What I LOVE about Christmas!

I hope that you were able to find another small book of some sort - a journal, extra spiral notebook, anything will work.  Maybe I should have told you this up front... I do apologize.  I surely hope you were able to find one on such short notice.....

I have a problem with "lists"...(remember this LIST post...)  and I love tracking things... so having notebooks in every room is a must, every purse, bag and even in my car - is a MUST!  I don't leave home without some sort of "notebook" in tote!  I know... I'm a bit crazy! BUT they are my saving grace! :)   So, this is probably one of my most favorite "after Christmas" things I like to do and usually it is on New Years Eve, or New Years day, when I really just want to "chill!".... "RELAX!"   but since we are a little behind, there is no better time to start than the present - so humor me a little and play along - who knows!  You might just enjoy it too!  

I like to sit down and review

 "WHAT I LOVED ABOUT CHRISTMAS!" 

I start by writing the "questions" on the top of my page - then I go to town! 

(this makes me so excited!!) 

Question 1:  

What I LOVED about Christmas!  

Christmas is a special time of year and should be celebrated and not dreaded. We need to remember that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ and we should be joyous during this time (and all year) and not let the world get us caught up in how we should celebrate this special time.  This is one of the times during the year we take time time to really remember and lift up all the important people and things in our life. The goal is to take a few minutes and write out all the things you love about Christmas.  Think about things you do, things you see, how you celebrate, activities you attend, people you spend time with, traditions in your family, songs you love to listen to, family you celebrate with, giving gifts, sending cards, foods you enjoy, and anything else you think make the holiday season special for you.  We want to make sure we enJOY the season by filling it with the things we love doing and mean the most to us.

Question #2

What I did not like about Christmas this year.

Every year there are things that we wish we had not done.  This does not only refer to that dreaded party but also to actions we did or did not do.  For example,  did you get your cards out later than you wanted or maybe you forgot to make the picture appointment early so all the good times were already taken?  

Take time to sit down and make a list of these dislikes, this will then become a punch list to help you restructure your holiday plans. You will refer back to this list as we work on planning the upcoming holiday season – the goal is to make sure we enJOY the season removing as many dislikes as we can.

Question #3

What I want to do this Christmas! 

It seems that our “to do” list for the holidays never seems complete and at times it can feel like it doesn’t even get shorter. Think about things last Christmas that you really wanted to do, but maybe you just ran out of time, or you thought about it a little too late in the season - whatever it was - it is important to try again! DO NOT just let it go without trying... :)  Make a list in your notebook of these items and then ranked them by importance. Because it IS important!

Question #4

Things that I HAVE to do this Christmas season.

Examples of this would include annual family get-togethers, church services, mailing Christmas cards, entertaining you do, decorating, Christmas pictures, etc. This list may be long – but that is o.k. as this list is what we will use when we get to the calendar section.

Question #5

Five things I want to do this Christmas that I did not do last Christmas 

Make a list of 5 things that you really want to try to do this Christmas.  Place the list in your Christmas Notebook. The items you list can be things you have never done before or things you have done but just did not get around to last Christmas.  Rank your list and then try to incorporate at least ONE item in your holiday season this year.  Your goal is 5, but if you do not reach this goal you have not failed – you already have ideas for next year!  Each Christmas will get easier and you will be more organized so do not fret!

Question #6

Activity Journaling Questions

Activities play an important part of most people's holiday celebrations.  In your Christmas Notebook journal take a few minutes and write about the following: 

• Write down all the holiday activities you and your family did last year outside of your home – be sure to include church, school, community, and family activities.
• What activities are a must do for our family every year?
• Are there church related activities that I would really like to do this year that I have not done in the past?
• Ask every member of your immediate family what their 3 favorite activities that you attend outside of the home are during the holiday season and write it in your notebook.  Incorporate at least one thing from everyone's list into your holiday planning.  Remember this is their Christmas too!  (This is really another of my FAVORITE things to do - I just LOVE finding out what my kids REALLY enjoyed and LOVED about Christmas as well.... I was quite surprised when this year my youngest (10 yr old) replied with, "I was happy that mom didn't sleep through Christmas this year."  Sure turned the lights on for me!) **I like to do this for a Family Home Evening activity, usually the first one of the year.  
• What things from your childhood do you remember doing?  Is this something you could do today? 
• Are there activities you would like to add to your holiday season?  Write them down – maybe when you work on scheduling you will have time for one or two new activities.. 

Coming up: Calendars and Activities/Traditions.... oh so excited!!!!! 

OH! Be sure to swing on over to visit DEBBIE at  Debbie-Dabble Christmas.... tell her I sent you over to visit with her!!!! She'll enjoy your visit as well!

***Note: Some of the ideas above, were taken from a homemade book that I received some 25 years ago - "How to have a Stress free Christmas", little did I know then, as a young newly married gal and a couple kids that it would come in so handy through the years. - I don't know WHO to give the credit to - or I surely would.... but I do THANK them for being so smart~even clear....back.....then....*** 

On your MARK.... GET SET ....... GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I often wonder, just how many people are like myself...
or rather how many would admit to being like me....

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas! I love just about EVERYTHING there is associated with Christmas.... except for one thing! And that ONE thing I honestly just despise  .. MR. MONEY!  Every year I say to myself... "MR. MONEY, you are NOT going to break my Christmas spirit!" And every year, I find myself sitting in my chair stressing out because of MR. MONEY!  It simply does not matter how much money I "budget"  for Christmas...it just NEVER is enough!

But this past January, as we knew that our "life" was going to change and the uncertainty of not really knowing just how much it would be changed - I decided I had to set a budget with a PLAN!  It really wasn't rocket science or anything, but heaven only knows WHY I have not had that red light come on in the past! I always BUDGET ... I write it in my fancy-schmancy Christmas notebook that is tucked in my purse.... so what is the problem??? WELL - I'll tell you!  I only wrote down my budget - I didn't create a PLAN on how to REACH my budget! I know... I know.... ROCKET SCIENCE!  (I have always dis-liked science.)  So, this year - I put on my scientist cap and went to work: I devised a plan in January of just HOW to actually "HAVE" the money needed by the time my shopping would begin... (ok, I'll admit... I'm not quite there - but I am a lot closer than I was last year!... baby steps... that's what this is all about.... baby steps)

So, do you find that when you want to work on your Christmas Organizing plans - that your time is taken up by finding all the other THINGS that need work on as well?  I do.  My list just NEVER ends.  No wonder Mr. Grinch and I are such good friends come December.....
 
