Look Who's Here!

We picked up Brian from the Charlotte, NC airport late Saturday. His flight was delayed by about 1/2 an hour. Not so bad considering the weather they were having in the Midwest.
We got up Sunday and took Brian to the Baptist church we've been attending here in SC. We wrapped presents Sunday afternoon and then played a friendly game of small stakes Poker in the evening. Katie ended up being the big winner there- gave her a little extra Christmas money.
Monday morning Brian and I went to Columbia to do some last minute shopping. Kevin and Katie stayed here in town doing the same thing. I think Kevin is going to Florence today to finish up. I'll be wrapping. I don't have the energy to fight the Christmas crowds so I think I will call it good.
We aren't actually exchanging gifts until Jake and Megan get here on Sunday so I could go out again on Friday or Saturday if need be.
Next year I am decorating with a more rustic "outdoorsy" feel. I've seen some fabulous ornaments and decorations out there, but am waiting until the clearance tags go on to buy! [Well, we did get a start with a Sears/K-Mart voucher (to use on decorations only) we were blessed with.]
I may not be around much the next week or so as I want to thoroughly enjoy my children I don't get to see very often.
But, if you're reading this, I hope you and yours have a WONDERFUL Christmas and experience the true meaning of the day! It's after all, ALL about LOVE!
Merry Christmas!

Update

Can you believe there is only one week until Christmas? Yikes! I went to the eye doctor today after the realization that it has been FOUR YEARS since my last visit. I really stretched my contacts out a lot longer than I should have. It didn't seem to hurt my eyes though as my new prescription is actually weaker! Believe it or not this is the first time I have went to an eye doctor that dialated my eyes. I couldn't see a thing when I left there. I guess I am lucky I made it the 1/2 mile up the road to WalMart.
Then I went and picked up Katie from school. I am SO glad I did. It is very beautiful outside (Current temp is 75 as I am writing this) that she is actually washing my car. It was extremely dirty since we live off of a dirt road. Did I say dirt? I meant MUD road with lots of potholes!Kevin and I have a graduation dinner to go to tonight, so I better go get ready.
Hope you are having a good week.

Birds & Weekend Plans

Yesterday I went to a feed store here in town and bought some new birdseed. The birds are LOVING it. I'm going to start posting some of my birdie pics here on my blog. Heaven knows we take enough of them.
Here is a little Titmouse I took a photo of this week. Isn't he cute? These little birds are always on the move and hard to get a still picture of. They are one of our regulars at the feeder.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. ALL of my Christmas cards are in the mail. What a relief!
We are off to Columbia to hopefully finish our Christmas shopping. We were the blessed recipients of a "Heroes at Home" gift card from Sears. Thank you if you are reading this and contributed. It will come in very handy this year as we are still recovering from our huge loss on our Georgia home sale.
We also won a little cash last night at Kevin's squadron Christmas party. We both had a ticket drawn and got to take an envelope from the "Money Tree". There were 2 -$20 bills in each envelope. Sweet!
Off to shop....

Tackle it Tuesday

I finally had something worthy of posting on Tackle it Tuesday!
I decorated for Christmas. Here are a few pics!

I don't know how many years now that I have been decorating my tree with Angels in gold and ivory. I am really not tired of it either. But, next year we may try something different. That depends on if I can find what I am looking for on the AFTER Christmas sale racks!
My 3 angels on top of the TV cabinet. The middle one is one of those Fiber Optic lighted Angels, but we didn't plug her in this year.

I went with something fun in the dining room. We have the leaf in our table so the runner looks a little short, but it works for me.

The centerpiece which is a tea light candle holder my aunt gave me. Isn't it pretty? I sat it on a candle pedestal.

There are lots of candles in the dining room too. I think we'll eat by candlelight this year!
My snow family sits on the hearth.

And on the mantle is the Nativity scene I've had for years and years and the kids stockings and my Merry Christmas blocks.

I've got lots to do this week, so I'm not going to be on the computer much. I'll be back as soon as I can!
Have a blessed week!

Fun Christmas Stuff

Have some time to kill? No? Everyone needs a little "Down" time!
Did you see my sidebar "SnowDay" widget?
If you haven't tried it, it's a lot of fun making snowflakes!
( You should see some of the ellaborate snowflakes people make!)
Create the cutest holiday cookies here.
Decorate a Christmas tree here.
How about building a snow family? Go here.
Design your own Nativity scene and more here.
There is lots to do at the North Pole!
All Things Christmas... the name says it all!
More Christmas games here.
Yes... I need a job!
Have a great weekend!

Trees

Ever wonder what kind of trees you have in your backyard? Well, I have to say they are much easier to identify BEFORE the leaves fall off. I have a tree in my backyard I am trying to identify and I found a great source I thought I would share.
Here is a link to the Arbor Day site where you can follow a series of questions which helps you to identify your tree.
You can also buy a tree or two here, buy cool "give-a-tree" cards, send e-cards, see a world without trees transform (this is cool-reminds me of Kansas), get free screen savers and wallpaper, plan your treescape, and learn everything you ever wanted to know about Arbor Day and trees!

Where Am I?

Sorry I've been so absent. Regular posting will hopefully soon resume!Last Wednesday Katie and I went and got the "flu mist". We both felt pretty junky over the weekend. Katie had a small fever for a few days.
I figured by today I'd be all better. Regrettably, Not so. I woke up with an awful sore throat and I can barely swallow. I don't feel too hot.

Deer

We've been seeing deer in our backyard every night now. There is a group of 3 that regularly come for the corn and apples we put out for them. Last night I tried to take a couple of pictures. They aren't the best, but I wanted you to see our friends.