Stockings

one of the most sacred traditions of Christmas is the stocking. The best presents come in stockings- small ones that are wrapped in small print paper. My mom always had plastic bins that she used for our stockings and I loved them. I love the cute little things you find and that there is always an orange in the bottom. We all open our stockings with so much excitement I am surprised we make it to the presents. My grandmother Sharp made all the family stockings and I always liked that they matched. Having a stocking with your name on it is so exciting- and we got to take turns finding a spot for our stockings before we went to bed.
Well this year we got out the Christmas stockings and I realized how disappointed I was in John's. My grandma didn't want to make any more so she doesn't make them for the in laws of her grandchildren. John's stocking was sadly store-bought, and it doesn't even match. Also I discovered that I have Paul's Christmas stocking- maybe I stole it for Danielle since she doesn't even have a stocking. I suppose Paul might want that stocking- but he is also invited for Christmas. That way he can pick it up instead of me mailing it.
After thinking about buying matching ones I got sad- I love my stocking! So I decided to finally use the pattern my grandma Sharp sent me for stockings. I really wanted John's and Danielle's stockings to match my stocking. I have had the same stocking my whole like and I love it. My dad still has his from growing up and stockings are probably my favorite part of Christmas (thanks to my mother's mad stocking skills.) I thought of making really simple ones with only red and white since most of our ornaments (on the front of our tree) are red and white and all of our wrapping paper is. Then I asked John what he wanted on his stocking. He said the three wise men and the star. This was a little bit fancier than the three felt stars I had planned. I decided to post a picture of the stocking I made John and ask- what should I put on Danielle's stocking? John suggested sheep and I thought- oh I could also put a manger in the background- the only problem is that her stocking would be pretty bland if it had sheep and a manger- no color at all. She really likes robots- but should I put them on her stocking? I don't know what to do. You can't see it in the picture but I put John's name in his stocking. and I hand embroidered some of the wise men's clothing. I am pretty proud of that thing. Maybe Danielle wants to wise men too.
The other stocking is based on what one of my friends wanted but I don't know if they will like it. Especially when it is next to my wise men stocking.

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My My.

Well I have been told that I need to update. The Madsen Empire has been plagued by the worst colds ever. Turns out we had nasty sinus infections. And our cats have ringworm. And I do. We get to dip them in a sulfur bath twice a week. If you think normal cats and their litter is stinky you should try shaved cats that have been dipped in sulfur bath and their little. And I found out that I am allergic to cats. Hence my lingering cough and itchiness whenever I see them. We don't know what we are going to do but I think we are going to try to help get them better already. Maya has a terrible cough. I feel like our adventure in cat ownership has been a trainwreak.
Anyway Danielle gets really excited about presents and she occasionally has been known to go quiet and sneak a present off to open. Luckily she has only found small ones, like hallmark ornaments I bought last year after Christmas and wrapped up. I discovered that I will never have to buy wrapping paper again. Danielle got a present in the mail the other day from her grandma Madsen and she opened it up immediately. I don't know how she knew the package was for her. Maybe she can read her name already. I always knew I was raising a baby genius. I captured her moment but she was so excited that she didn't want to look at the camera. It just seems like my camera doesn't do a good job and the photos are always of the top of her head or half of the photo is occupied by an enormous baby hand. So the cute photos of the event are a little blurry and not that cute.
Turns out her favorite thing in the kit was a plastic pair of scissors. Kids just know what scissors are. They must be born with a radar for dangerous things. One of the most terrifying moments of my life was when Danielle handed me my fabric shears one day. Turns out she was tall enough to get them off the table. I was just glad she knew to give them to me so I told her she was great. After that she would try anything to get the scissors so she could bring them to us for praise. I feel like a lot of the time when I think I can teach Danielle something by praising her she gets a little confused. Also sometimes she likes to see if she can make her parents mad. Like when she decides to hit daddy in the face and see if he cares. Recently we started a new initiative called- is what she really wants attention? That was it is easy to remain calm in the face of seemingly vindictive baby behavior. Thank goodness for those child development classes or I would think there was something seriously wrong with her. I was only a note taker for those classes though, so I am still baffled by some of the crazy things kids will do.
I have been making things for claireandjanae.etsy.com and selling some stuff. Really it's nice to have people like what I am making- because I like to make things more than I have an actual need for the things so it's nice that people give me money so I can buy more fabric. I love fabric. John recently went to Ikea with me and we built a table where I could make things. We got adjustable height legs for 30 dollars each leg-(cheap!) the top was also about 30 dollars and is big so I have lots of room for sewing. I set the legs almost at the highest setting- that way I can cut out fabric and stand up. The table is tall enough that Danielle can't reach the scissors. I love it so much. I have been organizing all of my sewing things in the guest room and there is still room for bed, which is good since my bedroom makes me itchy from the cats. I feel so good having my own space. It surprises me how nice it is. I think everyone should have their own room- or at least their own bookshelf or desk.
I have decided that I would make a revised Christmas List based on what I really want. I am also done with most of my Christmas Shopping so this list is a bit silly.
1. Fabric.
2. A fancy camera to take photos of stuff I want or just get a picture of Danielle that is in focus. Just today I noticed several of the functions of our camera stopped working. I think the warranty probably expired yesterday.
3. ric rac.
4. Fabric.
5. A fancy embroidery machine.
6. people to buy things from my website.
7. A fancy purse.
8. thread or ribbon
9. a pincushion
10. a 12 inch roll of poly tubing to make plastic bags with. from Uline.com
That is my revised list. I am constantly thinking of new things to put on this list. Lucky for me I have a blog where I can write about all the things I want. Then the next day I can write a new list. I don't really expect to get these things. It's like the act of making the list gives me some portion of those things- like filling up a shopping cart online and then closing the window when you realize you can't afford any of it.
I decided to post a picture of a little cuddle blanket I made the other day. It is a monster and I am pretty proud of it.
I am glad that I am feeling better. It is nice to feel better. And to make stockings for everyone in your family.

