It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It's getting close, my list is getting shorter, my days are getting busier, and there is VERY LITTLE time for stitching!!  I love this time of year, when winter storms pop up causing folks to stay bundled up at home, parties are popping up everywhere, thinking of others as you shop for the perfect gift, and the FOOD!!  Lets not forget all that yummy food!!  My hips DO NOT thank you but my lips are smacking!  LOL

I've been decorating the house, the first time I've felt like doing all the extra work in a few years.  I've given out a few gifts, went to an ornament exchange last night (and no I didn't take a hand made ornament...shame on me?), spent a day with Astrid as she baked, and she graciously sent me home with some absolutely delicious cookies, made a few more fans of buckeye balls (they are a hit wherever I go!), and generally have enjoyed the Christmas spirit.

I have gotten a bit of stitching done.  I gave an ornament to Astrid, and forgot to take a picture...RATS!  Hopefully she'll post a picture on her blog and send a copy to me.  I have a few decorations I put up each year that I've stitched, and will show a few of my favorite Christmas ornaments I have on my tree...

The  Nativity at the top was given to me from Astrid.  Made from Olive wood, it's one of my more meaningful Nativities.  The second little snowman is one I stitched.  The next two are from Holland and Germany, can you guess which one came from where?  I've always loved the German hand carved ornaments, and the second angel is from the company that makes Hummels.  The last bear is one I made with my Mom.  We used to do crafts together a lot when I was growing up.  I miss living close to her and crafting with her.  Lots of memories on my tree.  The last two pictures are of the nativity I acquired in Oberammergau while living in Germany.  I leave it up all year round!

I have a few things I cross stitched and framed...

The kneeling Santa...

This picture of the Wise Men...

And my Mele Kalikimaka.  If you haven't heard the song, it means Merry Christmas in Hawaiian.

Last is the latest project I'm stitching on.  I haven't stitched much, there just isn't time.  Hopefully when the next storm hits I'll be able to get a bit more done.  This is Renouveau. I love the little characters doing different things in this sampler.  I can't wait to really sink my teeth in and get some serious stitching done.

I had a thought (I know, scarey right?) that maybe as a personal challenge to myself I would stitch at least one ornament a month so that when December rolls around I won't be so stressed making them.  Anyone want to join me?  We could start a blog and encourage one another.  Any thoughts?  Just leave a comment and I'll put my thinking cap on! 

That's all the news for now.  I'll leave you with a picture of the crazy weather in Maryland.  We had an ice storm one day, then snow the next.  Today they are predicting snow, ice, sleet, rain, and freezing rain.  We'll see what the day brings.  Stay safe and warm wherever you are!