Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year
So it's the last day of 2012, which overall wasn't a bad year. I'm writing to you this morning from the wilds of central Texas where our fireworks store is located. I came down last night to help out if necessary. They probably could have done without me, but that's okay. We broke $10K for the season last night too. DH was pleasantly surprised. The major expenses haven't quite been covered, but today will bring in enough to cover the rest and then some. If we can manage to pay off the guy we bought the place from, then come 4th of July all profits are ours. Finally. After four years. It wasn't supposed to take so long, but governments and economies happen.
But enough of that--last week I said we'd talk about goals for the new year, so...
My goals for the new year include reading more. At least a book a week for a minimum total of 52 books for 2013. I've probably amassed a good chunk of those already from all the free Kindle books I've found over the past couple of weeks, and I'll probably be visiting the library more often as well.
Another major goal is to lose the last 20 to 30 pounds to reach my target weight. After that, it'll be all about toning and converting that flab to muscle. Which, yes, I know will weigh more. But that's okay.
I'd also like to get back to doing crafts. My girls want to learn to sew, and we've already gotten started on our projects. But I'd also like get back to cross-stitching and rubber stamping. And I'd like to do some basic toll painting. Many years ago, I wanted to put together and decorate a doll house. I got one, but we were really too poor for me to do it justice. It's not an inexpensive endeavor. The houses themselves can cost hundreds of dollars. Then you have to put them together, paint them, decorate them. They take time, money, and space.
And there's writing of course--several times in the past half-dozen years I've gone through a bit of a crisis if you will. Do I want to write for publication. Of course, these days, I could bypass all normal channels and self-publish my work, but I know my writing is not quite as ready for the big time as it could be and should be. I love writing, I really do. I love to learn about writing and love working to improve my writing, reading other people's thoughts on various aspects of it and taking classes, but I get what I need from writing from writing fan fiction and from the feedback I get when I post it in fan fiction venues. I also love to beta-read and critique other's work and I've wondered if that's really what I'd rather be doing.
So the goal I guess is to figure out my career path. If I decide to pursue the editorial aspect, I still have much to learn. I may even go back to school and pursue a 2-year degree in English.
One of our financial goals last year was to put some serious money aside and considering our history, we did pretty well. So I guess we'll continue on and try to do better this year by not only putting money aside, but by paying off a debt or two as well.
So those are a few of my major goals.
How about you?? Care to share?
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Friday, December 28, 2012
Thank Goodness It's Friday
I think. We're going into the weekend right before New Year's Eve. I don't really want to go down to the store before the 30th. I just want to relax and rest up for the 30th and 31st and get my house clean and the laundry done and prepare for the new year as best I can.
Before we get to what I received for Christmas, I heard some things I wanted to share.
1st) Norman Schwartzkopf died last night.
2nd) Radio City Music Hall celebrates 80 years, but more interestingly, its pipe organ with 4410 pipes and two keyboards is the largest pipe organ ever built for a movie theater
3rd) well, there is no third--I can't find the info anymore. ugh
and
4th) if you're the praying sort, please lift up Mrs. Carmen Bernal and her family; Mrs. Bernal suffered a stroke this past week; she's the mother of Sonshine's band director...
Now for Christmas...
We spent Christmas Eve at my mother-in-law's house with everyone present--including one of my sisters-in-law and both my nephews, and of course my Brown Eyed Girl. Many many years ago, somewhere around thirteen years or so (when Sonshine was around 4, best we can estimate), we'd taken a picture of five of the six grand kids. Well, those same five were back together and all grown up. So we piled them back on top of one another and took another picture. I'll share the before and after as soon as I get the before scanned.
Christmas Morning for the Brown-Eyed Girl and me started at 4:30ish am. Neither of us could sleep any longer so we got up. DH found us shortly after 5. By 5:30 we'd woken up DD and Sonshine and began the festivities. We were done by 7:30. Pretty sad huh??
Some pics of Christmas...
The Brown Eyed Girl pulling stuff from her stocking.
DD showing off the foil picture of zebras she received.
DH with his
Star Trek: The Next Generation 25th Anniversary Collectors Edition Pez set.
Star Trek: The Next Generation 25th Anniversary Collectors Edition Pez set.
And Sonshine with his brand new Gigantic Bathroom Reader.
(Just FYI he doesn't really read in the bathroom, but he loves all the trivia and info he comes across in those books.)
