Busy...Busy...Busy.....

I just don't know what happened to October.... and here we are half way through November! YIKES!!!!  It is coming so SUPER DEE- DUPER fast!!!! Will someone PLEASE slow down the clock!?!?!? Please.... I beg you.....

As I have reflected on the past 7 or 8 years and how much I have really NOT enjoyed Christmas... It saddens me.  I hope that I have not ruined my children.... I USE to enjoy decorating my house for every month and I USE to look so forward to the Christmas season... but life took a turn about 8 years ago and Mrs. Bah-Hum-Bug was born! I'm not proud of it by any means.... but it is what happened.....But this year.... THIS YEAR! MRS.MARY CHRISTMAS has come back!!! hee hee hee!!!  And I couldn't be more excited....

Yeah - I may not make my goal of being completely done by November 30th .... BUT I'm sure going to give it my best!  And I do know - I WILL NOT SLEEP THROUGH CHRISTMAS MORNING AGAIN!  I do know that I am going to TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER the REASON for the SEASON!  We - WE are going to enjoy the season as a family.... LIKE IT OR NOT!!!! :)  WE WILL!!!

As I look back in the past month or so, I feel like I'm getting nowhere - but when I look at my projects - they have been on going for quite some time... like most of them I started back in January - and a few of them I started a year ago in September... so it has been a long process - and I'm just hoping that the next 2 weeks... (15 days to be exact) I will see some SUPER progress and reach my ultimate goal of sitting back to relax and enjoy the holiday season the way it is intended to be.... at least "intended" for me!  :)  I just can't wait to get back to the "simple" things... the things that mean so much to my children and me too!  I've really missed it the past several years, I was too busy being a  "bah-hum-bug!"  I am just so determined to "enjoy" "relax" and "make the best of this year!".....

Now, I can't post EVERYTHING that has been going on in this "workshop" ... but here are a few glimpses of what I've been up to.....

Just a couple days after Halloween, I was in Wal-mart - and just happened to take a gander down the "close-out" isle... I stumbled across these black and orange bowls... the orange bowls had spiders and black cats on them... definitely Halloween... but the black ones... hmmm... surely  there was SOMETHING I could come up with - I mean come on  - they were 62 cents!  That's a deal!  One must think of something... so I grabbed 8 - (now I'm wishing I would have grabbed more - story of my life....)  anyway - for a few days I racked and racked my brain.... and finally!  Something came!.....Back when Mrs. Mary Christmas lived here the "ELVES" use to pay the kids a visit... every day the month of December... The "ELVES" would leave a "treat" or "activity" for the kids, OR sometimes it was a "note" reminding them that they need to work of being better.... because Mr. Claus was watching them... so thus, the ELF BUCKET" was created.... so so simple!  Just a few vinyl pieces cut and then slapped some "felt sticker" around the bowl... WAH-LAH!  ELF BUCKET!  And... this MRS and her little Elf Helpers will be delivering the "ELF BUCKET" with a treat and instructions to the doorsteps of our married kids .... Each morning, the REAL "ELVES" will deliver a "gift" or "note" to the bucket.... the kids are so excited... they can hardly wait!

Total cost for ELF BUCKET  about $1.50

Aren't they cute??? :) ( I let the 8yr old elf decorate! She was in HEAVEN!)

The ELVES and I have already made our trips to get most of the "goodies" for the Elf bucket... we just have a few "personal" touches to add.... 

I can hardly wait for those CUTE LIL ELVES! to visit! It's going to be so fun!  

I just LOVE the little reminders of the "REASON for the SEASON!" 

JUST LOVE IT! 

Stay tuned... there will be daily posts coming.... IF I don't fall asleep by accident! 

Good night, 

MARY CHRISTMAS! 

:)

This could be a WIN for you!!!

Well - it has been a while... but I've been busy... I'm running out of time!  I've found that the past 6 weeks or so - I've considered myself VERY lucky if I have gotten to bed before 3am!  Lately it has been more like 3:30-4:15.... BUT I would rather be doing that NOW instead of next month! I'm so determined to ENJOY the CHRISTMAS season this year! BUT.... let's just call this a BLUNDER based upon my lack of sleep, inability to "research" ... and possibly, YOUR GAIN! :) 

ONE of the many projects I have been working on this past SEVERAL months... and trying to bring the project to a close by months end....  A Family Recipe Book.

