I have yet to wrap one gift so far,,,I am more or less done,,,just Montes birthday gift. I have everything else...I don't do any baking so other then my tree and wrapping Im good to go.
I love the bubble wrap sheets,,,normally I squeeze then twist but with this you can't so I have to follow their system,,,but I did do the manic type too..
Ive been listening to some christmas music,,,I find I like the bluesy type,,,mariah carey's silent night,,,toni Braxton snowflakes of love is my favorite,,,Cristi, have you heard that song? I keep playing it over and trying to sing like her,,,,Im gonna ask Santa to give me a voice like her's.
I have already told my partner in SM that I won't be doing Evita in the fall/winter next year. That Im going to take it to join a choir. And one charity,,,possibly the Heron Christmas. But will be there for the spring show of HAIR...
I took my fake nails off,,,well I have 3 more to out grow,,,and all I can say is man it hurts! My natural nails are so sharp...I keep scratching myself and leaving marks. And they are so tender.
I went out with Lori as I was saying last night,,,we stopped at a couple of stores along the way,,,I bought the coolest jammies. They look like a pair of jeans but they are flannel material...lol Saw a t-shirt that said,,,step away from my coffee and no one gets hurt.... I loved it but didn't buy. Another t-shirt which I think I may go back and get,,,by any chance are your parents siblings?
Ellen, the weather here has like been close to tropical. We had horrible cold rain, snow, ice,,,then a warm wind came and its t-shirt weather...gotta love that.
Well better get to bed,,,night all
Susan I hope you feel better soon
We know now that he has croup. So it is going to be a mix between stepping outside for a couple minutes, standing in the bathroom with the hot steam, and the vaporizer. But the vaporizer is going constantly so that part is being dealt with. To top it all off, he decided to head butt the computer monitor so he has a red mark on his forehead. As for his croup, he is fine unless he cries, then he gets all barky again.
Marti~ All I can say is UGH to James’ brother for telling that lie. We are most definitely keeping him snug and warm.
Katy~ Thanks for that website. I already picture it being a long night, so that will give me something to read. Tommy is sleeping out in the living room since I will be up and down all night with Brandon. And we barely got any sleep last night, so this should hopefully all be uphill from here on out.
Ellen~ So you like Country music too, huh? Who is your favorite artist? Brandon has tons! He likes Tim McGraw, Rascal Flats, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker to name a few. I wonder what kind of cookie she is as well. Right now we are listening to Christmas music.
Angie~ It is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit outside, so right now we are going out for a couple minutes at a time. We are waiting for the hot water tank to heat up. Then we will return to the bathroom for a sauna treatment and hopefully he will fall asleep.
Mindee - hope your little guy is better today. When my DGDs have this, the parents don't give milk or formula for awhile since it seems to make more phlegm. Just a thought.... Anyway, hope he's up and at 'em today.
Marti - I had a bil who told the biggest whoppers you ever heard! It would be hard to keep a straight face sometimes while listening to him. And, depending on my mood, once in awhile I would tell him that he was full of shinola! He passed away a few years ago, and now my sister is dating a real sweetie. Speaking of the Star Wars trilogy, Mary bought that last year for Neal for Christmas, in the VHS form. I have never seen any of those movies... probably the only person in the USA who hasn't, lol.
Katie - OMG, what a back-stabber your MOH was! And at a funeral, for goodness sakes! Like you, I don't keep toxic people in my life. It's too darn short to be shared with that kind of people, right?
Ellen - YOU GOT SNOW???? YAY!!! Ok, now it's MY turn for snow!!! Hope your kidney infection is better - put down the coffee right now, missy, and get a glass (several glasses full) of water. Or, as Angie said, cranberry juice.
Angie - my stylist-who-I-don't-go-to-anymore used to start talking fast and cutting just as fast! Yikes! Hate when they do that.... Of all the cyberfriends I have, I'd vote you most likely to not have a problem telling the PI boss NO, lol. Like Marti said, you could just tell her there's too much going on. I also did the manic mode on the bubble wrap, lol. It was almost as good as the real thing. Why oh why are we all so facinated w/that? Gotta say I love it and will fight the kids for it, lol.
