One gift. . .

As I stated before, Jeff and I cutting way back on Christmas this year.

I have to admit that I still want Christmas to be "magical" and for Maddie to just receive everything, her little heart desires. So, it's been a bit of a struggle for me. Don't get me wrong, she is still getting what she asked for but I am no longer supplementing her gifts, just so she has more to open.
Because truth be told, the majority of the "filler" stuff I buy ends up in the garbage in a few months, anyhow.

I am also pretty much done with our Christmas shopping.

It does looks somewhat "bare" under my tree. I guess it looks "bare" in relation to what it used to look like under there.

I will also admit, that in some ways it feels good to not stress as much as to what to get everyone like I have typically done in the past.

It's definitely an adjustment, but I think a good one, nonetheless.

For me, anyways.

I actually have had the time to just enjoy the coziness of our Christmas tree and snuggle up to Jeff and Maddie, to make gingerbread houses, and listen to Christmas music.


Jeff and I did also decide that we would buy one gift a piece for each other and the budget was $50.

One gift, gosh?

What did I want?

What could I get?

You definitely think more carefully, when you can only choose one gift!!

My mind has been reeling!

Currently, this is what I *think* I am gonna ask for.




I just LOVE clocks!

They seem to be my thing and I really need another like I need a hole in the head. : )

So, if you could only chose one gift, and the limit was $50.

What would you choose?

Fave Song Friday. . .

In case you haven't already guessed this, I love Lady Antebellum.

Here's their most recent song and I can't get enough of it.




Happy Friday!

O Tannenbaum. . .

O Tannenbaum. . .

Wie treu sind deine Blätter.

Sorry, that song is stuck in my head. : )

I lived in Germany when I was a little girl for a few years and we would sing
"O, Christmas tree" in german every year.


So, I can't help but sing it every year when we decorate our tree, hence the title of this post. ; )


I really like the traditional Christmas colors and toyed with the idea of doing more of a "theme" tree this year and somewhat tried too but I still had to include some of my favorite ornaments.

So, I guess you could say it's a "hodpodge themed" tree.


Here is how she turned out.

I do need to get one more spool of ribbon to finish my garland.




and just a couple shots of some of our ornaments. . .














and my most favorite ornament, ever.







Maddie made this in kindergarten.

They painted their little hands white, stamped them onto the ornament and made their little fingers into snowmen. I love this ornament and now when Maddie holds it, her hand covers the entire thing. So, that makes it even more special to me now.


Lastly, a quick shot of Miss Maddie decorating it. : )






Is your tree up and decorated yet?

My Black Friday. . .

OK, I know I SWORE that I would NEVER, EVER, EVER again shop on Black Friday.

Well, I did.


BUT, all I did buy was this. . .




and I love it!

It was regularly $129 but I got it for $49! YAY! : )

I did also run by Michael's and got some ribbon for 70% off. So, YAY again! ; )




Then, my mom, Maddie and I headed to see this. . .





And OH.MY.GOODNESS! It was good!

My poor mom was kind of lost, though.

She has never read any of the Twilight books but she did enjoy the movie.

Oh and I gotta say, I have always been "Team Edward" but in the movie, I was really liking Jacob Black.

Guess you could say I am "Team Jake-ward" now. ; )

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and Black Friday too!

Fave song Friday. . .

Another old favorite!

Have a great weekend! : )

My priorities have changed. . .

Work has slowed down a bit and I am so thankful for the little break.

I feel like I have a bit of time to catch my breath.

Anyhow, I was wasting a bit of time perusing next week's black friday ads, going through them store by store just looking for something I just *had* to have.

Nothing.


Seriously, nothing.

In fact, I didn't anything see anything, that anyone I knew just *had* to have.

So, I looked again.

Nope, nothing.

Wait, I take that back.

Jeff's grandma is getting a snuggie for Christmas and Walgreen's happens to have them on sale.

I will buy one of those. (No snickering, she needs one.)

I guess what just surprised me, is that normally I find things, I just *have* to have or would LOVE to have.

I'm just not there, this year.

I've decided that this year, I am focusing on the real reason for the season and not getting caught up in all the material stuff and fluff.

We've also cut way, way back on our Christmas list.

Maddie's list is relatively small, as well.

Maybe it's the current economy?

I dunno, I just want a simple Christmas.

I honestly think I just want a simpler kind of life.

And you know what, that decision feels good.

What about you?

Are you cutting back as well?

Has the current economy changed your views of things?

Fave song Friday. . .

As a woman, I can totally relate to the lyrics of this song.

I think it's a wonderful reminder to all of us ladies, out there!

Happy Friday!