I made a list first thing this morning. So far, I’ve only crossed 3 things off the list!! But I still have a few hours to go before leaving to usher again. I was able to snap a quick picture of the cast before they went back stage last night.

After breakfast I went down to L&L Fleatique. Tomorrow is their big Holiday Open House, but since I will be at the camp luncheon I won’t be here to go. So I walked around down there for an hour. So many cool things, and so many of them Christmas! Lots of them brought back memories, and some of them I already have. Peanuts items are really high ticket items!

Summer stopped down here to spend some time with Autmn and Cameron. It’s fun to hear the girls talking. Cameron is napping in his little pack n play and the girls are watching a movie.

I don’t think I’ve seen one peep out of the sun all day! It’s been cloudy and dreary and rainy, and I’m glad to be inside. Again, I dislike having to go back outside once it gets colder and is dark. But I’ll usher, because I promised!

Sir Rege finally sent me a picture of the beach. I assumed he would send me a picture of him sitting on the beach. Not so…

Good news! Christina was awarded a nice scholarship to Point Park University. Well deserved! So proud of her hard work, dedication, and talent!

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TOMORROW December 2nd is:

National Play Outside Day; National Fritters Day; Skywarn Recognition Day; National Mutt Day; National Special Education Day.

I have a feeling playing outside tomorrow will be uncomfortable! I’ll stick with the Camp luncheon and just getting my work done inside. God bless…

The morning sunshine cast shadows on the blind this morning. Love my little Peanuts guys!

Just as I pulled into Jeannette this morning I got a txt that there were no deals and I didn’t need to come down. Since I was already there I ran in and checked on Barry. He’s still feeling pretty lousy. There’s no one to cover for him if he leaves…

So I drove up to Greensburg, and just as I pulled in I got a txt that there were no deals and I didn’t need to come in! Since I was already there I ran in to check on Joe, who was also sick. Probably a good thing I didn’t have to work, as I don’t need them to share that with me!

When I left for work, my neighbor was mowing his lawn, despite the snowy patches still on the grass…

I popped into the bank (which was super busy – took me half an hour to cash a check!), then dropped in at the mall. I was in the mood for Barbara Ann’s Country store. I was looking for a matching coaster for my hot pad. We had a tough time, because the one that is supposed to match obviously does not. I did purchase it, but I feel like someone at that company is color blind and short sighted! It still looks nice.

After a quick lunch of grilled cheese I mixed up a batch of cinnamon rolls. I always make a mess when I bake these days. I just cleaned the kitchen yesterday but had to do it again.

Yesterday morning I had breakfast at Bob Evans with my former neighbor Ginny. Her friend Joann is cleaning out their house because they are moving to California and was giving things away. Ginny knew I like all things Williamsburg so she scarfed these up to share with me! I’m very excited to have them, especially the candle holder. It’s my favorite.

Jen sent me a picture of Christina. She got braces yesterday. It will be a little discomfort but expecting beautiful results! She’s beautiful already!

Tomorrow being December first, I will pay bills, change the wooden Snoopy calendar, and pick up Autmn and Cameron for a few hours’ visit in the afternoon. Gotta get my baby fix!

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TOMORROW December 1st is:

National Pie Day; Antarctica Day; National Bartender Day; National Eat a Red Apple Day; Faux Fur Friday; World Aids Day; Rosa Parks Day; Day Without Art.

Celebrate! God bless…

Today’s post is a little different. I’ll catch up on everyday events tomorrow! One of which is that even the horses on the hill are bundled up!

I have heard it said that things that come easy are not appreciated as much as those you work hard for, or have to go through trials to accomplish. I think quite possibly that is my sentiments on my Christmas adventure this past week. It seemed so much more difficult and labor intensive this year to dress the house in its Christmas finery.

The bins and boxes seemed heavier and less organized than other years. The garage felt colder and the house smaller; where did all this stuff GO? I carried treasures throughout the house, placing and replacing and moving them around, again and again. Sometimes two or three days later I would be struck with an idea, and rearrange one item after another.

But the end result (maybe not the end YET!!??) is that every little item that I placed, every ornament that I hung up, every set of lights that I strung, every strand of tinsel that I draped on the tree branches, and every holiday Snoopy that I carried around from place to place, now speak volumes. Every little item draws my eyes to it, and I find delight in all of it. Every last piece. Even the window stickees seem to be in the perfect place. This morning I walked into the living room and smiled at the Williamsburg tree that I struggled with yesterday as it seemed so scrawny as I put it together. And when I get to writing out Christmas cards, it will be like Bing Crosby sings in the Irving Berlin song: I dream… with every Christmas card I write.

Above all else, every room has a nativity of some sort, and I am drawn to them. Maybe it’s because of baby Cameron, and how tiny he is — like baby Jesus. I think of the next few years and how every string of lights, shimmering glitter, and bright colors will excite him, and I can’t wait to watch his delight! Autmn explained to him already that every year Mimi (me) would tell him the story of baby Jesus and how important He is. And I will. UPSTAIRS Nativities:

DOWNSTAIRS Nativities:

So I will sing with the Christmas CD’s, watch the holiday movies (sappy or not), drink tea from singing mugs, eat York Peppermint Patties in the shape of snowflakes, and enjoy sharing my small, over-decorated home with family and friends. And I will be glad for the hard things, because it makes me appreciate the holy holidays so much more!