 Through the past few years that I've "decided" I was going to "ENJOY" the season (which, I'm here to tell you - it doesn't happen in one year - at least for me it didn't...) I realized that the things I need to help me get and stay organized, well, they extend well beyond my Christmas Organizing book!

I would find that I was surrounded by files, catalogs, idea books, projects, more books, ideas, ideas, and more ideas... and then lists, lists LISTS that I was "working" on for not just the holiday season - but for every day life. And I wanted them ALL done! RIGHT NOW!  I would "mentally note" that if they were not done, I simply could NOT enjoy the season!  (Can  you relate?? Am I all alone on this one??)  This is when the light FINALLY went on!  I figured it out! I needed to have 2 separate "organization" books.  One - for every day life and one for Christmas - or specifically for August - January.  I realized that I had to make a CUT OFF date for my "every-day" life.... and not let it interfere with my Christmas Plan.... otherwise, no-one and nothing gets the better side of me.... and that just isn't fair.  So, this year - we are trying it!

Two books. 
Two plans. 
One WILL be put away Aug. 1 - and not come back until Mid January,
so I can start planning for Feb.
The other will become my MAIN focus from August - January.

(May I add, well, I'm adding,  I have purchased a large 3 ring 3" binder that I put dividers in for each family member and sheet protectors in each section as well, so that when I'm browsing around and find something that I think would be PERFECT for a specific person, I have a place to put it... and guess what else I did - I labeled it BILLS down the binding edge and on the front. No-one wants to even PEAK in it! LOL!!!  I'm really sneaky!!! I have found that this is really handy especially when through the year they mention "something" I tuck it in the binder and then when I'm ready to get SERIOUS about it - I have "reminders" - because this brain is getting really USED and I'm still working on how to increase my memory from a 2GB to a 20GB - or something like that.... and it is really helpful for the next year when I can't remember if I already gave them "that".)  

So, here is what we are going to do... (well, that is if you want to join me...) I was asked to participate in CHRISTMAS IN JULY - BLOG STYLE by DEBBIE - over at a debbie-dabblechristmas.blogspot.com - she is so on top of it! And of COURSE I said YES! I mean, I LOVE CHRISTMAS - have I told you that??? AND I'm getting VERY excited about it as well.... BUT, I'm rather behind because of the curve balls we have been dodging lately, BUT I decided that this was the perfect way to get me back on my toes, sharing with you (it's just something about being "accountable" to someone other than myself) - AND of course, I hope you will share with me - because I can use all the help I can get!!!!

So, today I'm going to give you an assignment.... are you ready?

Go purchase or dig through an old drawer or cupboard and find yourself 2 notebooks - big enough that you can write in them and understand what you have written (or am "I" the only one hat has that problem too? :)) - but at least one that will fit in your purse.... so, HURRY!  And I'll see you back here tomorrow night!

 

Oh, and if you want - grab yourself a 3 ring binder and sheet protectors or manilla folders.

On your MARK....

GET SET!

GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HURRY!

Adjusting... isn't always easy....

Let's just say...

I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE PAST 5 MONTHS HAVE GONE!

Could I please get them back??? Paaaallllleeeeeeeaaaaassssssseeeeee???

So much has happened on one hand and yet on the other ... NOTHING!

I'm such a slacker!  I'm so EXHAUSTED!  I'm so LAZY!  I'm just so..... well you decide....

Just prior to Christmas - life took a change... a turn... a FLIP in the road... The world and life we have known for the past 12 years, the life that we have face different trials, challenges and growing pains, but yet we had come very accustomed to.. was about to change again... And I remember thinking 12 years ago when life took on this "curve" in the road, that I honestly didn't know how we would adjust to "this new" change.  But we did. We managed. We learned. We grew.... and we actually ENJOYED it... BUT NOW... life was about to change again... going down yet another turn that we have not been on thus far in life - and I was filled with fear yet excitement at the same time.  Is that possible to have fear and excitement in the same sentence??? let alone the same "feeling"?...

Well, needless to say - I was forced to start looking for another job.  I have worked out of my home for the past 12 years - 2 different jobs - but still - both able to work from my home.  It has been very nice. My two youngest children have known nothing different, and the older three have "known" of mom working out of the home - but I honestly think that they too have become quite attached to the fact that mom has been home for the past 12 years... I know I have.  AND... my Mr. has too.

