Ahhhhh---- Christmas! What Fun!

So you didn't believe me when I said I was closing down the sewing machine back in early November?  Well, I did!  I can't believe it, but I haven't sewn a stitch in over a month, nor have I posted anything since Ruth and Jennifer were here!  We had such a good time that day; they both included  the day in their blogs, and frankly, I just never got around to it!  Christmas and some other things I may share about later on were on my mind that day so much that I really didn't get anything done except hanging sleeves on the two little matching Santa wall hangings.  They are hanging in my living room.  Haven't taken pictures yet.

The next week after they were here, I started deep cleaning my house---which continued for three weeks!After quilting literally all summer, lint and threads were everywhere in this house!  I washed curtains, polished silver and crystal, cleaned carpet, you name it, I did it, and my hands may never be the same! 

Then I dug out Christmas from every closet and the garage!    The grandsons put the lights on the tree in the front yard, and I decorated the front porch with lights and garlands as usual.  My house is as ready for Christmas as it has ever been! 

So I began scheduling parties here.  This week I've hosted two luncheons.  Eleven church quilters were here Thursday, and today (Saturday) 17 ladies were here from my former Sunday School class.  What's nice is they brought all kinds of goodies to eat!  And as usual, each of them took home a small container of my homemade candies.  So that's 28 people through here this week. 

I'm looking forward to next Saturday when Ruth and her husband will be coming, and I'm hoping Jennifer can find a time to come too.  I think that will be a slower week for parties otherwise.  But the next week will have two big nighttime parties here --- my high school gang for that annual event, and a church staff appreciation get-together/let down party, after all their hard work on our church's 70th anniversary and the Christmas music and drama.  Then the next day after that, I've invited 10 ladies for a luncheon - very casual - just before they all have to cook Christmas dinners.  I'm going to my son's house Christmas Day!

My BFF thinks I've gone stark-raving mad/crazy!  She may be right, but I'm really having fun.  Now that the house is clean, it's easy just to clean up quickly after everyone leaves, and I'm ready for the next party! *grin*  This truly is my favorite time of the year!

Another friend mounted a battery-operated LED light in the roof of my Jim Shores nativity stable, and it perfectly lights the Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. All the figures are dressed in different quilt designs, and I love it!  Don't ever forget that the event mentioned in Luke 2:10-11 is the reason we have this glorious season!  Such a special time of remembrance!

I'll spend lots of time next week making candy for the next two parties.  My school friends have come to expect  it.  I've spoiled them all, and I don't want to disappoint them!  *giggle*

Hope all of you are having at least half as much fun as I am!  (I must admit I'm tired as a dog tonight, but I'll be all right tomorrow!)

Merry Christmas!

---"Love"