I have been working for nearly 18 months on this project and just thought I was so SMART and it was going to be a GREAT gift.... until..... UNTIL I discovered that the 9 books I'm putting together with a total of over 130 (2 sided)  pages of recipes.... was turning into a very COSTY project.... the biggest reason... all of those 130 plus pages need to be placed in "sheet protectors"..... BUT the problem is not the sheet protectors in general ~ it was the SIZE of the sheet protector that was adding up....I made the recipe books to fit a 5.5 x 8.5 size book, paper & sheet protectors..... AND I did NOT price the 5.5x8.5 sheet protectors BEFORE starting this project... My thinking was... it should be close to if not less than the cost of a full size sheet protector of 8.5x11.....Right??? I mean "logically" thinking.... well....  WRONG!!! Oh so WRONG!!! They are at least double and if you don't shop around, almost two and a half times more... SHEESH!!! Who knew!!! SO.... this began the next phase of "rethinking" the project.... I decided it would be more cost effective to print on full size sheets and remake my "menu" pages.... especially for as many as I was doing.... SO... here is where the WIN WIN for you come in to play.... I am now going to offer the 5.5x8.5 Menu Divider pages to any of you who may be interested.... Because, if you are just doing one or two books, it won't be nearly as spendy.... and depending on the number of recipes that you place in your book, well, that will make a great difference ... I tried to "omit" recipes from my book, but every one of the recipes are not only MY favorites, but some family recipes from generations back..... and even some from current generations.... and I was tired of having recipes written on receipts, scratch papers, lunch bags, you name it... I probably have a recipe written on it... yes even napkins! This was project started (as a request from my husband... he hates all my "recipe" cards that are tossed into the drawer)... and then, I decided to make it a goal... (being I'm working on my personal progress goals, along side my girls) ... and in one of my late night conversations with myself, I decided that this would make a great Christmas gift for family members..... So thus was born the "Family Traditions Recipe Book"..... 

I have ALMOST completed all of the 8.5x11 size dividers and this gift is just about to be wrapped and tagged and will be waiting for it's place under the tree!!!  I'm so EXCITED! But, I'll be sure to post a picture of the final product.... what a task this has been!  But a good one!  These are the type of gifts I LOVE to give!

I have 8 6sets of the 5.5 x 8.5 size Menu divider pages (all handmade of course) ... to include the following categories: APPETIZERS, SOUP, SALAD, MAIN DISHES, SIDE DISHES, DESSERTS, COOKIES, CANDY, DRINKS, BREAKFAST, BREAD and CANNING...

I will sell the set of 11 dividers for $10.00 (which includes shipping in the USA). If you want more than 1 set - take a 10% discount... if you want all "8" "6" sets... they are yours for $35.00.   So,  hurry - you know how that HOLIDAY shipping can be..... SEE! this is a WIN for you!!!! So, if you are interested - just shoot me a comment along with your email address - I will then delete your email information and contact you for shipping instructions...
(note:the paper/colors may vary slightly from the pictures on some sets.... I was trying to be "creative"...) 

I'm working on getting everything completed... 

It's so exciting to see this all coming together! 

How are you all doing???? 

Are you ready to ENJOY the season with me??

Oh I sure do hope so!

ALL RECIPE DIVIDERS ARE NOW SOLD!
THANK YOU!
I HOPE YOUR "RECEIVERS" WILL ENJOY THEIR RECIPE BOOKS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Some EXCITING news!!!!!!

I just have to tell you.... I have some of  the most  

FUN,

KIND,

SWEET,

GIVING,

AMAZING,

EXAMPLE,

CHEERFUL,

WONDERFUL, 

THOUGHTFUL,

FRIENDS

in the world!!

and one of those friends...

I'd like to tell you about today!

SHE is just one of those people that you are forever blessed because you have crossed her path.... I'm blessed.  I'm grateful. AND.... I'm just lucky! because I not only crossed her path - but I'm still in her path and feel so blessed everyday.... especially days that I get to talk to her or visit with her by email or pass her in the neighborhood..... you know - she is just one of those people that make you want to be better.... that make you feel important ... that give you strength just being around her....(I just hope I don't wear her out!) .... AND... I just wanted to let her know that I have a great BIG ThanK YoU! for her! Not only for being my friend, example, uplifter, example, leader, etc.... BUT .... She is letting me "borrow" her camera too!.... I feel so giddy! Like a little kid again! I'm so happy!  SO EXCITED! Isn't that just crazy!?!?!  I mean... really, it is a camera - a material thing - something that I can LIVE without... but do you know.....  I have become very "bitter" with my cameras in the past..... BUT, anyway,  we (my camera and I) don't even speak anymore.. because one of us was getting close to using words that have never been uttered.... and it just wasn't worth it... She must have felt the not so good "VIBES".... and was inspired to "intervene!"  LOL!  She recently got a new camera and was so DARN THOUGHTFUL and offered her old one to me... and it works!!!!  and that is one thing my other camera's DID NOT have in common!  I'm so happy!  I've had sooooo many things to document... and haven't been able to do so in a PICTURE form... you've had to use your imagination...(and I'm sure YOURS is much better than MINE!)  - which for me could prove to be SCARY .... in the upcoming future.... SO! BLESS YOU! THANK YOU dear FRIEND!  I'm working on getting this back to you - but in the mean time... I'll take VERY GOOD care of it.... and my memory THANKS you even more!   

