**copied over from my livejournal**
I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and a Blessed New Year!
As I've gotten older (36 eek!), I have a new found appreciation for the holidays. I see Christmas through the eyes of my wee ones. I have to be honest, I have never been really big on the holiday before. But, now I am enjoying all the excitement that comes at this time of year for a 4 year old and a 20 month old.
For the last 2 weeks, I have been asked every morning "Is it Christmas today?" by my daughter and I see the look of amazement from my son as he looks at the Christmas lights, points and says "Look". My daughter also did her own Xmas cards this year b/c she just learned how to sign her name. She signed 18 cards in red crayon. They are truly a work of art and will be saved for the years to come. I look forward to tomorrow when we decorate the tree. We plan to let the kids be active participants with this too. I will be taking lots of pictures! I am sure it will be the best lookin tree we have ever had. I am also in the process of drying fruit(sliced apples and oranges) in the oven to use as ornaments. 6 hours from now they will be finished. Has anyone else ever done this? It smells fantastic! It has also been fun b/c now that my daughter is old enough, we have to do the traditional "Santa" things. She reminded me that we have to "make" cookies and leave out Milk for Santa. I feel like an excited child myself, I just can't wait to watch them open their presents Xmas morning. And then, the in-laws will come.....
For 2008, I have so many exciting things happening. I will have my Bath and Body products come out from "Mystic Memories" and candles with "Candles Enchanted" and will be finished with my children's book illustrations commission with the book soon to follow. There are also a few more things in the works that I will tell you about at a later date. I will also be vending at a few festivals and conventions this year (pending jury approvals for some), Sproutwood Fairy Festival, ConnectiCon and FaerieCon. This will be a first for me and I am so excited!
So in the words of the famous big guy in the red suit....
Fairy Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!