A special visit

For just a few hours, I am alone with baby.  D has taken the kids to church, and so we are here, baby M and I, for a bit resting, enjoying each other and the quiet.  I didn't want to go online, but it seems like I just can't collect my thoughts properly with a million kids running around the place.  (Ok, three or four is hardly a million, but it may as well be because the volume they can reach is truly amazing!)  I am prepared for their return though with a vegan chocolate cake.  I am not above bribery.  :)  

We have been having rather mild temperatures up to this point, so the kids don't think it feels very much like Christmas.  That might be somewhat of a Godsend since I haven't had any nagging yet.  :)  (The proverbial silver lining...)  St Nicholas did pay a visit to these little ones this morning though, and weren't they just ecstatic!  We try to keep it a little low-key because we don't want "things" to be the focus of the feast.  They got each a bottle of apple juice (that's a big thing since we don't keep juice in our house unless we make it from the fruit itself), and some money.  (I think the juice was a bigger hit!)  Boy were they happy that Bishop Nicholas didn't forget them.  His is one of their favourite saint stories.

I am looking for a quick pattern to knit or crochet a pair of slippers for miss J.  She has outgrown her old ones and I think it would be a sweet Christmas gift.  I will, of course, have to make them in pick for the proper effect.  Also, embellishments would be greatly appreciated, so I'll have to see what I can do.  Maybe a little jewel glued on will suffice?  Or perhaps a felt flower?  

Don't ask about the state of my home.  It is in need of some TLC.  Small table covered in glue, buttons and bits of paper.  And glitter everywhere.  (What's with kids and glitter?!)   The bathroom was clean yesterday, but now the counters are covered with puddles of water and a few drops of toothpaste.  At least the laundry is somewhat under control.  

And as for the kitchen, I think I'll pass on any describing.  Why is it that dishes can be done, and yet the kitchen can still be messy?  I'll never understand how my babies are able to do what they do.  So full of enthusiasm for everything.  And this mama trying desperately NOT to extinguish their little flames of excitement.  (SO hard!)  But worth it when they come to me proudly with their little projects.  I just have to keep the end goal in sight and try not to flip out on the journey.  After all, flour covered counters may be a nuisance, but little ones who learn through that to be self-sufficient and enjoy cooking in the kitchen is priceless to me.  

Happy Feast Day!


PS - I will try to post some photos later on today when I have the time.  Right now I am going back to enjoying my baby.  :)  

Cooking and cleaning can wait till tomorrow,
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So settle down cobwebs, dust go to sleep,
I'm nursing my baby and babies don't keep.

-Unknown