(Just FYI he doesn't really read in the bathroom, but he loves all the trivia and info he comes across in those books.)
And here are some of my gifts...
Knowing that bad weather was on its way, us girls were home by noon. Later that afternoon, we received a white Christmas as an additional little surprise.
So how was your Christmas?
And don't forget, goals for the New Year coming Monday--see you then. Have a good weekend.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
White Christmas
I hadn't really been dreaming of a white Christmas, but as I was home safe and sound by the time the white stuff started falling, I was quite happy to enjoy it. And since the temps won't rise about the freezing mark until close to noon, it's hanging around for a while. I'm not complaining. It's my kind of snow--the kind that covers roofs and lawns, but melts away on the roads and driveways. No shoveling required.
And since I'm the only one in the office today, I'm not heading in until a wee bit later--once the other crazies are where they need to be.
Christmas itself was lovely and fun, and I received some wonderful goodies. I'll share those with you on Friday. For now, I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet, some hot tea, and continue reading.I hope that where ever you went and whatever you did for Christmas, that it was wonderful.
And now that Christmas is past (barely, but still!) New Years is just around the corner, and it's time to set or re-set some goals. I'll share mine on Monday. Be thinking about yours, too.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Just About Here
One day to go...or maybe only half a day if you celebrate on Christmas Eve.
Growing up, my mom and I celebrated on Christmas Day. I remember it just being us for the most part and Christmas Eve was low key. Christmas morning however was when we opened stockings--well, I dug through my stocking. Then prezzies and later dinner at home or with neighbors and good friends.
Nowadays, my mother-in-law hosts Christmas Eve at her house with dinner and presents and whatever family is in town. This year will be an extra special Christmas as the Brown Eyed Girl is back in the fold. My sister-in-law is back from her world travels (she's missed 2 Christmases) and her son will be joining us too. My other nephew will be on hand as well, so there will be a full house and a lot of fun.
Last year's tree:
Christmas morning will be stress-free and low key. After tonight's festivities, we'll head back to the store and bed down. We'll be taking Sammy with us too since it'll be the first Christmas without Honey and I don't want to leave her home alone, locked up in the garage.
Tomorrow we'll did into stockings, eat cinnamon rolls, and open presents. This year, us girls will probably head home before noon since northern Texas is expecting frozen rain/snow. I'd kinda like to be home before the roads get nasty. :)
Today's Christmas song is We Three Kings sung by King's College Choir, Cambridge:
What are your Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day traditional plans?
Have a wonderful holiday whatever you do.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Countdown to Christmas
Only TWO days to go. I don't have access to my number icon/graphic today, though, so it's just all words.
Today's countdown tradition is baking. I used to bake up a storm. Mainly sugar cookies with colored sugar sprinkles and mini-loaves of banana bread to hand out as gifts to close friends. I'd start in September and October and put it in the freezer for safe-keeping until December. I've gotten far away from that, sad to say. These days, I make pumpkin cake and probably only because I love it so much.
Yesterday, I spent the day with four wonderful women. My critique partners. Each of us unique and brings something special to the group. We assembled at one's home and spent the afternoon talking and laughing and sharing and having fun. In addition, we did a few little Christmas crafts and exchanged ornaments. I wish I had a picture. We were going to take one, but then we all decided it was time to head home and we just plain forgot. :(
The important part there was to take some time to spend with those you truly treasure and enjoy being with. It was a nice break from the craziness of the holiday season. No malls and no crowds to fight with or traffic to navigate. Just a day for friends.
My Christmas song for today--in anticipation of snow on Tuesday afternoon here in northern Texas--is I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas by the one and only Frank Sinatra.
Are you a baker? If so, what are your favorite treats to make at the holidays? If not, is there a favorite treat someone else always made/makes for you?
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Countdown to Christmas
We're almost to the big day! Do you ever reach the point where you're just ready for it all to be over? There's so much to do in a very short time frame. On top of that, for me, is that DH is gone--not that him being gone is a problem, it's just that there are always things for the fireworks store to be done in addition to Christmas preparations. Since the store isn't going to go away or be over, so to speak, and the holiday does, well, I get to feeling that way.
Anywho, let's talk about Christmas cards. I send them. I think I got out of the habit for a few years, but I'm back to doing it. Maybe I'm getting old. Okay, I know I'm getting older, but I'm really missing and lamenting the lack of certain traditions. Christmas lights on almost all the houses being one. Or maybe I'm mis-remembering.
