two straight lines

*I may pop in here and there with photos only*

Update: The nativity is made by Midwest and purchased at Downtown Home & Garden in Ann Arbor for $45.  I haven't found it on the internet yet, so if you find it, please leave a comment for those who are looking for it...

I just wanted to let you all know that my most recent craft for Wondertime is up on their website, and that I have created a flickr set that I will update after each of my projects for them goes live which is usually several weeks after the print version comes out.  That way you can see another shot if you need to.

These colorblocked crowns are really fun and easy to make, you just need two pieces of craft foam and some decorative brads.  I've also created a flickr group in case any of you do the projects-- right here.  I am now a contributing editor for Wondertime, so look for more projects from me in the future.

Well, it was quite a week over at our house, but we're rolling with it, and still managing to stay happy.  First there was Tuesday, really a good day until we were just about to cozy up for "rest time," when Elliot ran into his bathroom, or should I say into his bathroom door (hinge maybe?) ending up with a puncture just above his eye.  It would have been quite exciting, especially the part when the fire truck came (although it was "just a pumper truck"), had Elliot not been flat on the red ottoman.  A few stitches were required and my little guy was so sweet and brave.  They covered his head with a towel with a small hole in it, and I could see his big brown eye watching as the needle came toward him-- blink, blink, blink.  His little toes would curl-- the local was not working entirely.  It was a little heartbreaking.

Then on Wednesday after we celebrated his birthday with his class, on a whim I decided to give a call to the firehouse museum that I was taking him and his three friends to the next day, just to confirm that the hours on their website were correct, and they informed me that they would be rearranging all of the firetrucks that morning and the place would be full of exhaust...lovely.  Plan B, took them all to a local play place that was so gracious to accommodate us at the last minute.

And then, there was the weekend we were supposed to spend in Indiana with my family celebrating Christmas, until you know, the blizzard came.  So that was cancelled.  And now I've been happily snuggled into my house for three days now.  School's cancelled, kids sick.  No need to plan anything, it seems nothing goes as expected anyway...

Sorry I got all heavy on you, I still feel the same way, but don't need to air it here-- this is a craft blog after all, with a little chubby baby thrown in.  I'm a little crabby lately because I seem to be holding a baby 24/7, and cute as she is, it wears on a person.  And then when you add in the charming three year old, well, you get the picture.  Lets just say that I'm having my very own private party when he turns four this Friday, hoping the end of the bad attitude is near.  I don't mean to complain about him, I love him dearly, he just is a little, um, opinionated.  Do you read Ask Moxie?  I love that blog, and her no nonsense parenting style.  I'm about to check out this book that she recommends about three year olds, sounds like a good read.  Cracks me up every time she mentions it.  Their advice?  Hire a babysitter for as much of the 3rd year as possible- hee hee.  Love that.

Have you guys seen this crochet book?  Looks like Chronicle Books has published a few Japanese craft books.  One of my goals after Christmas is to manage a few nights out of the house a month, and I thought I might learn to crochet.  I just want to do small things like the bracelets that Laura Normandin makes, or coasters or something, I don't know.  I can pretty much guarantee I won't be doing sweaters or anything.  I don't have the patience for that.  Maybe I should just buy a few of those bracelets and call it a day:)

Oh, and I wanted to tell you all-- last night I sadly returned my blue Martha Stewart pot. (actually I bought both sizes and returned them both)  The outside chipped after just a few uses, and I worried that they had a super fantastic price for a reason.  I can understand if we had dropped it or banged it really hard, but we didn't.  So, now I am pot-less. 

But, on a brighter note, my fantastic father-in-law sent me a drill press.  I've wanted one ever since I did metalsmithing way back in college.  My husband called him to ask him a few questions about them, and low and behold, a few days later one shows up on my doorstep.  Now I'm just dreaming up possibilities.  Ornaments sound like a great start.

 

OK, have a good weekend folks.

It's funny, I really don't buy into all of the hype surrounding Christmas, but I seem to be on the treadmill like everyone else.  First there was Thanksgiving and guests, then Elliot's school Holiday Bazaar and guests, then next week there's the Advent Spiral at E's school, a get together with the ladies in my neighborhood, then E's birthday and very small party (and the celebration at school which requires 2 capes to be sewn and a cake to be baked), and then some travels to two out of town destinations all leading up to the big day.  Can I curl up in the fetal position now?  Ah well, I'm sure it will all be over in the blink of an eye.  I'll just try to keep it as simple as possible. 

I'm curious what you all think of this "Give One, Get One" concept.   Is that what the children of the world need-- laptops?  I'm not saying the answer is no, just that we shouldn't assume that the answer is yes.  Hmmm...I'd love some concrete examples of how this will improve their lives.  I took a quick look at the website and didn't find them, but haven't fully explored it.  Sort of reminds me of when Karin Blixen opened the school in Out of Africa (my favorite movie), making a lot of assumptions along the way about what "the other" people needed.  Even some of the language on the site rubs me the wrong way-- "to contribute to a more productive and saner world community."  Huh?? 

OK, sorry for the rant, I'm just not convinced.

Update: I replied to comments below rather than individually.