Laying Plans

 

 

 

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.)

 

Comments

[Andrea]

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 :)

[erin]

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!

[Maria]

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!!!

[alex]

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!

[Sarah]

Oh that looks and sounds much more fun than studying :) Wonderful plans

[Patty]

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?

[Sarah]

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.

[olivia john]

sounds so lovely ^_^
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