Time keeps slipping through my fingers these days. I had not wanted it to be a full three weeks before I was able to get around to updating this blog. The holidays seemed to have zipped by and I now find my attention turning more and more to my new baby that is getting closer and closer to joining our family. In just a few more weeks I will get to meet this little one that seems to enjoy nudging me in the ribs!

Since all of my handmade gifts have been given I thought I would use this post to show off a few pictures of them. If any of my readers happens to be on Ravelry, you will find the link to my project details below each photo.

Although I grew a little frantic towards the end, I really enjoyed making so many of the gifts I gave this year and hope to do this more in the years to come.

I made this nice, warm, and simple beany from 100% wool and it was very welcomed seeing that winter came suddenly and left us rather icy.

These fingerless mitts are getting well used by my teenage son on his walk to and from his bus stop everyday!

I crocheted this set of cupcakes for my niece and nephew.

Finally, my absolute favorite gift I made this year, a purple and green button-up cardigan made from organic cotton that is oh so soft! I just love how it turned out and love even more how adorable my little 3 year old looks in it.

Now let me share two more images before I end this post (which I intend to NOT be my last post for the next 3 weeks! I never imagined it would be so hard to get back into the habit of blogging!)

Remember my Amaryllis that was about to bloom last month? Well, it actually bloomed on Christmas Day! I got up in the morning to find it in full bloom. Never before has the timing on my Amaryllis bulbs been so perfect. It was a gift all in itself.

I cannot believe that Christmas is only two days away! In some ways it seems to have crept up on me this year. I have been so busy as this year I vowed to make most of the gifts I give to everyone. I am happy with the results and am about to let out a huge sigh of relief that I have been able to pull of as much as I have! I hope to share some of my gifts here on this blog later once the holiday has come and passed. I’d hate to ruin the surprise for some!

For me and my family the holidays are full of traditions and each year we look forward to repeating them. When I was a child my family would purchase my sister and I a new ornament for the Christmas tree every year and to this day I look forward to pulling them out of the box and hanging them on my tree.

I have carried on this tradition with my children and love to watch them smile as they pull out their favorites from over the years.

It is also a tradition in my family to bake far too many Christmas cookies and there are a few recipes that get made year after year. One of my favorites is a simple, yet ever so good, butter cookie that is just heaven with tea or coffee.

This year I tried a new fudge recipe and I have been having to hide what is left from me and my boys in attempts to have any left for tomorrow and Christmas day! The recipe is so incredibly easy though that whipping up another batch is almost too easy- if you know what I mean!

Growing an amaryllis in attempts that it will bloom around Christmas day has become somewhat of a tradition for myself. They are such beautiful bulbs and every year I get close to having them bloom by Christmas but they never really make it.

They are always too early or too late. This year has been the closest yet though and I am still holding out that just maybe this particular one will actually bloom on Christmas day. After-all, I still have two more days!

Merry Christmas Everyone from myself and my (growing!) family!

(All photos may be clicked on to view full size.)

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