The holidays ... And the ability to give back ... Give it some thought

Well, we made it through Thanksgiving... And it wasn't THAT bad.

Friday was long.... Did my trip to the gym... No black Friday shopping... And then worked 2nd job... For 7 hours... Man, my dogs were barking!!!!!! My son and my mom finished the lights outside (started on Thursday).

Got some sleep, didn't have to get up this morning... Woo hoo!

My mom put the window lights up today and my son put up the tree. I am so not into the holidays... Especially today already.

I went grocery shopping and went to CostCo. Got an awesome free cookbook. Awesome! Recipes look totally awesome... And easy. Cool.

I then spent money on the gifts for the families we are hosting at work, for the holidays.

When planning your way through the holidays, please think about those who are not as fortunate as we are. Even a small gesture is well received. For the food pantry, $30 can buy baby food, cereal, peanut butter, veggies, and even canned items for meals.

At church, we have a hat and mitten tree. Don't have to spend a fortune... Just grab one thing on your way through the store.

This Christmas holiday has brought me the ability to provide (or at least help) others. It makes the holidays a little more special and not so commercial.

Bloggy Moms December 2011 Blog Dare

Tuesday December 27, 2011's Prompt...

So far, the most popular gift is...

Right now, I think it's a tie... between the electric griddle I bought my son, so he can cook his regular breakfast spreads (he LOVES to cook) and the new digital camera I bought him (he knows more about his camera in 2 days than I have learned in almost 2 years).

I think it turned out to be a good Christmas, after all.

Christmas today

Today is Christmas. I went a little over with what I bought my son, but hrs appreciates it because he knows I don't have a lot of money.

I bought him an electric griddle because he loves to cook... and I am happy. He loves to fix night breakfasts and make desserts,  so I will give him the tools.

I also got him a new digital camera (his previous ones have been my hand-me-downs). He has been playing with all the features.

He didn't get much,but he appreciates what he did get. He has showed everyone and has thanked me many times. Appreciation means more than anything for something like this.

Christmas Eve Day 12.24.11

Here I sit, in Wisconsin, the morning of Christmas Eve day. There is no snow. The grass is still green, gas prices have jumped to $3.29/gallon, and we are at the end of December. I know the weather reports kept saying we are going to have a nasty winter... which is apparently true for everyone AROUND us. I guess I won't complain. It has been a while since we have had a green Christmas, especially in a region known for shovels, plows, snow blowers, and parka coats.

Anyway... here I sit, in the livingroom, watching cartoons. Today is going to be slow to start - nothing major. Just have to finish the cheese ball for tonight and then we spend time with family. Tomorrow is Christmas morning and we have to go to church because my son has to help with the service, so either we get up and moving really early and open gifts, or they wait until after church. I guess we will see where that leads.

I want to just wish everyone a very Happy Holidays and all the best for the new, upcoming 2012. I also want to thank all my new followers, as I forge a new trail into the land of the blogs, Thank you for all your support and comments. You have all helped me to continue on this journey.

Best wishes to each and every one of you.

Christmas shopping

Finished my shopping today.

I am sensing some jealousy over gifts this year. My child is impatient and kinda nosey. Oh well. I have had to take precautionary measures. Two of which have caused a little tension. Oh well, suck it up. Not everyone gets everything they want. And sometimes patience is a virtue. Just try to explain that to a 14 year old boy at Christmas!

It is gonna be a long day & a half till Christmas!

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Is Christmas over yet?

I am stressed and broke.

What is going on? Why do I feel like this? The holidays are so hard. I can't wait until this is over.

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Christmas

Yes, Christmas Eve is one week away.

Yes, today is the day I started shopping.

Have I mentioned how not into Christmas I am?

I guess, I don't mind it, but its so commercial. Its no longer about family... its about shopping.

I love the older Christmas music... provided they wait until the first week in December to start it... not before Thanksgiving!!!

My mom calls me Grinch.  Oh well.... WHATEVER!!!!!

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Holiday memories

Flipping thru the channels. Came upon Rudolph,  the classic. Burl Ives singing the song.

Have to watch. Love the memories.

Lost my day in '93. We had an album of Burl Ives.  My dad was a dead ringer for him. Looked like his twin.

I hear Burl Ives sing... and think about my dad and our memories.

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A strange question...

Why is there such a "to do" about fruitcake at Christmas?

Why do we make it and give it if no one likes it? Something to do with excess candied fruit?

I remember, growing up, we had a fruitcake in our freezer, wrapped in foil... for what seemed like my entire childhood.

Whazzup with that????

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It's FINALLY Friday!!!

It has been such a long week... short work week, holiday, Friday off... man, I am so messed up on what day this is.

I am not one to shop on Black Friday, but my son got to me. Okay, we went... at 7am. No way was I planning on 5 am... nope... no way... besides he was still snoring.

Anyway, we went to a couple stores, went and worked out, came home with two bags of daily items and holiday-flavored Starbucks! It still cost me close to $100.

Oh well, so much for Thanksgiving... next stop... Christmas! Bah Humbug!