonderful posts. I mentioned to Lynn a while ago that I just loved her “Heartfire” pattern and wanted to purchase it, so look what landed on my doorstep! I think I already have the fabric picked out to make it! This project will be moved high on my priority list in the new year. I can’t wait to get the fabric to start it!
Also I received a little package containing a calendar I won in a giveaway from Tara Lynn Darr at Sew Unique Creations blog. The calendar is Barn Quilt 2011 donated by Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail. It has the most beautiful photos of barns across North America. Tara threw in a few surprises from her as well… 3 of her patterns for miniature quilts! How generous! Oh and they are just the most darling quilt patterns. I can’t wait to make those too!

Looks like I’m going to be pretty busy in the New Year! I can’t wait.
As I mentioned earlier, Scooter is home too. Look who jumped in at the last minute and decided he needed a photo taken too.

LOL!