As I look back on the past 12 years and the "fear - worry - stress" that I had then as we started on that NEW adventure - not knowing what would come of it or if it would even work out - has been such a HUGE blessing to our family.  Isn't it funny how you just never know what life is going to throw your direction, and although what we have been through the last 12 years was not ANYTHING that I thought I was going to be, I can now see that it happened for a reason and that things were the way they were, were that way for many reasons that if someone had told me and shown me that "this is what your next 12 years will hold for you, are you SURE you want to go down this road?" I'm pretty sure I would have stayed on the road that I was traveling.  But, there were stars in my eyes and it felt right so we made the change and I stepped out of the "corporate working world" to start and adventure of our own business.  Although it was fruitful for a couple years - things happened - economy took a plunge at the 9-11 mark and unfortunately marketing was one of the first things that corporations cut back on and that in turn affected our business.... a lot.  We managed to hang on for a couple years but it was soon apparent that we were sinking fast and it was time to make some changes again.  As we were digging our feet in trying to decide which direction to go, my Mr. (then 38 at the time) decided that it would be helpful (NOT!) to have a heart attack.... reflecting back to that day and the emotion, thoughts and stress that were laying in my hands  - I remember being a tad bit angry with him and I threatened him that if he left me with 5 children (ages 11 months to 17 yrs)  to raise ALONE he would be one VERY SORRY MAN!!! (I must have scared him, because he didn't leave me-LUCKY BOY!) :)  LUCKY ME!  LUCKY KIDS!  Well, we made it through that, and his being laid off  and out of work for 3 years,  closing our business, a daughter with Epstein Bar Syndrome,  me finding a new job, TEENAGERS, and I'm sure there were a few other "stresses" in there somewhere....  and then 3 years later, he was involved in a auto accident that left him with a broken neck and later severe head trauma/injury.... so, I have been very blessed to be able to work from home - where I have been here for him and the kids as they have needed.  I've been very blessed and feel VERY blessed.   Shortly after his accident we discovered that our then 11 year old daughter, had a tumor growing down her spine.  It wasn't small by any means - it went from the brain stem all the way down to the tip of her tail bone, and it was compressing at a rapid rate - causing her spine to curve because it had no-where else to grow to.  Within 2 weeks of learning about this she was in the hospital having brain surgery.  I, was fortunate to be able to work from the hospital and keep our family going financially while Mr. held the fort down with the help of the older children.   I know that the turn we took 12 years ago was indeed a "guided" blessing - even though at times I wondered "what in the world" I had done.  If I had stayed in the corporate world, we would have insurance, a secure job, I'm sure I would have moved up in the company.... BUT what I would not have had was the opportunity that I have had the past 12 years to be home with my family 24 hours a day - to be aware of their comings and goings, to see them grow DAILY.  I have been here when they come home from school and need "mom" to talk to - I have been here to comfort them when they have been sick.  I've been here to get them to doctor appointments, dance, singing, sporting events, school events, church events, bake cookies for them when they've had a bad day or when I have had a bad day - or just because I WANT to - I've been here!  I have been home to help with broken hearts, (you know... boy troubles :)... and even crushed hearts from hurtful girl talk...  Do you know just how scary it is to walk away from what you are use to for 12 years?

I have been worried about them - about how they will feel about me - will they think that I've abandoned them? Will they know and understand just how hard this is on me as well?  I feel like I'm letting them down. I felt so torn.  My heart was breaking.... I didn't think that I would ever be able to make one step in the direction I was being forced to take. 

I have had to step up and help be the financial supporter for our family - and I KNOW that this truly breaks my Mr's heart as well.  It is so hard to see him shed tears because he is so frustrated that he is not able to do what he has been taught his whole life to do... our roles have had to switch.  And honestly, I was so worried about loosing the "mother" role with my kids.   It took a lot of prayer and a HUGE leap of faith to step out of the comfort zone and find it in myself to be able to jump back into the corporate world again. 

I applied for several jobs - jumping out on a limb with every "submit" key I would press.  The first interview I went out on was literally KILLING me inside - I just prayed that I would have strength to get through that first interview without bawling!  (It was really hard! I lost it when I got to the car... )  Needless to say - I went back on 3 more interviews and 2 phone interviews with this company - I THOUGHT this was really the job for me. But, they took so long in "making a decision" that I started to question what was really happening. (Plus it was a large cut in pay... that was a BIG concern for me).  I continued to apply for jobs daily  and it wasn't until several weeks later that I FINALLY started hearing back from some of them - I had 4 different interviews in one day - and BOY was that stressful.  In the end - it came down to the first job I had applied for and 4 others that I had been on at least 2 interviews for and 1 job that I REALLY wanted as a 9-1-1 dispatcher - all came through on the same day.... talk about decision time! Well, let me take that back a little, the 9-1-1 dispatcher I had passed 3 tests (that I will say were the most INTENSE tests I have EVER in my life done!) and I just needed to make it passed the final interview which there were 11 people that made it that far for 2 job positions.... and the interview wasn't until the following morning AFTER I was needing to make a decision on the other offers I had been given.  So, with a lot of prayer and talking with my Mr. I made a decision... probably the most "out of my comfort zone" decision I have EVER made!  There were so MANY CONS to this job - but the one PRO was "it just felt right".... CONS - 1) Down town - right smack dab down town....Down town SCARES me! 2) 16th floor - I HATE heights! (I did not want a WINDOW office.  In fact, I didn't want a window at all!)  3) 16th floor meant ELEVATORS (terrified of elevators!... more terrified that I would die in the stair well  because I'm so out of shape - so stairs was not a option to start off either! ) 4) required parking in a parking terrace.... you guessed it if you said TERRIFIED OF PARKING TERRACES! T E R R I F I E D!  5) a very LONG commute (like 1 hour in the morning and 2 hours to get home)  6) Business dress - (I work in my PJ pants! SWEAT PANTS! Heck I could work in my underwear if I wanted! (But I choose not too, but I could)).  7) I would have to do something with my hair - a pony tail just won't cut it any longer 8) GAS~  lots of gas money....

But, I took this offer and I can just say that the last 5 months have been amazing.  Hard but amazing.  I love my job!  I feel like a lot of the people I work with - I have known for a very long time!  They are so good to me.  My family - well they deserve the BIGGEST squeeze!  They have had to step up and go out beyond what they thought that they would ever do too.  Although it has been difficult on all of us - I'm so very VERY thankful for their support.  Of course I would PREFER being home - being a mom and wife that is here for them 24 hours a day - but if this is the life we have to live for now - I'm very thankful that my MR is here and he is here for the kids - even though I KNOW he would prefer switching places with me - he is doing a great job stepping up to the plate of Mr. Mom. Yes, he struggles at times but the girls have been pretty good about taking care of him as well.  Some days are just simply hard. But, I have to keep telling myself - that we are strong. We will survive.  We will because WE ARE FAMILY!  

The only thing I don't think they will be willing to ADJUST on is dad taking over the "Christmas" shenanigans! I'm pretty sure HE draws the line there as well.... SO! With that being said - I guess I better get a STEPPIN' IT UP!  Christmas is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!

How are you all doing in the CHRISTMAS department?

I've just spent the last week - rethinking, remaking and rechecking my list...
It is TIME to get my CHRISTMAS on!
Who is in?
Are you ready?
It's gonna be here before we know it!