And Christmas cards being another. It seems, by the meager number of cards I received, I think a lot of people no longer send them. Or maybe it's just that I have no friends. Okay, kidding. I know I have friends and that we all can't send cards to everyone we know. But I think next year, I'm going to send out a few more. :) Spread a bit more holiday cheer.
Here is my wall of cards:
Our Christmas song of the day is another classic, O Little Town of Bethlehem by Andre Previn. (another selection from my Time Life Treasury of Christmas)
Do you send Christmas cards? If so, to a small select group or a larger circle of friends and acquaintances? If not, did you ever and why did you stop?
Friday, December 21, 2012
The countdown continues...
We're on the downhill slide to the big day and just about everything is ready. I'm waiting for one gift to arrive in the mail and one to arrive at a local store. If the mailed one doesn't arrive, not a big deal. The store one I'm not worried about. They guaranteed arrival by the 23rd. All presents in my possession are wrapped and under the tree. Woot!
Writing and revising has been a big bust this week. Too much going on to concentrate, I guess. I'm hoping once Wednesday comes, I'll feel motivated again. Of course, Wednesday means New Years is just around the corner and this year is going to be crazy, me thinks.
On Monday, I mentioned our competitor (who is no longer) and our advertisement. Well, on top of the half-page color ad on the back of the Thrifty Nickel, DH decided a billboard was in order. Only because the exit near our store was moved farther south, which is a good thing, but is no longer marked appropriately. And if they miss us, the next exit plays host to a handful of fireworks stands. He's afraid those stands would get our paper ad business. The billboard is in the perfect spot to say "EXIT NOW". So...crazy, best ever season. We need enough product and enough workers. Wish us luck.
On a less hectic note, tomorrow, I'm getting together with my critique partners to hang out and visit. We're going to bring goodies and an ornament for a little exchange and we're going to relax in the midst of last-minute holiday bustle. Fun, fun, fun.
Meanwhile, DD will be driving Sonshine southward to the store.
Today's countdown event involves food...Christmas morning breakfast. Since there's really no kitchen at the store, breakfast needs to be easy. The last few years we've just done cinnamon rolls and orange juice--DH's favorite--and it's worked out well. We've been cooking them two-at-a-time in the toaster oven, but I think this year we're going to pre-bake them at home and then just reheat in the microwave instead. :) Add frosting and TA-DA!
Today's Christmas song selections are from Glee. Let's go with Baby It's Cold Outside sung by Darren Criss and Chris Colfer for the first one. I just love their voices together.
And our second song is Last Christmas sung by Lea Michelle and Cory Monteith.
So...is Christmas breakfast a special occasion at your house?
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Gingerbread House with a Twist
Just five short days to go!
For the last several years, DD and I have put together a gingerbread house. Except not. You've probably seen the original Redneck Gingerbread house on the Internet, right? Well, we thought it funny and began to make our own.
So this is this year's:
Each year's is a little different from the previous one. The flag is new this year as are the real lights (rather than mini-M&Ms), though only a portion of the string actually lights up. Hopefully I can get them all working at least once and get a picture, but this is it.
One thing that is must though, is G.I. Snow. He started out as a regular old marshmallow snowman, but Sonshine was into G.I. Joes many years ago and somehow G.I. Snow was born.
And no Redneck worth his monster truck would be caught dead without his satellite dish!
And keeping with the redneck theme, here's today's Christmas song. I'll give you a couple to choose from...
Leroy the Redneck Reindeer by Joe Diffie
And the perpetual fave, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Elmo & Patsy.
Do gingerbread houses or cookies even play a part in your holidays?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas is just a week away...
Sorry for the very late post today, but Sonshine didn't have early practice which meant I was late getting to the office. Then everyone seemed to have some sort of issue this morning. Ugh. Don't you all know it's the last few days before Christmas?? You all should be out shopping and partying, not working and bothering me. Not to mention, because I don't have the right player on my PC, I had to upload all the videos I took last night to YouTube before I could listen to them and choose the one I liked best.
And I still have too much to do for my own personal comfort. I have to get to big WalMart (yes, that's the Texas in me coming out)(but at least I don't put an S on the end as a dear family member of mine does) and Target and Lowe's for a few more things for Sonshine and DD.
Stockings were test stuffed last night and DD and I determined Sonshine's stocking needed a bit more filler, so we did that last night after we dropped him off at the middle school and before the Christmas concert started.
