Titus 2 Homemakers
The Craft Room => Christmas Club => : Cathie December 03, 2013, 05:59:07 PM
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Goodness, why does it always seem like I have tons of time then I have none 😜
Anyways I went shopping in the "big" mall today:
Got my gift for Jay from VS 😝😉
Got my nephew a sweater
Got my daughter some clothes
Ordered some stuff off amazon.
Mental note - I need to buy throughout the year better or save the money - this is killing my bank account 😳😜
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I hear you, Cathie! Unfortunately, we are killing our credit card! Ugh!
Yesterday, Doug took off and we went shopping together. We bought some clothes for Corey, some clothes and a car kit for Zac, an ornament for Doug's cousin and her boyfriend, an organizer for Molly's bands for her loom kit, a sleeping bag for Corey and some wrapping paper.
After we got home, I ordered some sneakers for Madelyn and some books for Molly, Madelyn and our friend Ed who is basically a brother to both Doug and I. I also ordered a CD for Doug and today I picked up a gourmet mustard set for him.
Tomorrow I am going to run out and see if I can find a watch and some socks for Corey, a pair of jeans for Madelyn and one or two things for Zac. I may get a sweatshirt for Doug's aunt, too.
On Thursday, I am going to go through everything and see all that I have and decide what I still need to get. I may be just about finished the kids other than their stockings. Doug's mom, sister and aunt asked for various gifts cards so that isn't too difficult.
I still feel very overwhelmed!
Denise
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You have a good list Denise.
I'm trying desperately hard no to use any cards. My accounts look all crappy though. I am seriously going to start a cash envelope for Christmas next year this is too difficult. I have been trying to keep track of all my spending so I know how much I am spending. I still think its more then I wanted to spend.
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Cathie - I know I spent more than I wanted to spend. I think I am going to put a small amount aside every week next year so I at least have some type of Christmas fund next year.
Denise
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Good idea! I have good intentions each year to do this and somehow never do. Maybe we need to keep each other accountable in January. :)
I am so stuck on my mom. Got my dad covered and just need to mail a couple of things. I asked my mom for ideas but have yet to receive any...I asked her again yesterday. Kids are pretty much done, just need something for Maddy's stocking--thinking nail art but need to shop for it. The tablets for the older four came yesterday and are super nice for under $70. We were pleasantly surprised...Earl feels it is equal to his Kindle Fire he got last year (not the HD one but does all he needs) and the keyboard and case are very nice quality.
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Good idea! I have good intentions each year to do this and somehow never do. Maybe we need to keep each other accountable in January. :)
I am so stuck on my mom. Got my dad covered and just need to mail a couple of things. I asked my mom for ideas but have yet to receive any...I asked her again yesterday. Kids are pretty much done, just need something for Maddy's stocking--thinking nail art but need to shop for it. The tablets for the older four came yesterday and are super nice for under $70. We were pleasantly surprised...Earl feels it is equal to his Kindle Fire he got last year (not the HD one but does all he needs) and the keyboard and case are very nice quality.
I think that is an awesome idea Cath
have you seen the savings plan for the 52 weeks a year thing? I'll see if I can find it and post it. I am thinking of something like this but on a more personal scale
ie:
if I think I need $800.00 for Christmas I would divide $800 by 52 weeks or so $15.38 a week or divide by 24 if you get paid twice a month - $33.33 a pay
I think I am going to sit down and figure this out today - this makes so much more sense for me cause this all a once crap has got to stop ;)
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Good idea! I have good intentions each year to do this and somehow never do. Maybe we need to keep each other accountable in January. :)
I am so stuck on my mom. Got my dad covered and just need to mail a couple of things. I asked my mom for ideas but have yet to receive any...I asked her again yesterday. Kids are pretty much done, just need something for Maddy's stocking--thinking nail art but need to shop for it. The tablets for the older four came yesterday and are super nice for under $70. We were pleasantly surprised...Earl feels it is equal to his Kindle Fire he got last year (not the HD one but does all he needs) and the keyboard and case are very nice quality.