OH SNAP HAPPY DAY IT WILL BE!!!!
Be sure to stay tuned.... :) 

It's just the "simple" (but OH SO BIG)  things that make my day!

Holiday Baking....

Well, how are the goals coming along?  

Are you on track? 

What can you do to "re-think" the plan if needed?

I am SO determined to just ENJOY December!  DETERMINED! 

Aren't you?

But... I must interrupt my "workshop" progress.... not only does my family THINK that they are going to stave to death.... but it is time to turn to the "bakery" department... It's time to start watching the ads and getting the most with my grocery shopping money this month.  I don't (which I should) plan ahead and "save" some for my "baking frenzy" -but I didin't really think about it until now... SO! Looks like we'll be eating a lot of FOOD STORAGE this next couple months.... :)  Just so I can "enjoy" my baking time! (I wonder how the family "elfs" are going to take to this news... LOL! 

SO... grab your recipe books ladies (and gents-if there are any out there) and let's get some HOLIDAY BAKING underway! 

As I go through my "candy & baking" plan, I'm going to throw in some of my favorite recipes and ideas! Even favorite "CHRISTMAS" meals... so get ready - and let's share - I'd love some new recipes and ideas too!  So, don't be shy - It is the season for giving... and I LOVE LOVE LOVE new recipes! 

(hint hint... wink wink....) 

This is one of my favorites! It was given to my by my cousin... If you like "BIG CHERRY" candy bars... You'll LOVE this one! It is YUMMY!  I'll only have a sample taste this year -(determined to thin the hips this holiday as well!)  and the rest will be shipped away - BUT.... I still enjoy making it and "mmmm" smelling it too!!!!!

Cherry Chocolate Delights

12 oz. pkg milk chocolate chips

12 oz. pkg salted crushed peanuts

¾ cup crunchy peanut butter

Melt together on stove or in a microwave.

Spread half mixture in 9x13 inch greased pan.

Cook in refrigerator.

20 large marshmallows

1 tub cherry frosting

Melt 20 large marshmallows in double boiler.

Add 1 tub of cherry frosting.  Spread on cooled layer of chocolate.  Cool this in refrigerator.  Spread remaining chocolate on top.  Refrigerate and cut into squares.  

**just a side note - the cherry frosting (Betty Crocker/Pillsbury or other brand) is VERY hard to find... I have been DIEING for these yummy little things in the summer - and have YET to find CHERRY frosting any other time then the holidays ... so if you find you ENJOY this yummy treat... you may want to "stock" up on the frosting - for a rainy day.... if you know what I mean.... :) 

AND..... 

While I was looking for my favorite Cherry Chocolate Delights ...

I discovered my second favorite.... NUTS! 

MMMMMM..... I can almost smell them! 

Cinnamon Glazed Almonds

1/3 cup butter

2 egg whites, at room temperature

Pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

3 cups whole natural almonds

4 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place butter in a 13" X 9" pan; place in oven to melt butter, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, beat egg whites with salt until frothy; gradually add sugar, beating to stiff peaks. Gently fold in almonds and cinnamon. Pour almond mixture onto pan; toss with butter. Bake about 40 minutes,tossing every 10 minutes, until almonds are crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store cooled almonds in airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Well, happy list making! And be sure to share your favorites as you discover them as well! 

Don't you just LOVE holiday baking??!!??!  

MMMMMMM! I do! 

SO SUPER EXCITED!

I woke to SNOW! YES SNOW on the ground this morning!  

Oh- it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

It is now LEGAL to play Christmas music - so CRANK it up LADIES!!! 

oh - and men!!!  :) 

I feel like I'm getting somewhere - finally!

