ACOT Message Board

Hello, Cherries!  Well, we are 9 days away from Christmas!! Are you excited?  Do you still have any shopping or wrapping to do?  How about party planning?  If you do, you better get to moving!!

I'm hanging in there.  I still have wrapping to do, but I think I'll let my daughter finish that up since it kind of rattles my ears.  I also have yet to bake a single cookie -- which is VERY strange for me!  So I plan on working on those tomorrow and Wednesday!

At some point, I also have to put in one last grocery order before Christmas. 

Other than that, I'm ready for Santa!  And, he better be good to me this year! 

I think I'm ready!  My daughter's birthday is Jan 15th so I always alot of things from her list and now it's time to divide and wrap!  

I too haven't baked a single cookie.  Also very strange for me.  But will do sugar cookies this week as we are visiting my BFF in Washington this weekend and I always bring them.

We haven't figured out Christmas dinner yet.  This is our first year in 15 years without my Aunt who we always shared the holiday with.  So we need to start something of our own.  

Seriously can't believe how quickly this year has flown by!

Happy Holidays Laura!!

So far so good...right now....LOL. Shipped off 2 packages last Wednesday and placed our tamale order. Pick-up is scheduled for Christmas Eve at noon, which works out because my brother, SIL and the kiddos will be here at 2pm Christmas Eve.

Got all the gifts bought and wrapped. Cookie dough made. WIll bake the cookies Saturday, and decorate on Sunday. Then Monday will be spent cleaning before I have a full house on Tuesday. Christmas will be relaxing as DH and I will go over to his aunt and uncle's house for dinner.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hello Laura!!! I don’t know if you’ve seen or not but we started the move into our house last week! It’s far from finished but we LOVE i! I have 2 easy mini albums to make and mail on Thursday. I haven’t started to decorate yet but I will be soon. I’ve been concentrating on turning this place from a construction zone into a home. Lol! And trying to stay warm. We need a few rugs to hold heat!  

im excited to be here at last and because youngest grandson Joe is begging his parents to come over for Christmas and “some grandparents time” as he puts it. I tell him it doesn’t HAVE to be Christmas Day as his parents might want that to be their family time. Lol! But the cabin being available to stay in is a big plus especially since it’s so cold! So I’m looking forward to that! 

Merry Christmas everyone !!!

GinniG wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 4:06 pm

Hello Laura!!! I don’t know if you’ve seen or not but we started the move into our house last week! It’s far from finished but we LOVE i! I have 2 easy mini albums to make and mail on Thursday. I haven’t started to decorate yet but I will be soon. I’ve been concentrating on turning this place from a construction zone into a home. Lol! And trying to stay warm. We need a few rugs to hold heat!  

im excited to be here at last and because youngest grandson Joe is begging his parents to come over for Christmas and “some grandparents time” as he puts it. I tell him it doesn’t HAVE to be Christmas Day as his parents might want that to be their family time. Lol! But the cabin being available to stay in is a big plus especially since it’s so cold! So I’m looking forward to that! 

Merry Christmas everyone !!!

Congratulations, Ginni ! A lot of work and a long time coming! Yay, How Exciting! 
 

Laura wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 1:30 pm

Hello, Cherries!  Well, we are 9 days away from Christmas!! Are you excited?  Do you still have any shopping or wrapping to do?  How about party planning?  If you do, you better get to moving!!

I'm hanging in there.  I still have wrapping to do, but I think I'll let my daughter finish that up since it kind of rattles my ears.  I also have yet to bake a single cookie -- which is VERY strange for me!  So I plan on working on those tomorrow and Wednesday!

At some point, I also have to put in one last grocery order before Christmas. 

Other than that, I'm ready for Santa!  And, he better be good to me this year! 