I think that is an awesome idea Cath
have you seen the savings plan for the 52 weeks a year thing? I'll see if I can find it and post it. I am thinking of something like this but on a more personal scale
ie:
if I think I need $800.00 for Christmas I would divide $800 by 52 weeks or so $15.38 a week or divide by 24 if you get paid twice a month - $33.33 a pay
I think I am going to sit down and figure this out today - this makes so much more sense for me cause this all a once crap has got to stop ;)
Sounds good. I just need to figure out a place to put it and leave it alone. :o
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Good idea! I have good intentions each year to do this and somehow never do. Maybe we need to keep each other accountable in January. :)
I am so stuck on my mom. Got my dad covered and just need to mail a couple of things. I asked my mom for ideas but have yet to receive any...I asked her again yesterday. Kids are pretty much done, just need something for Maddy's stocking--thinking nail art but need to shop for it. The tablets for the older four came yesterday and are super nice for under $70. We were pleasantly surprised...Earl feels it is equal to his Kindle Fire he got last year (not the HD one but does all he needs) and the keyboard and case are very nice quality.
I think that is an awesome idea Cath
have you seen the savings plan for the 52 weeks a year thing? I'll see if I can find it and post it. I am thinking of something like this but on a more personal scale
ie:
if I think I need $800.00 for Christmas I would divide $800 by 52 weeks or so $15.38 a week or divide by 24 if you get paid twice a month - $33.33 a pay
I think I am going to sit down and figure this out today - this makes so much more sense for me cause this all a once crap has got to stop ;)
Sounds good. I just need to figure out a place to put it and leave it alone. :o
oh you and me both!!!
I think I am going to have to hide it REALLY well
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ok I figure out my amount - it's a little higher then I'd like it to be but I decided to try and include everything in there.
I am going to save $1200.00 - so a $100.00 a month.
Good luck everyone ;)
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I went shopping this morning and got Corey and Zac both a pair of shoes - they were buy one get one half off which was a really good deal. Then I went to the mall and got Madelyn a pair of jeans and a scarf and all of the kids boxes of candy from Gertrude Hawkins. After that I went to Boscov's and got Doug's aunt two sweatshirts, his mom one sweatshirt, Corey a watch and a few pairs of dress socks and some socks and a couple of bow ties for Zachary. And then my head started to hurt so I came home!
Tomorrow I will be home all day so I will take everything out, sort it and decide what I still need to get. Off the top of my head, I know I need gift cards for Doug's family, a book and a gift card for Ed and stocking stuff for the kids. I may go to Barnes & Noble next week and see if I can get a book for each of the boys.
Denise
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I'm beginning to get that panicked feeling :o
I feel like I haven't gotten everybody "enough". Ugh.
I hate guilt.
Beth
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I'm beginning to get that panicked feeling :o
I feel like I haven't gotten everybody "enough". Ugh.
I hate guilt.
Beth
aww Beth - you have plenty - they will be happy with their gifts :-*
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Welcome to the club, Beth! I do that every single year and then get mad at myself for doing it. And if you saw the amount of things everyone got, you would smack me. Ugh!
Denise
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Well girls, it is what it is.
There's no extra money anywhere in the Moore coffers for more gifts. I am going to get Aaron some batteries and a memory card for the game cam and I will get his girlfriend a rifle sling from Tractor Supply and that will be it. Sam gets paid Thursday afternoon so I'll get those few things bought this weekend and be done with it.
I may buy my parents a giftcard to the Golden Corral that opened up in our new shopping center, I'll have to see how it all plays out with the paycheck.
Beth
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You all are doing so much better than I have this year. I have bought nothing. I am making drawstring backpacks, knitted ear warmers, and pillowcases for each of the grandkids. I will also do a goody bag for everyone. I will buy one of those calendars where you peal off a sheet each day for my mom. She enjoys the cats. ;) Kevin ordered a subscription to 'Good Old Days' for his mom. That is it. We each recently got Memo Pads HD, so we are calling those our gifts to each other. Our kids asked that the adults not exchange gifts this year, so I am honoring that request. It just feels so weird to not give my kids a gift. I have always made sure they had something. :'( I hope I am not depressed on Christmas because of this decision. I might still get the stuff and make some candy for each family. No cookies, because I don't keep regular flour on hand. I don't even like to bake with it anymore. :(
Blessings,
Winona
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Beth - For some reason, I was thinking about you all night and again this morning. It breaks my heart that you think you haven't gotten your family "enough". You take such good care of your family and have opened your home and your heart to both your children and their children. You (and Sam, of course) provide a safe place for all of them and watch your grandchildren so that your children do not have to worry about them and can work whatever hours they need to work. You are giving them a much greater gift than could ever be purchased in any store. I am sure that Caylon and Aaron feel the same way. 😘
Denise
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Awwww Denise. You made me cry. Thank you so much for your words.
