New Years Reflections

I just reread last year's post: Resolve.

All I can say is....um....oops!

1. I'm getting more sleep, but only because I've had this insane never-ending headache since mid-August. And, well, it makes me really tired. So can we give that one half a checkmark?
2. Finishing more projects and keeping the UFOs under control? I think I've started more without finishing much of anything. I'll work on that. Maybe.
3. Weight loss and getting healthy? I was doing okay-ish until the headache started. I *am* recommitting to that.
4. Getting the house in order: well, we DO now have dining room furniture. Gorgeous perfect dining room furniture. But the house itself is far from a well-oiled machine. It's never all that oiled when Mr. Yarnworks is deployed.
5. Doing more with the kids outside the house: again, semi-check. We enjoyed more time outdoors, taking walks, going to the park, etc. But our mini field trips didn't happen as planned. Mr. Yarnworks wants to attempt that this summer. We're planning some major (and unavoidable) home renovations this summer, so we'll need to keep busy.
6. I did not even work on the TKGA Masters program. Somehow it kept moving down the priority list. I think I'm going to save it for when Miss Kate starts Kindergarten and I have more child-free time. This year wasn't exactly rich in "me time."
7. My book is still coming along, but sloooowly.
8. I honestly have NO CLUE what this super secret non-knitting resolution was all about.

This year? I'm going to keep it REALLY simple. I'm going to set one goal for each aspect of my life. Since apparently resolutions just incite excuses.

Personal:
My resolution is simply to lose weight. I'm a smidge above a healthy weight and I need to get back to the land of healthy.


Business:
My goal is to double everything. It's a lofty goal, but I'm confident that I can pull it off. Double the Facebook Fans, double the website visits, double the sales. This will allow me to NOT go back to a day job once Miss Kate starts Kindergarten. It will keep me home for the kids when I'm needed, and doing something I love.

I think getting healthy and working hard so I can stay home are very good goals...and easier to remember than last year's list! I'll work on the rest of last year's resolutions too, but I make no promises.

New Stitch Markers

I normally don't blog about every new item I list, but I'm just too entirely excited about a new line of polymer clay stitch markers!

On the top row are my very new and oh-so-cute ice cream cones, your favorite candy-coated chocolates, and calorie-free s'mores! All are in sets of 6 for $12 a set.

And on the bottom row you'll see three of a few new Swarovski crystal stitch marker colors. They are in sets of 8, also for $12 a set.

You can find both lines in my Etsy store.

But the best part? This is just the beginning. I have plans to bring you many more varieties from both lines. 2011 is going to be a very exciting year at JL Yarnworks!

Mr. Cute Bunny Hopkins

I think it's about time I introduce the newest member of the Yarnworks family.

In September, my husband had the joy of accompanying me to North Country Fiber Fair. It was his very first fiber show.  After helping me set up, he wandered the fair. Within minutes, he was back at my booth. "There is the cutest gray bunny in the corner over there," he said. He leaned over me a bit. I was sitting and he's 6'5". "And I *want* him."

I chuckled a bit, knowing I've been talking about angoras for the past year or more only to have him scoff at me.

Together, we ventured over to the two angora booths, admiring the different types. Finally, I saw the one he'd fallen for. A gorgeous black English Angora. He'd been raised by an 8-year-old boy as a 4H project and was being sold by the angora breeder for him. I've always been partial to the English Angora, so I looked at him and ever-so-coyly said, "He's very cute. If you really want him..."

The kids were thrilled when they found out we were getting a pet! They wanted to call him Hoppy or Hopper. Then they suggested Bouncer. *sigh* Finally, we came up with Hopkins. Then Miss Kate suggested that he needed "Cute Bunny" as a middle name.  We settled on Mr. Cute Bunny Hopkins. Though we usually call him Hopkins or Mr. Hopkins.

He has free run of the living room. Really, he has free run of the house, but he never strays far from his cage. His favorite spot is behind his cage, looking out the sliding glass doors. He even has a wild bunny that visits him from time to time. We see the little paw prints in the snow! I wonder what they must think of each other, separated by glass like that.

Hopkins loves toys. He loves throwing them around and gets mad if you move things around. Just picking up stray toys in the living room will usually result in an angry foot thump from him.

So if we got Hopkins back in September, why am I just now blogging about him? Well, because he accompanied us to our Christmas photo shoot today! He's a natural! Waaaaay easier to pose than my children!!!

Here is my newest favorite photo:

And the whole family...minus Mr. Yarnworks who is still in Afghanistan:

Gift Wrapping

I spent my weekend shipping out special Christmas orders. I absolutely love this time of year! Not only do I get to spoil my own friends and family, but I get to help spoil yours as well!

Here's an example of an order that shipped out this weekend:

And guess what? This is a service that I offer FREE of charge! Whether it's Christmas or a birthday or a secret pal, I'll make sure your package is done up right! All you have to do is ask. And, please double-check that the paypal "ship to" address is the gift recipient's address.

There's still time for Christmas gifts! Order by December 18th to make sure that your gifts get there in time for Christmas!