I'm building up my inventory in order to debut my handcrafted Christmas decor at an Open House next week. This has me overwhelmed and very busy. The only way I could accomplish this was to bring in some outside help, so I have a nanny that comes to watch Jonah (my 2yr old) while I painstakingly make tiny snowmen and other assorted ornaments.
Today was a "nanny" day, which also means it was a crafting day. I spent 7 hours making clothespin snowmen and I'm happy to say I now have a complete set of each type. Whew! I can't celebrate entirely - I need to have 2 of each set (just in case). *sigh* And of course, I have a few other ornaments and items that are not yet finished (or even started). Yikes! And I leave Wednesday for Ft Wayne to set up for the Open House. I have had to increase my "once a week" nanny to "any day you're free - I'll take it." I am so overwhelmed right now...I am also so thankful for a sister-in-law that is enthusiastically providing an opportunity to showcase my items in a private showing - no competition! I'm thankful for the 2 wonderful young women that take such good care of Jonah. They are a blessing!
In the midst of creating tiny little snow-people on my dining room table today, I noticed it kept getting darker, colder, rainier, and windier outside. It was a rather nasty day. Cold. Wet. Grey. And very windy. Windy enough to blow open the doors on our shed; I could hear them banging against the walls. I was thankful to be inside. Warm. In a well-lit room. With Christmas music to cheer and brighten my soul.
You should see the mess that is my dining room. It looks like a craft store exploded inside it. It's more than a little ridiculous. There are craft supplies completely covering the hutch because the small 5 drawer bin is now over-full. Completed decor items line our mantel, the computer desk, and sometimes even our counter-tops. It's chaos! It drives me crazy. I like the house to be clear of clutter and picked up. As I look despairingly at the colossal mess taking over my house, I realize I have a lot to be thankful for about our home. It may not be the perfect environment or size for crafting - but it is safe, comfortable, and meets our needs as a family of three.
I got a lot of ornaments done today. I made 13 clothespin snowmen. I also assembled the bags that people will use to take their items home (placed labels on them). I still have a few clothespins to paint and I'll probably do this tonight while watching TV with Ben. It was my goal not to let crafting bleed over into evening, family time; I just have so much yet to do. I am thankful for a husband that is supportive and understanding. He knows that this crafting blitz is temporary - after the Open House, our family life will return to normal.
So...that was my day. What did you do today?