Time to unwrap the gifts!

Toddler crayons rock! (From Grandma Lorie, as is the Stud Muffin shirt.)

New books are also awesome. As Damian unwrapped each one he made Michael read it to him.

Damian received a ton of gifts from family, so therefor there are a ton of pictures. Michael and I bought him a Tonka firetruck which has been zooming around the house for the past few days, along with the wooden helicopter from his Aunt Lydia. He also received an awesome pedal powered tractor from his Grandma Lorie, Great Grandma Mason and Great Uncle Stan. As if I already couldn’t keep up with him, now he has wheels! I think he is in love. They sent him the John Deer shirt to complete the look. (Now if we could just get a plow and tiller for it, I would never need to do yard work again…) Ivy received clothes and a huge singing plush hound (it sings “Blue Christmas”.) I have a video of her with said dog which I have yet to upload. We also received a wooden advent calender, a duvet cover and a camera (thank you Uncle Stan!) and a jigsaw. Come warmer weather and a little practice, Michael and I are going to try our hands at some simple wooden children’s toys. I am really excited about that.

Christmas was lovely and I am certain Damian was completely thrilled with his gifts (as he is still playing with them all.) The day had a perfect wrap up for him too, hot chocolate and a snuggle in his new red bathrobe (made with love by yours truly, with a pattern created by my mother-in-law.) I could make a tradition out of just that you know…

Our holiday decorations are simple and mostly handmade. All of our stockings were made by my mother-in-law. Michael’s is the one his mother made him as a child, Damian received his one his first Christmas and Ivy and I both received ones this year (they are lovely, check them out.) Elsewhere in the house we have a quilted banner hanging with angels, also from Michael’s family. I have a few Wintery cookie tins and candle holders scattered around too.

Our tree is a small live dwarf Alberta spruce that stays on our altar for a few weeks before going back outside. We have to watch for spidermites so I mist it a few times a week and crack the window beside it daily so it doesn’t get too warm for it. We decorate it with a handful of small ornaments, little painted wooden figurines and small beaded baubles, a crocheted mouse (Damian’s first ornament) and my one of my great-grandma’s little bells (Ivy’s first ornament,) a wood bead garland and a short string of big colored led lights. Santa/Odin stands beside our tree decked out in a fur and greenery with birds perched on him. We have a few glass ornaments that are too large for the tree (from when we had a large fake one) so we hang them from the ceiling above the tree, I think they make a great “topper.” They catch the light and this time of year is all about welcoming the return of the light for us.

I admit I love outdoor decorations more then indoor ones, so we have a couple strings of white ones on our porch and a wreath I made on the front door. Over the years I would like to pick up more lights, maybe the icicle ones if I can find led ones to line our roof with. On Christmas Eve we usually go around our neighborhood and look at all the decked out yards, but we will see how that goes with a newborn this year. Tonight after Michael gets home, we will delivery the last cookie plates to our neighbors and watch our favorite Christmas movies during our “finger food feast”. I am making all our favorite finger foods (and a ham) because nothing says holidays like eating too much (or something like that… Hey, it’s tradition!)

I love our Solstice traditions and for us today is the last day of Saturnalia and tomorrow is the first day of Brumalia, but it is also Christmas. We choose to honor Christmas in a secular way because of our family traditions. I love mixing Michael and my family traditions with our new ones as a family. And lets face it, this time of year is so much more fun with a young family. I can’t wait to see Damian unwrap his gifts tomorrow.

My mother, grandmother and uncle all chipped together and bought me a KitchenAid mixer for Christmas. I love love love it! I was thinking of making an orange dust cover for it, but I am using it so much use that so I don’t think it will ever have time to gather dust.

I have been using it for a few days now and made four loaves of whole wheat bread. It makes enough dough for about two loaves at a time, which is great, homemade bread twice a week. It kneads the dough in about 10 minutes. I’ve also used it to mix together my cast iron meatloaf on Sunday. I haven’t used the whisk attachment yet, but I think I might try making some whipped cream in the next week though I should probably make something to put it on. (Granted I am totally capable of eating whipped cream out of a bowl with a spoon.) I love this thing.

Now to go peruse Amazon for some attachments.

I made out like a bandit this Winter Solstice! I got…

Wooden blocks from my Great Aunt Ruth and cousin Becka. The blocks are so awesome, I strategically place them so that Mommy steps on them, mwahahahaha! I push my wagon around the floor too! When I unwrapped it, it looked like this!

I got a musical riding horse from Grandma and Great Grandma Mason (Mommy’s family) and lots of cute books and a crawling Pooh bear. The box was pretty fun too! They also gave me the green PJs that I am wearing in some of these photos.

I got a pull along fabric and wood crocodile (which Mommy needs to get a better photo of) from Grandpa Tolman (Mommy’s father.) I crawl around trailing it behind me and then turn around and maul it while growling. I am soooo fearsome! Grandpa Tolman also got me some long sleeve onsies (I am wearing one in this photo,) sneakers and a baby book about the Solstice! Mommy is going to read it to me tonight.

