After Christmas....

there is usually a big let down.  You've been so busy and now--nothing to do.

BUT..not this year!  

This year, I have presents still to open and enjoy.  I saved some goodies to enjoy in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.  I'm getting smarter in my old age, lol.

I ran a Stocking Stuffer Swap for my ScrappyandHappy Yahoo group again this year, and because things were so crazy here, I haven't had time to open all the presents from my "girls" in the swap yet.  So tonight - with nothing on TV to watch and sore arms from too much sewing and cooking and wrapping  - I'm going to sit down and enjoy unwrapping all those goodies that my sewing buddies have sent me over the past year.

You see, we have to send a package every month to our swap buddy for that month, BUT it has to go right into the stocking/bag for the swap--WITH NO PEEKING OR SQUEEZING OR PINCHING!!  So all year long, these little goodies are piling up and we're on our honor not to snoop.  Do ya' know how hard that is??  I've heard from some of the girls that they've been busy unwrapping and oohing and aahing over their little gifties, but a few of us still have that pleasure to go.  So tonight it's time.  I can't stand to wait any longer.  I'll try to take pics and post later so you can see all the goodies the girls sent over the past year.

Then tomorrow--I have my swap from Australia to open!  I've participated in Chookyblue's Secret Santa Christmas Swap since 2008 and just love doing it.  Those Australian gals do the most beautiful stitchery and make the neatest handmade gifts you could ever want.  I've posted pics over the years of all the lovely gifts I've received and tomorrow I'll share with you what my swap partner, Fiona, has sent me.

Until then, take a few minutes and check out all the new links I've posted on the sidebar of my blog.  I've listed a ton of new BOM's (Blocks of the Month) for you to get involved in next year.  One has already started and another has posted an extra paper-pieced block of a Christmas Stocking to get you in the mood.

From now on, I may not do an actual post on the blog, but I will be updating the sidebars frequently with all the free patterns and hops and BOM's I can find for you.  So make sure to stop in often and see what's new.  Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash also want me to post more pics of them from time to time, so I'll be doing that, too.  Plus photos from my different sewing groups and their projects.  Soooooo, the format might be a little different, but please stop in, look around, and maybe leave us a comment.  The kitties love it when you write about how cute they are.

Until next time....
Happy quilting from Sharon, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash