Oh my STARS. . .

Well, I just ran across the CUTEST little Christmas crafty idea from Today's Creative Blog, a blog I would need a twelve step program to stop checking on a daily basis. The latest post talks about a lady by the name of Teresa McFayden, and she has a blog that she posts cute little crafty vintage products!

(Isn't that like. . . a BLOG of a BLOG of a BLOG???)

Anyways, the cutest idea is that you can have your kids help make these (they seem simple, and I've done 3-D stars before, and I think I have all the "ingredients. . . ) and give these as teacher gifts this year! What a fantastic idea!!

Click here for the free star template from Teresa. LOVE IT!!

Trimming the Tree

So, Peyton was very persistent about putting up the tree. I think she and Brendan did a superb job. Yes, my tree is a single tree. I am not the kind of woman that puts up twelve trees around her house, decorating per "themes" in which I torture myself in trying to find decorations for. No, I'm a practical woman. So there she is. . . the TREE. Notice that it isn't your typical "white light" tree. If given the choice, I would probably prefer white lights, as opposed to colored. However, when your hubby purchases a brand new, pre-lit tree, and asks that grand old question, "Colored or White?" I felt compelled, since becoming a mother of two young children, and also finding out that I am a decendent of Booker T. Washington, to blurt out, "COLORED!" in the middle of Wal-Mart, as onlookers pretend not to notice my sweaty brow from the pressure of future years with this tree, dangling onto my current decision before me. Now, mind you, I'm very proud of my heritage, and recently finding out about my latest branch in the family tree centuries ago has thrilled me to no end. It explains my love of soul music, and my artistic singing voice. It does not, however, explain why I can't get a suntan, only a sunBURN, everytime I step foot out of the house in the summer.

So, now that the tree is up, what's left? I'm gonna group it into categories. My "To-Do", if you will:

1) Decorations (Well, the tree is up. What more do ya want!? LOL - okay. I'll put up some outdoor lights. There's nothing more satisfying than driving up to your own OOOO's and AAAHH's.

2) Shopping. I am singling this out from WRAPPING, simply because for ME, the two are done at two separate times. I wish I were more together like these Martha Stewart-y types, in whom a mere purchase of an item calls into motion handmade bows and paper that fly out of the shelves like birds and critters in a Snow White movie, the minute I cross the threshold. No, I'm practical. I stuf them into my closet, PRAY that my children will NEVER see my treasures, then wait until I get a moment away from them and lay out in the floor and start the wrapping process.

3) Wrapping. Naturally follows SHOPPING. See #2.

4) Christmas Cards. As previously stated, I do enjoy making my own cards. I now have pictures, and I'm ready to start putting together my newest holiday treasure. Stay tuned.

5) Baking. This is usually done closer to Christmas, but it never hurts to go ahead and fill the pantry with items you KNOW you'll need. Then, when the time comes, you'll be ready!

Well, there you have it! Put these five in order of importance to you and your family, and start knocking these items off your list!

Ha! There. Easy to say. NOT so easy to do.

I'm also open to new recipes. Some tried and true festive dishes. Got any you want to share? I may post a fave of mine soon as well!

Hustling and Bustling. . .

I know, I know. I shouldn't do either. After all, as long as I keep the focus on the REAL meaning of Christmas, I should be doing good, right? It still doesn't help me with 25 minute lines to check out at Wal-Mart. Oh well.

I wanted to post sooner, but I keep feeling guilty. You know what I mean. . . that "Man, I COULD post, but I also could clean, or shop, or wrap, or cook, or decorate..."

It's the Most. . . Craziest - Time. . . of the Year!

Anyways, I promised I'd hang with ya and let you know what I'm doing to get through the holidays. When you already have this kind of "plate":

Student (taking finance this semester)
Wife (my "maintenance man" is so patient for not killing me yet)
Mother (my most favoritest portion of my "plate")
Children's Choir Director (we've just added handbells)
Sunday School Teacher (and MY month is December)
Graphic Designer (Gotta get those Christmas cards done THIS WEEK!)

