just jill...

wii so lame...

But in my defense... I have a serious case of Wii-itis. It's a real thing. I got it.

My arms and shoulders are in so much pain right now, it's a huge effort just to type. This whole Operation "Get me a Wii" thing has just about sent me over to the other side of old.

I promise to be back after the first of the new year...

oww.

day 23 ~ christmas golf...

Today was a fun day spent out at the golf course with the family...

Counting down...

day 22 ~ operation "get me a wii..."

"Was a HUGE success!!"

merry merry to wii, I mean me!

day 21 ~ old school rock...

It's not the most Christmasy of posts, but I've got to let you all know we had a "blast" at the Van Halen concert. Van Halen old school... David Lee Roth; performed the hell out of their tunes, had the entire arena on their feet for the whole show, and even though he remained a bit "flat-footed" for my taste, he has still got it going on. Eddie Van Halen; what can I say, he's still the best of all time at what he does, what an experience to get to see him live. Wolfgang... I wasn't sure what to expect, I mean the kid is 16 years old... but let me tell you he completely held his own, very professional, and even a little bit charming at times. I am very impressed. Oh and let's not forget the drummer, Alex... as usual he didn't disappoint. Now I can say that I've seen both the old school and the new school versions (Sammy Hagar's band in 1996) of Van Halen. (don't ask me to say which is better because it's an irrelevant question... in my opinion)


We're so ready to rock...

merry rock'n merry...

day 19 ~ a day in the life...

It's too late for these to appear under your tree, but you can definitely STILL purchase one of these awesome calendars for someone you love. Some people don't mind "late" gifts. (hint hint...) These are two of my favorite daily blog-reads. Myself and about 20,000 other readers have found these ladies to be quite funny writers, moms to unique kids, and they also rank photographer supreme... If you don't currently read their sites, run, don't walk to commence with the laughing, laughing till you cry, and then calling your friends who read them too to sit around and laugh with them some more. And while you're there, pick up a calendar (or two) because everyone needs a calendar and these are really good ones. Oh, and also because I said so.


Pioneer Woman takes great shots of livestock, and she's donating the proceeds to the Special Olympics... Isn't that nice?
Order here...

Dooce, what can I say... Chuck is classic. My life wouldn't be complete without Daily Chuck!
Order here...

day 18 ~ "i wish it was christmas today..."

My sentiments exactly...



"I don't care about anything, except hearing them sleigh bells ring-a-ding-ding..."

day 17 ~ dwight rules...

Just in case you're wondering... Yes, this is on my Christmas list again this year. It's a must have! What does Oprah know anyway..?


"Yankee Swap is like Machiavelli meets Christmas."

day 16 ~ the chosen one...

Does anyone else think that the US*PS skimped out on the whole Holiday Stamps this year? Just me? Harumph... It seems to me in the past they've had more than just 2-3 choices to choose from. What's up with that? What irks me even more is that it also seems that 2 of the 3 choices they are offering this year are just repeats from years past... So doesn't that really mean that they in fact are only offering up 1 new choice?

Well, I protest. I protest so hard that now my "Christmas Cards" have become "New Year's Cards." Take that. Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that I have just recently moved, just started a new job, can't find a quality pen to address them with or the fact I'm still knee deep in making the cards... Oh no it doesn't. It's all because the Holiday Stamps are lame this year. (Yep, that's it). Well, after you get a gander at my homemade cards this year, you'll understand why I went with trusty ole' Yoda. He just "goes."


"Don't judge me..."

day 15 ~ pennies from santa?

Penny Harvest @ Rockefeller Plaza...

I only wish I was there to see it for myself!

day 14 ~ "big package..."

This just makes me whole day...


"Am I right ladies...?"

day 13 ~ christmas tunage...

I can't stop listening to Josh...
It's such a spirit lifter and just puts a smile on my heart!


"I love you Josh... Call me!"

day 12 ~ christmas cookies...

Cookie-a-Day... How am I just now finding out about this on the 12th day of the month..? I better get to steppin' with the baking AND the eating!!


Gingerbread People... by Marisa McClellan

day 11 ~ soft trees...

Last year Soft Trees were quite the craze... Little Birds posted the pattern and weeks later everyone from Denmark to Kalamazoo started sewing away. I even got in the game and soon it became quite the addiction. I don't know if it was a blessing or a curse, but right in the middle of sewing up number 10 of the 24 trees I had begun, my sewing machine BROKE. (the pain, the pain...) I managed to squeak out a handful of them, but still have a box full just waiting to be finished. Seeing the FlickR group, just makes me "sigh" with delight...




I dare you to make just 1...

day 10 ~ it's an annual thing...

I guess it's probably old to anyone who's been around for the past few years, but I just can't help myself. It's still my all-time favorite photo of the little mini me...


Taylor's now six, but still excited to get her tree I'm sure...
"Run Mini-Me, Run..."

day 9 ~ on the ninth day...

"Straight No Chaser..."

day 8 ~ no lighting required...

Just think, no arguing about how, "You've now ruined Christmas for everyone, because you once again F'd up the lights on the tree..." Oh wait, was that just at my house?


Shelf-Tree... by Frank Visser of IJM.

day 7 ~ merry carrie...

Knowing that I only have to wait another 6 months to see this movie is the best Christmas Present I could ever hope for.

"merry merry..."

day 6 ~ ornamental...

A few of my favorite homemade ornaments...


Handsewn by my Aunt Vicke... Circa: 1986


Homemade by my mom's friend, Sandy... Circa: 1982


Homemade by me in the 6th Grade... Circa: 1975

day 5 ~ glittery tags...

These can used as Gift Tags or Ornaments...

Last year while living in El Paso, I was forced to be with out Michaels... (Oh, the trauma I endured!) But now, I'm back to my every other day shopping excursions. Oh the love. I finally got introduced to all the lovely Martha Stewart items... The glitter glue and all the pretty glitters are taking over my dining room as I speak.

day 4 ~ if only these came in a size 8...

I'm thinking these could look lovely on my feet...


"Aren't these just the cutest things you've ever seen...?"

My friend, Yvonne who lives all the way over in the Netherlands made them. Her taste and craftsmenship are exquisite and cause me to "sigh..." uncontrollably each time I visit her lovely sight. Go here to see many more lovely Elf Scoots being made all over the world.

day 3 ~ santa baby...

HO HO HO...

Oddly enough, I can say that I've changed this Santa's Diaper back in July 1985...

*This is a cousin of mine. He lives in Rhode Island. He's very jolly.

day 2... "i just like it like i like it..."

Look, it's me ordering my
"Venti Drip Coffee with (lots) of room..."

Get your Customized Starbucks Card too... It would make a great stocking stuffer...
(wink, wink...)

a countdown to christmas part iv...

All I want for Chirstmas is a little joy...


Joy to the World... indeed!

Please visit Andrea's shop... she is really really talented and a very good mommy. Go now. Shop till you drop!