And as if I wasn’t spoiled enough, Uncle Justin and Aunt Heather got me:

Another thing which allows me to unleash my inner geek! Daddy especially loves this one (he had to explain it to Mommy…)

I had a wonderful Solstice and I hope you did too. Thank you for all the gifts, I am really enjoying them. Mommy and Daddy took a video of me unwrapping them which will be online soon.

Baby hugs! (That’s my Grandma Stewart.)

More Photos Here!

We are listening to the news on the radio right now. The power is out downtown, apparently an underground vault blew up, they are talking about huge plumes of smoke and fire. Avista (the power company) says it is probably not because of the snow, but definitely bad timing. People are not stopping at the lights (which are out) and that is causing even more problems. No numbers on how many are without power, Avista’s office lost power too (ain’t that ironic?)

My prayers go to the people now without heat on this Christmas Eve.

Mayor Verner declared a state of emergency for Spokane today. Snow is still falling, still breaking records, over 40 inches here since last Tuesday, which is unbelievable for this area. Still more expected tomorrow, maybe 10 inches, and it is wet snow now, so much heavier. A local businesses roof collapsed yesterday and I have been seeing people shoveling roofs off since. Spokane Valley also declared a state of emergency. Sounds like the governor just declared one for the whole state too.

Suddenly my UPS packages being two days late doesn’t seem so bad.

Merry Christmas?

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Usually paper, unless I have leftover gift bags from the previous year. I always wanted to get this kind of wrapping paper, it is embedded with wildflower seeds.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
We have a white prelit six-foot artificial tree. We have had a real tree a couple times but I don’t like cleaning up pine needles or figuring out how to dispose of a real tree in the city.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually the first week of December we decorate it a few days after.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Between New Years and my birthday (January 9th.)

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, with rum!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Either my legos mindstorm kit or telescope.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My husband. Most of the things left that he wants (like a new monitor) are out of my price range. I got him clothes this year (which he picked out.)

8. Easiest person to buy for?
Most people have a hobby or collections or something that you can work off of.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
No. I celebrate Winter Solstice instead of Christmas.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. I dislike getting email cards, it always ends up putting me on spam lists.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
No clue… I always enjoy my gifts. Even socks, I love colorful socks.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I almost always make my Christmas gifts so I never really shop.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I have made them out of recycled material…

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
homemade cranberry relish

16. Lights on the tree?
Prelit tree, even better the untangling wires!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Carol of the Bells

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay Home!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?
Dasher, Prancer, Comet, Donner, Blitzed, Pedro, Juan and Bubba
and Dominic the Donkey
and Leeroy the Redneck Reindeer

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Wicker stars and pinecones.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Winter Solstice Day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
How crazy people get when shopping.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
Silver, gold or clear icicles

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Pot Roast

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
A dvd teaching me how to knit and needles or one on bellydancing (my goals for the year.)

26. Favorite thing about Christmas?
When I was a child I most looked forward to waking up in the morning and having my stocking at the end of the bed full of neat little stuff and fruit and candy. I miss that. Now I am looking forward to doing that with Damian when he is old enough.

It has been a very quiet morning. One where the overcast skies hide the sunrise. Damian fell asleep on my lap so I sat watching the silhouettes of the trees emerge from the darkness and the sky turn from black to pale gray. Snow has drifted down occasionally, almost like Winter is too lazy this morning to make a show of it. The cats are in their Winter burrowing mood, they disapprove of the cold. So does my rubber tree, it is sitting on our altar with my aloe. They are wondering where the sun went.

In February I will be sick of Winter but at the moment I am enjoying the change of season. I have be listening to the all Christmas music radio station today, I’ll admit it, I really love carols. Now that Damian is awake I’ve been sorting through Yule decorations, How is it that the lights always get tangled no matter how carefully I pack them? Damian is desperately trying to… help… me untangle them. This crawling thing is giving baby and mommy lots of exercise. My mother and grandma sent some little gifts for Damian, they are under the tree, even thought I know there are books in them, I still want to poke at them like a little kid. Must Resist.

My blender died the other day, it was a cheap one so I am honestly surprised it lasted as long as it did (four years) but all the soups and smoothies and flaxseed and fruit puree and spice mixes have finally taken their toll. It started spinning slower the other day and finally seized up and started smelling like burning rubber. As far as amusing sentiments go, I miss my blender, I used it almost every other day. No pumpkin smoothie for me today. A new one will have to wait, no way I am hitting the store today.

Speaking of food… We had a really wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with at Andrea and Pete’s yesterday. We played Scrabble, which might not seem overly exciting, but then you don’t know Andrea’s family, it was a blast. Michael and I came in last but we still feel insanely proud, I think that was one of the best games we ever had point-wise.