I am excited and stressed at the same time. I have my fancy Christmas anxiety going now. Also I have soooo many deadlines/manuscripts and just said yes to another one - 400 pages due Jan 6, meanwhile the thing I am working on now is due 12/31...ugh. I am finished shopping except that DH wants to go to Dollar Tree on Saturday and I could use some more wrapping supplies and stocking stuffers. I am about halfway done with wrapping. DD is always home so it's been hard. She has finals this week so will be at school a few days but then DH is home so...Thursdays are the only day they are both out during the day. I haven't done any Christmas baking yet. I will start that this week. Usually we do ALL the baking together in one day but this year I am going to do 2 of the cookies (Mexican wedding cookies and Hogwarts butterbeer cookies - new recipe I want to try) by myself during the week. DD wants to make hot chocolate cookies and DH likes his weirdo do whatever cookies (put in choc chips or cherries or whatever) and an "ice box cake" (pudding pie thing). 

Then DD's birthday is the 26th and she keeps changing her mind about what she wants to do. Usually the past several years she's had a big spaghetti dinner with all her friends but doesn't want to do that this year. She thinks it's gotten out of hand and she didn't get to hang out with everybody last year. First she wanted the three of us and BFF to go see Wicked and then go to dinner. Now she wants 2 other friends to go too, so I don't know if me and DH are still invited ROFL!!! I don't know if she wants an ice cream cake or if I am making one. Stay tuned LOL!

Oh I also haven't finished making Christmas cards to mail out or even thought about the special card/annual ornament I make for the family. And I have 2 cross-stitches that I did - one for DD and one for BFF that match (a moth and a butterfly) and I have to finish off framing them. I'm working on a scarf for BFF's dad who may or may not be having Xmas dinner with us as well. He's a hotel chef and doesn't know if he is working on Xmas. DD is going to BFF's for dinner on Xmas Eve because her mom is traveling to CA on Christmas to see BFF's sis and family. So things are festive but kind of up in the air. 


 

wazzu94 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 1:45 pm

I think I'm ready!  My daughter's birthday is Jan 15th so I always alot of things from her list and now it's time to divide and wrap!  

I too haven't baked a single cookie.  Also very strange for me.  But will do sugar cookies this week as we are visiting my BFF in Washington this weekend and I always bring them.

We haven't figured out Christmas dinner yet.  This is our first year in 15 years without my Aunt who we always shared the holiday with.  So we need to start something of our own.  

Seriously can't believe how quickly this year has flown by!

Happy Holidays Laura!!

My daughter's birthday is 12/26 and I also have to divide and wrap! Aww, I'm sorry to hear about your aunt (((Hugs))). I'm sure you will find a meaningful way to celebrate this year xoxo

I am about 1/2 ready. My progress this last four months has really slowed me down! I had to ditch half of my “homemade” gifts ! Breaking my arms And Moving  And being Executor of my Dads Estate, has given me Not much time here or Scrapping , and that is stressing for me!,
But I am OK ,  Both my Girls and Grandkids are coming at Christmas time, but because their Dad is having Open Heart surgery on the 23rd. Kind of a tense time. My Dad is gone but my Mom will be close ! My medical issues are coming along . My family is good, and I am Thankful and Blessed!!  Going to work on my Moms Calendar today! Yay!
I have missed being on here DC!!  I am hoping by the first if the year I will be back to much more  Scrapping and Message time!
Happy Holidays to you All, I will be back to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!!

blbabe1234 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 2:54 pm

So far so good...right now....LOL. Shipped off 2 packages last Wednesday and placed our tamale order. Pick-up is scheduled for Christmas Eve at noon, which works out because my brother, SIL and the kiddos will be here at 2pm Christmas Eve.

Got all the gifts bought and wrapped. Cookie dough made. WIll bake the cookies Saturday, and decorate on Sunday. Then Monday will be spent cleaning before I have a full house on Tuesday. Christmas will be relaxing as DH and I will go over to his aunt and uncle's house for dinner.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sounds like you are pretty much on target! When you make cookie dough ahead of time, do you freeze or refrigerate it? I want to do that this year instead of getting all cranky trying to do all the baking from start to finish in one day!
 

scrappinmom99 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 6:04 pm

blbabe1234 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 2:54 pm

So far so good...right now....LOL. Shipped off 2 packages last Wednesday and placed our tamale order. Pick-up is scheduled for Christmas Eve at noon, which works out because my brother, SIL and the kiddos will be here at 2pm Christmas Eve.