Susan - hope you're feeling better today. Wow, how cool is it to know your 1 way ticket to Hawaii is taken care of????? Remember the song Two Tickets to Paradise? That's yours and Gaby's new theme song, lol.
Cristi - hope your weekend is going well, and that you're having lots of fun, whatever it is you're doing.
Sue - what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the JLs tell all... so please tell us how you're doing!
Ho ho ho to anyone else reading this.
Well, the party last night was so much fun! I stayed OP and still had plenty to eat. It was good to see the relatives.. some I hadn't seen since the family party last June.
No special plans for today. We want to go see Ocean's 12, but will probably wait til a less busy day for that.
trying to figure out what kind of cookie I am...nothing with peanuts, DS is allergic, lol! How 'bout a snickerdoodle? They are sweet, with a little bite thrown in....
Mindee - hope last night went better with Bdo, how's he doing today?
Marti - As you can tell, I don't stick around people who are attention-hogs. That friendship was a long one and I learned the hard way that life is just too short to spend with toxic people. Trying to remember the last time I dealt with hypochondriacs----and I can't, but i certainly sympathize! Funerals seem to bring out the best and unfortunately the worst in people...and you are stuck there with them out of respect for the departed. I guess you just focus on the well-behaved as much as possible and just try not to drink too much ( that goes for MY family, anyway)
Angie - Since I have a persistent 8 y/o, I am quite skilled in the art of saying NO. (and "well, ok"....but not THAT often ) I bet you can tell your PI boss what you need to to get yourself some time... its the holidays and your son just had major surgery...you are only human after all. Love the bubble wrap - sent it to a bunch of friends who have some OCD issues - should keep them busy for awhile
Jane - the party sounded like fun - and congrats for staying OP to boot! Yeah, the MOH was a big loser, I tell you. She had some big problems, use to come on to all her friend's SOs ( except mine, thank goodness) I'm just glad I shed her along time time ago.....
Susan - hope you and the girls are having a fun Sunday...can't wait to hear what Rocky gets you for Christmas - bet it will be so romantic
Ellen - hope you feel better soon, drink lots of water ya hear. I would love to see pictures of the outside of your house - MY Dh and I were ooohing and aaahing over your pictures last night...
an Cristi's, too I might add - your house is awesome! I am living vicariously through you gals this year as we just have not done much decorating. All the shopping is done, yay! gonna do some cards today, yay! but the house, boo.....oh well, no one seems to mind. We are all so busy with other stuff.... guess we'll get to it this week sometime.
Kids are performing in the holiday program at church today - James is a shepherd - very cute! has a line and everything. Leigh, OTOH, won't sing "Away in the Manger" if her life depended on it and froze during rehearsal yesterday. Oh well, I told her SS teacher " I have a darling little dress for her - at least she'll look cute!" She's only 3, she's only 3....
Then its home and hopefully to get some cards done and start putting together the family website...
DH is running this morning - the road race is called the "Run-nosed Reindeer", then he's rushing to church to meet up with us.
Then we'll just see what the day brings - maybe a tree?
It's been a lonnnng time since I've posted here -- Susan was on pins and needles about her trip to Hawaii last I read...sounds like it went well?
I have been really, really down -- I'm not one to get depressed at Christmas, in fact I usually thrive on the holidays. But between some things going on at work, and some family stuff, and now my husband just had to leave suddenly on a business trip for a week -- I realized this morning that I am profoundly depressed. I cried myself to sleep last night, and had to drive Tim to the airport at 4 am this morning and cried all the way there, and all the way home, and jeez, I'm crying again now. I need to get a grip. And probably some more sleep, since I only got about 2 hours last night.
Thank you to those who sent Christmas cards. I will try to get my act together and get some cards mailed -- if nothing else I will email cards to everyone I have an email address for.
I read through this thread, and will try to go back through at least the last few to catch up on everything. Right now, I need to go back to bed for a bit, though, I think.
