Knitmas 2024!

Well, wasn't that a party? Yes, Virginia, our Knitters' Christmas last Sunday was great fun! Here's a peek, for those of you who couldn't make it...

Festive feet, tangled yarn, Not wine...maybe...

...food, friends, fun...

...and presents!

I sometimes pop this post up, complete with photos of our Stocking Stuffers, as a bonus post mid-week, but this year I didn't want to spoil anything until all the stuffers had been delivered. So I dropped off a bag to Judy this morning, and now that that's done...here's the haul:

Thank you, Friends! 

As usual, the food and time with friends was fantastic, and we all had so much fun! We did forget the annual group order of sock yarn (sad face here), but we remembered the group photo! 

If your foot isn't pictured, and you'd like it to be included next year, mark your calendar now! While I can't say for sure whether it'll be on Saturday or Sunday, there's a good chance the party will be held the first weekend in December!

Since last Sunday, I've been indulging in all the Christmas I can, including handmade (not by me) peppermint soap for my shower...

Cookies, definitely made by me, on the tree for my stomach...

and board games with little boys for my soul! 

Only 10 more wake-ups, and I'm excited for another chance to celebrate with family this Christmas! What am I gonna do to pass the time? Oh! That's right! The knitting! 

Teacher gift, requested by 6- year-old!

I hope you're having a fun December, too, even if it's busy and distracting! 

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!

December 7th? Already?

What can I say about December 7th? I could say that we are 1 full week into the month that brings us Christmas and New Year's Eve, with all the yummy treats these winter holidays bring with them!

I could say that today marks the wrapping of my 3rd batch of Christmas caramels (so far) this season!

I could even say that today is the day for a favorite craft show that I went to with Jess!

Or, I could say that today is the day before one of my most favorite-est holiday events of the year...the Annual Knitter's Christmas Party!

We have sooo much fun every year! 

Now, having dropped that info, I'm going to sign off. I am, after all, this year's hostess...and the PARTY IS TOMORROW! So much to do before I go to bed tonight!

If you're coming, I can't wait to see you! If not, I'll be giving a full report next week, so stay tuned! 

Wherever you are in your holiday planning and prep, and whatever holiday you may celebrate this month, I'm wishing you a very happy December!

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health! 

Bring It!

That's right, I said, "Bring it!," Christmas! I'm ready, complete with Christmas socks and cookies on the tree!

I mean, I always love Turkey Day, and this year was no exception... From the sleepover Wednesday night, 

to popping the bird in the oven and putting the sides together on Thursday,

and then the big, bird reveal

and the meal,

to board games (which were quite the success this year),

to tree decorating and picture taking,

we had a great Thanksgiving! 

But now it's time to settle in,

(or gear up?) to wait for the big day! Are you ready for the winter holiday season?

Looks like I need to "gear up" some
of those low ornaments!

I'm also planning to do an Advent Bible Reading plan on the YouVersion app. If you'd like to join me, I'm starting tomorrow, here's a link:

24-day Advent Bible Reading Plan

I didn't but myself an Advent calendar this year, but I do plan to knit every day in December! Do you have any plans you love at this time of year? Drop a comment to let me know what they are!

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health! 

Even the pig is tired...from hiding
for a WEEK, in the pantry! 

Turkey Day 2024

There have been bumps on our road, things have not always been easy, and illness has been running through our family this Fall. Still, we are thankful here, in the Pretty house, for so much.

We are thankful for God, who always loves and takes care of us, even when things are difficult. 

We are thankful for our family and friends, old and new, for their love is the glue that holds our village together. 

We are thankful for our founding fathers, though we know they were imperfect humans, because they laid the foundations for this country and the freedoms we enjoy here. 

We are thankful for the pioneers of our faith, who taught us about Jesus, about loving God and others, and about living out that love well each day. 

No person or life is perfect, but we all have things to be thankful for. Today is a good day to find those things and share them with those around us. I'm thankful that you stopped by today, and whether you're in the US or someplace else, I hope you'll join me in some intentional thankfulness. 

Thanks for stopping by, Knit in Good Health, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

Time to...

Time to what...make the donuts? No.

...go to school? No.

...eat a cookie? No. Well, yes, but they're not baked yet!

...bake cookies? While I do like that idea, and cookie-baking is on my list for the weekend, 

there is one thing that comes first...

It's time to put up the tree! Because that window-spot is mighty empty, and because we decorate the tree on Thanksgiving (after dinner), I really need to put down my knitting and hop to it on the tree. 

Trees are typically the first Christmas decor to show up at the Pretty House...then cookies and caramels to hang on the tree. Batch 2 of chewy goodness is ready and waiting!

I had thought about starting this process a little early, but last weekend was full of birthday fun,

Board games,

And bubble baths!

This week has been busy as well, and I'm happy to report that the turkey has landed...

...squarely in the fridge for defrosting! Today, I'm enjoying an after-lunch, second cup of coffee while I blog...

...and, while I haven't transitioned yet to Christmas socks,

I know that the holidays are now squarely upon us! We'll have 12 on Thanksgiving, and there may be a photo (or two...hundred...) in next week's blog...but right now, I'm going to tackle that tree!

What are your plans for Turkey Day this year? I hope the holiday season finds you in a stable state of mind, and wearing your stretchy pants for the food parade!

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health! 

Time to Make the Caramel

Because it's never really not time to make Caramel, right? Because caramel is delicious in all seasons!

We played hooky from work on Thursday for a day trip to Amish Country, where I only took a couple photos of lunch and one shop. And when we got home, I cut a few lines of caramel to wrap for a birthday party!

Between January and November, I always seem to forget how long the process can take, but the end result is always so worth it. (I made the caramel Wednesday night, and cut/wrapped on Thursday, which is a pretty good turnaround time!)

I also seem to forget how long it takes to knit a sweater, well, between sweaters! I love my new sweater still, and I'm glad it's finished, but it took weeks...

...and I have sweaters to knit for the girls yet! Luckily, I am well on my way to having a Cam the Cat hoodie. This one will be followed up with some illusion knitting for the other sister, but one thing at a time in my knitting!

Speaking of one thing at a time, I'm scheduled to spend some time with a super-cute Starbucks lover, so I'm going to cut this short. I hope you also have some fun things planned this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!