Christmas Eve

                                                

                                           Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Mr. C. and I got up around 6:30 that morning to start our day. We did sleep in just a little since it was a holiday, but I was too excited to stay in bed very long. We were headed to Elizabeth and Charles’ house, and Christmas Eve together means the world to me. Being able to celebrate the grandkids—Lane, Landon, and Sophie—along with everyone else is truly one of my greatest joys.

Elizabeth and Charles were hosting, and everyone gathered to make the day special. Alicia and Jonathan, Brody and Savannah, Lane, Landon, Sophie, Mr. C., and I were all there. Kaylee, Kennedy, and Waylon also stopped by, and they are very much considered family. Kaylee and Alicia have been best friends since pre-K, which I think is so special. It’s amazing how strong their friendship still is after all these years.

                                

Mr. C. and I brought what I call my cherry salad—also known as the “pink stuff”—along with banana pudding. We also brought tea, Sprite, Diet Coke, and fruit beer for drinks, plus deviled eggs for an appetizer. Elizabeth outdid herself, as always, with chicken and dressing, ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. There was also a relish tray and chips with dip. Savannah brought no-bake cookies and both nut and no-nut fudge, which were all delicious.

                                       

Luther & Charles

Elizabeth’s Christmas tree

We arrived around 2:00 and spent time visiting before Brody and Savannah arrived. Once they did, we started opening gifts. We opened them almost one at a time, and I loved that because we really got to see what everyone received and enjoy the moment together. That was probably my favorite part of the day.

After gifts, Kaylee and the kids arrived, and then it was time to eat. Mr. C. and I definitely ate way too much—but it was worth it. Everything was so good. I will always say that Elizabeth does an amazing job hosting all of us.

                             

Alisha

Brody, Savannah and Sophie

Landon

Sophie and Nana Karen

Later on, we played Dirty Santa, which isn’t my favorite game, but it’s their tradition and always brings plenty of laughs. Mr. C. and I brought a $50 first aid kit as one of the gifts. I also brought an Aztec-style blanket with rich red tones, a red Stanley cup, and a box of Swiss Miss holiday treats. Mr. C. kept saying he was going home with that first aid kit—and somehow, it worked out that he did!

The gift I brought was stolen a couple of times, and I believe Charles ended up with it. The gift I received was a large, beautiful potting planter bowl, a food slicer, and a very sharp kitchen knife. I could have chosen any gift since I was number one to pick and also had the option of choosing last, but I really liked that knife, so I kept it. Mr. C. and I plan to put sand and artificial flowers in the planter and use it on our porch.

We ended up leaving around 7:00 pm. Mr. C. was ready to head home—it had been a long day for him. Everyone else stayed behind to keep playing games and visiting.

Overall, our Christmas Eve with the kids and grandkids was absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for better fellowship, wonderful food, and meaningful time together. Days like this are what make the holidays so  special. 

Glad it’s Thursday!

                                               

It’s Already Thursday! Christmas Is Coming Fast 🎄

It’s already Thursday! This morning, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. ready to go. I knew I wanted to get at least 1,000 steps in before heading to work, so I made sure that happened. By the time I walked out the door, it was 6:42 a.m., and I was feeling accomplished and ready to see what the day would bring.

As we get closer to Christmas, I can really tell how stressed our members are becoming about the upcoming holidays. It’s that familiar end-of-year pressure — finances, schedules, family gatherings — it all adds up. I’m doing everything I can at work to help them understand the value of the membership and the protection we provide. Sometimes, reassurance goes a long way during this season.

I also need to figure out what finger food or appetizer I’m taking to work tomorrow for our department snack day. Right now, I’m thinking peanut butter fudge and pinwheels, because they always seem to be a hit. Before I fully decide, I plan to check in with everyone to see what they’re bringing so we don’t double up too much.

                                           

At home, my mind is already jumping ahead to Christmas Eve and the Saturday celebration with the grandkids. I need to sit down and figure out what I’m taking to Elizabeth and Charles for Christmas Eve, as well as what I’ll need for our Christmas with the grandchildren after Christmas. I believe pizza is on the menu, but I still want to make a few extra things. I’ve narrowed it down to a grape salad and some kind of fudge to add to the cookie platter I’m planning. I’m also hoping to find a new-to-me Christmas drink recipe that I can make ahead and chill for the grandkids.