Back on the saddle it is!
After all... it's just
4 months and 1 week away!!!

OH MY ................ 

This couldn't have been said any better!

In an evening class at Stanford, the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease.  The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among a few other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for HIS health is to be married to a woman... whereas, for a woman, ONE of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends,.  At first, everyone laughed, but he was VERY serious. 

He continued with: "Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.  Physically, this quality of "girlfriend time" helps women to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being.  Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities.  Women share from their souls with sisters, mothers, and girl friends and evidently that is very GOOD for their health."  He continued to say that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged.  NOT TRUE!  In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking! 

So, every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!  We are indeed very VERY lucky!  So..... there ya go!  Let's CHEER to our friendship with our girlfriends! Evidently it's VERY good for our HEALTH!

I'm so blessed to have WONDERFUL friends and sisters who have been there for me through out my life!  I KNOW that they have SAVED MY LIFE!!!!  I'm hoping to be VERY Healthy here pretty soon!!! I have so many great and wonderful friends, how could I not be!!! :)  (I surely hope I am as good a FRIEND in return!) 

OH... and just a little CHRISTMAS update....  a few more gifts are done!!! YEAH!!!!! 

How are you all doing???  I promise to get better at this....
 all in good time, my dears ... all in good time!

The "B" word.... I hate to say it....

BUT.... it is reality! That darn "B" word always comes to play when I start thinking CHRISTMAS... and trust me... I'm thinking CHRISTMAS!  (YES! ALREADY!.... aren't you???)

Anyway... I was going through some of my Christmas notes... and the darn "B" word came up - and I thought... well, I must face that darn "B" sooner or later - may as well tackle it now!  Yes, I'm talking BUDGET!  There I said it!  Does it freak you out as much as it does me????  Well, I may not have CONQUERED the "B" word but I'm getting closer... and I thought I would share a few things I have learned (from the notes I had) and some that I need to learn as well..... are you ready????

I'm sure that all of us are guilty of doing this... at least ONCE - and if you aren't GOOD FOR YOU!!!!! But.... many of us have thrown caution to the wind and just did what we "thought" would make everyone else happy.... and with that we often end up charging our Christmas purchases only to have to deal with the outcome during January... YIKES!!!  I'm here to tell you - THIS IS NOT A GOOD STRATEGY! ... why??? Well, because it only causes us more stress in the months to follow - and honestly, I have enough stress that just "COMES" to me I do NOT need to create more....  How many of us spend blindly?  Well.... NO MORE!!!  From this day forward - committ yourself to becoming the "B" word freindly!  Instead of spending our money blindly, we need to create a BUDGET... tell your money WHERE to go instead of it telling YOU where to go.... in order to do this - you need to decide "REALISTICALLY" what amount of money you can spend on Christmas ... and be sure to note that your CHRISTMAS budget is NOT just the gifts you buy!

Step 1:  REALLY look at what CASH you have on hand to spend for the upcoming Christmas season. If you start soon enough in the year - this is a much easier task to take control of. Be REALISTIC!

Step 2: Get your trusty little note book out and WRITE - yes WRITE down all the different hings you NEED to purchase for the Christmas season - Such as: Baking ingredients, Picture, Cards, Activities, Donations, Clothing, Hostess gifts, Entertaining foods, Decorations, Postage... etc.... Be sure to review your list and make sure that you didn't miss ANYTHING that you would normally purchase SPECIFICALLY for Christmas.

I'm sure you noticed that GIFTS was not listed ... that's because GIFTS need a sheet ALL to themselves!  On your GIFTS page (step 3) break down the types of gifts you give - such as - gifts for the home, gifts for immediate family outside of the home, gifts for extended family, stocking stuffers, friend gifts, teacher gifts etc.... This helps to give you an idea of EVERYONE you would like to give gifts to - plus help you to cross off when money starts to get tight...

Take the category's that you have and divide up the amount of money you have to spend on Christmas and BUDGET each section....

Now.... here is just a fun little exercise to do... IF ... remember I said IF you should decide that you need to CHARGE your Christmas... just do this little exercise - and I'm pretty sure you will change your mind about the "CHARGING" Christmas....

Scroll all the way to the bottom of my page - you will find a "CREDIT CARD CALCULATOR" - it's pretty simple to use - but guaranteed to give you a stomach ache.... so use with caution.. :) 

Let's just say for fun - you decide to charge $1000.00 for your Christmas, your interest rate is 24.0% and your minimum payment is $40.00 - GUESS WHAT.... It will take you 35 months to pay off (nearly 3 years!)  is your stomach hurting yet??? if not... this just might do it..... AND the $1000.00 you just charged will now cost you $1400.00.... Do you want to just throw away $400.00 ??? If you do, I'm here to tell you - I'll give you my account number and feel free to just deposit it into my account...  I won't mind at all! :)  besides, it will save you $1000.00 :)  Go ahead - give it a try - if you have a credit card now - and would like to know how much you would have to pay to be debt free in a certain amount of months - you can do that too!  For instance, if you want to be out of debt on that $1000.00 with 24% interest in 12 months, you would need to pay approx. $94.56 a month ... SO.... if you feel that is what you need to spend on your Christmas, then, you should put $94.56 away each month - and your will have a NICE Christmas budget just waiting for you and growing....

I mean - which plan would you prefer to do? I personally - hate CREDIT cards!  So, I have set my budget, and put in how many months I have to purchase my stuff and that tells me how much I can spend for Christmas. I prefer that way MUCH MUCH MORE!

Good luck - Let me know how your budget planning is goin....

Next up....Baking for the holidays - and stretching that BUDGET!

There's another man in my life!

First let me just say this.... My CHRISTMAS 2012 plan is JUST ABOUT done!!!!  (my goal... to have it done by the 15th....I best be hustlin' I know..... )  But in the mean time... I thought I would just share a little "insight" on my life.... other than Christmas.....

Now, let's see....where / how do I start this.....

To some it may feel a litle "odd" admitting that there is another "man in their life....But honestly~I'm really quite FINE with it!