I looked back at my list and it is dwindling! YEAH! 

Oh how I wish I had a camera- I'd post some pictures... 

Or wait! Maybe it is best I not have a camera!

It would certainly give away my "SURPRISE GIFTS!"

We surely don't want to SPOIL Christmas for anyone now do we???? 

I've been checking my list 

and reviewing my list 

 and yes! Even re-vamped my list!

BUT for the better! 

SO EXCITING! 

I just can't wait to set up the tree and place my wrapped packages underneath it! 

Some of these gifts have been in the "making" process for several months so it is so fun to see them "come to life!" I just can't wait! I'm getting so SUPER excited! 

I surely hope that they are received well....

This past week I was at our local home improvement store picking up so "wood" to create my gifts... 

And I was ever so grateful that they we willing to "cut" my wood for me ... I was having a heck of a time cutting 2" wood with my scroll saw.... agh! I bet I broke about 8 blades.... frustrating!

Anyway- while the kind gentleman was cutting my wood for me another older man asked me what I was doing with all the wood... I simply said "Oh, I'm making Christmas gifts with it."  He looked and seemed a bit puzzled and then said "do you mind me asking just what you are going to do with that wood, to make it a "GIFT?" I mean, I just don't see how you can make gifts with a piece of wood."... So I kindly explained to him what I was making,  He accepted it - then he said "do you mind me asking "why" you would want to make your Christmas gifts, isn't it easier to just "buy" a Christmas gift?"  Well, I was a little taken back by his question, but he seemed rather harmless - just curious - so, I said "Well, of course it is a "little" easier to just run out and buy a gift, but I feel like a homemade gift has more thought and meaning to it. A lot more personal. And... I enjoy making gifts, and for the most part, I think that the people that receive them enjoy getting homemade gifts as well.... (I know my sister-in-laws fight for me to have their name for Christmas...) plus, this way - they can't put a price tag on it - AND... they can't return it!" I kinda chuckled.  Well, he must of liked my answer because after about 3 minutes he said, "well, I think you are a very smart lady! And, that is a great idea.... do you mind if I copy your idea?"....  So I was pretty excited that a younger older man in his late 60's was impressed and willing to "try" and "attempt" homemade Christmas gift.... After my wood was cut, I noticed the older gentleman was purchasing the same wood I had just purchased

Funny.

Well, I must say - they turned out DARLING!  

I'm so super excited too!

With every gift I get done - I'm more and more excited! 

Stay tuned for pictures... I'll get this figured out SOON!

In the mean time... 

Get your HOLDIAY BAKING hats on!

I'm working on my BAKING grocery list.... 

I'm so afraid I'm going to gain back the 30 pounds I've taken off! 

So... I've decided that I'm going to be "making"...and all the while someone will be receiving my goodies... and it WON'T BE MY HIPS! 

I just LOVE holiday baking! 

SOOOO excited! .

So..... how is it going?

I'm sure you are all aware of the cute little SANTA over to the right..... looking OH! SO JOLLY! 

Did you see that 1 month, 1 week and 3 days part???? YIKES!!!! I mean YEAHHHHH!!!! Well, I am HAPPY to announce that I'm 100% certain I will NOT be sleeping through Christmas this year.... BUT I am afraid that I WILL be sleeping through HALLOWEEN and possibly THANKSGIVING .... Frankly, I don't mind sleeping through Halloween... Don't get me wrong - I LOVE EVERYTHING about OCTOBER... just not that ONE day... You know the day.... HALLOWEEN day! I don't like the "SCARY-DISGUSTING" creepy, crawly, UGLY stuff.... I don't like having to THINK of COSTUMES for the kids... I don't like WASTING money on CANDY that ends up COSTING me more money!..... such as... sick tummies....sick teeth.... HYPER kids....ORNERY kids (because ONE MR DAD in our home takes it upon himself to "SCAN" the TREATS collected, all the while picking out HIS favorites... which usually end up being THEIR favorites too) and then TEARS become part of the festivities... and I could SO do without the TEARS.... not to mention, WRAPPERS everywhere..... because WHY would we want to walk to the garbage can... we do have a MAID..... somewhere... somewhere out there... there is a MAID!  I'm sure....  it's all just TOO much stress for me.... I LOVE the colors, I LOVE the "CUTE" side of Halloween... you know... "cute decorations... I even LOVE cut costumes... on other people! I LOVE having family and friends over for our CHILI cook off, hot homemade bread sticks, bobbing for apples, ghost for quarters, playing games and of course hot cocoa and donuts....  So...do we really have to "trick-or-treat?"  ... REALLY!?!?!  I really have contemplated just getting a pinata this year, putting in all the candy we (and our friends) would purchase for trick-or-treating,  and let the kids just have at it here.. it would just be..... so....convenient.... easy.... less stressful... HECK - I think it would even be FUN!  :)  BUT  I KNOW they will NEVER go for it... so here I go... doing what I DON'T want to do.. and DREADING every minute of it.... I guess I better start thinking about COSTUMES.....agh. I usually wait until the night before... But this year - I'll be better prepared... maybe... IF I can convince myself to just do it.....