It's soooo HARD to think Christmas is getting piled on top of this like. . . like a plate filled up for the holidays! It's just so hard! But you know, I've done this so far - -

1) Put together my binder.
2) Got my shopping list printed, and am well on my way into that list!
3) Posted what I want for Christmas on amazon.com (okay, really I did this, but apparently, didn't do something RIGHT, 'cause now I can't find it. Forget it - I don't recommend doing that!!
4) Put up THE CHRISTMAS TREE (Peyton wanted it up the day after Thanksgiving!)

So, that's not so bad, is it? I hope to finish up my Christmas "postcards" - I design my Christmas cards and print them out, 4 to a pg, and send them out in invitation envelopes. I love the fact I do this MYSELF and it has a personal touch.

Now, if I can get through Cub Scouts in the Christmas Parade this weekend, Little Dribblers basketball practice, Finance finals, Christmas Pageant at Church, and all the little office Christmas parties and such, I'll be as happy as a goose after Christmas!!

Oh, I read the SWEETEST stocking post on Amy's blog about what to put in the stockings. Apparently, you should put in there something for each of the five senses. Read her blog. What a neat thought! Sure helps me out as to what should go in stockings!!

Any ideas on a digital Christmas Card? I'm open for suggestions. Until then, I have some advice: check out organizedchristmas.com for some great ideas to help you get through the holidays. Oh, and print off all that she has - rumor has it she's getting ready to retire. Also check out christmasorganizing.com. It's another site I've used to help get myself organized.

Have fun! And keep HIM first this Christmas!!

HOT, HOT. . . OOOOOO, WE GOT IT!!

Oh, yes my friends. Hot Chocolate.



Peyton, who takes after her Mommy/Nana, at 9:30 this morning, wipes her sleepy eyes and asks, "Mommy, can I have some hot chocolate?" Now, I'm not one to turn down a good offer, so out came the hot chocolate mix and some good hot water.




Yummy. Notice the chocolate on the upper lip. Got Hot Chocolate?




One cup for Brendan, one for Peyton.





MMMMMMM - what a great day to be off work, and with the kids! I'm getting ready to start cooking for Thanksgiving; this year, I'm fixing green beans (woo-hoo, but I guess SOMEONE has to do them!), fruit salad (you know, the kind with Tang and vanilla pudding in it!? To DIE for), cheesy olives (a fave for the ladies cooking in the kitchen - just small enough to snack on), and I'm thinking about tackling a cheesecake of some kind. Any good recipes out there for a no-bake cheesecake that would incorporate pecans or pumpkins? I'm gonna look online. Oh wait, I'm already there...



And, sometime today, I'll have to get out of these pajamas. I know, I don't want to. But it's almost Noon. LOL!

39 DAYS LEFT...

And I'm just getting started. I'll bet YOU haven't started, either. Let's see...

It's the weekend before Thanksgiving. Don't worry! You know what? Your grandmother didn't start until after Thanksgiving, anyway. After all, it's really the department stores' fault we're all in a panic. Stop the insanity!!

It's time to SIMPLIFY your life for the holidays.

This is what I will accomplish in the month of November, starting this weekend. If you decide to follow along, I can have you FINISHED WRAPPING YOUR GIFTS and under the tree by Dec. 9th! Sound good? GOOD. Let's get started:

First of all, you need a binder. I just have a simple, black binder, nothing extravagant. It cost, like, $1 at Wal-Mart. Get a red or green one, if you're feeling festive! I've even known those who like to put their stuff in journals, just so they can carry it around in their purse. Whatever works for you, do it. Because ultimately, if you're not happy with your system, you just ain't gonna use it.

Mine is so ugly, I'll spare you the cute, little picture as to how I've decorated it for the holidays. Why? Because I HAVEN'T got the time to embellish. I work 40+ hrs a week, and run a house for two kids and Maintenance Man (named in honor of Marboro Man, Pioneer Woman's love-squeeze). It's plain, people. Just deal with it. I'm PRACTICAL, and I don't have as much time to make all things look CUTE. I wanna get my Christmas shopping done, for Heaven's sake!!