This man is AMAZING!!!! And I have loved him for a very long time! In fact.... I have loved him since the minute I set eyes on him, I have LOVED this man!  He is very talented, kind and gentle, yet gruff at times, he is handsome, strong determined and stern too, he is compassionate, loving, very giving yet he expects a lot and sometimes he can make me really mad too!  But in the end, I still love him with all my heart!  He has taught me a lot - like how to work hard, to be honest, to never give up, to admit when I am wrong and I've learned that he is seldom wrong :) ! As I get older, I find that each day I realize just how much he gives to me and all he does for me through the years!  He is my HERO!  ... and my DAD!!!!!

And today is his BIRTHDAY! 

 

He is very talented! From the time I was just little, I LOVED to hear him sing and play his guitar!  In fact, I remember he played in a band and they would practice at our house, and I would curl up right next to the drums and be so content for their entire practice!  I could sleep like no other when those drums were beating and his voice singing!  As i got older, my friends use to ask me if he was "ELVIS" .... he looked like him and he SANG like him...I'll admit, there were times that I would tell them that he was! I loved the fact that he wasn't embarrassed to sing in front of people, especially me!  Sometimes I wish I could just go back and be little again just for that!  He is also very talented in the "ART" category!   He can oil paint like nobody's business! And draw too! Man I wish I would have gotten some talents like his! Instead.... I think I just got the "GENES"... the bubble butt, thunder thighs and Christensen nose!  I would much ratherhave preferred the "talents" any day!  Oh I did get a little bit of the "perfectionist.... Nice... WAIT!!! it that a NICE thing??? 

One of my most favorite memories of my dad, is of Christmas time when he would bring out his race car track and we would race and race and race all day long!  I remember laughing so much when we would crash and how my sisters and I thought it was so funny... until dad got mad... We would try so hard the next time to not let that happen, but it never failed, it happened.... and he would immediately box it back up!   He told us we couldn't play anymore until we learned to just race and not knock anyone off, 

Then I remember when Shane (my first little brother) was old enough to race and he soon thought it was funny to knock cars off the track too, that was when it became funny to dad... I remember he would laugh and even smirk sometimes, "trying" to be mad, but he just couldn't do it!  Amazing what that little boy could do for my dad.  

Then another favorite Christmas memory was "cracking nuts"... I could sit next to him all day long and eat nuts!  He always had a story to tell me too!  And I loved his stories!  I loved being little enough to climb up next to him, hear his stories and crack nuts together.  I wonder if he remembers the NUT BOWL I made from him out of Popsicle sticks... I was so proud of that bowl... I tried to show my kids how to make one and they thought it was stupid.... but I know my dad loved my bowl... or at least he made me think so! 

We also had the "toe-gote" thing ... it was like a big beefy motorcycle, but it wasn't very fast at all! We had so much fun with that little red thing! Rides in the mountains and around the nieghborhood, until the police put a end to that.... That was so wrong! :)   Oh! And fishing! Dad LOVED to fish... and I'm sure he was THRILLED when the boys started coming...because our little fishing trip was NOT what dad was hoping for. I remember being TERRIFIED of the water.  I don't like water - especially when I can't see what is in it and how deep it is ~ I remember being so worried about my little sisters falling in and when Sheila's shoe fell in the "ocean"  (it was really a "creek" - Deer Creek to be exact - but it was much bigger than what I would say qualifies as a "creek" - it was BIG - a "ocean" to me!) I just KNEW we were never going to return home safely.  I don't think our little "fishing trip" lasted too long either... we were supposed to "SIT" still, "WATCH" a pole for movement and BE QUIET!  Those are hard things for 3 little girls to do!  I remember losing a pole in the "ocean", because I got scared when it started to yank out of my hands - so I let it go.... needless to say... that ended our fishing trip with dad.  I was so grateful to just be in our car and heading home with all of us alive.... missing one shoe but alive! Oh I still remember those feelings of fear! :) 

Another of my favorite family times was the "pinecone hunting"... or pine nut hunting... LOVE PINENUTS!!! Learned that from dad too!  I loved doing that! I wish we still did that!   We would get so sticky.... our clothes, our hands and even our hair - it took WEEKS to get rid of that sticky gunk! BUT it was so much fun!  I remember being terrified of climbing the trees for fear I would fall and how my dad would make me feel safe by holding me up.  Then one time, something happened, I don't remember exactly what happened or how it happened - but we both came tumbling down! Out of that tree!  I landed on my dad and we laughed and laughed... once I realized I was still alive that is! 

I also use to WISH I had a older brother so that "he" could do all the outside chores.  But I soon learned that I loved the outside chores and would much rather be outside then inside.  (My mom always thought it was weird that I LOVED to set the table... honestly, that was because I HATED to be on the "CLEAN UP CREW!"  I would set the table ANYDAY! as long as I didn't have to clear the table, do the dishdes or sweep the floor!  Give me a lawn mower, rake, shovel and a garbage bag.... I'll take that anytime!  But don't tell my mom that! I want her to think it was because I was being helpful and liked a pretty table setting - that's why I would set the table.... well, I do like a pretty table!)  

I also learned to love sports and probably got some of my competitiveness from dad!  I could sit at a aseball park ALL DAY and cheer my heart out and not have a care in the world!  I always wished that I could afford to take my dad to a professional baseball game - or even a World Series game! Wouldn't that be great!  He would LOVE it!  I would LOVE it! 

I love that he taught me how to work hard and how to "fix" things.  His philosophy was "If it's broke and I can't fix it - we don't need it"... That has been something I have leaned on a lot since I've left home.  I'm so grateful for his wisdom, his stories~true or stretched truth~ I love his stories. I love listening to him tell them, (and yep! they have gotten bigger over the years - but they are still fun!) I love that he always worked so hard for our family - ALL THE TIME! I love that he is strong yet compassionate, which a lot of people don't get to see (the softer side), but I'm grateful that I have!  I'm grateful for all that he has taught me, shared with me and continues to teach me! I'm grateful that my children have been able to meet my dad too! He is a wonderful grandpa and a great-grandpa! 