I have told my kids that this Christmas will be very slim and they are ok with it. They do realize and are very appreciative of all that Sam and I do for them and provide them with.
I'm just feeling the pressure that comes along with all the advertisements and "stuff" that society puts on people. Ugh.
Thank you again. :-* Love you friend.
Beth
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Love you, too! Just do what I do and yell at the television when those stupid commercials come on and let them know that they are not ruining your Christmas!!
Denise
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Oh, and eat cookie dough. Cookie dough has wonderful restorative properties!
Denise
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Well, Denise and Beth, I was looking for the 'Like' button on this post. LOL Denise, you are so right. Beth, your family is so blessed by you, that I doubt they would care one bit if they didn't get a thing. ;D
Blessings,
Winona
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Well, Denise and Beth, I was looking for the 'Like' button on this post. LOL Denise, you are so right. Beth, your family is so blessed by you, that I doubt they would care one bit if they didn't get a thing. ;D
Blessings,
Winona
me too Winona!!
Denise that was so awesome - you said it soooooo awesome!!!!!!!!
Beth ~ you are an awesome Mama!!!!!!!!!!!!! everyone is so blessed to have you ;)
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Thank you, Cathie and Winona! You are both so sweet. 😘
Denise
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:-*
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DITTO DITTO DITTO What eveyone else said. This is an amazing board with an awesome bunch of ladies who would do anything for anyone. Scrap the material things this Christmas and just help someone! It will make everyone feel better.
You are all awesome.
Beth just be happy your family wants to still be at home and you can help them. Thats a major blessing right there.
Janice
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I know Janice. So many families are torn apart and can't stand each other. It's so sad.
Us Moores on the other hand, have us a modern day Walton's going on here in NC. I do realize what a blessing it is to have my children and grandchildren close to me. (Sometimes it's a little too close but it's all good. ;))
Beth
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I know Janice. So many families are torn apart and can't stand each other. It's so sad.
Us Moores on the other hand, have us a modern day Walton's going on here in NC. I do realize what a blessing it is to have my children and grandchildren close to me. (Sometimes it's a little too close but it's all good. ;))
Beth
hahahahahhaahha
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Beth I agree with all these other ladies, you are awesome!!!! :) :) :) You do what's right for you and your family and don't worry about anyone else. They are all probably the unhappy ones so look at it that way :)
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Cathie I started putting a bit of money away in an envelope at the start of jan last year. I had all my christmas money sitting in an envelope by the end of Aug.
It's a great feeling knowing I don't have to "find" money somewhere and I love that I had it ready. I couldn't put much away each time but it all adds up.
In case you're interested I added in the costs for any stamps for cards, paper, anything at all that I spend extra for at christmas so not just the gifts. Hope this helps ;)
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Oh well....
Aaron has already ordered himself a game cam and his girlfriend is getting him a $300 one for Christmas.
Hmpph.
I really am beginning to dislike Christmas. >:(
Beth
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Laurie - that was a great idea including paper, etc. That is one of the things that always gets me and adds to my stress level - all of the extras.
I took everything out of my hiding place and spread it over the bed to see where I am. This is how it stands right now:
1. Doug's brother and his family: the girls are finished. I may make them a cookie tray but I am not positive. We won't see them until New Year's.
2. Doug's mom: I have one more thing to get for her.
3. Doug's aunt: I have one more thing to get for her.
4. Ed: I have two more things to get for him.
5. The boys' girlfriends: Other than the one thing I bought for Corey's girlfriend, I still have to shop for them.
6. Zachary: I only need to get his stocking stuff.
7. Corey: I need to get at least one more thing and his stocking.
8. Madelyn: one more thing and her stocking.
9. Molly: at least two more things plus her stocking.
10. Doug: I need to make his fruitcakes and buy him one more thing.
11. Doug's sister: I still have to shop for her but I know what I am getting.
I may have to wait until Thursday to go shopping because I would like to use cash if I can and Doug is working tomorrow. But I may just go before then and use my card and pay money towards it on Thursday because I really do feel like I am running out of time and don't want everything to be picked over and not be able to find the sizes I need for some things.
