1200 POSTS BY CHRISTMAS 2009

[CandyKane]

Today I finished one of those household chores that I always dread. Deep cleaning all my carpet and furniture. What a job! I'm so glad it's done. I told hubby that the house is so clean I should just go ahead and decorate for Christmas. He didn't think that was such a great idea.

[Noel+]

Good for you CandyKane! Wish I could say the same......

A friend sent me a catalog of Christmas cards today that benefit children with cancer. It is adorable -- and I want to order!

This is my last weekend off for 3 months, so I plan on lying around as much as possible tomorrow. I need my strength for CHRISTMAS!!!

[CandyKane]

Hope you get a lot of rest this weekend Noel.

We went to dd's 'best friends' 2nd birthday party today. It was alot of fun. It was held in a local restaurant so the best part is I don't have to cook tonight. Her poor father was left to carry out all the gifts. I held the door for him and told him it was good practice for carrying all those Christmas gifts.

[CandyKane]

I got the new Avon book. It has so many cute things for Christmas.

I have been finishing up the lesson for Sunday School tomorrow. I was counting the weeks until Christmas and there are only 10 Sundays left. As soon as the Fall Festival is over we have to really get to work on the Christmas program for the kids. I got all the craft kits that we'll need for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I also bought a kit where you use plaster of paris to mold a handprint ornament. I can't wait to make it.

[CandyKane]

I need to get my mind set on a Christmas gift for my hubby. I know several things that he would like. He's always the last person I try to buy for because his gifts are always so hard for me to pick out.

[Noel+]

CandyKane! You are so faithful to post in this thread every day at least twice and I just wanted to thank you!!

Today, I had my only opportunity to get glasses with my cafeteria insurance [cancelled going forward]. I called for an appointment Thursday but was told there were none available til November. They had 1 opening........10 minutes later........and I skiddadled! The eye exam was thorough, and reasonable, and my eyes are in good health for my age/pre-diabetic condition. That was great!

Frames are so expensive! And I like color + sparkles! One of the receptionist had on a pair I adored, but not available at this location. Since my choice had to be today, I purchased a Sophia Loren & Dolce pair that left funds for glare fcoating. I forgot to add the warranty but will do so when I pick up my glasses! I got one pair for purse/work and another pair for home. I do need readers, but the good news was my farsight vision is great!

So God blessed me, and I'll be able to read small print again without readers!! And the insurance company won't get to keep the deductions from my payroll because I spent almost all of it. YAY!

So Christmas came a bit early for me today - ha! And I can't wait to see how much more beautiful Christmas looks in my glasses~!

[mistletoe misfit]

Noel glad to hear you will be seeing the world clearly now.
DH's 40th B-day today. I took him out for wings and a movie last night. He didn't want a party, he just wanted the two of us to go out alone. We have only done this a handful of times over the years. It was really nice!
Today he is running a big hockey event at the arena all day. After I drop off youngest DD at a party I will be going down to help out.
Yesterday I was at Walmart and they had a little bit of Christmas items out, wrapping paper, cards and a few ornaments.

[Noel+]

Today I ordered some all occasion cards from Leanin Tree! That put me in the giving [Christmas] spirit!

Tomorrow starts another 6 day work week, so no time to shop. I'm starting to feel burn out.........but both my DH and sister remain unemployed, so I am grateful for my job!

Re-checked my menu for Thanksgiving/Christmas dinners. Trying to do some budget cutting but still have plenty to eat. Going to fix more veggies this year too.

Hope ya'll have a great Monday!

[mistletoe misfit]

Well the wood for heating is now paid for.
So starting Friday the money I earn from taking care of the children will be be put aside for Christmas presents.

[Pretjah]

this past week has been a good christmas warm up for me.

on wed the church youth group i did put all the instructions and paper work in the operation christmas child boxes. yesterday at church they showed the video explain what it's about (even though this is like our 5 or 6th year doing it) and the people took the boxes.

yesterday night i watched Die Hard A GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE!!!!!!!

[CandyKane]

I spent all morning at church cleaning up and making copies for next weeks class. Yesterday we started making Halloween crafts. We made the cutest foam pumpkin picture frames. We also have trick-or-treat bags to decorate. All of our church crafts have the same pumpkin theme--Shine With The Light Of Jesus! We're trying to get everything ready for the Fall Festival. As soon as that's over with it's time to start the Christmas crafts!

[CandyKane]

On the way home today I had to stop and pick up a few groceries. I hate grocery shopping anymore...Everything is just so expensive. I did pick up a couple of packs of toothbrushes for our Operation Christmas Child boxes.

[CandyKane]

Christmas has a much deeper meaning for me this year than it has in years past. I have really enjoyed shopping for gifts for everyone but I haven't felt the need to do it like I have before. I know that I can give credit for this to my family and my involvement in my church and Sunday School program. I'm looking for to the simpler things...decorating the tree, helping hubby with the outside decorations, taking dd to see Santa and the parade, and crafting and baking.

[Mrs.Claus]

My connection to the internet has been hit and miss these last 2 months and now my computer is acting funny. Hubby is going to do a thorough clean for me and then I get to start fresh. Although I'm not sure when he's going to find time to do it - maybe next weekend as we are away at in-laws this weekend. So I'm not sure how often I'll be on and just wanted everyone to know I haven't been staying away on purpose. I love my Christmas fix and wouldn't miss it for the world.

[mistletoe misfit]

Mrs. Claus Sorry to hear about your internet and computer woes.
They are great when they work properly but when they don't it is sooo frustrating.
There have been times when I have come very close to just picking up the computer and tossing it out the back door.
I love coming to Christmas all Year so I quickly reconsidered before doing something so drastic .
Hopefully your hubby can fix your computer problems soon.
We miss you here!!

[CandyKane]

I got a new cookbook in the mail today...Taste of Home's Treasury of Christmas recipes. I am so excited about having some new recipes I can't wait to look through it.

[CandyKane]

Dd's favorite cartoon right now is A Garfield Christmas Special. She wants to watch it over and over again all the time. She especially likes all the songs because she jumps up and dances!

[CandyKane]

I found this Christmas movie trivia site the other night and I really enjoyed it so I thought I would share it. Some of the questions are trickier than you would think. http://www.santaletter.com/christmastrivia/

[Noel+]

Oh, Mrs C, sorry to hear about your computer problems. It can be so aggravating! Been there, done that and bought a new one! You are the heart of CAY and we miss you!

CandyKane I have the Treasury of Christmas cookbook and just love it!! You will too!

And, like many of you, due the economy our focus is on a faith-built simpler Christmas that focuses on giving........not receiving gifts.

[mistletoe misfit]

It's our youngests B-Day today. She is now 5 years old. She is in senior Kindergarten and today is a school day. They always send out Birthday greetings during the morning announcements. She is so excited.
I will make cupcakes for tonight. Saturday is her party and she asked that I make her a princess castle cake again this year.
After this week there are no more birthdays until the month of Christmas!
Still can't believe our baby is now 5!