LauPug1's Journal, 03 December 2010

Morning! Thanks for posting a journal. My day isn't complete without reading your journal entry too. I hear you about the commercialism of Christmas, which is one of the reasons I have lost my joy of this season. People do not appreciate the home made gift anymore, so sad. I too like to give gift cards. I think I will be happy when I don't have to do Christmas any more. Only do it because my daughter (27) lives at home and my MIL (88) lives next door so Christmas is our house, Christmas morning is our house. MIL goes overboard - she shops all year! She has the time and money to do that. The giving presents thing just sucks the joy out of the season for me. On the other hand, when I don't have to do the gift thing, it will be sad cause it will mean the daughter has moved out or MIL isn't 'with us' any more. Can't win, eh? Have a great day despite the shopping. And yes its cold. BRRR.  

Good morning beautiful Laurie! Hope your day is great - stay WARM!! (Virginia still sounding nice?) Hee hee... We had a wee bit of flurries last - for a brief time. Nice to see, but glad its gone! And I feel for you - 12 degree. Uggh! That is unREAL! You can hope on the highway and drive down here and thaw out any ole' time - and enjoy some Southern hospitality. Take care! HONK HONK! 

I can't even imagine what 12 feels like! People in this part of Texas wouldn't know what to do. I try and get all my christmas shopping done by the first of November for that very reason - people. Hang in there! Have a great day in spite of those errands.  

Good Morning, Sunshine! It was 21 when I took my daughter to school at 7 am but there will be a heat wave today - high of 35 - woo hoo! I hear ya on the holiday spirit - it's not the same for me since my dad passed but since he has we try to instill in the kids that it's not about gifts but being with family and doing for those that can't. Each year we've seen a difference in their attitude which is nice - at least I'm doing something right! I too love to bake and make edible gifts - it truly is from the heart and that's the best kind of gift! This year I may move beyond baking and jar my own pasta sauce with homemade pasta - we'll see though! Have a great day and don't let those crazy shoppers get to you! Big hugs :) 

Hey girl, it was 23 here. At christmas we do what they call an elephant gift. Women buy a girlie gift and the men buy a manly gift. We draw a number and and each person picks a gift to open. The first person gets to exchange his/her gift with anyone they want at the end. There is a price limit so no one has to spend alot. We used to do gag gifts that was fun. My brother inlaw got batteries from me with a note saying gift not included. He got a kick out of that.  

Oh, Sarahsmum....say it ain't so! You'll be happy when you don't have to do Christmas anymore??? Giving presents just sucks the joy out of the season?? Oh, I hope that's just a temporary feeling. Giving presents can be so rewarding, esp. if one shops for the needy, disadvantaged, homeless, elderly, Child Services' kids, etc. There are a myriad of programs out there desperately seeking gifts for those in need. Just yesterday, I got a real kick out of finding a fantastic deal on diapers! Actually went and returned what I THOUGHT was a good deal and then bought these. When there's a price limit on the gift, I just figured a family in need would rather I spend the money to get 108 diapers (of a good brand) rather than 76! Buying for these people just makes me love Christmas shopping despite the crowds. 

12 degrees!! That is really cold...it is in the lower 20's here in the am, and in the 30's during the day, but they ae predicting single digits by Monday night! Thankfully, we have heaters in the screened in porch (windows are already in), and in the garage for the doggies and the cats. They also have a big foam pad (old top from spa), a couch, and carpet...and for the summer...window a/c! lol Not spoiled at all! I love homemeade goodies, and so do my sibs and parents...and actually my nieces and nephews. My sons always tell me they want nothing! I do buy gift cards for the youngsters too, but don't go overboard on the amounts. I go to a lot of the little local stores and buy little things to go with the goodies.  

I agree Sandy, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE giving gifts. And I truly enjoy getting the ones that are made just for me with love! 

I agree - the picking out gifts/buying/making is the MOST cherished party of my Christmas season. I just love it! I do pretty well choosing a gift that each family member will sincerely appreciate/use. And my friends just love any Mary Kay luxury gift item I pick for them - they're always winners, cuz' usually they have a wish-list a block long. I am a bit stumped this holiday b/c I am conflicted about some of my more recent traditions. I have made a habit of baking Christmas cookies and also hosting/organizing a fun ladies night at church where we have a cookie swap, decorate cookies and play some crazy holiday games, topped off with a meaningful devotional. I still want to do all those things - but minus the cookies, because I don't believe I will be able to take the "look but don't touch" policy. And I just don't want to be faced with the temptation. And, let's face it, I have not found a single WOW-desert on Induction YET...LOL.  

Well Isabel, so glad you enjoy my journal. I've not been very good about posting lately. Sooooooooo much to do and no time to do it in.lol Please stay warm and enjoy your anniversary.:) 

Evie, you made me blush about beautiful. Thank you but you really should get those eyes checked.lol Yes, Virginia is really sounding nice right now. Hope you have a great weekend.:) 

Singing, Texas sounds nice, but not the creepy, crawly things that squiggle around to sites unseen.lol Years ago, I lived in Florida for 14 months and that was way too long. WOW, you really get it done and over with early. I really should do that too. I can say that no one took anything out of my cart today. That was a plus. Hope you had a great day.:) 

Sophie, I do hear ya. I really enjoy watching the little ones, but it's the big kids that I have a hard time with. My own children enjoy the homemade stuff, because I've always done it for them. I just don't know if there other halves understand it though. Oh well, they will get what I give and that will be it. Sounds like you have a great plan with your kids. Teaching them what it is really about. Good for you. Hope you had a great day and talk soon Sunshine.:) 

Bren, that is a great idea. It sure would save money. Gag gifts are really fun. We do that along with the other gifts. I went shopping today and there were no gift cards. I asked if they would be getting more in before Christmas and they weren't sure. What's Up With That? Hope all went well with you today and talk soon.:) 

Sandy, I do agree that there is a warm feeling that we get when we can do something for others that don't have anything. That to me is the real spirit of Christmas. Much joy to you and yours for the holidays my friend.:) 

Stef, not spoiled, just very much loved. I don't give much on gift cards either, but they sure do like them because they can get what they will use. That is what usually stumps me, is what would they like. This way, I know that they will get what they want or need. Flurries all day today, but nothing is staying. I know it is going to come and stay, but it is just messing with me by spitting every now and then.lol Hope you had a great day my friend and stay warm.:) 

Leanne woz ere! Lol