9 O'Clock

The morning is always a great time to be productive, wouldn't you agree?

I discovered that if I set the bread sponge the night before, I can knead dough at 7:30, and by 9 o'clock I have a bowl full of potential.

This magically transformed itself in two loaves of bread, two pans of cinnamon buns, and some fry dough for lunch.

Sunday was the first advent. In our house this is the official start of Christmas. We celebrate all season (first advent until 12th night). Our tree went up, the lighting problem was solved by my genius husband, and the Pixie and I are planning to decorate before the Punk gets home from school today.

9 o'clock in the morning is also a good time to celebrate Valentine's Day. My kids can be a little weird sometimes....here they are sorting valentines while I play with bread dough.

Early morning productivity also means that I can show you these little creations. Call them mug rugs, candle mats, centerpieces, lampmats, etc.

No matter their use, making them is fun and using them is a delight. I'm not sure how I feel about the multi-coloured binding. I think it's too much. Something calmer next time. These were claimed by my mother for her Christmas gift.

9pm is also a great hour in this house. 9pm is bedtime for my kids! Are there any sweeter words than, "Time for bed, Girls!" ?

After the offspring was safe in their beds, 9 o'clock was time to finish some Christmas aprons and wrap them up. I'm determined to stay on top of the wrapping this year....no Christmas Eve all-nighter for me, thankyouverymuch.

Pixie flavour

Punk flavour

The one other thing I got done was make a sandwich....a quilt sandwich, that is!

Look! It's just plain muslin.....but if you put some shapes on.....draw some lines to follow.....

Today might be a good day for some FMQ. It's also a great day to get the library and decorate the Christmas tree.

I have one goal this season. Between today and 12th night, I will try to cut back on computer time. The goal is to have more time to notice my babies (because Christmas is a bit overwhelming and stressful for little guys). The vehicle for more time is a bann on the internet between the hours of 9am and 9pm.

Here's hoping! I'm posting this at 9:05. Perhaps I should say, no internet after the morning splurge and none before 9pm?

Wish me luck!