One of the Lucky Ones

Today, Imani went back to school.

And Jason went back to work.
I am one of the lucky ones who gets an extra day off from work. I don't know why, but my company gave everyone today off.

For that, I am grateful.

Every time I think of quitting my job and staying home, I think of days like today
and how good my job is, and I realize I'd be crazy to give it up.

I had a wonderful vacation filled with time spent with Imani and Jason.  We had a quiet Christmas this year and spent it as a family at home.

Imani left a very lengthy note for Santa and for Quinn, our "Elf on the Shelf." 

She was very sad that Quinn had to return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve and many tears were shed but fortunately the one gift she got to open on Christmas Eve was an elf that could stay with her all year.  She said of all of the gifts she received, the elf was her favorite, along with the quilt I made for her.

On Christmas morning, we opened gifts as a family and had a big Christmas breakfast.


It was nice to see Imani snuggled up with the quilt relaxing over vacation.

She spent some time creating a couple of masterpieces with her new pottery wheel from Aunt Dee.

She enjoys art and she loves working with her hands, so this was a good gift.

I got a lot of great books for Christmas and I had plenty of time to read.

I sewed a little, though not another quilt.  I don't know if sewing is my thing.  I'm still working on straight lines and even, tight corners.

Jason touched up the white paint in the spare room that will become the nursery.

Of course, I knitted.

And Jason and Imani assembled the crib for our baby boy, who is only three short months away from arriving (and still nameless!).  We've been working on the nursery. . . so stay tuned for more!

And my belly grew. . . maybe from all those Candy Cane Valley's and Sprinkle Delights?!

I hope you had happy holidays and that Santa brought you all that you desired.