And now let's get to the Countdown...
For the last six years, school band concerts have been a part of our run up to Christmas. Sonshine took up the trumpet in middle school and has played a handful of instruments since. Last night was the Christmas concert. Now for some reason I have to sit through middle school bands again because the HS band director thought it was a good idea to combine the dang things. I know she does it for recruiting purposes, but you know what? I did my time listening to a beginner band mangling Christmas songs. :(
Today we're going to combine our countdown and our Christmas song because it's just logical to do so. So here's Sonshine's school band. I'm giving you two songs though, because I can and because you may not really want to listen to the second one.
Now this second one is rather long because the kids were each allowed to take a turn to do a little improv. So if you're inclined to sit through all 6:53 minutes, knock yourself out. Sonshine does improv otherwise I wouldn't have bothered sharing. After Sonshine though (about the 3 min mark), you can probably stop watching as the bass player gets an extraordinary long chance and then it's just boring.
Do you have kids who play instruments? Or maybe siblings? If so, how many Christmas concerts have you sat through?
Labels:
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Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Countdown to Christmas
So we put up the tree and decorated it. And now it's time to put the presents under it. And we actually have them. I am almost finished shopping, thank goodness. In a quirk of fate I got my Christmas money early and, with the help of my shopping-loving daughters, almost all of the presents are bought and wrapped. I have a bit of cash left for each of the kids. DD graciously offered to buy her own, but I figured a few of her gifts ought to remain a mystery.
Until the tree was up, the presents sat stacked on the ottoman and spilled over to the dining room table.
As you can see, a few still need to be wrapped, but that'll get done soon.
And here are the presents put where they belong. No, they don't have ribbons and bows as of yet because we'll be hauling them to the store and my mother-in-laws house. We put them on later so they are not smushed in transit.
And today's Christmas song selection is the classic Bing Crosby version of Do You Hear What Hear?
Are you done shopping and wrapping yet?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Happy Birthday Sonshine
Today's the real birthday--on the 7th, I mentioned celebrating Sonshine's birthday as part of our countdown to Christmas festivities, so I won't repeat it, but I couldn't not mark the actual day. Seventeen years ago, at 1.19 in the very early a.m. the most beautiful baby boy ever was born. Today we'll mark the day with cake and either dinner out or a trip to the movies for the kids.
In other news...DH is down at the store already and we have a good news/bad news situation. The good news (for us, anyway) is that our competition on the corner is no more. We think that the summer of 2011 when fireworks sales were banned (in all but 4 of 250-something Texas counties) got him caught in an unfortunate financial pickle. We order from a local supplier (usually at the last minute), and when it became clear we weren't going to be able to open, we adjusted our order accordingly. We still bought stuff, but just what we could afford to pay out of pocket. This other guy owns a string of stores and stands and orders directly from China. That means a nine month lead time. Unfortunately, he'd already ordered his stuff and was on the hook to pay for it. That took a while and he couldn't keep ordering while he had a balance. See, fireworks are ordered on a sort of consignment plan, you order and you pay for them after the season is over and you've sold them. So the situation is not good for him, but good for us. And I'm really not trying to make light of his situation. It sucks and I feel horribly for the guy.
The bad news is that DH has no idea how much to order to accommodate the increased sales we will most likely see. I have no idea either. On top of that, we're advertising for the first time ever. Yeesh. It's going to be a banner Christmas season, but it's going to kick our butts. In a good way.
And now it's time for our daily dose of Christmas...
That garland on the right has seen better days and will probably get tossed after the holidays. I haven't quite decided where to hang the silver garland yet, but seeing as how Christmas is a week away, I suppose I better get after it.
In other news...DH is down at the store already and we have a good news/bad news situation. The good news (for us, anyway) is that our competition on the corner is no more. We think that the summer of 2011 when fireworks sales were banned (in all but 4 of 250-something Texas counties) got him caught in an unfortunate financial pickle. We order from a local supplier (usually at the last minute), and when it became clear we weren't going to be able to open, we adjusted our order accordingly. We still bought stuff, but just what we could afford to pay out of pocket. This other guy owns a string of stores and stands and orders directly from China. That means a nine month lead time. Unfortunately, he'd already ordered his stuff and was on the hook to pay for it. That took a while and he couldn't keep ordering while he had a balance. See, fireworks are ordered on a sort of consignment plan, you order and you pay for them after the season is over and you've sold them. So the situation is not good for him, but good for us. And I'm really not trying to make light of his situation. It sucks and I feel horribly for the guy.
