I Just Have to Say...

If you are at Joann's buying fleece to make a blanket, get out of my way.

I try to be quite positive here on my little blog, but today I have to give the world a piece of my mind. Let me explain. I am a sewer. I am an informed crafter. I visit Joann's frequently. I know what I want. I know how much I need, and I have my coupons ready. There are many shoppers like me.

There is another type of Joann's shopper. These shoppers usually want to make a stupid fleece blanket for a baby, a grandchild, or a friend. They have no idea what they're doing, and they spend a ridiculous amount of time at the cutting table asking questions about what to buy and how to assemble. It frustrates me nearly every time I go in to Joann's.

Here are some ideas I have.

- Basic sewing test before being able to shop.
- Special membership for those of us who know what's going on. We can either skip the line or come in early or stay late.
- Many posted signs of how to make these stupid blankets, how much to buy, and any other pertinent information.

I would be happy with any of these solutions.

That's all.

A Holly, Jolly Christmas

After four days of Christmas traveling, I'm home today cleaning, organizing, and looking at pictures. Here are the highlights from the past few days.

Joshua and I went up to my parents' house the day before Christmas Eve, earlier than expected because of predicted snow. The snow turned into reality, bringing 7-8 inches and a nervous drive to Grandma Norma and Grandpa Joe's for Christmas Eve festivities. We made it okay and enjoyed soup and sandwiches (meatball, chicken, and Cuban), along with the annual white elephant gift exchange. I took home two classic DVDs, Animal House and Austin Powers. Joshua was quite pleased with his gift, an over-sized thumbs-up statue. I should have taken a picture of that one.

We spent Christmas day at Mom and Dad's, opening presents and eating brunch. Here are a few memorable gifts.

Shaun's present to me was truly inspired and really is my favorite. After reading about an abandoned donkey named Hobo in the Peoria Journal Star, Shaun knew a donation for Hobo was just the gift for me. It's no secret that I do love donkeys. I hope to NOT be a donkey collector, with friends and family buying me loads of collectibles to junk up my house, but those animals do make me smile. Poor Hobo has had a sad life, and there are no rescue groups for donkeys, so this lady, the owner of a horse therapy farm for children with autism, has taken him in. She needs a little cash to get Hobo gelded, but once that's done, he'll have a very happy life at God's Little Acre farm. (That's really the name.) I can't tell you all how much I LOVE this gift. Shaun said I can be expecting a picture of Hobo in the mail. Makes me smile.

Shaun hit another home run in the gift department with Joshua. A couple times each year, Joshua declares a moustache party at our home. The guests wear fake moustaches, and we have a good time with a few beverages. Shaun tracked down (on etsy) shot glasses with moustaches; so cute! Joshua also loves his new Bears jersey from Dad and Mom.

I also love this new little treasure, a kitchen clock featuring silverware. Very kitschy.

Ryan seemed pretty pleased with his personalized rolle bolle, and we all loved the rolle bolle bags. We'll be set for next Labor Day.

One other fun item was press-on nails. I thought it would just be some goofy fun, so they went on my Christmas list. Mom agreed, and bought enough for all the girls. Here we are, thanks to Kati's expertise. Later that night I spent over an hour taking them off because they were making my fingers hurt. Worth the laugh.

Yesterday, Joshua and I went to Monticello to visit his family. Everyone was there for lunch at Grandpa and Grandma's, and then to Philipo's for dinner. Joshua could hardly skip going there. It was nice to see everyone; even Aimee was in town from Colorado. We don't get to see them enough.

Hopefully we can see Polly, Greg, and the kids in the next couple of weeks to finish our Christmas visiting.

Mark That Down

Today I was showing Joshua the Christmas cards we've gotten the last couple of days. Many of these cards contain nice pictures and messages from friends and family. Joshua then said to me, "Next year I guess we should really send out Christmas cards." At this point, I burst out laughing. He never cares about things like Christmas cards. It's just not him. I normally care about things like Christmas cards, but I've never felt like we have much to share in a card, so I don't send them.

The purpose of this entry? Proof that he cares. Next year when he's whining and complaining about taking a Christmas card picture or helping to fill out the cards, I'll simply pull up this blog, and put him right in his place.

Merry Christmas!

Changes Down the Road

Dunlap recently announced their plans to withdraw from SEAPCO (special ed coop) for the 2011-2012 school year. That means my position has essentially been eliminated. I can't apply for the new Dunlap-hired position because of my contract company's rules, and honestly wouldn't want to take the enormous pay cut by doing that anyway.

What does all this mean? Nothing for now. I have to just relax about it until about July when SEAPCO figures out if they would have a different position for me. And then if they do, do I want to make the commute. (Right now, I only drive 13 minutes to work.)

If things don't work out with that, I'm confident I can find something else. Speech-language pathologists are quite in demand. I'm just not crazy about the resume, application, interview, and new worker process. So, although there's nothing to be done about the situation right now, I do need to begin thinking positive thoughts about change. I hate change, and it takes me a long time to get used to new plans. I have seven months :0)

Until then, happy winter break! Oh school schedule, you're amazing!

Stitching!

My little etsy shop has gotten busy in the last two weeks, five orders just this weekend! I find stitching to be quite relaxing, which is a good thing. Here's the design I've been making the most.

In other news, Christmas is fast approaching, and I think I'm almost ready. Joshua and I went to cut down a tree last weekend. It's a lovely white spruce that makes me smile, all loaded up with my childhood ornaments. Nearly all of my shopping is finished and wrapped, and Christmas break will be here in two and a half weeks.

One last picture before I conclude this entry. A present to me from my dear husband. He thinks he's so clever...