Hi there Katiecat
I don't think we've met, so sorry that you are feeling down , it happens to a lot of us,I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time , the feelings are always intensified at this time of year , I know, if it wasn't for the medication I'd probably have drowned in my tears long ago,My suggestion is to go to bed and get some sleep hopefully a whole week of it and when you wake up Tim will be home and things will seem brighter, at least I hope so, not to make light of your situation . I hope that your work and family issues are not extremely serious ,but I do hope you can resolve then soon,Please don't cry because then I will cry and Jane will cry then Angie ,Mindee Susan, Kathy, Katy ,Cristi ,and all the girls will cry and it will be a big mess to clean up and we don't want any more work do we I do hope your feeling better , I wish I had a picture of me to post that surely would cause you some belly busting laughter, but I don't . sorry ,but if you like kitty cats I posted all my kitties on the Christmas thread, most of them are rescued kitties and I love them dearly. I hope you feel better when you wake up ,((((HUGS))))) Pleaaaaaaaaaase don't cry anymore your eyes are all red and swollen.*ELLEN*
Oh Girls I will be back , I need some cof!! anberry juice , I know put down the coffee ,but just one pleaase ,Ok I'LL BE BACK (in Angies best Arnold Voice)
I got up at 9:00 this morning....it's been awhile since I've been up this early!
Angie--So when is your hubby's birthday? What do you have planned for him? I hope you spoil him rotten (or he spoils you...who cares whose birthday it is) and you two have a wonderful time. I sent the bubble wrap to a lot of e-mail friends......now....to rumage through my house and find some real stuff!
Mindee--Poor baby. With everyone crowding around in all the public places, it's hard to keep the babies from getting sick. I hope he starts to feeling better soon. How is Tommy liking his job?
Jane--So, why haven't you seen any of the Star Wars movies? Now for me, movies I have never seen are the James Bond movies. James always thinks that's crazy for some reason and says "Everybody has seen Bond Movies"....not me. Don't know why, just never interested me. Maybe someday though.
Katy--I don't tend to enjoy the company of attention makers either. I usually let them do all the talking and let them have their say. And then, if they realize that I'm just sitting there maybe they'll have a clue. (I don't think so) But w/family it's hard to just not see them any more, you know? With James' brother and my stepmom.......eventually we have to see them. (maybe next time I'll have my glasses of wine) notice I said glasses!
Katie--I'm so sorry you're feeling so down. I wish I could come right over, give you a big hug, sit down with you and chat about anything and everything to let it all out. Since I can't come right over, know that I'm sending you a great big hug your way!! ((((((HUGS)))))) and that you are in my thoughts.
Ellen--Did you enjoy that cup of cofberry juice??? I'm no good at taking directions either. If it's coffee I'm wanting, then it's coffee I'm having! But seriously, do try and drink some cranberry juice......I've even heard that a beer can help also.....now who in the world told me that???
Not much on the agenda today....or maybe I do. I need to finish laundry. Head to the grocery store, my fridge is making rude comments about not keeping it full, and I need to go to walmart here in town to find some stocking stuffer idea's. Then.....make some cookies. Not sure what kind though.
Later on I will take some better pictures and I'll be back to post them.
I was straightening up my dining room area when I realized I had a bag burried underneath my coat hanging on one of the chairs. It's a bag that we bought gifts for the "Santa for Seniors" program. Have any of you heard of that? We thought that the seniors would be more appreciative (not that the little ones wouldn't be, but it would last longer) and so we chose two names from the tree. Both women. Not sure how old they are. One wanted a Teddybear (James' choice) the other wanted a sweater and a stuffed animal (my choice)
It was so cute watching James pick out this teddy bear. A large (but not too big) very soft and squeezable bear. He carried it carefully and wouldn't put it on the counter at the registar so it wouldn't get dirty. He didn't want to give a dirty gift. I just smiled at him and said "you're just too sweet"
Then he started telling me that when we go back to put the gift under the tree, that there will be lots of names still hanging up. And that made him sad. I told him that we can't afford to buy everyone a gift, but if he wanted we could choose a couple more.
Where did I meat this sweet and caring man????? Just gotta love him.
I had to share......when I saw that bag, it just brought a smile to my face!!
Hi everyone
Hope this day finds everyone better,Yes I did enjoy the cofberry juice ,I know I shouln't drink coffee but if I don't have at least one cup by seven o'clock I will be going through withdrawl symptoms and I will feel even worse than I do now But I will try and be good now that I have had my fix of coffee.
Hi Marti
Sounds like you have a busy day planned .don't overdo now, except maybe at walmart, and the cookies mmmmmmm I can almost smell them ,what kind are we having ????? Me thinks you will be pooped by the days end ,so get plenty of rest and cookies I hear that they help almost everything.Have a great day Marti.