Denise
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Beth - We make it a rule in our family that no one can buy themselves anything from the beginning of November until after Christmas! I think you need that rule. Or at least Aaron does!
Denise
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Cathie I started putting a bit of money away in an envelope at the start of jan last year. I had all my christmas money sitting in an envelope by the end of Aug.
It's a great feeling knowing I don't have to "find" money somewhere and I love that I had it ready. I couldn't put much away each time but it all adds up.
In case you're interested I added in the costs for any stamps for cards, paper, anything at all that I spend extra for at christmas so not just the gifts. Hope this helps ;)
Yes Laurie that's great thanks. I was adding all my costs including a real tree and baking supplies. I think it's really going to help. What I am going to need is self control to NOT touch the money!!!
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Oh well....
Aaron has already ordered himself a game cam and his girlfriend is getting him a $300 one for Christmas.
Hmpph.
I really am beginning to dislike Christmas. >:(
Beth
I'm sorry Beth 😔
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We've got that rule too Denise. ::)
Just like we had the "no premarital sex" rule too. :P
Beth
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We've got that rule too Denise. ::)
Just like we had the "no premarital sex" rule too. :P
Beth
;D ;) ;)
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We've got that rule too Denise. ::)
Just like we had the "no premarital sex" rule too. :P
Beth
Ha!!!! This made my day! 😜😂
Denise
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Yeahhhh.....my kids are not known for following the rules. ;D
If you want a bit of humor in your day, just look to us Moores. We're like a 3 ring circus most days. ;D We were unloading at church on Sunday and Lainey said "Look at everybody looking at us...we must look like a clown car". Yep, that was us....just like the clown car at the circus. ;D
Beth
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Talked to my mom yesterday and stressed the urgency of needing Christmas ideas for her. She said she'd like money towards a certain kind of shoes or restaurant gift cards. I'm fine with that other than the fact that I can't stretch the dollars so much that way ($30 cash is $30 cash, no getting $40 worth out of it on my end, maybe she will when shopping for the shoes).
Left to buy:
Gift card for mom (or send money)
Stocking stuffer for Maddy (a slightly "bigger" thing since the other kids are getting electric toothbrushes)
Candy or something small to fill in stockings
Things for our adopted "family" here-have Chick-Fil-A calendars for the daughters and some things for the dad so far.
Earl and I decided not to buy for each other this year, just can't afford it, and that's ok. We got to take a break from that last year and had fun shopping for each other, and hopefully once his VA money kicks in in May, maybe things will be better next Christmas and we can again.
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Yeahhhh.....my kids are not known for following the rules. ;D
If you want a bit of humor in your day, just look to us Moores. We're like a 3 ring circus most days. ;D We were unloading at church on Sunday and Lainey said "Look at everybody looking at us...we must look like a clown car". Yep, that was us....just like the clown car at the circus. ;D
Beth
😂😂😂
At least the clowns are having fun 😜😂
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Talked to my mom yesterday and stressed the urgency of needing Christmas ideas for her. She said she'd like money towards a certain kind of shoes or restaurant gift cards. I'm fine with that other than the fact that I can't stretch the dollars so much that way ($30 cash is $30 cash, no getting $40 worth out of it on my end, maybe she will when shopping for the shoes).
Left to buy:
Gift card for mom (or send money)
Stocking stuffer for Maddy (a slightly "bigger" thing since the other kids are getting electric toothbrushes)
Candy or something small to fill in stockings
Things for our adopted "family" here-have Chick-Fil-A calendars for the daughters and some things for the dad so far.
Earl and I decided not to buy for each other this year, just can't afford it, and that's ok. We got to take a break from that last year and had fun shopping for each other, and hopefully once his VA money kicks in in May, maybe things will be better next Christmas and we can again.
$30 is a lot Cath. I'm sure she will be grateful with whatever you can do. 💋
I did end up getting Jay some small things but I think the kids will end up giving him the stuff - well except the Victoria Secrets bag 😜😂
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Talked to my mom yesterday and stressed the urgency of needing Christmas ideas for her. She said she'd like money towards a certain kind of shoes or restaurant gift cards. I'm fine with that other than the fact that I can't stretch the dollars so much that way ($30 cash is $30 cash, no getting $40 worth out of it on my end, maybe she will when shopping for the shoes).