The bad news is that DH has no idea how much to order to accommodate the increased sales we will most likely see. I have no idea either. On top of that, we're advertising for the first time ever. Yeesh. It's going to be a banner Christmas season, but it's going to kick our butts. In a good way.
And now it's time for our daily dose of Christmas...
One of my favorite decorating accessories is garland. Don't ask me why, I don't know. And it's not just any random garland, it has to have certain qualities. A color combo that pleases my eye, feels soft to the touch, and I don't even know...it just has to speak to me in some undefinable way. :)
I don't use it on the tree though. I hang it over doorways and around the bathroom mirror. (Yes, the bathroom needs decorating too.) On the TV. Wherever it tickles my fancy to put it.
And now our daily Christmas song. I've chosen a fun one for today, one of hubby's faves. Enjoy!
Are you a fan of the garland??
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Countdown to Christmas
So yesterday, we put up the tree. And once you get the tree up, well, you've got to put ornaments on it.
Over the years, I've accumulated two kinds of ornaments. The kid-made, given-as-a-gift kind, annual ornament and the themed kind.
We also had two trees for awhile. The small one got all the kid-made, collectible, gift ornaments and the big tree was all purty and sparkly with the matching themed ornaments. Then we sent the little tree down to the fireworks store along with one of those matching sets and so this year, the big tree will be decked out with all the old stand-by favorites.
My kids each have a collection of ornaments that I made (back when I was single and/or poor) or bought each and every year. These are the ones they get to take when they leave home so that their first tree will not be naked. :)
As we sorted through ornaments, my Brown Eyed Girl said this is her favorite of our traditions.
Here are the girls 1st Christmas ornaments, hand made by me back when I was poor and practiced my craft skills.
We took some time to sort through everyone's ornaments and catalogue them, and we discovered that there are several years for which the kids have no ornaments. So I guess we're going to have to fill in some gaps.
I also came across an ornament that I got from an old friend back when I was a kid.
Here's a shot of Sonshine's ornaments, which include a shameful number of Scooby Doo. He does love Scooby Doo, but even I didn't realize how overboard I've gone. I guess we'll have to lay off the SD. Also in the collection are Blue of Blue's Clues fame and Winne the Pooh who needs no explanation.
So enough about our ornaments....
It's time for our daily Christmas song. Let's see...how about something more contemporary. I mentioned George Strait's Christmas Cookies on Friday, so let's listen to that.
Tell me about your ornaments.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Countdown to Christmas
These days, we put up a fake tree. One that gets assembled in layers. Our current tree already has the lights wound through it so it can be somewhat of a puzzle to get set up.
Most of the time we set it up in front of the window even though it blocks the view of the TV from one end of the sofa. One year we put it in the kitchen since we had no table in there. (That had to have been last year or the year before...)
Now, we don't have a specific date to put it up, just whenever I have the time and feel like it. And can coax the kids into helping me. Growing up, it was always Dec. 15ish--to coincide with payday--since we had to buy the real one each year.
The bottom of the tree in place.
DH helping to connect the lights.
And the whole thing, sans ornaments. It's a big sucker, leaving barely enough room for the topper.
And as I promised Friday, another of my favorite Christmas songs...Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
What about you? Real tree or fake? A specific date or just whenever?
Friday, December 14, 2012
SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
If you saw this on FB, my apologies, but I'm so excited --
According to TVShowsonDVD via an e-mail this morning, the TV show China Beach should be officially released on DVD on 2013. The big hold-up for all these years, I'm pretty sure, were music rights since the show used a lot of music from the late Sixties.
How many of you remember that show?? How many of you loved it???
Oh my gosh! This is awesome! I can't wait!
Okay, well it's Friday, too, so that's good.
And it's almost Christmas. Let's continue our countdown!
A staple of Christmas is undoubtedly Christmas music. From classic hymns such as Ave Maria to more contemporary hit likes Christmas Cookies by country music legend George Strait, there is a song in a favorite genre for everyone. And because it's unrealistic for me to expect you to listen to my blog for half and hour or so, I'll include a song a day for the rest of the countdown. How's that?
