still celebrating...

and i have to admit, i was really looking forward to the celebration last night. we had *a very bagel Christmas* at the melting pot. and other than a few spills/mishaps, it was a great night, with awesome food, lots of laughs, amazing gifts and great company. we decided some time ago to do all handmade gifts for our gift exchange. and no name drawing...it was one for all, and all for one. we really *get* each other, so i knew the gifts would be really great. and they were! if i had more energy, i would have photographed all of the lovlieness...but since i was awake for 3 hours through the night, i just didn't have the energy this morning. plus, i opened becca's gift and sampled some of the yummies...so, i sort of ruined the pretty-ness. a box full of totally delish treats! so much for eating healthy the rest of this week! so worth it though! every gift was so beautiful, and so perfect! i can't say enough. i loved every single thing! i made aprons for everyone. which was a little daunting, considering i'm not a great seamstress. 

 lots of amy butler fabrics, which i had been hoarding. it felt good to use my stash, especially knowing that they would appreciate them! i cut 9 aprons out, and actually got 7 made. i hope to make one for myself.

i was running out of time to wrap, but hurriedly put them together right before i walked out the door-

 

tom was talking to me as i wrapped, and he picked up the vintage ledger paper, and found some names that he was familiar with! it was a listing of all long distance phone calls the person had made. cute.

so today, we're having a bagel lunch. our dear sweet holly is in town. she moved this summer and we miss her terribly! can't wait to see her. hopefully there won't be any beverages spilling at lunch. 

after lunch, i plan to pick up alexis and her friend katie for a little photo shoot. i'm looking so forward to it, because i haven't done a shoot in 2 weeks. it's been a good break, but i'm ready to get back to it! we didn't ever really do alexis' 10 year shoot, so this will sort of be for that. 

after my posting yesterday about goals for 2009, i am most focused on updates around the house. so anxious to get to it. i read this quote, which i love and which describes exactly how i feel about our home:

"these are our homes, our private worlds; let them welcome us and make us happy. let them grow and not stagnate. let them be mirrors of our personality and not the reflections of others; let them be splendid achievements of self-expression." eleanor mcmillen brown

i may have posted this quote before. it's a favorite. and this attitude explains why i don't feel like i have to make my home fit in any mold. i bought my window panels from pottery barn kids for heaven's sake! i know what i like and i'm not afraid to go for it! 

i hope to have updates around the house to share soon! i guess i would have to stay home to actually accomplish this! 

i hope you have a great day and are looking forward to the new year, anticipating good things!  God bless! 

Comments

[psmullican]

Nothing like handmade gifts-particularly if those receiving really get and appreciate it. Love the pretty wrap, too! Great quote-going to keep that in mind as I do some things around my home. Happy New Year!

[melissa deakin]

those aprons are gorgeous, b!
and of course wrapped so beautifully.
you are amazing!

[Lynn]

Love those sweet aprons! I also love the way you wrapped them, that antique ledger paper is gorgeous! Hope you have a great New Year Becky! All the best in '09!

Lynn

[cynthia]

i would have loved to see more of those aprons, made some myself for a couple of friends and they turned out great! plan on making more after the new year...

the wrapping that you chose was simply beautiful!

[Lorie Vital]

Those are beautiful!
I love reading your blog and your pictures are awesome.
You truly are gifted and I 'm glad I stumbled upon the sweet blog you have!
Be blessed!

[heather]

gosh, the aprons turned out beautifully, becky! and i can't imagine what the packaging would be like had you had loads of time! so pretty! happy new year!