Hi Dr.Katy
So your a snickerdoodle huh sweet with a bite sounds kind of naughty I hope the little ones made out well at the Christmas play did James remember his lines and did Leigh sing like the angel she is, I remember the Christmas pagent I was in when I was five which is funny since I don't remember any childhood memories, must have been a good one ,anyway I remember I was the angel and I helped to make my wings with angel hair cotton batting and sparkles ,I thought they were so beautiful and I was so proud of them,I wonder now ,what they really looked likeI hope you get your cards all done and get that Christmas tree and get that Christmas tree ,sorry I already said that didn't I must have been a hiccup,Hint Hint Have a great day decorating the tree and thanks for the advise is the bill in the mail
Hi Jane
I'm still getting a little snow but not much is accumulating yet ,but its supposed to snow all week so surely some of it has to stay have you any yet, shall I put in an extra order for you How is everyone in your family doing is Dale feeling better ,are the little ones alright and how the heck are you? I see I missed Neal's birthday so I wrote him a poem:
Happy Birthday Janes, Neal
What is there to say
I did not know ,I promise you
About your special day
I have no excuses , so I feel really bad
I'd send you a kiss ,but Jane might get mad
So I guess I'll just wish you ,a wonderful year
And take Janes word for it, you are a dear
I saw you reading . grandchildren aglow
Its easy to see that they Love Grandpa so
So have a 100 more years of memories to build
And may everyone of them be, lovingly filled
Have a great day Jane
Hi Mindee
How are you all doing ,How is little Brandon today? Hope he is feeling a little better.Glad to hear your taking Dr.Katy's advise Its so hard on little ones being sick ,actually its hard on anyone,Yes I do love country music I love all kinds of music,and I mean all kinds.Tim McGraw is good to listen to and better to look at I love Faith Hill ,Vince Gill ,Keith Urban,Lonestar ,Diamond Rio, Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, and the list goes on,Vince Gills Christmas Album is one of my favourites,Ihope you are having a good day and I hope the little sweetie is better soon ((((((Hugs to all))))
Hi Angie
Hey I want to go to Moxies for Bellini's I remember how good those sounded when you mentioned them before mmmmmmmm.Sorry to hear Brandon had a fall so happy to hear he's ok,that must have scared the jeepers out of you.I do hope he's feeling better now, It must be hard on him being so limited in his activities or lack of.Hows that cutie Tanner ? Your Jammies sound so cute.I need some of those actually I need a lot of a lot of things,clothes wise hair wise ,I love the T-shirt step away from my coffee thats too cute and perfect for me to. I had artificial nails years ago ,not to long ,but I Love the way they look ,make you feel so feminine, my nails are a mess, as is the rest of me right now ,I want a makeover,and I want it now Are you trying to grow your own nails out ,do you not like the other nails, or are you tired of the upkeep and cost?Have you heard of the nail product TIPS its an amazing product,you should give it a try if you want to grow out your nails and keep them beautiful. I also love Toni Braxton's snowflakes of love , I hope your having a wonderful day ,but its gloomy and cold here again today, now that the snow has stopped falling, time to turn of the Christmas lights in and out,
Hi Susan
Are you in Hawaii yet can I come with you do you think Rocky would spring for another ticket or at least some Mac nuts I'm easy to please.I hope your feeling better today and little Gaby is to (((HUGS TO YOU GIRLS))))
I want to make a gingerbread house theres something I haven't done gingerbread cookies I have I want to do that for sure, I forgot to string my popcorn this year I always do it for the kitchen decorations , maybe I will still get to it .but I'm not sure ,I hope your having a great day Susan and let me know if I have to pack,
Hi Julie
How are you doing,have I just been missing you here I hope not ,how did your Wedding go .was it this weekend oh I forget , I hope your feeling well ,did you get your decorating and your Christmas Shopping done yet ,I do hope that work is going well and your having a wonderful day Julie
Hi Sue
How are you doing ,Hows the weather where ever you are ?where are you anyways, I hope that your feeling well and not have come down with any of these miserable viruses that everyone seens to be getting ,Stay well and I hope that everything is turning around for the better familly wise and your having a wonderful day.