When Michael gets home today, he will be on vacation for a week. We don’t plan on doing much, but the time off will be nice. Last time he had a couple weeks off, it was when Damian was born. This week will probably be a little less hectic then that.

…that people ask me about Christmas.

A couple people have asked me recently what I want. I don’t need anything (unless anyone has a couch or futon mattress in decent condition they need taken off their hands.) I know that statement won’t fly with some of my family, so I’ll link you to our wishlist if you want any ideas.

As far as Damian goes, we mainly need winter clothes for him (size 9-12 months.) I don’t mind if they are used (almost all his clothes are second hand) as long as they are in good condition. I never expected him to be fitting in 9-12 months clothes in less then 6 months! Damian does not need anymore stuffed animals (we have half a closet full already.) If you want to get him a toy, I would prefer them not to be plastic. I have a few wooden toys on his wishlist, but I don’t mind if they are second hand either.

I’ve been putting up our tree and cleaning today. I forgot how tedious it is to shape an artificial tree and how ignoring the dishes for a few days makes a scary pile! I love having a tree though… and a clean home. I think I am going to make meatloaf for dinner…

And a baby picture, just because.

I just wanted to wish everyone a blessed Winter Solstice. I am completely rejoicing with the thought of the returning sun. Longer days, yes!

Also Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, Hanakhah, slightly belated Saturnalia and everything else I am missing! I hope you all find the brightest joy in this season of so many holidays!

(A local electronics store just before opening today, the line went all the way down the block!)

People seem so eager to complain this time of year. Too much rampant consumerism, too much stress, too much Christmas music, too much cold, too much food… We have the personal choice to not indulge in these things you know? Why does it matter to you if other people if people like standing in line in the wee hours of the morning the day after Thanksgiving to shop? Let them have their fun. People seem so keen to dwell on the negative traits in others rather then encouraging the positive ones.

I admit I fall into this trend too, it is hard to stay optimistic. It is so easy to criticize. Have you ever tried to go just an hour without using the words “no” “can’t” “never” and other negatives? It is really tiring. I’ve been trying it out today, I’m trying to avoid using negatives in this post even.

I adore the Holiday season. I love the food, I love the carols, I love the decorations and getting creative with them, I love gifting, I love the gatherings, I love the cold and the snow. I am not too keen on the crazy shopping conditions but I can avoid them and shop online if I must. Besides when you hit the store at 10pm, as Michael and I seem to frequently do, chances are you are going to find short lines.

Yes, maybe we should all try to remember the charitable spirit of Christmas, but if you really want that giant inflatable snow globe for your lawn, go for it, especially if it makes you or those you love smile. I really do hope you all enjoy this time of year and all the years holidays. Happiness feels infinitely better then bitter sadness.

So I haven’t posted a real update in a little over a week. I’ve been busy pulling out holiday decorations and working. Best advice I can give for long term Christmas decor? Buy led light strings. They last way way waaay longer and look cooler (in my opinion.) They also cost about the same as normal light strings.

I have had Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” stuck in my head for most of the day… Was that based a movie? Was it any good?

Christmas is the busiest season for us candlemakers you know? We are working hard to save up money for the baby. All those baby items add up! Meh, damn car seats why can’t I just go Britney and sit ‘em on my lap. (Joking! I am joking!) I don’t like asking for stuff, but when in need… I am just starting to put together a baby registry on Amazon (which can be found here.)It is mostly neuter stuff since we probably won’t be announcing the baby’s sex, I may not even find out. There are so few real surprises left in the world. Christmas gifts are lovely and I adore them so much but please, if you want to get Michael and I something this year, choose an item off the registry. I would also adore any gently used baby item, I am so cool with used.

We had a first snow last night they said we would have accumulation but it hardly stuck, grrr! Still, snow! I loved snow. We are expecting 1 to 3 inches tonight, hopefully that will be accurate. It just doesn’t feel like the holiday season without some white stuff, ya know?

Ack! I am already talking holidays, we aren’t even to Thanksgiving here yet. No more of such talk till Friday then. No Saturday, I will be dead Friday. More on that later. We are spending Thanksgiving at Michael’s parents, I am bringing basil tomato polenta (so they will either love or hate me for that?) I love spending Thanksgiving up there, awesome company and awesome food. Pregnancy, the only time I can eat 2600 calories a day and not feel as guilty as everyone else, hehe!

But then comes Friday and I can do the overdose of caffeen anymore. Friday is Black Friday here in the USA, the busiest shopping day of the year when all the stores open super early with super sales. It is madness and I am working it. I have to be in the parking lot an hour earlier then usual opening managing parking in the downtown shopping district. Noooo! The extra money will be good though.

So maybe don’t expect too much Christmas cheer on Friday.
And maybe expect a Feline Friday on Saturday?

I’ll survive, I’m sure.
I think…

I just tried to use the tv remote to turn up YouTube on my laptop…
My uterus is absorbing my brain!