Well that was depressing....
I know I was going somewhere else with this post... I know it was not here, anyway...
Where was I?????
Oh YES!
SLEEPING....

I won't be sleeping through Christmas - or at least I hope I am not...
I've been up nearly every night for the past 3 weeks now until at least 2:30 - and even as late or early as 5:15 am...
I'm pooped! I won't lie... but I've got to keep pressing forward!
I WISH I had a camera... that worked! STUPID CAMERA!
(wink-wink...hint-hint family.... :)) 
I have so far completed a few gifts - and I am so SUPER excited about them!
I wanted to share them with you...
BUT my telling you "what" they are -will just not "do it" for me....
So... be patient with me... I'll get this figured out....
Even if I must BORROW one really soon!!! 
In the mean time....

Have you set your goals for this week?
Have you reviewed your "check" list?
How is the budget looking?

I must confess... I'm pretty good about making lists...
I LOVE LISTS!
BUT... the actually remembering where the LIST is...
It's sometimes difficult - and all I'm going to say about that is...
I have a "SHADOW" (agh-hem Mr. O) that doesn't think I KNOW what I am doing, so my shadow (man) will pick up such things (like my planner, scriptures, note books) and place them in places that HE- I mean - said SHADOW thinks that they should be placed and when I question the other elves in the shop, I just get "shrugging" of shoulders... so when I questioned about my "cute little note book" several months ago... the shrugging began... not one little elf knew what I was talking about... but I SWEAR - I mean PROMISE you I left it on my desk where it would be easily accessible, easily reviewed, checked and re-written (who doesn't re-write their "lists" a gazillion times ... ) and it has vanished- into complete blizzard air. GONE. NOWHERE.
So, I dug through my old posts to find my list - and I FOUND it!
I must confess - things have not gone as they were "PLANNED" in my little LIST book... but.. I did at least (and am still) making progress - SO, did you keep your list handy?  Have you checked it? 
Here is my list from last January with my monthly goals.

All I can say is "YEP - I have learned to be flexible"
"YEP - I hope that what I have and will continue to accomplish will just be habit for next year, and those things that I did not accomplish will be easier to accomplish next year."
and.... "I'm not out of time yet... and niether are you!"
So come on, get your list
Remove things that are no longer important
re-prioritize the things that are
and let's get ready to really MAKE CHRISTMAS COUNT!
Are you in???

Well.....

DARN IT! 

I didn't win "THE" Pumpkins.... and I'm slowly getting over it.... It really would have been a nice way to end a very CRAPPY week.... and an even CRAPPIER day... but oh well... I'm very happy for VINTAGE SANDY... What a LUCKY GAL!  I'm sure she was just a happy punkin today! :)  I'm really happy for her! I really am... just sad for me... so I'm gonna have to sell a kid or two so I can just purchase me some of "THE" Pumpkins! Anyone want to start the bidding?  LOL!!! JUST KIDDING! (kinda... it has been "ONE" of those weeks.... One of those weeks that I'd LOVE to wave my magic wand and "POOF" have toddlers again!  These "tweens" are killin' me .... just this week.... I surely hope that they are getting it out of their system and next week will be much better.... crossin my fingers I am! 

Well... I guess I'll go do some laundry and see if I happen upon some "pay" so I can purchase a set of "THE" Pumpkins... :) 

Congrats Sandy!!! Way to go!!!!

And THANKS to Brenda for giving me something to look forward to this week!  I truly was so excited I just couldn't sleep... but I'm sure I'll sleep fine tonight... if I get there.... 

Oh... I promise to get my head back in the game now... now that "THE" Pumpkins are gone... I'll try and stay focused! I had just a slight lasp... fell into the "HALLOWEEN" spirit... it was a good break... but back to Santas shop I must go..... 

OH! Did you realize it is 44 days left until Christmas counts.... how's the check list coming along????