                                  

I’ve always loved Christmas, and this year is no different. I’m especially excited to see most of the grandbabies on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and again on Saturday for their celebration. Those moments are what make the season so special.

Now, let’s talk budget — because yikes. I started looking at what I spent this year, and I may have gone way over. Every year, I tell myself I’ll stick to about $50 per grandchild (and remember, I have 12 of them), plus $50 for each of the grown kids and spouses. Somehow, it always feels like I end up closer to $100 per person anyway. With today’s prices, even $100 doesn’t go as far as it used to. I really need to start taking advantage of sales throughout the year and building a little Christmas closet so December isn’t quite so overwhelming.

I’d love to hear from y’all — how do you budget for Christmas? Do you set an amount per child, per family, or just a total spending cap? I know there has to be a better system than the one I’m currently using.

On a lighter note, next year we’re finally going to hang Christmas lights on the front porch. Believe it or not, we’ve never done that in all the years I’ve been with Mr. C. Right now, my porch is still decorated for Thanksgiving, and I really need to carve out an evening to switch it over. I have so many cute Christmas decorations that deserve to be out there.

Before I wrap this up, I want to ask one more thing — do you have a favorite festive recipe you’d be willing to share in the comments? I’m always looking for easy Christmas or New Year’s recipes. The simpler, the better, because I’m definitely a simple cook.

Here’s to a busy but joyful Thursday and counting down the days to Christmas.

Wednesday Ramblings

  

Wednesday Ramblings

This morning, Mr. C. is driving me to work, and I’m enjoying it more than I realized I would. These thirty minutes together have turned into quiet, quality time—and bonus time for me to work on my blog. As Christmas gets closer, finding time for everything feels harder. My thoughts are going in a million different directions at once, and some days it feels like I’m juggling more than I can comfortably hold.

Lately, we’ve been trying to figure out how to purchase a used vehicle for Mr. C. Vehicles are so expensive, and right now we just don’t have the funds set aside. It’s a reminder that come the beginning of the year, I really need to be more intentional about saving. Life has a way of keeping us grounded in reality, even during the holiday season.

At work, I’m thankful to be on track with my savings goals this month. Meeting expectations feels good, especially during such a busy season. I currently need forty saves to hit my goal for December, and while it’s challenging, I’m proud that I’m staying focused and pushing forward.

                         

This morning is thick with fog, and I’m grateful my husband is behind the wheel. This time of year always makes me nervous with deer running everywhere—especially living out in the country. The fog, the wildlife, and the early morning darkness can make even a short drive feel heavy, but today I feel safe and thankful.

                                       

Looking ahead, I’m excited about December 27th when the grandchildren come over for Christmas. We’re keeping it simple—pizza, a cookie platter, and an easy dessert. What matters most isn’t the menu, but the memories. I’m so looking forward to seeing Aaron’s children and Blake’s family. It will be loud, messy, and filled with laughter—the best kind of chaos.

                                           

I’ve noticed I haven’t been reading on my Kindle as much lately. Work has been too busy to read during breaks, and at home, I’ve been filling my time with other activities. Seasons change, and sometimes our routines do too.

As I sit here in front of my office at 6:57 a.m., I already feel blessed. I usually go inside around 7:10 to get my computer ready for the day, but today I’m pausing to acknowledge the small moments—the ride to work, the foggy morning, the anticipation of family time. I know today will be a good day.

Tuesday is here!

Tuesday Thoughts

This morning we were up at 5:00 a.m. I wasn’t quite ready to get out of bed, but it was time to rise and shine and start the day.

                                    

Yesterday I officially started my walking challenge. My personal goal is 7,000 steps a day. I’ll be honest—my usual daily steps have been under 3,000, so this is definitely pushing me outside my comfort zone. I’m part of a team of four from our corporate world, and I really don’t want to let them down. Accountability was exactly what I needed. Being more mindful is the key to success here. At my last doctor’s appointment, she told me she wanted me walking 6,000 steps a day by spring, so this challenge is helping me get where I need to be.

                                    

Work has been incredibly busy lately. Price increase letters were sent out to our members, and honestly, right before Christmas doesn’t feel like the smoothest move. But what do I know? I’m just a customer service representative, not a big wig. What I do know is that I live a normal life with a budget, and I wouldn’t be thrilled about a price increase either.

