Thursday, December 27, 2018

Really Random Thursday, 12/27/18

Christmas is over for another year. It's not always an easy time for everyone, but I hope yours had more peace than stress.

Last Friday, Ella turned 5. That's so hard to believe. We celebrated her birthday by going to see the new Grinch movie. Christa made the cutest Grinch cupcakes. But then scraped the red frosting off before anyone ate it, because although it looks good, sometimes that paste food coloring is yucky.

I made some last-minute pillowcases--aka gift bags for new pajamas for the grandkids.
Haha, Part 1.

Haha, Part 2. Just a thought...

We alternate our Christmas celebration time with Christa's family. This year it was our turn for Christmas Eve.

We had some snacks (Grinch fruit skewers especially for Ella) and opened stocking stuffers.
We played Christmas Family Feud. I purchased an interactive game from Etsy, and it was actually pretty fun--and easy enough for all ages.
Then we ate dinner, a red and green dinner: stuffed pasta shells (marinara sauce, stuffed with ricotta and spinach), fruit salad (strawberries, kiwi, raspberries), and spinach salad (with craisins and feta cheese).
After dinner, we went to the Christmas Eve service at church, a lovely low-key service with familiar carols and candlelight.
Then it was back home for snacks and gifts.

Aaron made this cool Christmas tree (he wasn't able to find green flour tortillas, but the red ones were just fine). I forgot to take a picture, but he also made awesome cranberry bliss bars--as good as the ones you get at Starbucks.
Somehow magnetic snowman was turned on his head.
Our adorable Christmas Santas.
Mark had the funny idea of telling the kids they were each getting their own iPad. At least when he told them, they were thinking "iPad." However, what they each got was really just an "eye pad." Haha. They were good sports about it.
It was such a fun and relaxing evening. The adults don't exchange gifts. But every year, I know that the best gift I could ever receive is time spent with these dear ones whom I love so very much.

On Christmas morning, Mark and I did what we do every year--head over to Dennys for breakfast. We always look around and secretly pay for someone's breakfast. And yes, I often feel like this...
Later in the afternoon, we went to Reedley and had dinner with my father, and then drove him and my aunt around town to see the Christmas lights. I'm not sure how long he will remember it, but it was a fun evening. I forgot to take pictures, but Aaron, Christa and the kids went there yesterday and took these.

Today I was ready for Christmas to be packed away.
I always get a sentimental about this ornament--the first one we received shortly after we got engaged, handmade by a very dear friend.
My favorite Christmas wrapping paper this year.
Mark made this nativity scene over 40 years ago. We should have taken a picture of it before we took it apart, because then we couldn't remember how to get it back in the frame.
Before the calendar turns over to 2019, I'm organizing my fabric and reflecting on the goals I had for 2018. Hmmm....I didn't make much progress. Although I did make several quilts that were not even in my dreams when I made this list.

I want to document by far the most unusual thing that has happened to me on social media, as it is unlikely to ever happen again. I had posted my Christmas in the City quilt on Instagram in late November. It's not a new quilt--people have seen it before. But as I walked through our dining room one afternoon, the room looked so pretty. I didn't spend any time staging the picture, didn't do any editing, and didn't add hashtags. It then ended up getting by far the most "likes" of any picture I posted the entire year, over 1,100! Which just goes to show you--you can try to figure out the Instagram algorithm, but you really can't.

Then Make Modern Magazine (an excellent digital magazine written by three oustanding quilters from Australia) reposted it on their Instagram feed. And what?? Nearly 6,000 likes?? Mind blowing.


I still hope to write some posts about quilts I completed in 2018. If that doesn't happen, then I'll see you in 2019. :)

10 comments:

05 08
stitchinpenny said... #

The reason it got so many likes id that it is beautiful and I especially like the it says Christmas but not in all caps.

Family is truly the best part of Christmas even if they aren't near.

Having gone through what you are going through with your father with my mother it is tough. The things you are doing aren't memories for him, but for you and as hard as it is they will bring you joy. For that very short time he was happy and in the same place as you and there was joy.

Michele said... #

It all sounds like they were perfect moments together.

Robby said... #

I think your Christmas hit all the important notes, family, love, a little tradition and generousity.

Susan said... #

IG is really weird, isn't it? I am constantly surprised by the likes (or non-likes) my pictures receive. Although your Christmas in the City is gorgeous and not at all surprisingly got so many likes! I love the 'iPad' joke!

Needled Mom said... #

It sounds like a lovely Christmas with your family, Cindy. I can't believe Miss Ella is 5 either. Wow. Love all of the Grinchy things. Very clever.

That quilt deserves all of the likes. It is certainly one of my favorites of your pieces.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Glad you had a merry Christmas with the family. Your grandkids are so cute and getting so big. Lots more fun times ahead with that crew. The Grinch is one of my long time favorites. I usually don't take down Christmas until the 12 days are over on Epiphany Jan 6th. Even though I'm anxious to get on with the new year, I'm not always ready to put all the decor away. We'll see how long it lasts this year. Wishing you the best for 2019.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said... #

Christmas in the City is such a special quilt and you are such a special friend. I wish you happiness in 2019!��

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said... #

Such a wonderful Christmas post full of the fun and love of family. Thank you for sharing your joys with us, and the sorrows, too. May 2019 be a good year for all of you.

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