Nearly ready for Christmas...

I keep wanting to sing, "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat..."

But we have no goose, and he is not fat.

And now I'm being silly.

I feel as if I've been lazy this season...I have yet to add more ornaments to our tree (see last post) and I think I just WON'T.  Christmas will still come if our tree is not fully decorated.  I have a friend who didn't even bother putting ornaments on her tree this year - just the lights and the star on top - and it looks lovely.  And it's much less stressful for her, and there are less things for the kids to get into.

What a smart lady.

I am all about cross-stitching this season, not decorating.

I started the lovely "This is My Joy" pattern (also mentioned in last post) by Little House Needleworks.  I LOVE it! I'm about half-way through.  The thread is silk, and oh it is lovely to stitch with.  

Glides through the linen smoothly, and it's so soft. 

I love the variegated look of the hand-dyed threads - see how the little sheep has different shades of green?

(The thread is Crescent Colours Belle Soie, by the way - color is Collard Greens.)

I got my "bake on" yesterday -- baked up some cookies and bars to give to the neighbors, and then put this sinfully delicious pudding dessert together -- just for me.  

Just kidding.  I'll share it with my family.

Maybe.  If they say "please" and put on puppy dog eyes.

Pudding dessert always makes me think of my sweet Grandma - she made this when I was growing up and we always loved it.  I'm so thankful that she gave me the recipe before she passed away.  

I miss her so much!

Ben's preschool had their annual Christmas pageant, "Happy Birthday Jesus," on Thursday night -- he is the little guy in front with the orange shirt on under the tan "robe" (he and his class-mates were Inn Keepers - the row behind them were the Shepherds).

"There's noooo room for you at the inn!!"  

(That's his buddy Gabe to the left - they've known each other since they were practically born, just three weeks apart.)

Then Ben decided that it was time to flip his robe up over his head.

Gabe thought the result of the "flipping" was fun.

Meanwhile, Sam was rolling around on the floor, having a grand time.

"Is it over yet?"  

What troopers they were!

And so, with my stitching project half-way finished, the pudding dessert complete, and the Christmas pageant over, I think we are now about ready for Christmas.

Now I just need to get my house somewhat cleaned up - family is coming tomorrow!  Then it will REALLY feel like Christmas!  Yay for Grandma and Grandpa!  (and Uncle Doug!)

Merry Christmas everyone...

and to all a good night.

(couldn't help it - sorry)