Happy Birthday to the OTHER man in my life! 

I love you DAD!!!!

You are MY hero!

(I'm trying to find a picture of his YOUNGER years so you can see how much he looked like Elvis... I'll keep digging... )

On your marks...Get set....

GO!

Did you know that there are only 

9 months 3 weeks and 5 days

OR 

296 DAYS 

until CHRISTMAS REALLY COUNTS?!?!?!
(remember... new deadline 10/31/12!) 

 DID YOU!?!?!? 

(Yep - I'm a little FREAKED out right now....) 

SO....

Because I am STILL working concocting planning dreaming 

well... doing SOMETHING for my  ULTIMATE plan

to be PREPARED 

and READY to ENJOY

Christmas 2012.... 

I'm going to share my 

THOUGHT PROVOKING treat.... 

that I am COUNTING on to get my "PLAN" complete! 

(the only thing I am missing is a COKE Icee! but... it's too late, cold and dark to go out by myself to get one... at least that is what the Mr. keeps telling me... so it's his fault that my PLAN is just not FALLING into place! HIS FAULT! :)) 

Any way...

BEST BROWNIES EVER!

(here's a BBE for your BFF!!!!  hee hee hee!!!) 

oh...it must be gettin' late.... 

Brownie Layer:

2 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 stick of butter PLUS 6 TBSP butter - melted 

(yes that is 14 TBSP butter total!  

(in my opera singing voice.... WORTH IT!  I promise!)
1 cup flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp salt

In a mixing bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Add butter, mix well.  Combine dry ingredients; add to batter and mix well.  Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (You don’t want to over bake them or they will be dry… Every oven is different, but mine took the full 30 minutes maybe a minute or two longer… just watch closely from 27 minutes on.  Insert toothpick in center to determine if done or not…)  Cool completely before frosting.  though!!!

Mint Creme Icing:

½  cup butter (1 cube), room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 TBSP heavy whipping cream

green food coloring

Beat all ingredients together until smooth, adding desired amount of food coloring.

(may need a little more cream, just depends….)

Chocolate Icing

½ cup butter (1 cube) room temperature

3 TBSP cocoa

3 TBSP heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla

2 ½ - 3 cups powdered sugar

Whip butter on high speed for 5 minutes.  Add cocoa, cream and vanilla to whipped butter and whip for about 3-4 minutes until smooth.  Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and whip each cup until smooth and creamy. (You may need to add more cream or less powdered sugar) Get to spreadable consistency.  Spread over the mint layer.  Place brownies in the fridge until about 30 minutes before serving…. Cut and serve… YUMMY! 

yeah...yeah...yeah.... I know LOTS of buter!!! 

BUT-ter (but they are) so good!!!!! 

I promise - you won't EVEN think about it when you bite into one....

(Let me know if you do though, I'll send a doctor over to check on you!) 

I know... not the BEST picture - 

But I wasn't claiming it to be...

Only claiming .... BEST BROWNIE EVER! 

Trust me...

HURRY to your kitchen and whip em' up!

I'm willing to bet ya - they won't be there too long! 

Now..... back to my PLAN! 

As soon as I have it all ironed out - 

I'll be back to share...

Until then...

ENJOY your 

CHOCOLATE

THOUGHT

PROVOKING

TREAT! 

mmmmmm-mmmmmmm!

Oh... PS- This recipe came from my great grandma!
And the recipe actually said "FRESH CHURNED BUTTER"...
But, I'm feeling a bit lazy today and decided to settle for the
"FRESH MARKET"... nope.... Kirkland Butter! That's what it was
Kirkland Butter!  :)

Keeping New Years Resolutions

Do you start out each new year with lots of plans to improve your life but, after a few weeks, lose your enthusiasm... or am I the only one?  I'm really beginning to think so.... I don't know WHY I do this to myself!  It is really a BAD habit! But... If you are like me, here are a few ideas that I'm hoping will help me (and you too), to keep the best of  our New Year's resolutions... and be successful in doing so!

Make realistic resolutions.  
(REALLY!)  I'm such a BIG dreamer and BIG planner - and I just always THINK that I am so much more "ORGANIZED" than I really am... and apparently I still live in a WONDERLAND where there is a LOT more time in one day than there really is!  AND.... after reviewing my last years resolutions... apparently I THOUGHT I had magical powers... you know like WONDER WOMAN!  agh! SO for me.... this is ONE IMPORTANT STEP!  The first thing that I read about "KEEPING NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS" it stated.... "DON'T TRY TO MUCH, TOO QUICKLY!" ... Really.... For example.... If you are not presently exercising on a daily basis but your resolution is to "exercise" 1 hour a day.... you are most likely setting yourself up for failure.... (Don't get mad at me... I'm just sayin' ... from experience of course!) ... It may be more realistic to resolve to set a  "starting goal" of exercising for 15 minutes a day.  And then, after that  becomes a habit, then you can work on exercising  for 30 minutes and repeat the process until you are up to your desired goal. 

Set a series of smaller goals.  
Divide your big  goals into smaller sections. Let's say, for instance, you want to  save money..  Instead of leaving your goal so vague, plan a resonable amount to work toward in the first moth, then a larger amount to have saved at the first quarter of the year etc.  These smaller goals will keep you encouraged as you make progress...because we all like PROGRESS right?!?! And.... again when planning and setting this goal, I have to OFTEN revert back to the prior goal setting suggestion... REALISTIC!!!  For some reason, I'm thinking me and "REALITY" aren't very good friends... maybe that should be one of my goals! LOL!

