Whatcha' Been Doin'?

Lots!


Yesterday Jill and the kids and Tom and I met at Southcenter mall to see the Muppet Movie at 4:30.  Parking was jammed, but the theater wasn't very crowded.  It was fun remembering all those Muppet shows we used to watch as a family.  I love the song "Rainbow Connection"!  Then we had dinner at the food court and joined the shoppers, just window shopping.  We all had a good time.


Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I've been baking cookies.  Here are Corey's favorite, filbert crescents. 

 This morning I baked one of Tom's favorites, cranberry walnut swirls,

 and every body's favorite, chocolate covered cherry cookies.

 I have made two other kinds, and they are all packed safely away in the freezer.  Just one more batch to go.


I got the sewing for the kids' Christmas presents done.  There's a shirt and vest for Isaac,

And a jumper and shirt for Irene, with a matching outfit for Julie, her American Girl doll.  

 This afternoon I worked on a fancy doll dress.  It still needs some finishing, but it's mostly done.  I struggled a bit, since I was modifying a pattern.

This pattern set has been a good investment.  With the basic patterns I can modify to match most of what I make for Irene now.  Of course this is all secret stuff, so don't tell.  I'm sure if Jill finds this post, she won't tell.  I won't be linking this one to Facebook.


I wrote a Christmas letter right after Thanksgiving.  Friday I ordered photo cards at Costco, got the letter printed, reworked the mailing list and got the envelopes addressed.  Then I left the stuffing, stamping and sealing to Tom.  They are ready to go out tomorrow.

This week we will be hosting our St Lucia Day dinner on Tuesday the 13th, with five guests from our breakfast group.  We'll be shopping, cleaning house, cooking and table decorating for that.  Then on Thursday I'm hosting my retired school friends for a potluck lunch.  I'll be making soup and offering cookies.


Next Saturday we're going to the Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet in the opera house in the afternoon, followed by dinner out.  I'll take my camera.


I'll try to keep up with blogging and commenting, but other things do take priority this time of the year.  Today I decided it was time to add some down time each day.  I've been going all out for long enough.  It's time to stop and smell the roses, or the cookies, or whatever.


What have you been up to?