Titus 2 Homemakers

The Craft Room => Christmas Club => : Cathie December 02, 2014, 05:46:20 AM

: 22 days (plus a little)
: Cathie December 02, 2014, 05:46:20 AM
so with Christmas Eve being your last official day ........................ how's it going?

:: I have decided to make the kids at the daycare Scottie dogs http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2006/05/softie_scotty_d.html (http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2006/05/softie_scotty_d.html)
Mine won't be a nice as hers (she has made sewing skills) and I didn't buy the good felt, I am just using what I have on hand

:: St Nick day is Saturday so I have the chocolate and I am going to make a run to the dollar store and buy warm gloves and possible warm socks we will see

:: I have decided to fancy write me Christmas cards this year instead of printing out a plan old label

:: I ordered my photos to go in them and they should be here by next Monday so I need to figure out stamp costs so I can buy them

:: still have bought my kids nothing  :(

:: need to pull out all my tote stash in basement and see if I have something I can give them. 

:: stockings - wondering if I have material to make smaller stockings - I really don't want to fill them but they don't want me to get rid of them either - need to think on this one
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 02, 2014, 09:15:49 AM
I think I'm doooooone!!!  I am headed into the city to the mall with mom tomorrow, and will pick up little stocking stuffers for Jean, but everything from this point is just small and extra - candy, magazine, etc.  Everyone else is bought for.  Nothing is wrapped, but our tree isn't up yet, and to be honest, I'm not sure I trust Grimm enough with all of those tasty treats and that enticing paper under the tree!

The hard part for me this year is everything else.  I still haven't done ANY decorating; haven't even brought the stuff down from the attic :o.  It's so hard to be up for long periods of time with my hip, so I'm barely keeping up with normal house stuff, much less anything extra!  The tough part is, I am hosting our church girls' ('The Ya-Yas) monthly get-together on the 12th, so I need to make this place at least a little bit festive 8).  Everyone else hosts a couple of times a year, and I only host once, but I host the big Christmas gathering with a ham dinner, cookie exchange, ornament exchange, and goodie bags for everyone, so I don't want to slack!  It's OK, it will get done.

How's everyone else doing?

M
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: wrancher December 02, 2014, 11:00:50 AM
Cathie _ love your scottie dog. It is actually our school mascot so am thinking of making some for the kids friends?! Not sure But I thought I could write the kids name on dog or collar.

I actually ordered my christmas card :o ;D I am usually so behind on this! When Megan was home we did the quickest ever picture (pretty rustic, redneck whatever but it is  a picture)  then yesterday I barely had any time but I  saw something for christmas card from sams club 100 for $15. I had a hard time trying to get it to go through but last night around 10:30 I did it on my phone. Yesterday was the last day.Last year I never got a card out So when I go to the city this weekend I can pick them up! so proud of myself. Ha  I hope to decorate these naked trees tonight and hang lights outside. 
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Rooney December 02, 2014, 01:02:54 PM
Need to buy a gourmet coffee for a gift.  I am not a coffee drinker so don't begin to know what is good.  Any suggestions?  Something you have tried that was good?   
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 02, 2014, 01:11:28 PM
Need to buy a gourmet coffee for a gift.  I am not a coffee drinker so don't begin to know what is good.  Any suggestions?  Something you have tried that was good?

Coffee grounds?  Beans? K-Cups?  If you can, check out Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Last time I was in there they had a cute display at the front of coffee items, including K-Cups arranged into a holiday tree and a gingerbread house (adorable!), but I believe they also had non-Keurig items there as well.  I feel like coffee preference is one of those things that's so personal, it might just be best to go with something generic, or a variety.

M
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Cathie December 03, 2014, 05:59:30 AM
Cathie _ love your scottie dog. It is actually our school mascot so am thinking of making some for the kids friends?! Not sure But I thought I could write the kids name on dog or collar.


That is my plan as well.