Several years ago, I finally broke down and ordered one of Time-Life's Treasury of Christmas CDs which has most of my favorites on it, so that's what I usually listen to. I also had a cheapo CD from the grocery store of the some boys choir, I think the Vienna Boys Choir, but I can't remember because it's gone missing. Anyway, that treble range of the younger voices gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes almost no matter what the song.
So to start off us, the American Boys Choir singing my favorite of favorites, O Holy Night.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Countdown to Christmas
Once you buy the presents, then you have to wrap them. It can be a tedious chore, but over the years, I've chosen to think of it as a way to sit and relax for a few hours in an otherwise hectic time of year.
But before the wrapping comes the choosing of the paper. Each year, I go to Target and peruse the wrapping paper aisle. There's a plethora to choose from to be sure. Cartoon characters and Christmas prints, patterns, and symbols. There's also fancy-schmancy paper with glitter. Target usually has mix and match sets. Once I find one that tickles my fancy, I choose several prints and find the bows and ribbon that match. Sometimes I choose a separate roll of paper for all the other presents--the ones that aren't for the kids and DH and I. That way, they're easily identifiable in the pile.
Our paper this year:
I wasn't especially bowled over by the selection this year. But it is just paper and will end up torn and crumpled on the floor, so I wasn't overly worried about it.
Once the time comes, I set up my station, brew some tea and choose a movie. I usually choose one I've seen many many times. Since I do have to pay attention to what I'm wrapping, I can't pay full attention to the movie, but because I've seen it so many times before, I know where I am in the film by dialogue alone. And when it comes to my favorite, must-watch parts, I can pause from wrapping and do so.
Last night, I really wanted to watch Star Trek, but couldn't find it. I chose my second favorite film, Penelope.
Two of my favorite parts are here...
After the curse is broken (and she's no longer the pig-faced girl) Penelope goes out into the world. She becomes a teacher and, in this scene, it's Halloween. Many of the kids are dressing as Penelope as their costume and of course Penelope spent her whole life looking that way so she's whole-heartedly tired of the whole thing. Anyway, the little girl is lamenting that, "I wanted to be Penelope. Instead, I'm stupid static cling." (See the socks stuck to her and the crazy hair?) To which Penelope replies, "I find it rather refreshing."
And then...
Close to the end, also after the curse is broken, and she goes in search of the one guy who didn't freak out when he saw her pig face. There's more to it, of course, but the kiss is lovely.
Oh--and the YouTube version:
It's quite yummy. And I'll say it again, if you haven't seen this you should. It's just a really cute live action fairy tale.
So...do you enjoy wrapping or is it just a chore?
Labels:
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Hump Day Potpourri and the Countdown to Christmas continues...
It's been a good week so far and we're only two full days in. Revisions on my current WIP are going well and the day job duties are getting done in an efficient manner. What more can you ask for?
Sonshine is back to reading The Hobbit this morning...
I'm back to reading as well. I received two books at my writing group party this past Saturday, so instead of dumping them in the book return at the library, I'm going to read them. Well, try at least. The last book I tried to read, I couldn't get into. I don't know if it was me or the story.
As you all know, Sonshine is also known occasionally as Marching Band Boy. The largest/most important local marching contest is U.I.L. and of course his band has attended. Professional pictures are taken both on the field and after a band's performance. So the first year (2010), I bought a mug with a picture of MBB taken during the performance. It was great picture with vivid colors and caught him glancing at the camera, lips pursed, counting. (if you click on it, it should get bigger and you can see the lips)
In 2011, I bought another mug. I hadn't planned it that first year, but the second year I thought it would be cool to have this little collection of mugs from U.I.L. contests.
So fast forward to this year and mug #3 arrived in the mail! The first two years he played trumpet, this year, he played mellophone (marching French horn).
One more to go--but will MBB be wearing Highlander colors or some other school's colors??
And now, finally...
Another must-have at Christmas time are candles. Now, I like candles any time really--remember I got three lovely jar candles last year for Mother's Day and my birthday?
At Christmas, though, I like the traditional green and red colors and the scents that accompany them. Green = pine...
I have these lovely jingle bell candle holders needing pillar candles.
And I have this--I don't even know what it's called, but I love it.
It's not entirely Christmassy, but close enough with the pine tree motif! You stick one of those mini jar candles and it's like a little hurricane lamp.
Are you a candle person? What are your favorite scents?
Labels:
candles,
countdown to Christmas,
day 12,
marching band boy,
reading,
writing
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