My First Christmas Swap

So my first Christmas Swap was one hosted by ClemsonGirl. It turned out that I was in a three way swap. It worked out great. I shopped and shipped to 5 Boys and Me. Three Sweet Teas and Me shopped and shipped to me. This swap really got me into the Christmas spirit early because on of the rules was too ship by 11/22.

My package to give ended up being a hodge podge of goodies that I had been picking up along the way. I hope 5 Boys and Me likes what I picked out for her.

Now for the thoughtful gift I received... Three Sweet Teas and Me are actually friends from our teenage years in our church youth group. She found for me a fancy towel with the words "May the Lord Bless and Keep You". This is from our closing at each youth meeting. I thought this was such a thoughtful and touching gift from an old friend. Also, she picked out for me great address labels for our Christmas Cards this year. I can't wait to use them. Just wait until you get your card ... you will see them them. Thanks so much Three Sweet Teas and Me!

In the Christmas Mood

I saw this on The Pink Clutch (who saw it on Barefoot in the Park). Just something else that keeps me in the holiday mood.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, it seems more personal. Although I just placed my gift for the gift exchange at work in a bag. It turned out pretty cute because I took the time to stamp Christmas ornaments on the bag and the tissue paper inside. (I will be curious to see if anyone even notices).
2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Real, that is all I know.
3. When do you put your Christmas tree up? First weekend in December. So guess what we are doing this weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? One of the days in between the 26th and the 31st. Just depending on what is going on.
5. Like eggnog? Non-Alcoholic…I sure do. Not many people I know do like it.
6. Do you have a nativity scene? No, I have been holding out for a nice one.
7. Favorite gift received as a child? There a few memorable gifts… green bicycle with banana seat, a huge doll house (looked like the house from The Waltons).
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad … just because I always buy him the same old thing. Would love to really surprise him one year with something.

9. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom! She may be getting harder though now that she is treating herself to more throughout the year.
10. Worst Christmas gift? I can’t think of one specifically but they all came from the same place… a Yard Sale. (Bless her heart.)

11. Mail or email a Christmas card? Mail! I want to get Christmas cards in the mail. Anyone can email me anytime of the year. But send me Card for Christmas.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Sleepless in Seattle. :) I can’t think of a good one right now. I can only think of the one I don’t care for… A Christmas Story.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually, the day after Thanksgiving and finish on Christmas Eve. I always drag it out! I don’t mind.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I am sure have. But then again I have several unused gifts sitting around.
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Holiday Cookies. There is always such a variety around Christmas.

16. Lights on tree? Lights on our tree are all clear, some blink, some twinkle, a few strings of round bulbs of different sizes.
17. Favorite Christmas Song? Kenny Chesney’s CD: All I want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan.
18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? No, all of our family is here.
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, & Rudolph20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Bow.
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning. Like I said shopping is still being done on Christmas Eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? More crazy people that you have to deal with when out in public.

23. Favorite ornament? I have a lot of favorites… It is like going through a scrapbook when I decorate…I can remember where / who most of my ornaments are from.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? A monogrammed wooden pendent necklace and maybe some other accessories. Guess I better tell Santa. I don't think he knows.

Updates ...

Let me share a few things to get this week started off..

Santa came early for Mr.Man. Hint.... the Direct TV guy is coming this week.

Look what one special Nana is getting this Christmas... A Smile Tile! I can't wait to see it. Check out my new friend's website...http://www.heathercrawford.typepad.com/smiletiles/. Heather was so helpful in helping me pick out a picture. My first Christmas gift purchased.

Just so we are clear...I would like a Monogrammed Yukon not a Monogrammed Avalanche. (The things we do for others).... Mr. Man, in his sales job, is driving around my awesome Yukon. (I am driving around his Avalanche.) Gas prices are down, dear. Lucky for him I had not bought a monogram yet from Monogram Me at http://mpmdesigns.blogspot.com/. And look they are on sale this week. Something is getting monogrammed.