Thanks for the compliment but those are hers,   I will take pictures of mine when I am done.  My sewing skills are not as good as hers but I think it will be okay.
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: greyhoundgirl December 03, 2014, 07:16:18 AM
I think I'm pretty much done for the kids.  Still need to order gift cards for parents (already ordered them each a gift).  Also, need to buy for our adopted family here or come up with something to make.
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Rooney December 03, 2014, 01:17:23 PM
OK Cathie, this number got me movin"!! ;D

Got all the ingredients for the Christmas treats.  Settled on 3 fairly easy ones to keep it simple.  Just need to find some Dandies marshmallows for one of them. (Dandies are the only ones that don't hurt our bellies. :P)

Got all the kids Christmas Eve outfits.  Bought 3 the other day at 70% off and got the others back in February at our clearance shopping trip.

Got all of Gabby's stuff ordered (she is the most "fun" to shop for because she is my "girlie" girl and loves all things princess. ;)

Got a few smaller gifts for a couple of the older boys.  Today I am placing an order that should put me at the three quarters finished mark.

Still need to get the tree up.  We only use lights cause the littles like to pull the ornaments off. 

Also need all things wrapping-wise.

Need to do the dreaded Christmas picture.  Hard to get all nine to hold still and be happy at the same time.  I once got an idea from someone.  They got tired of trying to get all their little ones to smile for a picture, so she took a picture of them crying.  The caption under it read "Have a Crappy Christmas".   Even though that would be easier, I wouldn't do that......or would I? ;) ;D
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Proudmama December 04, 2014, 10:39:54 AM
The engine light came on in my van the other day.  Doug took it to the shop and "blah, blah, blah intake manifold blah, blah, blah $897".  That is all I heard!!  Boo!  My credit card will never, ever get paid off!  This also cuts down on the amount of money I have for Christmas and also the amount I feel comfortable putting on a credit card.

I haven't really made any progress in the last week or so but I know what I need to do - does that count?  I think Doug and I will go out Saturday morning and finish up the gifts for the kids.  I am finished Doug other than his stocking and that is just little stuff although I do not know how I am going to get it since I can't drive.  Because the car was so much, I am going to tell him to just get me the Santa he gets me every year and not worry about anything else.  My birthday is only about a week after Christmas so he can get me something little for that.

Most of what we have left for Doug's family is gift cards so I can get them with his next pay if I have to do that.  I may get the girls' bus drivers gift cards, too or see if Molly wants to make cookies to give out.  Like Mandy, I am limited by my inabilities this year so am just doing the best that I can.

Denise
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 04, 2014, 12:20:56 PM
We pulled everything down from the attic today.  We also decided not to put up the Christmas tree this year.  Between a human-sized dog who likes to 'explore' (and could easily chomp through an ornament in one bite) and a need for seating room for my girl's night party, it just makes things easier.  I still decorated the mantle and parts of the kitchen, and will do the hall/guest bathroom as well.  It is so freeing not to have to worry about that tree!

OK, back to addressing endless cards :)

Mandy
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Rooney December 04, 2014, 01:31:20 PM
Will be finishing shopping online tonight on Amazon and a couple items at HomeDepot.  After that I will be done with the gift buying.  The best thing is that it will have been done spending just a little over HALF what we normally spend, but I still feel like I did OK with it and got some things that each asked for.  All left to buy will be the wrapping paper and tape!
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Proudmama December 05, 2014, 11:13:30 AM
Sometimes I feel that the wrapping paper, bows and tape costs as much as the gifts!!!

Denise
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: fishermanwife December 05, 2014, 06:57:33 PM
We are going to finish shopping on Sunday. I only need a few things for the little boys and then a book or two for each of them. I am getting my oldest boy the Action Bible does anyone have ideas for a easy to read early teenage girl bible?
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 06, 2014, 08:05:13 AM
We are going to finish shopping on Sunday. I only need a few things for the little boys and then a book or two for each of them. I am getting my oldest boy the Action Bible does anyone have ideas for a easy to read early teenage girl bible?

