I've Broken My Handmade Pledge

dammit. I know there are still 7 or so days until Christmas but there's NO way I can get everything finished/started/finished in time. At least not to the caliber of gifts I like to make.

So now I'll have to start on these gifts for next year. The ones I did get finished were for my nieces and nephew. To be honest, Ellie's isn't done. I just dried the cashmere sweater {gasp! I know!} I'll use to make this for her:

Not sure yet? Here's a closeup.



How cute, huh? and hers will be done in off-white felted cashmere...that's one lucky baby! I'll have to take a few pictures once it's finished.

Here's what I made for Jack from this idea. Obviously I used it as a jumping off point.





Ryan gave me the idea to spell his name. In the future, I'll sew on the felt letters before I sew the fish layers together. Instead of a dowel I think I'll use a tree branch {still need to procure} for a bit more authenticity ;)

For Callie I used this idea and decided I'd make her The Three Little Bears.

I think the little vest and the apron are a couple of the cutest things I've made.

Do you know how hard it is to find the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that contains the porridge, chairs, and bed AND has cute pictures? It's impossible. I wanted them to all fit snugly with the book in this case that I recovered {the inside wasn't cute nor very clean} so it looks like I need to type up the story and make a little book{let} for her myself.



Does Baby Bear need pants/shorts? I can't decide.

So what's new with the Alexanders....Ryan and I both have similar callings in our ward. He's a teacher in Elders Quorum and I'm a teacher in Relief Society. I know, try to contain your jealousy.

I don't really like being a teacher, but I guess I'm doing an alright job. Then again, I could have a much more involved calling. I only have to teach 12 times a year, IF that. Unfortunately, we can't plan our lessons together because we teach different Sundays of the month. Bummer. I learn a lot, though, and I'm sure I receive extra blessings. hehe.

We're going to see The Nutcracker performed by the Kansas City Ballet on Friday. I've never been to a ballet and I'm really excited. Just what we need to add to the holiday spirit, I think. When Ryan and I were engaged we went to a performance of The Forgotten Carols in Provo and I really wish we had the opportunity again. It's such a great message. I'll still be happy with The Nutcracker, but it's not the same thing, if you know what I mean. I think I'm starting to blabber on now. I'll stop.

Hurry, look at this picture of our Christmas tree to distract you from the word vomit.



Ooh. ahhh.

And a few more images from around the house.







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Oh! I almost forgot. So I started a monthly craft day. Every second Saturday of the month {with the exception of this next January and February - those will be on the 3rd Saturdays} whoever wants to come to my house and watch movies and have snacks and work on projects can. This month's was last Saturday and I got most of Callie's dolls done then. In November I worked on a bag for my sister in law's birthday gift. Craft Day is something I've been talking about doing for over a year and I finally did it. It's so much fun to just hang out with other girls my age and create. I'm thinking I need to start another blog with craft inspiration and ideas. We'll see.