Counting Down the Days...Picture #16.

Yesterday's post was all about a lovely surprise I have for my dear sis. It really isn't much, I just like to leave her hanging and drive her NUTS!!! Isn't that what sisters are for? After all, she has done her fair share of "driving me crazy" through the years...

Anyway, a few comments were made about my wrapping. Thanks. Some even commented on my "ornament" gift tags. So, I said, "Why Not?"

Picture #16 is...

Why? Because they are so cute and because you guys will all be surprised to learn that they came from The Dollar Tree. Yep. You heard right... The Dollar Tree. Gotta love a store where EVERYTHING is a dollar. The store had two different snowmen too. I think all together I bought ten, to add a little flare to a few of my packages. (And yes, I know I used the same picture for my countdown, but my battery on my camera died...)

Happy December 16Th!

Prayers and blessings...

May we all remember to appreciate all the "little" things in our lives that seems so insignificant at times, yet never fail to bring an extra smile...

Counting Down the Days... Picture #15.

Can you keep a secret?

I am very excited about a certain present I am giving this year... it is for my sister.

It didn't cost me very much.

I bought it online.

She likes it a lot.

I think she will be surprised.

It is not her main gift, just a little something extra to make her smile.

Want to know what it is?

Sorry. But dear sis is a friend around bloggyworld. Can't let the cat out of the bag this early in the game. But I will let you in on this...

Countdown picture #15...

See the package with the Santa ornament and big red bow on top? That's it. Have a guess as to what is inside? Shh...but don't tell my lovable sis if you figure it out.

Happy December 15Th!

As we wrap our gifts in pretty paper and matching ribbon, let us thank God for those special individuals, friends or family, that God saw fit to bless us with.

Counting Down the Days...Picture #14.

Is anyone tired yet?

I LOVE the Christmas season...lights, trees, gifts for those I love, the Savior's birthday.

However, it seems that in the midst of "celebrating" the season, party after party, school programs and church programs, we are all just plumb wore out!!!

But I don't think I would change it. I mean, I want to hang out and laugh with my Sunday School class (the class I am in when I don't teach), after all, adult conversation is needed at times. I want to hang out with my scrap booking pals, because it makes me smile, being creative and all. I want to take my daughter to her Christmas tea and see her giggle with friends. I want to hear my husband sing and my daughter play the flute. I want to be with my family. I want...

So, I guess although I am so very busy, and very tired these days, it is the good kind of tired. The kind that comes from staying up late wrapping gifts for the kiddos or hanging out with friends.

I didn't have time to take a picture today. Too much going on. But I did find this little beauty.

It reminds me of some precious childhood memories. It reminds me of a time when kids weren't so spoilt. It reminds me of a time when something as simple as a cartoon, was not taken for granted. Yep, those were the days...

So picture #14 on my counting down the days countdown is....

Hope it brings a smile to your face. We are at the halfway mark, friends!

Happy December 14Th! Enjoy the busyness of the holiday, never forgetting what we are celebrating...

Counting Down the Days...Picture #13.

This afternoon was Kayla's "tea" ornament/cookie swap party. She had a really good time. They drew numbers for an ornament, exchanged cookies and recipes, had a dress making contest out of wrapping paper and nibbled on good food (although I don't think any tea was actually served!).

The issue came this past week, when we were trying to decide what cookies to make and take. You see, my oven is out...now you are really feeling sorry for me here at Christmas time, aren't you. Haven't had the time to get it fixed...shoot we haven't even been home enough to worry much about it. Anyway, I had to find a recipe that didn't call for some baking time.

I found a cute idea in a magazine I had. Turns out they taste pretty good too according to my family, the cookie experts. We made "Santa's." I thought they ended up precious.

So, picture #13 is...

Aren't they just the cutest?!!!

Happy December 13Th Friends!

As you are baking and making the "season bright" with yummy sweets to eat, remember the sweetest gift at all... the love of the Savior.

Counting Down the Days...Picture #12.

It rained today. All day. It was wet and cold. Of course I had to go to the store, for the cupboards were totally bare. Nothing like putting your groceries in the car, in pouring rain. Fun times.

Since it was wet and cold, all I could think of was having something "warm" to eat for dinner. I decided to make "white" chili. Yummy stuff. Nothing warms you up faster than a good bowl of chili or soup on a cold, wet day.

So picture #12 of my Christmas countdown is a big bowl of yummy...

The recipe was given to me by a friend about five years ago. However, it is one of those recipes where you 'just throw" the ingredients in. No measuring cups, etc...

Since I want to share the love, here is the recipe...

White Chili

Chicken boiled in chicken broth

3-4 cans of Great Northern beans

"green" salsa (how much depends on how "hot" you want it. 1-2 cans)

1 pint of half and half

whipping cream (around 3 pints)

Throw it all in the crock pot and wait for the yummy goodness to heat up.

Well, I hope you had a wonderful December 12Th!

Stay warm and dry this holiday season.

Counting Down the Days...Picture #11.

I'm tired. It has been a long week. I, of course had to work everyday, but then had an activity of some kind going on every night. Sunday was church. Monday was my husband's staff party. Tuesday, Kevin went to the deacon's Christmas party, while I took Kayla to her "end of the season" soccer party. Wednesday was church. Thursday was the band concert and tonight I had my work party. Wow! Can you say busy?!!!

Anyway, tonight's picture, since I have already been to a few parties and have several more to go to is this....

The trend this year, like most years, is the famous ornament exchange. This is what I ended up with tonight. Cute, huh? Someone knew I loved snowmen. My director gave me the little fat white snowman too. I was HAPPY with what I got. So, tonight's picture represents all the ornament and "dirty Santa" parties everyone has to go to.

As you fellowship with friends and coworkers this holiday season, say a prayer for those people who are in your life. They are there for a reason. It is between you and God as for the "why?"

Happy December 11Th!

Hey! Did you know it is Friday?!!! Woo! Hoo!