My first bible (well, the first one that was MINE) was the YouthWalk Devotional Bible I got when I was about 14 and I LOVED it.  I still have it, and it's the one I refer to most, with all of my highlights and notes :)

http://www.amazon.com/Youthwalk-Devotional-Bible-International-Ministries/dp/0310900336/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417878291&sr=8-2&keywords=youthwalk+devotional+bible (http://www.amazon.com/Youthwalk-Devotional-Bible-International-Ministries/dp/0310900336/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417878291&sr=8-2&keywords=youthwalk+devotional+bible)

Mandy
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: fishermanwife December 06, 2014, 08:41:17 AM
Thanks!
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Proudmama December 08, 2014, 11:13:45 AM
Other than a one thing for Corey and a few stockings stuffers, we are finished!!!  There aren't as many presents for everyone this year but everything was bought with a lot of thought and consideration so I think everyone will be happy.  And, if not, well I guess that is just too bad.  😄

Doug wrapped a few presents on Saturday night and is hoping to finish up this week.

I think this may turn out to be the most relaxed and calm we have ever been as it gets closer to Christmas.  Given the situation with my back, that is a very good thing!

Denise
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: sbdriver December 09, 2014, 12:04:16 AM
I have all the gifts bought just need a few more stocking stuffers. I still have everything to wrap though  ;)

No tree or decorations up here yet either which is almost 2 weeks behind for us. It's hard to be in the festive mood with my kids just losing their dad but I want to keep it as normal as possible for them so I need to get at it soon.

Mandy my oldest daughter never puts a tree up cause her curious cat knocks everything over  :o She does the lights on her wall in the shape of a tree. Sounds very freeing not having to worry about a tree though and your decorating will be wonderful I'm sure.

Oh still have my baking to do as well. Asked Zachary what he wanted for sure and he told me 3 things so as long as I get those done for him I'll be happy. The more I make the more stress I have AND I eat more  ;)

We will get there everyone  :)
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: mooremama December 09, 2014, 08:01:28 AM
We put up our tree Sunday afternoon. I chose to use our 3 foot tall tree and we sat it on an end table so it's up off the floor which helps keep the boys from messing with it. It's pre-lit and we let Holden go crazy with the ornaments so decorating it was a pretty painless procedure. I HATE to decorate a tree so I'm happy that a 3 year old did it for me. 😃

I have a few simple sweet treats to make and a run of Chex mix and that will be it for my baking.

I'm keeping everything here really simple this year. Aaron has a girlfriend and they will be spending time with her family and Caylon will be with Bo's family a lot over Christmas so my role of being the one to make Christmas "perfect" is ending. It is really nice to transition into the grandparent role and let my adult children take over the chaos of Christmas with small children.

Beth
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Cheryl December 09, 2014, 08:10:54 AM
We put up our tree Sunday afternoon. I chose to use our 3 foot tall tree and we sat it on an end table so it's up off the floor which helps keep the boys from messing with it. It's pre-lit and we let Holden go crazy with the ornaments so decorating it was a pretty painless procedure. I HATE to decorate a tree so I'm happy that a 3 year old did it for me. 😃

I have a few simple sweet treats to make and a run of Chex mix and that will be it for my baking.

I'm keeping everything here really simple this year. Aaron has a girlfriend and they will be spending time with her family and Caylon will be with Bo's family a lot over Christmas so my role of being the one to make Christmas "perfect" is ending. It is really nice to transition into the grandparent role and let my adult children take over the chaos of Christmas with small children.

Beth

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!! 

You have put everything I've been thinking and feeling into words.  I like the slowing down and taking it easy.
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: mooremama December 09, 2014, 10:02:52 AM
Me too Cheryl, me too.   :)

Beth
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Cathie December 10, 2014, 02:08:48 PM
FYI ~

I moved Christmas to February 25

this mama has had it
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Rooney December 10, 2014, 03:31:25 PM
FYI ~

I moved Christmas to February 25


Ummmmm........is this a petition? LOL ;D
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Cathie December 10, 2014, 06:26:48 PM
FYI ~

I moved Christmas to February 25


Ummmmm........is this a petition? LOL ;D

nope I voted, this is a dictatorship get on board  ;)
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: greyhoundgirl December 10, 2014, 07:27:13 PM
Finished shopping today aside from one gift card and one gift.  Tried to buy the gift card (from a local bakery/coffee shop) but they were out and have to print more so I will need to stop back.  It's on the way to Max's school so no biggie.  The other item can be ordered online though I am waiting on a final confirmation from the person's sister as to whether someone else has bought this already.

