Winter weather

So, here in the midwest, we're all gearing up for another huge winter storm. I heard on the radio we can expect up to 3 inches of sleet before 4-8 inches of snow. Nothing like a good sheet of ice under the snow to make holiday travel a real treat.

We were planning on heading up to Dubuque Christmas Eve for a party and spending the night with my parents. Now, I'm pretty sure we're just going to stay home. I was looking forward to seeing everyone, but now most of my relatives aren't making the trip home anyway. Hopefully we'll be able to get together with my mom and dad and sister's family by Saturday or Sunday.

I am just so looking forward to Christmas this year! I only have one sewing project left to finish. I have everything else wrapped and ready to go. And because of a series of fortunate (for us) events, John is coming home tonight. Originally he wasn't supposed to have tomorrow or Thursday off. And now, we're going to have a really great long weekend all together!!

Planning Christmas on a much tighter budget this year meant I spent a lot more time selecting things for the kids. I wanted to buy very specific items, instead of my typical "lots of stuff" approach. I'm really excited to see what they think on the big day.

Also, I sent out Christmas cards for the first time in three years. Which means that when I went to find my address list, I couldn't find it. Turns out, it's "not lost", it's still "on the old computer". Which is conveniently packed in a rubbermaid tub in the garage. Sigh. So, here's our family Christmas card this year. Sorry if I missed anyone!

Hello Again

Wow. I can't believe it's really been so long since I've posted anything. But after a few gentle reminders, I've decided to make a stab at keeping up with my blog again.

We're all snowed in today, which means the kids are bouncing off the walls. Quinn and Eva came outside with me to shovel, but after 5 minutes, Quinn said "Mom, I'm sick of the snow." Sigh. "Ok, buddy, let's go in and take off your gear." Ten minutes later, "Mom, can we go back outside to play?" Sigh.

Dex hasn't been outside today because it is VERY cold and windy here (we have a blizzard warning all day). But, he did get a taste of winter weather yesterday when we only had about 2 inches on the ground (we now have about 10). He mostly sat on the sled and let Eva pull him around the yard. Meanwhile I was able to get a jumpstart on the shoveling, so we were all happy :)

I've been doing lots of sewing to get ready for Christmas, and I think I'm almost ready. I only have 5 bathrobes and a doll quilt/bedding set left to go. It may sound like a lot, but I can't believe how much I've already finished! But, I have to say, I'm looking forward to January, so I can get back to my quilting.

How're Things? Fine.

That about sums up what's been going on around here lately. I get a little blah this time of year. Everything after Christmas is downhill until spring. I guess we all get a bit of cabin fever. It's really hard to entertain the kids all day long in the house. I just can't wait for spring and getting outside and doing fun stuff again.

I have been getting quite a bit of sewing done, though. I made a really cool baby quilt for friends Natalie and Larry who welcomed their first baby, Samuel, to the world on Feb 10. Congratulations! I've heard they're all doing well. I'm not going to post pictures today, because I'm not sure if they've received it in the mail yet.

I've also been mulling over dress patterns because I'm starting on 2 fancy dresses in the near future. I'm making a first communion dress for my niece, Kylie. I'm also making a flower girl dress for Eva. She is going to be in John's cousin's wedding this summer. I am really excited about both of these.

We do have huge baby news, though!!! Quinn is potty trained. Can I get a YAY?!?!?!? We've been 15 months with two in diapers and it's a really great feeling to be down to one. (I bet some of you thought I was going to say I was pregnant, huh? Nope :)

Also Dex is walking and getting into all sorts of mischief. He had a doctor's appointment this week and weighs 24 lbs 13 oz. and is 32 1/2 in. His height is still in the 95%, but he's dropped down to around 50% for his weight. Just a side effect of him being on the go all the time.

Also, Eva is getting pretty good with her "reading" and spelling. She can sound out and write most three and four letter words we throw at her. She is also adding in her head. What a smart little cookie!

So, let's everyone think spring thoughts and maybe we can hurry it up a little bit :)