Mr. C. is taking me to work today, and I’m fully embracing my role as the passenger princess. It gives me some quiet time to work on my blog, and I’m really trying to stay current with my writing.

My goal while I’m at work today is to spend some time on my Swap-Bot journal. I’m very behind and need to make progress whenever I can. After looking it over, I realized I probably need at least 40 pages completed. I’ve got to get this done!

                                      

It’s 7:05 a.m., and I’ve arrived at work. Mr. C. and I are already talking about plans for the grandchildren’s Christmas at our house. That conversation alone makes the early morning feel a little brighter.

Grocery Day at Crest Grocery Store

A Productive Grocery Day at Crest

This morning, Mr. C and I finally decided it was time to sit down and make out our monthly grocery shopping list. No putting it off, no guessing — just getting it done. We briefly talked about placing a Walmart pickup order, but I always come back to the same thought: I feel like I can stretch our grocery budget further when I shop at Crest. Their discounts and savings consistently allow me to bring home more food for our money, and that matters.

I left the house fairly early and headed into Chickasha first, treating myself to a yogurt bowl and a smoothie to fuel the drive up to Norman. I considered stopping at TJ Maxx to do a little last-minute Christmas shopping, but one look at the packed parking lot told me everything I needed to know. I decided to skip the crowds and head straight to Crest instead.

Once inside the store, I quickly realized things had changed — a lot. Since my last trip, the layout had been almost completely rearranged. I found myself starting in aisles I normally save for the end, grabbing our case of water and soda right away. It threw off my usual routine, but thankfully I had my list in hand and checked items off as I went. That list was my saving grace.

There were a couple of things I didn’t pick up this time around, so I made sure to keep those items noted separately for a grocery pickup order later in the week. With everything checked off and loaded up, I headed back home. Normally I stop for a drink on the way, but I still had most of my smoothie with me, so I kept going.

I pulled into the driveway around 1:30, and Mr. C helped unload the Jeep while I started putting everything away. I made a quick stop at McDonald’s on the turnpike for a late lunch, and after eating, we settled in to watch Sheriff’s Country, visit for a bit, and enjoy a quiet afternoon. I wrapped things up by working on a couple of blog posts — a simple, productive ending to a busy but successful grocery day.

Sometimes it’s the ordinary days that feel the most satisfying.

 

Christmas Shopping with Tammie & Mildred

  

                      Sunday Funday with Tammy and Mildred

This past Sunday, the 7th, turned into one of those simple, joy-filled days that I didn’t realize I needed. I met up with Tammy and Mildred at the Duncan–Lawton Y at 10:30 AM, ready for a full day of Christmas shopping and catching up. We piled into Mildred’s cute little Beetle—seriously, that car has so much personality—and headed to Lawton.

Our first stop was JCPenney at the Lawton Mall. Honestly, we weren’t even sure the store was still open, but to our surprise it was—and we walked out with bags full of great finds. I found some wonderful Christmas gifts, including a Black & Decker handheld mixer my daughter-in-law Jessica had asked for. Even better, it was reduced to just $29.95. I also picked up a glass measuring cup she wanted, plus a couple of adorable outfits for the grandkids. Nothing beats checking off your gift list this early in December.

From there, we headed to the west side of Lawton and stopped in at Five Below. That place is always a treasure hunt, and we found plenty of fun little goodies perfect for stocking stuffers. All that shopping worked up an appetite, so we swung by Long John Silver’s—a place I hadn’t eaten at in years. I don’t know why I waited so long, because it was still every bit as good as I remembered.

After lunch, we made our way to Bath & Body Works, where the three-wick candles were on sale for just $9.95. That’s a deal you simply can’t walk away from. I picked up a Cotton Blossom candle for my coworker (and cousin’s wife), Whitney—her absolute favorite scent.

By the time we wrapped up our shopping adventure, my heart felt just as full as my shopping bags. Spending the day with Tammy and Mildred reminded me how important it is to make time for friends. It had been a while since we’d gotten together, and we caught up on everything happening in our lives. We laughed, talked, shopped, and simply enjoyed each other’s company.

It truly was a fantastic Sunday Funday—simple moments, sweet friendships, and memories to carry into the holiday season.