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Madsen Winegar Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

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Madsen Sharp-Minert Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family search - Geneology

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I am a Bette. Or a Joan. You decide.


Check out this quiz that can tell you which Hollywood icon you are. It's probably not the soundest science but who doesn't love a quiz and Hollywood icons?
I scored high as a Joan or a Bette but I think Bette fits me better. What do you think?



You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me
  • * Stand up for yourself... and me.
  • * Be confident, strong, and direct.
  • * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.
  • * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.
  • * Give me space to be alone.
  • * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.
  • * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.
  • * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

  • * being independent and self-reliant
  • * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on
  • * being courageous, straightforward, and honest
  • * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life
  • * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me
  • * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

  • * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to
  • * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence
  • * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it
  • * never forgetting injuries or injustices
  • * putting too much pressure on myself
  • * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

  • * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit
  • * are sometimes loners
  • * seize control so they won't be controlled
  • * figure out others' weaknesses
  • * attack verbally or physically when provoked
  • * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

  • * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted
  • * are sometimes overprotective
  • * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

  • You are a Joan -- "I need to succeed" Joans are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal oriented.

    How to Get Along with Me

  • * Leave me alone when I am doing my work.
  • * Give me honest, but not unduly critical or judgmental, feedback.
  • * Help me keep my environment harmonious and peaceful.
  • * Don't burden me with negative emotions.
  • * Tell me you like being around me.
  • * Tell me when you're proud of me or my accomplishments.

What I Like About Being a Joan

  • * being optimistic, friendly, and upbeat
  • * providing well for my family
  • * being able to recover quickly from setbacks and to charge ahead to the next challenge
  • * staying informed, knowing what's going on
  • * being competent and able to get things to work efficiently
  • * being able to motivate people

What's Hard About Being a Joan

  • * having to put up with inefficiency and incompetence
  • * the fear on not being -- or of not being seen as -- successful
  • * comparing myself to people who do things better
  • * struggling to hang on to my success
  • * putting on facades in order to impress people
  • * always being "on." It's exhausting.

Joans as Children Often

  • * work hard to receive appreciation for their accomplishments
  • * are well liked by other children and by adults
  • * are among the most capable and responsible children in their class or school
  • * are active in school government and clubs or are quietly busy working on their own projects
Joans as Parents
  • * are consistent, dependable, and loyal
  • * struggle between wanting to spend time with their children and wanting to get more work done
  • * expect their children to be responsible and organized

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