New stuff rocks.

Bryan and I received some Target gift cards for Christmas, so what better way to compromise our sanity than by dragging the kids shopping?  There really should be laws about people like us.

1.  We should be able to park as close to the store as possible.  That way we can conserve our energy and be better able to corral our kids (read: demons) while we're inside the store (read: where the demons can inflict the most damage).

2.  When you see one of the kids (read: speed demons) running around maniacally, DON'T STOP AND SPEAK TO IT.  That will just provoke the kid, and it will probably follow you down the aisle.  Believe me, you don't want that.

3.  If all of our kids are crying and screaming and picking up packages of band-aids and begging for Sharpie markers (because they're strategically placed down low right by the checkout) we should IMMEDIATELY be shoved to the front of the line.  I know I want us out of your store, don't you want us out of there, too?  DON'T YOU???

Anyway, I didn't realize how reasonably priced Target's clothes are.  I got 2 shirts, a pair of jeans (on SALE!) and a cute pair of shoes.  And, of course, being a mother, I feel incredibly guilty about spending all that money on myself.  If it's crafting stuff I don't feel selfish at all, because those supplies are usually used for creating something for Bryan or one of the kids.  Either that, or I make something and sell it, so it pays for itself.

For instance, I just bought the Picky Pants pattern from LTK for longies for the girls, and I also bought this pattern for a thermal bunting, and of course needles to go with both projects.  I don't feel guilty, though, because I'm using the money I earned from selling stuff online, and both patterns are for useful (and cute!) items for the girls.  But whatever.  I keep telling myself that I deserve new clothes, and considering that I've pushed two children out of my vagina in the past two years, I think I've earned a pair of jeans and some new shoes.  Yes?

Mmmmm.

How is it that my two older girls can sleep through the screaming and squalling of the baby, but as SOON as they hear the crinkly cellophane of some refined sugar treat being opened they spring to life?

How can my incredibly intelligent 19 month old be so gentle with her baby sister, but not understand the same principal as it applies to the kitty?

How can the 7 year old manage to fly down the street on her scooter with amazing skill, but she can't walk from the living room to the kitchen without banging into something or falling down?

How is it that the people across the street wash their car EVERY.  SINGLE.  DAY.  but can't manage to do it without setting off the alarm EVERY.  SINGLE.  TIME??

Moving right along.  One of the gifts that I got for the girls this holiday was a gorgeous playsilk for their playstands, made by Joy from The Colorfarm.  It's gorgeous, and brightens up the whole livingroom.  I *almost* kept it for myself.

Jennifer W.K. sent me some delicious bath soaks from Feeling Ducky.  They smell so good I'm not sure if I should use them as directed or eat them with a spoon.  YUM.

Last, but not least, I'm knitting Bryan a scarf.  For Christmas.  Never mind that Christmas has already come and gone.  It's been slow going, you see, because this is a super duper magic scarf, and these things take time.  What's magic about it, you ask?  Well, when viewed straight on, it looks like a plain black and white striped scarf:

BUT DO NOT BE DECEIVED.  I wasn't kidding when I said it was magic.  Look at it now:

I KNOW.  It's frickin' awesome, no?  I've completed two robots, and I have three more to go.  It's hard to knit because every few rows I have to stop and check out my progress, because magic scarves ROCK, and their completion cannot be held to a traditional holiday timetable, dammit.

All right.  I hear one of my litter of children wailing, so I must be off.  Maybe Phoebe has decided that the kitty isn't the only one that needs lovin' in the form a full nelson.

XOXO

We finally finished our holiday shopping (with little physical peril) and I'm getting ready to make *another* turkey dinner.  I just popped on here really quick to say:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

to all you wonderful folks out there.  I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend.  <3