Got all the gifts bought and wrapped. Cookie dough made. WIll bake the cookies Saturday, and decorate on Sunday. Then Monday will be spent cleaning before I have a full house on Tuesday. Christmas will be relaxing as DH and I will go over to his aunt and uncle's house for dinner.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sounds like you are pretty much on target! When you make cookie dough ahead of time, do you freeze or refrigerate it? I want to do that this year instead of getting all cranky trying to do all the baking from start to finish in one day!
  

I put it in the fridge. I never make it ahead of time enough to put it in the freezer

Hi Cherries !!! So a bit stressful for me from the week before Thanksgiving until maybe yesterday. Lots going on at work and then here too. Almost all of my gifts have to be wrapped and shipped so it’s always a count down to get them done so they get there on time or before time. I got the grands out the first week and then everyone else last week. So fingers crossed nothing is delayed ! All of the grands boxes made it there so that’s really good! 
 missed both of my work parties this year- but my annual ugly Christmas sweater party I started when I got this job is on Thursday. Turn out has grown over the years and if you can believe it this is #5 so I’ve been at this crazy job  for 5 Decembers !!! OMGoodness! I finished the gifts for the office girls yesterday. Pics in my gallery. I like to make things and always think I will have time and then stress myself out!!! lol why ???? !!! 
My DD finished the semester and did amazingly!!! we are going to the Fox for the Nutcracker on Sunday. It’s been since before Covid that we’ve been there for it- because of her work schedule but we’ve been able to see it at St. Louis U though since they have more showtimes . I am looking forward to that. I still need a few more things for her and my son in law and need to wrap. 
I have some of Christmas dinner bought. I need to get my list for the rest. It will be just her and I and a house full of puppies for Christmas . 
ok- I’ve written a book!!! 
merry Christmas dear cherries! 
xxoo

LoreenC wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2024 5:33 pm

I am about 1/2 ready. My progress this last four months has really slowed me down! I had to ditch half of my “homemade” gifts ! Breaking my arms And Moving  And being Executor of my Dads Estate, has given me Not much time here or Scrapping , and that is stressing for me!,
But I am OK ,  Both my Girls and Grandkids are coming at Christmas time, but because their Dad is having Open Heart surgery on the 23rd. Kind of a tense time. My Dad is gone but my Mom will be close ! My medical issues are coming along . My family is good, and I am Thankful and Blessed!!  Going to work on my Moms Calendar today! Yay!
I have missed being on here DC!!  I am hoping by the first if the year I will be back to much more  Scrapping and Message time!
Happy Holidays to you All, I will be back to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!!

Oh my, Loreen.  Sending you big hugs and hoping things got smoothly for you over the holidays.  Prayers for your family members.
 

The decorating, shopping and wrapping are complete.  I haven't even started baking and just realized today that next week at this time will be the day before Christmas Eve.  I need to get moving. 

Starting to breathe a little now. Finished baking today, I think I made at least 13 different kinds of cookies. This is something I just love to do, every year is different but with my husband being retired and for the first year I used an electric mixer we worked well together. I think I have about 20 people to try to give trays to. I also finished today a wool applique project gift for a friend, and a rag quilt for my nephew. Now trying to clean the house for our family Christmas this Sunday. I get so exhausted by the end of December I usually have no ambition in January except to do fun relaxing things. I sent out 4 Christmas cards today, that is something I have such a hard time getting to even though I make cards like crazy. I always say next year I will have 30 cards ready to go but it never happens. As far as gifts I'm as ready as I'm gonna be, it's not as a big of production anymore. Wishing everyone a great Holiday season!