I hope I didn't miss anyone but Hi to Everyone else is I did Hope this message finds you well and having a great day.
Well I must get back to cleaning my chandeleirs I had to take a break, its hard on the legs, arms, neck and back and that already aches, I should have cleaned the lighting fixtures before I decorated but I wasn't in the mood since it takes the better part of two days to hand polish all the crystals, so now I have to do it since they don't sparkle so good right now ,so I will be back probably when my next break comes probably sooner than later ,
Hi Kathy
How are you doing , are you settled in yet,your running out of time ,Christmas is coming ,get them horses hitched I will be there soon ,well it may take a while this darn sleigh is heavy, so I have to stop to rest my legs every few minutes.I hope your having a great day although I'm sure its busy at your house.
Hi Marti
I Have not heard of Santa's for Seniors ,but I would love to contribute to something like that,so I am going to look into it here and see if we have a program like that, thanks for sharing , thats so nice
Ok, I'm confused...how often do roses bloom??? This rose bush in my backyard is budding and some are opening. They had already bloomed during the summer/fall time.
What is really bizarre...is that last week I didn't see any signs of blooming or budding....now here they are. AND....this was my grandma's favorite rose bush, we were going to pull it and plant it in her yard before she got ill.
Think it's grandma saying "Merry Christmas"? I think so.
Hi Marti
I think you could be right, thoughts like that can really make your heart feel warm.One day a few months after my Grandma died I was feeling blue , I was sitting on my bed and suddenly what felt like someones breath gently passed across my face, with her scent ,it was undeniably her gentle touch to say I'm here, I have never for a minute doubted it was her .I often think of that moment one I will cherish always.
Katie, Christmas time isn'ta lways about happy fun filled times,,,I know I feel emotional during this time of year,,,I hate knowing all the people who are feeling blue cause of loved ones not with them right now. Big hugs to you...get some rest and keep coming here,,,,
Ellen,,,how the infection? I love that poem you wrote for Neal,,,you are so talented. And btw,,,I didn't get to see your pictures...hint hint
Marti,,,James is definitely a keeper...how sweet he is. I had a lump in my throat reading about you both buying for the seniors,,,I know many who are alone or worse forgotten at this time of year. Monte wouldn't let me go to pick Grandma up at the seniors home on holidays cause it took be forever to leave,,,I would talk to everyone,,,so many were lonely.
I would have to agree that the roses blooming is your grandma saying hello,,,cherish that.
Katy,,,snickerdoodle? I know Im something like a Snickers,,,sweet and nutty.
I know its not TOM, but omg I am so emotional right now,,,,not really sad but just teary over everything. I did rehearsal tonight and I was debating leaving the room when it came to the one sad part but I hung in there and then had to almost use my sleeve to wipe my eyes and nose. I can't listen to the radio cause I bawled the other day when listening to Christmas stories...
Well I should try to finish that darn tree...lol
OMG I finally actually went looking for thise pictures you all are talking about...Ellen why are you not a house decorator? I know companies that would pay big bucks for you to make their place look like that...your house is beautiful.
Too many posts to try to catch up on. Miss a day posting and everyone posts thru-out the day. I did catch up reading the posts last night but didn't have time to post.
Anywho...
Katie~I am sorry to hear you are feeling a little depressed. Hope that passes soon. And yes, of course we remember you. We miss seeing ya here.
Ellen~hope you are feeling better. Used to love Vince Gill, till the Amy Grant thing. I still listen to both their music tho. Love his and her Christmas tape, a few years old, the ones I have but love them.
Mindee~hope little Brandon is better. There is a small town here that basically almost shut the town down last week because the croup was going around. They were interviewing people who had businesses and while they had lost a lot they said they would rather lose it than see the whole town get sick. Is Uncle Kracker considered country music? I didn't realize that. I have the one CD and love it, the one with Drift Away on it.
Katy~thank you, you are too kind. Snickerdoodle huh? Well, I must say they are my favorite cookie.
Marti~when we lived in Joplin, MO the kids and I picked five seniors from the electric company. They did the senior thing just the one year. But it amazed me the little things that they wanted, some wanted food, can goods, one lady wanted just a blanket, and a few other simple things. But even tho they only wanted one or two little things we made it good for them. I had called to volunteer with helping deliver the gifts but they had been over run with volunteers and didn't need anymore. I just would have loved to see their faces. That's cool that you and James are doing that this year. And they really do appreciate it because a lot of them are alone and have no one so to know that someone out there cares is just great to them, it makes their Christmas.
