The roads were icy here this morning but I didn't have to work. I spent the morning boxing up stuff and then left Brian at home while I went to a funeral for a scouting friend. Afterwards I went to lunch with my handyman friend and then he came over at took a look at the garage door. It looks like it is working but if not then I probably need a new opener.

Then Brian and I got his merit badge books and browsed at the Hobby Lobby for an hour. We got a couple of squirrel statues for the backyard (why squirrels? I have no idea but that is what Brian wanted and they looked nice and were half off - good enough for me). We also got some wood for him to do woodcarving.

Jen - I've been in a caramel corn mood lately...you're not helping. ;)

Well, we decided that we were just going to do a brunch as our big meal on Christmas day. We usually have a large afternoon meal with all the trimmings but with my impending labor and my SIL with a hurt back - it just doesn't seem feasible this year. We're still going to get together and will probably have some snacks, but nothing huge. I bought stuff to make an egg casserole, fruit salad and homemade cinnamon rolls - also bought some sparkling white grape juice for "mimosas" on Christmas morning.

Tomorrow morning we're going to MIL's for a lunch and our Christmas celebration. LL is supposed to be here around 8 in the morning to work on the tile, so we have to be up and ready before he gets here.

Zeff - I'll PM you the recipe if you want it. It is good!!

A brunch sounds nice. Sometimes snack food can be just as filling as a big meal. We have appetizer parties from time to time and they are usually a big hit!

I am making some Maple-Cinnamon Pull-Apart loaf for Christmas morning. Not OP at all!! LOVE Pillsbury webite. Sounded easy and something the kids would love.

So, I was telling my brother tonight about my train surprise. (He was with me at the store that night). And he tells me I got the wrong train!! I tried calling around, but of course, they are all sold out. Now I am nervous. Hopefully this one will be close enough and he'll be so excited he won't notice!
The one at the store was all set up as a winter wonderland, so I bought the snow felt and some buildings, trees and figurines to go around the train. Hopefully it looks similiar to the store display. I sure hope I don't ruin the surprise because I got the wrong train!

DH is putting together DD's barbie castle as we speak. I try to preassemble some of the toys ahead of time. Otherwise we'll spend our Christmas morning cutting things from boxes and putting them together. All with nagging children asking if we are done yet! All the other gifts are wrapped and ready to go. I am so excited!! I can't wait for Christmas morning.

In-laws are coming tomorrow night. I need to clean up the house and put finishing touches on the meal. Can't believe the holiday is here already!

Jen,

We do the same with putting things together before they open them. We're doing it with the kitchen that DS is getting this year...DH has been working on it for almost 2 hours now.

btw, I burned the crap out of my thumb and forefinger tonight....I feel your pain, girl.

Hello, everyone! I'm headed to Pennsylvania tomorrow for a week to be with the family. I already know its going to be rough; at least I know you'll all be here when I get back to help me through the detox ;) Anyway, I hope you all have a great holiday, and I'll see ya in a week!
amanda

just returned from the hospital. I wasn't going to go in, but when I called for some advice they said to come in immediately as they would prefer that I wasn't in labor before my section.

I'm on some killer pain meds, though.

whoohoo!