Christmas is here

Really, I can't believe that Christmas is this week. Even though I put up a tree after eating Thanksgiving dinner, and even though I put up our "tree", and even though I've been listening to Christmas music for quite awhile, it still does not feel like Christmas is on Friday!

Why?? I think it's because I have had little to worry about in the way of buying gifts. Because of our current situation, it was pretty obvious that we would not be buying gifts for anyone. I have however, spent a good deal of time making gifts for people. [it's much cheaper that way..usually]


Here is one project...or at least part of a project. [I can't show the final project yet...since it is a Christmas present for someone] I used a cricut machine and it was lots of fun. I experimented with printing numbers, letters, and shapes of all kinds and sizes. (this was taken in the midst of experimentation)

I'm happy to say that all gifts are finished, so I have some wrapping to do. Maybe tomorrow it will feel like Christmas when Greg is done with school.

T-minus 2 days until another brother comes home.
T-minus 4 days until Christmas.

T-mines 7 days until another niece is born!

...now to think of some more projects.

Small Group & White Elephant

Greg and I joined a small group again this year. It's fun to get out of the house and get together with people that you don't always get to really talk to...not to mention the discussions are often really great also. Tonight was our Christmas dinner party. We ate dinner, a delicious brownie with peppermint ice cream (1st time I had it and mmm, so good) and then we had our white elephant gift exchange. Because I was busy all day working on a Christmas present for someone special, and grocery shopping, and cooking dinner...my wonderful hubby helped out by picking out something from our 'yard sale' pile for me to wrap and take. 

Anyway, here is what I got. I started with a purse lamp. (tiger stripes with black fuzz--not pink)

Well I stole a book (which I feel bad about, even though it's the name of the game because someone else wanted it to). A book of recipe ideas for Gifts from a Jar..ohh so appropriately named

 "Gifts from a Jar"...Cookies, Brownies, and Bars.

Ever wonder how people come up with all those different dessert jars? They get a book like this, or look on the internet of course.

The best Christmas present

It's always interesting to me to ask people what their favorite present is, or ask what is the best present they've ever received. Lots of answers tend to include something that holds value. Not monetary value (although that could come with it), but usually more for the reason of love or memories from the person that gave it to them. I happened to be talking with my brother (in-law) and as we are ALL very budget strapped this year we are all looking for ways to give someone we love something but that doesn't cost a ton of money. When you are looking for something that is cheaper to do, it usually [not always] means making something--and truly some of the homemade gifts can be the best. So that's what he's doing..and I have to say it is going to be amazing. He thought of an idea, but wasn't sure if it was possible and Katy to the rescue. I'm taking care of the girly appearance--AKA no messy manly handwriting, and he is taking care of the rest. I really hope she is going to LOVE it, even though I'm pretty sure she will. I can't wait to post pictures of it...after Christmas of course, just in case she happens to read this. I think what I'm most excited about is that I get to use one of my loves/hobbies for something USEFUL and for someone else's benefit...not just for random things.



On the super plus side, I was summoned to jury duty again for Monday. (I was supposed to have it in September but didn't have to go). Much to my surprise I do not have to go on Monday, and I can go to work since I already have a day scheduled. phew! what a relief.


Now, I'm off to organize and design my plan of attack. Now if I could only think of something for my hubby.

My husband rocks

Why you ask?

Because this is what was awaiting my return from school today...

and just for size comparison...

Yes, it's a GIANT Hershey's bar. And I actually had to think about HOW to attack this beast...and then I decided to just dive right in. It's nice being able to eat 1 block and have my fill of chocolate because it's soo big. But 1 block sounds better than 3.