Hi to everyone else.
Wanted to thank you ladies (Jane, Julie, Angie, & Shanna) for the beautiful cards I received yesterday. Angie, silly girl, you put Christine in the card. DH asked if I am going by a different name on 3fc. Told him only Cristi...no one else calls me that. Anyway And Angie for the magnet calendar, so cute, Jane for the pic of Katie-such a beauty and Julie the pic of the doggies-so cute!
V and I went running around yesterday when he got home. he worked 1/2 a day. Well, it was actually a full 8 hours, just seemed like a 1/2 day because he got home at 1:45-works 5-1:30 on the weekends. We went to some antique malls. I just love looking at all the old stuff. Haven't really seen anything yet that I can't live without but one day would like to fill my house with antiques. Today we went to Mass, more bratty kids. You know, if I had to fight as much as these people do with their kids to try and keep them quiet and to sit still for 2 seconds I wouldn't even bother going. I would get a babysitter or not go at all. One thing about the other church they had a quiet room to take your kids to if they start. Plus 1/4 of the way thru the service the older kids went somewhere else to color etc. this church doesn't do that. Anyway, makes me not want to go. Anyway, have been lazy today. Watched Christmas movies all day and took a nap at 4 pm. couldn't stay awake for some reason.
That's about all I have ladies. Gonna try and find some more Christmas movies to watch. Loving the Family channel and Hallmark channel-lots of Christmas movies I have never seen.
Hi Angie
So glad you enjoyed the pictures and thankyou so much, did you get your Christmas tree decorated at last, I had never heard of a Seniors program do you know if we that anywhere here in Canada , I sure would like to be a part of that , I agree with you Angie they are so lonley. I have an aunt in a nursing home and its so sad to see them all just sitting there alone , always giving a smile to anyone who will acknowledge them , makes you want to cry . They require so little and a gesture like that would be so appreciated . Oh Oh you sound like me ,getting all teary eyed, sometimes I will feel fine and a song plays and the tears well up, I don't know ,maybe we should ask Dr. Katy Sounds like you have been extremely busy , but thats not unusual for you now is it..I swear I don't know where your energy comes from,must be those Bellini'sWell if you can believe it I haven't got much to say,still waiting to see if the snow falls like its supposed to, I only finished cleaning one lighting fixture so tomorrow I hopefully will do better,they look nice but they are a pain to clean. I hope you have a good night ,but I guess its getting close to bedtime isn't it. So I suggest for you to hop into those new jammies and get some rest,night Angie
and good night to everyone else ,I guess maybe I will make this an early night tonight once I check to see if my kitty is at the door , I will fix him some vittles and his ((Pablum)) yes he loves pablum, before he came indoors he had trouble eating so I used to make him warm pablum to make sure he got some nutrients ,I know what your thinking and dog gone it your right, but I am a softee ,even the possums and raccoons dine here whats a girl to do.Well night all
Well Hi there Mrs Cristi
you popped in as I was popping out just wanted to say Hi ,I thought I might make it an early night ,maybe I will finish my book depends how the eyes hold up I do Love the Vince Gill Christmas cd its one of my favorites,I listen to it all the time.I am feeling a bit better thankyou, Well have a good night Cristi
Ok, now it's MY turn for snow!!! Hope your kidney infection is better - put down the coffee right now, missy, and get a glass (several glasses full) of water. Or, as Angie said, cranberry juice. 
) I bet you can tell your PI boss what you need to to get yourself some time... its the holidays and your son just had major surgery...you are only human after all. Love the bubble wrap - sent it to a bunch of friends who have some OCD issues - should keep them busy for awhile 
I'm no good at taking directions either. If it's coffee I'm wanting, then it's coffee I'm having! But seriously, do try and drink some cranberry juice......I've even heard that a beer can help also.....now who in the world told me that???
have you any yet, shall I put in an extra order for you How is everyone in your family doing is Dale feeling better ,are the little ones alright and how the heck are you? I see I missed Neal's birthday so I wrote him a poem:
And Angie 
