Liam is napping, the big kids are at school, I have an English assignment due Monday and a Psychology mid-term on Wednesday. Obviously, the most important thing for me to be doing right now is thinking about Christmas!
Last year, when Stuart asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told him that I wanted his commitment that this year, we would have a completely hand-made holiday. No plastic toys, no stuff we don't need, just special, well thought out gifts, made by our own two hands (well, as much as possible - we agreed it is acceptable to purchase some hand-made things). He said yes, and although I think it will really be too much for him, and that he will succumb to the need to shop, I'm embracing it wholeheartedly.
Here are some plans in the works:
- Stuart has only been asking for a cabled sweater for the last five years or so, and I think this sweater will do the trick. I know I haven't made a huge amount of progress on it, but I'm busily avoiding schoolwork, so I'm sure it will fly along in the next few weeks.
- A Waldorf-style doll for Gwenyth
- A spinny speller, also for Gwenyth
- A counting fish set for Liam
- Either an etsy bought print, or a creation of our own, of a peacock for Liam's room
- A wooden display box for Brian's rock collection. I'm picturing a box with divided sections, and a clear lid, so he can label and display his precious rocks. I also purchased a copy of a Rocks & Minerals book this summer, to go along with it. (Is that cheating?)
- A marshmallow shooter and ammo belt for Brian (although it looks so fun I really want one for myself...)
- Another sewing project for Stuart (but I can't talk about it, because he checks up on me here, and I would like him to have a surprise. The "blanket" I'm knitting is kind of awkward to hide...)
- Katie, of course, is the tricky one. She has reached the ripe old age of thirteen (birthday post to follow soon...), and I am now very uncool. I would like to knit her a pair of stripey Noro knee socks, but am not sure I can have both the sweater & the socks done in time. I am thinking of a messenger bag... and perhaps a purchased from etsy graphic tee? Sigh. If you have any bright ideas, please share. (Thirteen, I am discovering already, is tough. Very tough. And as I recall, fourteen isn't any better. Now, please excuse me - I need to call my mother and apologize for being a teenager... again.)
Oh I don't look forward to the teenage years....I wish I had some good suggestion but I don't. I just wanted to wish you luck with your handmade Christmas adn I can't wait to see how it all turns out :)
Posted by: Andrea | November 12, 2010 at 03:34 PM
A handmade Christmas sounds lovely. I have a 17 year old and it's still tough :) I'm thinking of making handknit bows to sew onto a hairclip or barrette for her. She's into bow hair accessories at the moment. But hairbows may not appeal to a 13 year old :)
The messenger bag sounds cool though :) Have fun!
Posted by: erin | November 12, 2010 at 05:42 PM
Ha! I started that sweater for my hubby years ago. Maybe I should dig it out and see if its worth continuing. I'm wondering if it was too small. Have fun avoiding studying!!!
Posted by: Maria | November 12, 2010 at 06:22 PM
oh those fish are awesome. i made those when i was a child!! i forgot all about them, i'll have to make some for isaac. so cute!
Posted by: alex | November 12, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Oh that looks and sounds much more fun than studying :) Wonderful plans
Posted by: Sarah | November 13, 2010 at 11:55 AM
What a wonderful plan! As far as the 13 year old goes (hug to the Mom)I think the messenger bag is a great idea! Also what about a quilt or handmade wall hanging for her room?
Posted by: Patty | November 17, 2010 at 07:30 AM
Oh yay I haven't missed any posts from you :) I hope your studying went well despite your procrastination and some of these plans are coming to fruition.
Posted by: Sarah | December 03, 2010 at 12:14 PM
sounds so lovely ^_^
Arts and Crafts Lovers
Posted by: olivia john | December 19, 2010 at 04:10 AM