Recently two friends gave me the most beautiful gifts. They were complete surprises and way out of my current budget for myself. Everything I make currently goes toward paying for Karl’s preschool, and since we’re isolated from family and most of our friends up here, preschool is important for his socialization. Both of these were on my “dream” list, but they showed up on my doorstep!
Janice makes the most beautiful quilts. If you can, take a look at her shop and blog~
I love this quilt pattern and the colors are some of my favorites 🙂
Another surprise was this little beauty, Harper, from my friend Jennifer~
Evangelione’s little dolls (they’re about 11″ tall) are handmade beauties. Made of muslin and simple embroidered faces they are ultra kawaii.
Even without these lovely and thoughtful gifts, I am incredibly fortunate. I always get the impression that when you write a blog you’re supposed to pretend that your life is “Pinterest Perfect,” even if it’s not. But living here in the United States, even though we’re part of the “first world,” is challenging and stressful. Obtaining healthcare for your family is difficult. Even though it’s provided through my husband’s job, he still had to forfeit any bonuses he made for an entire year. While I work from home, the work is uneven and requires late nights. And finding a job outside of my home would mean paying full time preschool/daycare for my son which is astronomically expensive- it starts at $800 a month and goes up- way up (we didn’t get into the only local co-op). Part time preschool, which starts around $600 for 2 half days simply didn’t work either. No one would hire me without a completely open schedule.
But this year, the ACA passed, my husband got a great internship at NASA, I’ve had the pleasure of working on a delightful and long commission, and we found a preschool that’s run through our local Parks and Rec that is completely affordable.
Now, I have some Thank You cards to write. God Jul and Happy Holidays! I hope everyone has much love and a respite from your burdens.
nouvellegamine 
That is so amazing! I think it s great that you are so loved and known and that both friends wanted to gift you something you love. Yay! Happy Holidaze doll!
It is amazing! It’s also helped to remind me that I need to be more aware of other people too. It’s easy for me to get tunnel vision when I’m feeling stressed, so it was a nice reminder for me to look around and see what kind things I can do for others.
I’m glad things are turning around for you guys. I remember how it was for us when Bob went on the department. We took a 1/2 cut in wages. It was really tough, but we made it.
A half cut! Wow, that is brutal!
Things are slowly coming together for us. Finding Karl affordable preschool gave me years back on my life 🙂