Ice Ice baby

It’s cold here.
Somewhere between 19 and 20 degrees F. as I drove to Wal-Mart at 8:30 a.m. after dropping my kiddos off at school.
But my trusty 21 year old car went ahead and started, even if my trusty more than 21 year old body did not start up so easily.
I took advantage of the first free day in over a week to do a little Christmas shopping. I had my cell phone turned on and with me, but in my heart of hearts I hoped the paper wouldn’t call and I could take care of a few chores.
Things went pretty well, although I did have to do a little chasing around to find what I wanted.
In keeping with the family tradition I planned to buy pajamas for my sons to open on Christmas Eve. I also planned to pick up some blue fleece that DS-12 wanted for a TV blanket. Of course Wal-Mart was out of blue fleece and the pajamas were all in sports and Superman motifs, something I have been specifically told not to buy for DS-12.
I though briefly about calling Hillbilly sister and asking her to make P.J.s for me until it occurred to me that I too know how to operate a sewing machine.
I spent the next 15 minutes trying to remember the sizing on patterns, finally caving and asking a blue-coated associate what I needed. Alas, all the flannel at Wally World was either (to quote my DS-12) too “girly,” “babyish” or just plain wrong.
Feeling courageous, however, I ventured into the quilting store. I knew they had a huge selection of flannel because I had been there with Hillybilly sister, and she loved the place. (She makes sleepwear for each of her five children, and her daughter-in-law every year for Christmas).
Sure enough, there was a wide selection, and blue fleece for blanket making! I thought I was in tall cotton until they rang up the purchase, *gulp* $40 plus. Still, I figured I would pay something like $18 each for off-the-rack jams and these would have that home made touch.
I had just settled into the house and spread out the pattern to make sure it would work when the phone rang.
DS-12 was on the other end, suffering from an unpleasant tummy ailment and requesting to come home.
I told him I had purchased “something for Christmas” and asked if he wanted to see it. His answer *moan* “I don’t care.” I explained it was his Christmas Eve gift, and he said sure, he knew what to expect and he wouldn’t mind getting a sneak peek.
So I cut out his jams while he tried to keep Ginger out of the pattern pieces (I forgot how much fun it is to cut out patterns with the help of a frisky kitten!)
He’s thrilled with the blanket material, okay with the flannel and he was fascinated by the cutting process.
It’s currently 1:30 p.m. and I still haven’t had lunch. I didn’t buy pajamas, and I picked up another pre-Christmas project. But at least I’m making headway on the whole holiday business.