Bad, bad, blogger

I've been somewhat MIA this week, but not for lack of trying. I was working several projects at the beginning of the week, but they just weren't turning out they way I wanted to. Don't you hate that?

So, I decided that it was a sign and that I needed to force myself into some self-imposed challenge exile to take care of some other things...it's that time of year...there are just so many things going on, and while it would be great to craft away all evening, there's stuff to get done! Here's what I've been up to:

1) Finishing up our family Christmas cards. This is the first year that I actually made them (link to a photo of what folks are receiving from us), but it was fun, and I'll do it again next year. I also like to write a little note inside each, so it takes a little longer than just stuffing and addressing and mailing.

2) Working on Carina's first year album. I was convicted that I've been having so much fun with the cards, I've been neglecting this very important project. I ordered the last set of photos I need, and I'm hoping to have that wrapped up soon!

3) Shopping, I try and get most of mine done in November, but there are always those last minute items, stocking stuffers, and a few stubborn individuals for which the perfect gift takes much longer to determine.

4) A class! I was fortunate enough to win a spot in Karen Grunberg's Reclaiming my Time class at Big Picture Classes. This is the first class I have taken there, and I'm really enjoying it. So far we've done a series of exercises evaluating what we think and what we actually spend our time on. This week is a fun week, it's all about what we WANT to be spending time on. It's been a great way for me to step back and evaluate the things that I do with my time. The end result will be a mini album that documents what we've learned and goals. It's a great time of year to be taking this class, and I'm excited to start working on the actual album.

5) Planning for next year - I'm trying to put together a basic roadmap for next year in terms of workshops that I want to do. I want to get a good mix of card, scrapbooking, and even mini album workshops together.

6) Enjoying the season. It really is nice to be able to do some fun things with the kids this season (mostly Ellie since Carina doesn't quite get it yet). I got Ellie a Christmas craft activity set last year during my after Christmas shopping. I pulled it out last week, and we've been doing crafts each night after Carina goes to bed. It's lots of fun, and we have been decorating her room with her handmade creations. We also do Advent each night. She has a calendar with doors and there is a little candy treat and a sticker which goes on a Christmas scene. Then we read an entry from the Advent Storybook which I highly recommend. It's been a great time to relax and think a little about what the season means. Next week we're planning on a few outings, the National Zoo has something called Zoolights in the evenings during the Christmas season, I want to do an evening drive with the girls to look at lights, watch a few Christmas movies, stuff like that. Having the girls really helps me to be intentional about this season I think, and it really is neat to experience Christmas with little ones.

So that's what I've been up to. I should have some more projects to share next week, but while I wish I had a little more time for crafting and blogging, I'm giving myself permission to take it easy, relax, enjoy my family and friends, and contemplate the holiday. I hope that you will too. Have a wonderful weekend!