Nov-Dec catch-up: Ornament Exchange

I finally have photos to show of the ornament exchange I wrote about here. What a privilege to participate and receive these small packages in the mail at holiday time! I wish mail deliveries were always so full of fun!

First to arrive was Deirdra's super sparkly snowflake girl.

Next was Michelle's adorable wood cutout owl.

Sarah's lamb. I'm sorry the photo doesn't capture how sparkly it is.

Reenie's joyful painted paper assemblage. Love those baubles!

Amanda's glittery origami star. I need to learn how to make these!

Mystele's stitched and embellished paper ornament.
The artwork is from one of her beautiful paintings.

And last but definitely NOT least, Janne made these gorgeous
little hand-bound books with a REAL bark cover. Inside she hand-printed
the Norwegian words to Silent Night. What a treasure!

Below is my offering to the ornament exchange: stitched, stuffed, and painted angels.

And finally, *SPOILER ALERT!* If you are Marilyn and you haven't received your package yet, don't peek below! I finally, FINALLY finished Marilyn's purse. (Yay! I can check off number 12 on my 51 things list!) I hope she'll like it!

Nov-Dec catch-up: Willow's b-day

Miss Emily got to come home from Savannah, Georgia the Friday before Thanksgiving. Her break is six wonderful weeks long! She was able to be here for Thanksgiving, Willow's birthday, Christmas, and New Year. The best of the best for me is seeing my two girls together. They are so close and have so much fun together. (I think I'm a bit jealous!)

Miss Willow is now 18 years old! When I see her now, she is no longer a little girl, but a lovely young woman. Wistful feelings. Lately I've begun to wonder what it will be like when they don't come home any more because they'll have their own homes. I hope they'll come visit a lot!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the three of us!

Xmas rush

Sadly, I can't post photos right now. I'm at my mom's helping her out this week. But if I could upload photos right now, I'd show the darling ornaments that have come in from Michelle's ornament exchange from Michelle, Deirdra, Janne, Mystele, Amanda, Reenie, and Sarah. So much fun to receive those little packages in the mail!

I am rushing and yet not rushing, sort of in denial that Christmas is only 3 days away. I am nowhere close to being "ready," if ready means the tree is up and decorated (I decorated Mom's - does that count?), the presents are all finished and wrapped (hmm... some haven't even been started!), and the cards have all been sent out. Nope, none of that is done. But if being ready for Christmas means ready to give and receive peace, joy, and love, then I am up for that.

I wish peace, joy, and love to all of you.