So, anyways, in your CHRISTMAS BINDER, you should include:
1) A Gift List of all family and friends you'll be buying for this year. Be sure to include teachers (Sunday School and Regular School, and if regular school is YOU, then heck - - by all means get yourself a little somethin'), pastors, mailmen (a trend in my neck of the woods), even those white elephant office party gifts you have to buy for. Put all of them in list form. If you need help with a blank Excel Spreadsheet, just email me at amy.maness@murraystate.edu. I'll send you mine.

2) Christmas Card List: Totally optional on my part. Why? Because the print program I have on my computer (PrintMaster - totally cheap program I got at Wal-Mart) keeps them year after year, and I just print them out. There's no reason to keep up with who DID, or who DIDN'T give you cards. Face it - some people will, and some won't. If you get one that you want to send a card to, just hang on to the envelope, and send when you can. Don't wanna fool with it? Just put in your spreadsheet for next year, and print them out in '08.

3) Baking/Cooking: I don't know if you're into it, but even if you're NOT, you'd better be. How about putting a section in there of neat recipes and "oldies but goodies" for your family to enjoy? You'll thank me later. Then, when you head to the grocery, you can take your binder and know EXACTLY what to get. Do you see where I'm going here?

4) Miscellaneous: Anything that doesn't fall into the first three categories. Maybe decorating ideas, things you want to remember during the holidays, etc. I usually put blank notebook paper here. I use it A LOT.

Basically, KEEP IT SIMPLE. See a pattern here?

Good. Now go out and get that binder! Or, take those old papers out of an old binder you have lying around and put it to good use again.

Merry Christmas!!

SO...the COUNTDOWN BEGINS...

You know what? I'm so TIRED of trying to find other blogs and self-help strategies to get me prepared for the holidays. I think I spend SO MUCH time trying to figure out WHAT I'm going to do, I run out of time to actually get the "Holiday Season" underway...

Kind of like THIS YEAR.

Okay. Don't panic. I've decided to help anyone who wants to listen come up with a SIMPLE, easy strategy to get all your holiday "gotta-do's" DONE.

Okay? Here Goes.

Dream B I G

This song, "Dream Big," by Ryan Shupe & the Rubber Band, is a song I heard in the Murray Room for a women's basketball highlight video. The song is pretty good, but the words are unbelievable:

When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile, be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
And don't show the hurt inside,
Because the pain will soon be gone.

(Chorus)
And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself,
And it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on,
But when the troubles come your way.

(Chorus)
And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

(Dream big.)
(Dream big.)

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide, and
don't let them know that they have one.
And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all
around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to
help to carry on when the troubles come your way.

For my SISTER...

Mandy, you've waited SOOOO long for these pics, and I SWEAR I will get you a burned CD of these pics, but I thought you might want a sneak peek of Carson's birthday party. Here ya go!!

Finally, another Halloween has passed. . .

Oh, come on. You know you're feeling it. Or, maybe you've felt it. And, right now, I'm not feeling guilty.

That feeling of, "Whew, finally another holiday has come and gone...!"

I wish I could tell you I'm feeling a sense of remorse for my feelings towards Halloween. After all, I as a mother planned the costumes, got the kids together (with a little help from Mom - geesh, I don't know how I'd do it without YOU!!), and trick-or-treated until I was POOPED!!

Ya know, being a kid and trick-or-treating was always fun. I had NO IDEA that my parents were probably sacked out in the car, looking at their watches, and wishing the night was OVER!!

Anyways, the best part about the whole evening, is when it's over, and you get some well-deserved rest from the holidays, you grab your digital camera and look at some BEAUTIFUL pics you took with your new camera. Like this:

Isn't she GORGEOUS?? Just like her Mother. Bet you can't guess who she was for Halloween. That's right, Meemaw. Judy. LOL!!

Just look at those eyes. It's so strange, but those are the eyes of her Daddy. Whoa, Nelly, I fell for those eyes YEARS ago... who'd have thought I'd see them again in my daughter?



And, here's my little devil. Isn't he cute! Imagine my surprise when he came home proclaiming he wanted to be "black spiderman..." Keep in mind I haven't seen the movie yet, so I was so glad to see this costume!!

Gosh, as a Mom, how am I soooo LUCKY anyways???