Make reminders.  
OH BOY do I NEED REMINDERS!!!!!!  After deciding the things that you would like to work on, make several reminders for yourself.  I also think that this year I will be giving a "resolution" list to my Mr.  I KNOW that he will keep me on the striaght path! :)   For me, posting reminders on the bathroom mirror... well they get overlooked!  I'm gonna try something different. I need to "take" my goal, and get rather "PERSONAL" with it... for instance... One thing that is REALLY hard for me - is taking time for ME!  And with that goes... MY TIME TO EXERCISE!  So... I'm going to take my cute little "ELASTIC BAND TRAINER thing (that I bought myself for Christmas) and place it on TOP of my clothes every night! SO... when I get up and get dressed it is RIGHT there REMINDING me that I need to TAKE TIME FOR ME and go downstairs and EXERCISE!  I'm also going to set an ALARM clock to WAKE myself up at 5:30 - so I HAVE time for ME!  It will be AWFULLY hard to deny that the ALARM is going off... and my EQUIPMENT is right there - with my clothes... Can't very easily walk away from that now can I?  :)  Plus, that will only instill another goal... GO TO BED EARLY! (oh this could be a tough yet good one!) 

Be kind to yourself!  
Why is it that we expect so much from ourselves?  
If you find that you've made a new resolutions that are just making you miserable - be willing to change them!  IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL!  I think I put more stress on myself when I change my mind at the last minute, or more so I think of myself as a quitter!!  BUT that is NOT the case at all!  I need to remind myself that it is OK to make adjustments as long as I'm progressing - RIGHT!?!?!  PLUS, they are MY resolutions, and I  can do whatever I want to resolve them! Right?!?! So see, you can too!   

So... Here is to 2012!   

Gotta go start my list...
#1 - making it REALISTIC!
agh... such a challenge! 

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 
oh...and 
HAPPY 
HAPPY 
NEW YEAR!!!!!! 

Giving ya all a fair warning.....

I've changed my deadline.... 

The last two years I have tried and tried and TRIED to have my Christmas done by Dec. 1!  BUT... to no avail... my family just DOES NOT CO-OPERATE!  SO... I'll show them! YES I WILL!  I'm changing my deadline and by-gully - I'm gonna make it happen!!! (and if for some reason, it doesn't happen ... say like HOSPITAL visits, surgeries, etc... well, then I'm just throwin in the rag!  That would be 3 strikes and I LOOSE!!!) .... But... I'm not going down without a fight that's for certain!!!! 

So.... My new deadline is OCT. 31, 2012!!!!  YEP! Halloween day!!!! Christmas WILL be done!  So that during November, I will concentrate on baking, candy making, decorating etc.... and then... THEN everything will be DONE by THANKSGIVING!  And I can sit back... and R-E-L-A-X!  (I'm so gonna do it!!!) 

If you are wondering what I mean by "CHRISTMAS WILL BE DONE"... that is.... ALL my gifts will be made and ready to wrap!  And... if they aren't made... then they just aren't going to go! In fact, I'm really striving to have all my WOOD projects done by August - that way I can do them outside, when it is warm and not freeze my tooshy off.... although... for thinking I froze it off this last month... no worries, it's still there... have no fear... and probably larger than before as well!  DANG!!!! 

I'm also starting with a whole new "Make Christmas Count" Countdown schedule.... and I'll try and be much better at sharing that with you each month.... well, better than the last two years anyway.... I always start out with great ideas great ambitions, (or maybe I'm the only one that thinks that ) and then my "ambition" gets tired of me and goes on vacation...... (and just another warning... if that happens this year... I'm going with it, so don't bother looking for me.... :) I hope it goes somewhere warm, sunny and beautiful! hmmmmm..... ) 

So.... if you want to jump on the band wagon SLEIGH for 2012.... GET READY!!!! It's gonna be a fun ride!!!!  And I can't wait! I better get my act in gear! 

Thanks to all of you for making 2011 super fun!!!!  I've learned so much from ALL of you!!!!  Even though I would log out feeling a bit "inadequate".... you all gave me some inspiration....

I can't wait to see what 2012 holds!  All you talented people.... I surely hope you don't mind a very talented COPY-CAT-ER!!!! I'm really good at that!  So, what cha waiting for!?!?!?!?!  

I'm ready - let's get a move on it!!!! 

(BOP on over the O'forcraftsakes and you can see what I froze my tooshy for!) 

Well... that is if you really care....

I went and did the unexpected...

I know that this will come as a MIGHTY BIG shock to you all.....

ESPECIALLY after this post.... you know... the one where I was admitting my OCD-ness with the tree and ornaments...  WELL... I did just what ever other OCD-Ornament crasher would do.... I signed up to do a ORNAMENT exchange.... (GASP - BIG GASP! I heard it!!!!)  I know... I know.... WHAT WAS I THINKING?????  Well, I will TELL you what I was thinking.... 

I was thinking..... 

This will be REALLY fun.... 

I'll get some ornaments from some VERY talented people! 

...and I LOVE seeing and sharing the talents of others!!!!  

(it kinda makes me jealous too... but someday I hope to have TALENT and what a better way to GRASP some.. then to RECEIVE some ... RIGHT!?!?!) 

.... honestly... that's about all I was thinking at the time...  I didn't think about "what I would do with them..."
  

But HAVE NO FEAR!!! I found something to do with them!!!! It will follow in another post.... but for now... Let me share some TALENTS with you!!!! 

I had NO IDEA that I would absolutely FALL in love with EVERY... STINKIN' (meant in a LOVING CUTE way!) .... ORNAMENT! 

That I would just HAVE to find the PERFECT spot for all these new ornaments.... 

Wanna peak?????   I know you do....

First of all... I have to say.... I just admire ALL of these WONDERFUL TALENTED people! .... AND.... especially people that can do this! 

I can NOT!  I know.... CRAZY!!!  My mom has tried for YEARS to help me.... I'm pretty much useless!   My hand goes soooooo numb... and then the EYES go BuGgggGGY.... and THEN.... it gets a little free AIR SAILIN ride.... (I know... I'm pretty patient :))  Aren't they so cute!  Now I just need to find some little pictures of my little people! Then they will be SET!

 

 She must have known my LOVE for OWLS!!!  He will have a place in my office... 

ALL .... YEAR....... LONG!!!!!!

 Aren't these soooo cute!  

I really love the "HAT".... makes me want to find a little someone to put it on... :)

 And this little guy.... Don't ya just wanna SQUEEZE him???? 