Still need to put up the tree this weekend, now that the floor is done.  Lots of baking planned over the next two weeks.  Bought lots of supplies at Aldi today and thought I'd let the girls (all the kids, really) have fun doing some baking once school gets out.
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Cheryl December 11, 2014, 06:10:42 AM
All I have left to do is wrap a few small items.  We didn't put up a tree this year.  With new flooring being installed and a new kitten in the house, it seemed like too much trouble. :-\
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 11, 2014, 03:14:15 PM
I finished today (I hope)!  I also hope that none of you were planning on shopping at Target anytime soon, because I bought them out.  All of it :o. 


Yesterday - bought all of the groceries for the girl's night party I'm hosting tomorrow. Finished with a few small items for their goodie/gift bags.  Bought an ornament for the ornament exchange.

Today - I bought all of the gifts for the two kiddos we pulled off of church's angel tree, the rest of Jean's stocking stuffers, and all of the gift/cookie bags for the cookies exchange at tomorrow's party. I've got my last batch of cookies in the oven for the cookie exchange (baked a total of 84 cookies :o).  Got my last two Christmas cards in the mail today.  The only two packages I had to mail arrived at their destinations today.

Tomorrow - I pick up two things from Jean's CrossFit box (gym) that my parents are buying him (I'm just the pick-up/delivery girl) and drop off the angel tree gifts.  Then, it's nothing but cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning as I whip this house into shape by 5PM when the ladies start arriving.  12 of us in all, and I can maybe cram 10-11 in my living room if someone sits on the ottoman.  Yikes!  Pray for me.

Mandy
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: Rooney December 12, 2014, 11:42:57 AM
I am DONE shopping, except for a pack of hotwheels to go with one child's gift (a floor rug that is like a town with roads and streets on it).  I have 3 or 4 Christmas cards left to buy for friends and the paper to wrap with.  That's it!

Mandy, your get together sounds SOOO FUN!!! ;D
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: sbdriver December 13, 2014, 09:18:29 AM
Mandy are you including Grimm in that livingroom area  :o  :o  :o  If I was coming to see you I wouldn't care if I was sitting on the floor. It would be about having fun and being in your company  :)  :)
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 13, 2014, 10:43:58 AM
Mandy are you including Grimm in that livingroom area  :o  :o  :o  If I was coming to see you I wouldn't care if I was sitting on the floor. It would be about having fun and being in your company  :)  :)

Oh, I would LOVE to visit with you, and I know Grimm would as well!  To make things easier all around, I took Grimm to our beloved local kennel for the day.  We dropped him off around 10 yesterday morning, and I picked up him this morning.  That gave me all day yesterday to clean and prepare the food, not to mention not having to worry about him eating the ham off of the table or licking everyone's faces last night!  He was able to run and play with his other puppy friends instead of being sequestered in our bedroom.  For $28 I can get him his own 8'x10' room with a window, cot, and even his own TV!  It was worth it for the extra space and peace of mind :)

Mandy
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: fishermanwife December 13, 2014, 12:02:12 PM
$28! Do you think they will let me make a reservation for myself? Lol I need a mini vacation after dealing with all the holiday and kid stuff.
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: MissMandy December 13, 2014, 03:46:53 PM
$28! Do you think they will let me make a reservation for myself? Lol I need a mini vacation after dealing with all the holiday and kid stuff.

Right?!  Sounds good to me!!
: Re: 22 days (plus a little)
: greyhoundgirl December 13, 2014, 03:55:51 PM
$28! Do you think they will let me make a reservation for myself? Lol I need a mini vacation after dealing with all the holiday and kid stuff.

Ha, I know.  Sounds wonderful!  I wonder if they have any padded rooms?  Oh well, I'd just take a book and snacks and enjoy some HGTV.