The Day Before the Night Before Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It is almost upon us and the elves are scurrying around our abode doing last minute secret things. Unlike many years in the past, I am actually quite ready. Just a quick trip to the store for last minute perishables for the big feast, a fun movie outing with the family, and maybe looking for a last minute gift for the hubster .... (Yes, he will have something under the tree, this would be extra).

I am so glad I lowered my expectations this year. If I had tried to do all that I have done in the past, I would be making myself crazy right about now.

One thing I've learned in the year we've lived here in the Gorge, is that I can't just zip off to the store. I plan my trips and make every moment count. Driving an hour each way, I spend 4-5 hours in town hitting every store known to man! and that's only cuz I run out of steam =) So the days of driving 10 minutes to go pick up one little thing at Joanne's or Target are gone for now. But I've adjusted .... Life is good!

So how bout you? Are you ready? Ready or not, here it comes!

This is one of my favorite verses that sums up the Season for me:

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~ Isaiah 9:6

And I love how my friend, Michele signed off her Christmas card: As we near 2012 let's continue to live for the one who gave us all. Merry Christmas!

This n That Ramblings

Where did November go? Sorry for the MIA trick, guess life caught up with me.

After the #1 son recovered (after giving his cooties to me, of course!) we celebrated his 14th birthday. I had a post all thought out to sing his praises, but it never got from my brain to the blog .... sigh. Then Thanksgiving happened and with travel and baking, the blog got neglected again. Now its December 1st and I'm determined to write something, even if it is only incoherant ramblings.

*It's December 1st: Do you know where your advent calendar is?

*It's December 1st, our favorite dog Spunkie who we had years ago was born this day. I was going to try to dig out a pic of her and scan it since she walked this earth pre-internet days, but i ran out of time. just imagine the cutest 30 lb mutt and that's her.

*We're still deciding what to get Joe for Christmas and I'm wondering if we might be able to find a dog, just like our Spunky. Does pet 'lightening' ever strike twice?

*I know what I want to get the big Mister, but dont' think he's going to like it. Should I get it for him anyway?

*The older I get the harder it is for me to come up with gift suggestions for myself for the big Mister. Its not that I don't want things, I just don't know what to tell him. Just don't get me something I 'NEED', k?

*Went to the dentist for a cleaning, the first one in a very long time (ahem). Wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I think dentistry has come a long, long way since when I was a kid and had the biddy from (well you know ....) who scarred me for life!

*Had a wonderful time at Thanksgiving this year. Went to my sis's and bro-in-law for some awesome Turkey and all the extras. Then went to my niece's for dessert. My bro and sis-in-law, my niece's hubby and 4 great kiddos plus my mom, sis and hubby and us had great fellowship over yummy goodness. Love making good memories with my family.

*Today I'm putting up our Christmas decorations. I like to wait a few days after Thanksgiving to give myself some breathing space between one holiday from another. A little margin in my life is a good thing.

Well, that's about all the ramblings I have stored up.

Til next time ....