I was so excited this year when my Santa messaged me the first day with a list of follow-up questions about my likes! I think I might have responded instantly because I was so excited.... I didn't stalk my email or anything.

My gift arrived a few days ago and I couldn't be happier!! I love it!!! I've been getting into sewing big time over the past year and I got two amazingly awesome books to fuel my creativity. I've been teaching myself to sew the entire time (while stalking r/sewing and watching youtube videos and lots and lots of trial and error). The Sewing Answer Book is going to be a big help when I'm halfway through a project and suddenly find myself trying to do something that I've never done before!

I've seen (and wanted) the Sew Charming book every single time I go to the fabric store but I'm horrible about spending money on myself! I'm super excited because it's going to help me learn the basics of quilting! Eeee. Quilting has been something I wanted to learn to do...but it's very intimidating!

My fiance and I are BOTH excited about the cookbook! The Quick Meals section is going to be very, very used. The recipes in the book look delicious and I'm looking forward to trying many of them.

The Calendar was a surprise to me. Did you know that we plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? Have I posted about it somewhere and you are an insanely good stalker? Do you know me? o_o But seriously! My fiance and I plan to thru-hike the trail sometime in the near future....after marriage and before kids! He has been wanting to for a very, very long time and I have somewhat reluctantly agreed to go with him (at least for most of the way). This calendar really captures some of the beauty of the trail!

I'll have you know that shortly after taking the group picture, Lupin (the tabby) grabbed one of the penguins and ran off with him. I don't know if we'll see that penguin anymore....

I've included pictures of both of my lovely babies as they have a gift on the way as well! My wonderful Santa even thought of my kitties and is sending them a package of their all-time favorite treat greenies pill pockets! Tobimaru does tricks for regular greenies (see picture)...imagine how crazy she gets for the pill pocket treats. Food is her life (she's blind so she's not crazy about playing....but man....she is obsessed with food)!

Overall I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my presents! They were all so thoughtful and absolutely perfect for me! Thank you so, so, so much!!! I hope your Santa is as wonderful to you as you were to me!

(For bonus: I've also included a picture of Lupin babysitting our two recent foster kittens. They got a new home for Christmas!!)