Handmade for Karoline

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ToyfairlogoI missed Colleen's fair by a long time, didn't I? Still, I love this logo, so I'm going to pretend that everyone hasn't packed up and gone home. Mary Beth and I made a doll for Karoline today. I meant to get to it earlier, but I'm glad that it worked out this way. It was a peaceful little project for the afternoon and I'm just so tickled with this wee doll. (Christian did much baby entertaining when Kara woke far too early from her nap, bless his dear heart.)The craft itself is enjoyable and the doll is so endearing.Mary Beth was very patient and she is especially fond of the face, which is all her own handwork. Now, I just need to discipline myself (and my daughter) so that we don't cave and give it to her early:-).Incidentally, someone asked about gift giving in a family so large. The children each get one gift from us for Christmas (stockings were given on St. Nicholas day).
They all draw names to give a gift to a sibling. So, that's it: just two presents each on Christmas day, though grandparents and godparents definitely chime in during the season. We've done very well with our handmade intentions. Nearly everything this year has been handmade by us or someone else, with just a few exceptions. Next year, I vow to start earlier. And next year, by golly I'm going to learn to knit! Without further ado, here's "Little Muffin Cake Girly Doll" (Only her working title. Karoline has naming rights.)
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We can hardly wait to introduce you to your friend, Little One!
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Happy Birthday Nicholas!

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Ath00051Dearest, darling boy! You are my angel, my Christmas surprise. You are the baby God sent us when we were quite sure our hands were full. You came into the world at five ticks before midnight on a day that is forever transformed by it being yours. Yours is the first voice I hear every morning, my steadfast companion in the dawn. You are the gentle spirit who reminds me daily that life is very simple.  You are enormous and you are my baby boy.You are Nicholas Karol and you hold a place in my heart that could only be filled by you. God knew exactly what we needed when He sent us you. I am so very grateful.

Homemaking Inspiration

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The winners are up at the Homeschool Blog Awards site. Hopefully, you had time early in the voting process to visit lots of those blogs and you've already added new inspiration and encouragement to your daily reading routine. Just want to add a quick caution: the winner of the Homemaking blog is horribly anti-Catholic. I think we all wish we'd caught this weeks ago. For now, don't go there unless you're really wanting to debate theology in the combox;-). And if you're looking for homemaking inspiration, you'll find plenty of it at the blogs linked on the righthand sidebar in the Real Learning blogroll. Catholic homemaking is a unique and beautiful vocation. We consider our families to be the Domestic Church and we try to live as the Holy Family did in that humble home of Mary's making.  Homemaking and homeschooling are challenging enough, particularly at this time of year--let's all be an encouragement to on another.Speaking of encouraging homemaking wisdom, have you seen Dawn's household archives, Kim's decorating genius and her generous sharing of planning pages, Danielle's Daily doses of Advent ideas, Kristen's and Suzanne's beautiful kitchen blog (and the fairs they've had there),Alice's wonderful watercolored wisdom, and the blessings in the cottage?

There is so much homemaking wisdom out there! Let's make each other aware of the positive.If you've got a favorite homemaking blog or post, be sure to share it on your blog.