SO STINKIN' CLEVER!!! And WAY WAY CUTE!

 I placed this on a blue block... because it wasn't showing up... and darn it all... with all the FRAGILE stamps on the package... wouldn't you know it ... it was broken... but I did my best by trying to "HOT GLUE IT"....because remember my motto... "If it ain't hot glued... I don't do!!!"  I would love to learn to make these! It is absolutely beautiful!

 

And oh my!  Isn't this just adorable???? 

Seriously.... how do people THINK of these things????  

LOVE IT!

 

 And then.... MELT MY HEART!!! 

I have a SNOWMAN fettish! BAD! 

(I seem to have a LOT of fettish's... hmmmm) 

Anyway.... How can you NOT love a SNOWMAN??

 And she even sent cards.... 

She was one BUSY gal!  OH MY!!! CUTENESS!!!

 I just LOVE how the snowman grows when he gets opened...

And pull the "HAT" out for a message.... HEART BE STILL!!!!

 And then....

Can I just tell you I ENVY such people! ALL OF THEM... 

But this little CLAY Peacock.... 

(I have tried and TRIED to make sculpty clay things.... They ain't so adorable... even the garbage can runs from them....  Sad! I know...)

ADMIRE!!!!  TALENTED!!! OH MY for SURE!

I have to protect him from the little ones... 

They just want to pack him around and love on him.... 

Can't say I blame them... he is just TOO CUTE!!! 

 ADORABLE!!!! 

I'm so very impressed! 

And... How can I POSSIBLY stick them in a ORNAMENT SAFE BOX???? 

I CAN'T!!! 

I had to find something to do with them....

AND I DID!!! 

I'm so proud of myself! :) 

I'll post about it later... 

BECAUSE.... I've gotta get some SHUT EYE! 

I think I heard a FLUFFY WHITE thing calling me....

But I wanted to share!

Giveaway #5.... and your gift....

Every year I purchase a new book to add to our Christmas collection.  The books are boxed up with all the Christmas decorations and then when we bring them out they sit in a bucket under the Christmas tree... a new book is added  and every night we read a book (or a chapter or two) depending on the book.  Tonight we started our new book, "SANTA'S SECRET" by Christy Hardman with Phil Porter.  Can I just tell you... we only got half way through chapter 2 and I CAN NOT WAIT until TOMORROW night!!  I'm HOOKED!!!! (I need to get me some specs though I'm afraid... I have a horrendous headache from reading tonight... getting OLD sure has some STINKY perks! That is what they are called isn't it?.... perks????.... LOL!) Anywhoo....

I was hooked from the very first page.... and I just KNEW this was the answer I was looking for, for over a week now.... I KNEW what I wanted to do my giveaway on tonight... but I just couldn't find a way to "KICK" it off ...until now! I'm so happy that we started this book tonight!  It was a answer to my prayer!

Santa's Secret Wish 

by Betty Worth Westrope 

On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes

Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise,

And said as he sat on Santa's broad knee,

"I want your secret. Tell it to me.

I want to know how, as you travel about,

Giving gifts here and there, you never run out.

How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys

You have plenty for all of the world's girls and boys?

Your bag is all bulging, it fills up the sleigh

Stays full, never empites, as you make your way

From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small,

From nation to nation, reaching them all?" 

And Santa smiles kindly and said to the boy

"Don't ask me hard questions.  Don't you want a toy?" 

But the child shook his head, and Santa could see

That he needed the answer, "Now listen to me," 

He told that small boy with the light in his eyes, 

"My secret will make you sadder and yet wise.

The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside

It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.

But although I do visit each girl and boy 

I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy. 

Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad,

Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.

Some homes are broken, and the children there grieve,

Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?

My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,

But for the homes where despair lives, toys aren't enough.

So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy,

And I pray with them that they'll be given the joy 

Of the Spirit of Christmas, the Spirit that lives 

In the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives.

If only God hears me and answers my prayer,

When I visit next year, what I will find there 

Are homes filled with peace, and with giving and love

And boys and girls gifted with light from above. 

It's a very hard task, my smart little brother,

To give toys to some, and to give prayers to others.

But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed,

For God has a way of meeting each need.

That's part of the answer.  The rest, my dear youth,

Is that my sack is magic.  And that is the truth.

In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day 

More love than a Santa could e'er give away.

The sack never empties of love, or of joys 

'Cause inside it are prayers, and hope, not just toys.

The more that I give, the fuller it seems,

Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.

And do you know something? You've got a sack too.

It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.

It never gets empty, it's full from the start

It's the center of lights and love.  It's your heart.

And if on this Christmas you want to hlep me,

Don't be so concerned with the gifts 'neath your tree.

Open that sack called your heart, and share

Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care." 

The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing,

"Thanks for your secret.  I've got to be going." 

"Wait, little boy," said Santa, "don't go.

Will you share?  Will you help?  Will you use what you know?"

And just for a moment the small boy stood still,

Touched his heart with his small hand, and whispered,
"I will."

OH MY!!! Isn't that just PERFECT!?!?! What more can I say.... I'm back on track... with the Christmas Spirit.... a heart full of love.... So, how does this work with this GIVEAWAY you ask... here is your task... (sorry... too much rhyming going on just now!!! LOL!)

ENTRY 1

I'm sure that we all know someone who could use a extra "HUG" and "PRAYER"  this time of year... 

WHO would you give that hug and prayer to and why? 

(You do not have to give names unless you want... but here is where it gets really fun!) 

If you win... so will your EXTRA HUG receiver! 

3 winners by entry ... 3 "unknown" winners because of your entry!

(I know, I know... that's 6 winners.. it should be 5 - but it just wasn't fair!) 

You can enter as many HUG & PRAYER receivers as you would like... 

Just make sure they are all in a separate entry.

Extra Entries: 

1-Become a FOLLOWER of this blog (or if you already are... let me know you are!) 

2-Post about this giveaway on your blog 

3-Post the "TIS THE SEASON" button on your blog 

This giveaway will end on Sunday Nov. 11 at 10:00 pm MST