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TOMORROW November 30th is:

National Personal Space Day; National Mississippi Day; National Mason Jar Day; National Mousse Day (at least it’s not MOUSE day!); Stay Home Because You’re Well Day; Computer Security Day.

Mason Jars have their own day? Well, ok! Tomorrow I am going to call the plumber – my drains are still gurgling! Have a happy day and may your drains all be clear. God bless…

Jen’s Ninth Life Auction will shut down tomorrow at 8pm. I did bid on several things. Possibility I can keep on top of it and be high bidder. We will see! Just little things, because I certainly don’t need anything! While I was finishing checking on the bids, I heard my drains gurgling. I suspect they are clogged and that means a drain specialist. Haven’t had a problem for about 2 years — and that is a long time. It used to be every 8 months or so. We’ll see what happens next!

Autmn and Cameron were here all afternoon. He is such a funny baby! He was smiling and trying to make noises (other than crying!). He’s not even 2 months old and he loves to stand up and bounce! He also loves music and loves when we sing to him!

Autmn is working on a blanket for herself. It’s almost done. Very pretty!

In between cuddles and feedings and diaper changes I did get both trees up. I do have to put icicles on the big tree. Autmn helped me put the ornaments on. I think she enjoyed doing that, because I just let her do it however she felt inspired to do it! I also got the bins back on the shelves and the car pulled inside. Big accomplishment!

It was in the 20’s today and very cold. There is a thin coating of snow on the grass and I’m sure there are icy patches on the roads.

There were deals at both stores this morning. I walked into Jeannette and Barry announced that he has pneumonia! They are so short handed that he can’t stay home, but other than feeling tired he didn’t feel too sick. He actually looked and sounded fine – but I’m sure he’s exhausted.

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Tomorrow November 29th is:

National Package Protection Day; Electronic Greeting Day.

Tomorrow is breakfast with Ginny, my former neighbor. Then it’s home to clean the house! Have a warm and happy day! God bless…

Thanks to everyone for being patient and waiting until today for my post! It was COLD all day – in the low to mid 30’s. And there was a wind, which made it worse. A few flurries but nothing stuck, at least not here. My friend Di is driving back all day from Wisconsin, and they got some snow there over the weekend.

BUT – I worked this morning, helped Mike P with something strange that PENNDOT ‘screwed’ up, and stopped at the bank. Came home and made a turkey pot pie. It was yummy. I had it for lunch and supper.

I got all the boxes finished and the decorating is done except for the tree. I should be able to finish it tomorrow if work doesn’t take too long.

Last night I watched A Biltmore Christmas on Hallmark. I thought it was really good. I need to watch it again – I pick up things I missed the first time. Right now I’m listening to A Bramble House Christmas. One of my older favorites.

Here are some pictures from Sunday School. Jackson and Cody were playing before class. Grace, our little fashionista, always looks so cute. She’s definitely a girly girl! Max wanted me to wait until next week so he could wear a tie! I said I’d take one next week, too! I asked each of them what they were thankful for. Here are their replies:

Max: Our great church. Grace: Family. Cody: His dump truck. Jackson: Pirates. Miss Mary: Her friend Marge!!! Me: my sweet class!

The extension cord is fixed/replaced – despite those wascally wabbits! Hope they leave it alone now! I still have ironing to do before I’m done with the day.

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TOMORROW November 28th is:

National Alan Day; Red Planet Day; National Day of Giving (#GIVINGTUESDAY); National French Toast Day.

Well if your name is Alan you can certainly celebrate! And why not give to your favorite charity or organization? I signed up for a monthly donation to MY favorite charity but I doubt it will be processed tomorrow. I also doubt I’ll have French toast. Celebrate! God bless…

I’m worn out – I worked all day yesterday and all day today after church getting boxes out. I did pace myself, but all day is all day. I think if I stuck my feet in water they would sizzle!

I will catch up on posting in the morning! (or SOMETIME tomorrow.)

TOMORROW is National Craft Jerky Day; National Bavarian Cream Pie Day, and Cyber Monday.

I have a CD I want to order online tomorrow. I hope to do that before work. OH! And today would have been Charles Schulz’s birthday! I DID celebrate that, spending some time with my Snoopys.

Have a great day and God bless…

I left the house this morning early to meet Matt in Bentleyville. He left his backpack at my place Thursday and needed it back. So halfway was good. I stopped on the way home and picked up Autmn and Cameron. He’s changing subtly each time I see him. We had fun with him and his buddy Snoopy!

At about 3pm I took A & C up to her mom’s; she only lives a mile up the road. She was spending the afternoon helping them decorate and the girls all love fussing over Cameron. I turned on the outside lights and realized that the Snoopy and the deer were not lit. I investigated and to my shock (!!!) I found that the bunnies had chewed through the wires on the extension cord! And yes, I did find out the hard way! I will stop tomorrow and get a new outdoor extension.