Sharped Dressed Man and My Bug

Not sure these are the names I will go with for my guys, but for now you get the point.

Here is a picture of my husband of four years and our sweet two year old boy. As parents we had no idea how life would become so sweet and awesome having children. (We hope the dear Lord will bless us again soon with another one). But for now, our BUG is best thing ever even when he pitches a fit. I also had no idea how smart and independent at 2 year old can be. And he is a great communicator at well. Saying his ABC's, asking questions and remembering from one day to the next. Our baby is no baby anymore. So there is just a little intro to how it is being a mom to my bug... Now I am going to get him and enjoy our evening routine together as a family. Here's hoping you have a great evening too....

Funny story...

So on Saturday morning, my sweet husband said it is such a beautiful day, we are going to the Moutains tomorrow as a family. So on Sunday, we head up the road and an hour later it is time for lunch so we eat and we begin discussing our next possible options. Let me just skip to the point... we went to OUTLET MALL. No complaints from me. The leaves looked great on our way to the Outlet Malls. I think my husband knew all along where he wanted to go.... shopping.

So I thought Mr. Man (my husband) was going to be all gung ho about being at the Outlets but he was not. And I wanted to look and shop but I felt like I had a ball and chain with me. Now I just have wet my whistle so to speak and want to go back. We did not go into the first store for my little Bug (sweet 2-year boy). That was on purpose because he is so easy to buy for I knew I would splurge. So next time. We had such a successful outlet shopping in Gulf Shores a few months back …yesterday was pretty laid back. Really… we only spent $10 ($3 at Pottery Barn and $7 at Restoration Hardware). not counting the $5 stroller that was a life safer and $1.00 on two silly rides for Bug.

But all that is a little background and more info than you wanted. Here is the real funny part...
… Mr. Man called me this morning from Macy’s. He thought he had hit the jackpot. He found two pairs of pants and several shirts. He literally said “Man this is the time to shop” No kidding! … kids are in school, you are all by yourself, you just got paid, Veterans Day Sales, etc. Good Grief. Wish I could shop with all of those factors. Oh and 10 pounds less would be great too! …. He was calling me for the Credit Card number. You know extra 15% off when you charge. I say again… good grief and what are you doing shopping during the work day! ... With this shopping tactic maybe I should name my guy... Sharpe Dressed Man. He really is.

SWAP TIME

Count me in! One of my favorite Bloggers, ClemsonGirl, is hosting a Christmas Swap. Check out all the info on her page and sign up before November 9th. http://www.clemsongirlandthecoach.blogspot.com/

Oreo Treats

I wanted to share a recipie with you. I wonder if you add orange food coloring to the white chocolate if you would get a Halloween colored treat.? Either way.. this treat is easy and quick. And it is what we will be taking to the neighborhood Halloween party next week. Hope you enjoy it!

Oreo Treats
1 standard size package of regular Oreos (not Doublestuff)
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, slightly softened
1 package of white chocolate candy melts or almond bark (meltable coating chocolate)


Empty package of Oreos in to a food processor and blend until small crumbs. Then, and ounce at a time, add in the cream cheese, incorporating it into the crumb mixture until all 8 ounces are used and the mixture is even and firm. (I normally combine the two in a bowl with a hand mixer after I’ve crushed the cookies in the food processor-it gets to be to much for my food processor)

Roll the Oreo mixture into small balls and refrigerate until firm enough to dip into the melted white chocolate. Dip each one, cool on wax paper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can be left out for a party, but will spoil within a day or so because of the cream cheese, so best to keep refrigerated where they will last close to a week!

Just Getting started

I like lists, so as I get started on my Blog here is what I need to do:
1. Introduce the family
2. Share a recipie
3. Share some pictures, ie b-day party #2.
4. Make a 100 things about me.
5. Add some color to my page.
6. Learn what the heck i am doing.
7. Get back to work.