I am frantically sending out cards. I've had the cards made but I always struggle with writing notes/messages. I do a short "newsletter" but like to add a personal note. I have a feeling these last few cards will be lacking words.

I have our Christmas menu worked out I think....for the past few years, I've "owned" Christmas dinner and do all the prep at my house then take everything to my parents for the actual cooking. The thought of my dad driving on the highway with all the aggressive drivers would have me on pins and needles. This year's request caught mee off-guard. Usually they ask for prime rib or something meaty; this time they asked for lobster. Like, lobster?? I know how to throw down a good lobster/clambake but stuffed tails have me worried (don't wanna over or under cook!). Hoping my lobsters arrive healthy (yep, live lobsters)! 

Has anyone made a fancy poached pear? Are they hard to do? Do you have a good recipe to share?

This happens to me every year lol! We have the big gifts for the kids bought, but need some smaller things and stocking stuffers. We also usually procrastinate and do all our wrapping on Christmas Eve - we work great under pressure ha!

 

HELLO DC'S

YUP 9 DAYS TO GO AND IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS TO ME....................... WHICH SMUCKS CUZ I USUALLY LOVE DECORATING THIS TIME OF YEAR............... BUT THIS YEAR I DIDN'T DECORATE AND DON'T PLAN ON IT EITHER........ WE DON'T HAVE A TREE CUZ; WE COULDN'T AFFORD IT THIS YEAR.............. I USUALLY HOST BUT SINCE MY MOM PASTED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, I DON'T HOST CUZ EVERYONE HAS GONE THEIR OWN WAYS NOW................... SO, IT JUST DOESN'T FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS ANYMORE WELL AT LEAST FOR THIS YEAR WE'LL SEE ABOUT NEXT YEAR............... BUT I DO HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND IS ABLE TO GET ALL THEIR THINGS THAT THEY WANT TO DO BEFORE CHRISTMAS DONE....................   VALERIE MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR...................

Hope you are feeling better Laura. I got everything done early but realized I forgot to send out Christmas cards. I am finishing that up today. I just have to food shop but I’m on crutches so I will be ordering my groceries too. My knee is acting up but hoping I will be better by next week. 

SCRAPBOOKINGVLCS wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 17, 2024 1:36 am

HELLO DC'S

YUP 9 DAYS TO GO AND IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS TO ME....................... WHICH SMUCKS CUZ I USUALLY LOVE DECORATING THIS TIME OF YEAR............... BUT THIS YEAR I DIDN'T DECORATE AND DON'T PLAN ON IT EITHER........ WE DON'T HAVE A TREE CUZ; WE COULDN'T AFFORD IT THIS YEAR.............. I USUALLY HOST BUT SINCE MY MOM PASTED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, I DON'T HOST CUZ EVERYONE HAS GONE THEIR OWN WAYS NOW................... SO, IT JUST DOESN'T FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS ANYMORE WELL AT LEAST FOR THIS YEAR WE'LL SEE ABOUT NEXT YEAR............... BUT I DO HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND IS ABLE TO GET ALL THEIR THINGS THAT THEY WANT TO DO BEFORE CHRISTMAS DONE....................   VALERIE MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR...................

Awww Val, I'm sending you love & hugs.  I remember how hard the holidays were after the passing of both my parents.  Our family gatherings were focused around both of them, going to their home to celebrate.  It felt weird not getting together the first Christmas they weren't with us, and I didn't see either of my sisters or their families that year.  Now I host Christmas Eve here, like we used to at their house.  It's chaotic but fun.  It's the one time a year that I get to see my family.  I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with peace and love. 
 

Cards are mailed.  My shopping is done, just waiting for a few more gifts to arrive in the mail and then I'll finish wrapping what little is left.  I still have to figure out what I'm going to make for Christmas dinner and do some baking, otherwise it's pretty peaceful here.  Our son's birthday is January 11th and it always sneaks up on me and I never know what to do for him.  I usually just send him money in a birthday card.  I wish I was more creative in the gift giving area.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!