Left to buy:
Gift card for mom (or send money)
Stocking stuffer for Maddy (a slightly "bigger" thing since the other kids are getting electric toothbrushes)
Candy or something small to fill in stockings
Things for our adopted "family" here-have Chick-Fil-A calendars for the daughters and some things for the dad so far.
Earl and I decided not to buy for each other this year, just can't afford it, and that's ok. We got to take a break from that last year and had fun shopping for each other, and hopefully once his VA money kicks in in May, maybe things will be better next Christmas and we can again.
$30 is a lot Cath. I'm sure she will be grateful with whatever you can do. 💋
I did end up getting Jay some small things but I think the kids will end up giving him the stuff - well except the Victoria Secrets bag 😜😂
I'm sure he will appreciate that. ;)
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The upside to the snow/ice here is that I have no obligation to go anywhere again today. We baked a batch of Wedding Cookies yesterday and set aside a container to put with my parents' package (my mom loves them). I'd like to bake some other goodie or maybe two today, and then get their box packed up to mail on Monday so I can send it the cheapest way.
I think my biggest challenge at this point is thinking of ideas for the 24 and 27 YO gals who are so kind to my kids to go along with their calendars. Since they both live at home and have jobs, they have ample spending money (or so it seems) and eat out frequently, get their nails done, etc... . So those things don't seem like a luxury to them. I'm still leaning toward $10 gift cards towards a local drive-in restaurant that's popular here, then maybe some cookies packaged up. Their 25 YO sister is a bookworm and much more thrifty with her money (lives away from home and is preparing to be a missionary). I have $17 left on a Barnes and Noble giftcard and we don't have a store here, so I'm going to see if I can find something for her or if it's possible to buy a smaller gift card with that since she could use it up where she lives. Or maybe I could add enough to it to make it an even $20 and give it that way.
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I think my biggest challenge at this point is thinking of ideas for the 24 and 27 YO gals who are so kind to my kids to go along with their calendars.
If you knit, this ear warmer makes up really quickly. They are popular right now, and you get a lot of "bang for the buck" with something like this.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/its-a-cinch-head-wrap-and-collar
Here is a crochet one
http://cottonginstudios.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/complimentary-pattern-textured-headbandear-warmer/
I have made both of these and they are pretty. You can do one in an evening.
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Talked to my mom yesterday and stressed the urgency of needing Christmas ideas for her. She said she'd like money towards a certain kind of shoes or restaurant gift cards. I'm fine with that other than the fact that I can't stretch the dollars so much that way ($30 cash is $30 cash, no getting $40 worth out of it on my end, maybe she will when shopping for the shoes).
Left to buy:
Gift card for mom (or send money)
Stocking stuffer for Maddy (a slightly "bigger" thing since the other kids are getting electric toothbrushes)
Candy or something small to fill in stockings
Things for our adopted "family" here-have Chick-Fil-A calendars for the daughters and some things for the dad so far.
Earl and I decided not to buy for each other this year, just can't afford it, and that's ok. We got to take a break from that last year and had fun shopping for each other, and hopefully once his VA money kicks in in May, maybe things will be better next Christmas and we can again.
$30 is a lot Cath. I'm sure she will be grateful with whatever you can do. 💋
I did end up getting Jay some small things but I think the kids will end up giving him the stuff - well except the Victoria Secrets bag 😜😂
I'm sure he will appreciate that. ;)
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm yeah - me too ;)
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I think my biggest challenge at this point is thinking of ideas for the 24 and 27 YO gals who are so kind to my kids to go along with their calendars.
If you knit, this ear warmer makes up really quickly. They are popular right now, and you get a lot of "bang for the buck" with something like this.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/its-a-cinch-head-wrap-and-collar
Here is a crochet one
http://cottonginstudios.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/complimentary-pattern-textured-headbandear-warmer/
I have made both of these and they are pretty. You can do one in an evening.
That's cute, thanks!
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Glad to pass these along, Greyhoundgirl!
These use very little yarn, so after Christmas I want to make some to use up scraps. They will be nice to have on hand for charity or gift giving.