I was able to get a few more boxes emptied. I was surprised that I could so easily pick what I wanted to put out and what was staying tucked away. The kitchen is always the hardest. I have dozens and dozens of towels and dishes and little accessories. I got out the ones I knew I would use!

Time to cuddle down on the couch with the poinsettia blanket and pillow and chill. I’ll attack the boxes again tomorrow!

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TOMORROW November 26th is:

National Second Hand Sunday; National Cake Day.

Tomorrow it’s back to the boxes! I’ll be happy to get one or two done. God bless….

It was a strange day! I did sleep well after a long, busy, but fun Thanksgiving day. I started the day – after breakfast – sorting and putting away all the fall decorations. It took a lot longer than I presumed it would, but everything is tucked away where it belongs, safe and sound.

After a break for a snack – muffin! – I took all the Christmas boxes off of the shelves and spread them around the garage. I pretty much knew what was in each box, and am excited to start sorting things out tomorrow.

I started today by putting up the inside lights. Got everything except the lights on the stair railing. Just ran out of energy.

Tomorrow morning I have to meet Matt in Bentleyville (half-way point, more or less). He left his back pack here and will need it for the weekend. On the way back I’m going to pick up Autmn and Cameron to come and help me decorate. It will be a few years before Cameron can really ‘help’ but maybe he’ll notice the lights. One little thing after another just kept popping up!

Nate was cleaning gutters today and was next door at Mr. G’s. He took the ladder and checked out my roof – everything looks good. So I’m glad for that! My gutters have leaf guards so they are always ok.

I’m listening to Mystery on Mistletoe Lane – I watched it once so I can follow close enough just by listening. I’ll get supper and settle in, knowing I have a few early morning chores!

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Tomorrow November 25th is:

National Play Day with Dad; Small Business Saturday; National Parfait Day; Shopping Reminder Day; Blasé Day.

So, it’s OK to be blasé about anything you want. Oh, and tomorrow is 1 month until Christmas Day. It’s almost here! God bless…

I was up at 4:30am to do a final scrub on the turkey and make the stuffing, and get that bird in the oven. Once it was all done, I climbed back in bed and … couldn’t fall asleep! I was wide awake. So it’s 8:01pm and I’m out of steam. I can’t even get the Thanksgiving decorations put away. It will wait until morning!

I stuck a CD in and am watching a very old Christmas movie, THE GIFT OF LOVE, with Marie Osmond and Timothy Bottoms. I haven’t watched it in ages and it was fun to have on while I was working.

But the day was super nice – and fun to have everyone here. Cameron was a good little guy on his first Thanksgiving. He did NOT get to eat turkey but next year will be different. Everyone left early – about 3pm – as they had obligations of other places to go.

Nate just bought a new pre-owned car! An Acura SUV. He is very excited and happy. Chris likes driving that – and Jen is co-pilot! Congrats to all of them.

Before they left Peyton and his friend Kayden helped me take the fall lights down on the deck and put the Christmas ones up. Matt got the white deer out of the shed and we switched out the projector in the front yard to my red and green dots. I love them!

OH! And I found out that Christina got accepted to Point Park University to major in Photography and business. I really hope she can get her funding! She’s very excited! I’m proud of her!

I’m out of energy so I’ll sign off. Have a lovely weekend, and if you go out for Black Friday shopping I hope you find all the bargains you need!

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TOMORROW November 24th is:

You’re Welcomegiving Day; Maize Day; Buy Nothing Day; Black Friday; National Native American Heritage Day; National Day of Listening Day; National Flossing Day; National Sardines Day.

Let’s see. I will —- stay home and work on decorations! It will be a jungle out there. God bless!

I got up this morning and put the turkey to soak in cold water first thing. Then I got my shower and had breakfast. I set to cleaning the house and alternately bathing the turkey. It’s now tucked in the fridge, wrapped in Saran Wrap until 4am when I stuff it. I also put the onion and celery to simmer in oleo. The house is clean and the laundry is done.

I did pop over to the store and picked up a few items. What started as one thing on my list ended up as about 10 things! I had to get Chase a bag of Goldfish. Can’t have Thanksgiving in Chase’s world without Goldfish!

Ron sent me a few more pictures. He and his adventure buddy ended up on the AT for a few miles, which was nice memories for him. I’m sure they had a good time. This time they were in Georgia.

While the onions and celery were simmering I got my Christmas clothes out and stuck them in the closet. So that task is done!

Kelly got her oven fixed and was able to start baking. First batch done!

Snoopy’s calendar page today struck a note with me…

So tomorrow is the big day! However you celebrate, whatever you have at your meal, I hope you are surrounded by friends and family and good food!

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TOMORROW November 23rd is:

National Cashew Day; Wolfenoot; Fibonacci Day; National Expresso Day; Turkey Free Thanksgiving Day; National Day of Mourning; Thanksgiving Day; National Eat a Cranberry Day.

There are a lot of strange celebrations tomorrow. Look some of them up. I’ll stick with the obvious! God bless…