To the Faithful Few

I am slowly being overwhelmed with that "time of year." I've promised myself that this is the year I will get out hand made Christmas cards -- with a letter -- with a picture. As well as get the fam's homemade pjs done before 4 a.m. Christmas morning. This was very do-able in June when I had time. Since then I've had two new grand-nieces and one nephew born. These births are important in this time line for two very good reasons.

One: in my husband's side extended family the "rule" is that everyone one (or family) gives the newest members of the family a gift at Christmas. Everyone else gets a gift by drawing names. I have been making the new babies handmade blankies with their names embroidered on them. Can't break that tradition now. Never expected to get three in a year, much less all in the last half of the year. You sew-ers out there know that good flannel is also not cheap.

Now for reason number two: The husband's side of the family has made December 16-22 our Christmas get together -- in the Dells. We found about this at Thanksgiving. This is not convenient for anyone. Everyone except Grandpa has to work or go to school at least part of this time frame. This has made Grandpa very unhappy 'cause he thinks we're all wasting his time and money by not staying there the whole time. Our little "family" has been put on the spot because we have the most flexible schedules -- but also the least amount of cash -- they kind of go hand-in-hand.

Ok, anyway, I have one less week to get the blankies done before we travel. Two less weeks to get the jammies done for Christmas, BUT I am still hopeful to get my cards, pics, letters done by May!

I am so blessed to be part of a big family that does get together for holidays, and usually celebrates for the right reasons. Compared to many people I know and serve I should just erase this post.

That said, I'm going to bed. Gotta work tonight.