Monday, November 16, 2009

Getting Ready

Christmas and the winter holidays are quickly approaching. Boxes are beginning to appear on my front stoop and I'm getting giddy with excitement. It's no secret this is my most favorite time of the year. :o)

I'm already making plans for my Christmas decorating, but unfortunately, there is so much that needs to be done before I can even begin. My things to do list keeps growing and growing, lol! This weekend I'll shampoo the carpets in the dining room, living room and on the "bridge" and stairs. I need to go through the playroom and help Lily decide which toys to keep and which to donate to needy children. I would like to get my windows cleaned (still haven't managed that one yet...) and I need to get my Christmas cards finished (come on Discount Office Supplies, get that adhesive here!) so I can address them and ship them out before too long. :o)

We'll be with Lissie and family for Thanksgiving. We will return home Friday for a number of reasons. First, I need some time to rest before heading back to work. Second, I don't want the dogs to be kenneled any longer than necessary. Third, Friday is Rachael-gets-the-Christmas-tree-and-tries-to-burn-down-the-house-with-1000s-0f-lights day. The holiday season is so short as it is, I want to enjoy it for as long as possible. In fact, I may begin decorating on my birthday (Tuesday the 24th for those interested), since that is one month to Christmas Eve.

I'm planning my typical cookie/candy making routine (yes, Lissie and Jessie, you'll get your fondant :oP) and need to talk to Sarah, Bridget and Kat and see if any of them are interested. It's far more fun to do it in numbers than alone. :o) I'm also wondering about doing some cookie decorating with the little girls--Erin and Lily. Jess, wanna come down for a weekend and let Ella and Lil make and decorate some cookies together? Just an idea to get you out of the house...

Top this off with some last minute gifts/stocking stuffers I need to get and a nursery to finish (details in a moment), and I'm a busy girlie!

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Brien is out purchasing the items necessary for doing the baby's room. He agreed the wainscoting is such a beautiful, clean look, and that it is worth the time and effort. So, he's getting the appropriate items, and my Monroe Bisque paint and we'll be working on that this weekend as well. In fact, I'm hoping to begin painting tomorrow afternoon. I can paint the top half of the room before B installs the bead board--and it will be far easier than edging. ;o)

Lily is desperate to help so I'm trying to decide what she could do to lend a hand.

And, while I'm thinking about it, does anyone know of anyone/place that does custom made wall vinyl? I'll stencil if necessary, but would prefer the easy of slapping some vinyl on the walls instead. :o) Could you PLEASE let me know if you do know of someone/place? Thanks!!

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Today's Sparklies:

1. Everyone was so happy this morning--even though it was a Monday. That day off recharged ALL of us. :o)
2. B is out getting nursery goodies. Woo hoo!
3. Lily was my cleaning buddy this afternoon. We did all three bathrooms and two loads of laundry. While she had dinner, I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes. Oh, and paid the bills too. I'm beat!
4. Brien had a good visit with the cardiologist today. Well, sort of. I'll give the details tomorrow.

No milestones.
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I'm an evil evil teacher and gave a quiz today. The kids have another tomorrow, one Wednesday and a test Thursday. This means I MUST get today's quizzes graded tonight, so I'm off!

15 comments:

Lori said...

Upper Case Living lets you make your own designs. Google the business name.

Jess said...

Yes, I do want to come. I forgot to tell you that the kids and I will be arriving on Thursday the 3rd and staying through Sunday the 6th. K & S are having out of town company and I think it is best that we clear out so they can enjoy their adult time! There are a couple new candy recipes I would like to try, I am just not brave enough to go it alone.

Not sure if Bob will be tagging along or joining us on Friday, probably so. Let me know if this is a bad weekend and I'll see if Mom can take us instead.

Rach said...

LOL! Yes, Jessie, that works for us. :o)

I'll plan on having some cookie dough ready to go. We'll keep Lil out of school that Friday so she and Ella can pal around--if that's okay with you. :o)

Bring the candy recipes and we'll see what we can get into. :o)

Anonymous said...

http://www.craftcuts.com/ and http://www.paintedponylettering.comare both sites I have ordered from. Additionally, any local storefront that does vinyl lettering for boats and/or businesses can help you out...generally for less $$$ than you can order from the fancier wall word shoppes.

Bailey's Leaf said...

Try a sign making store. We have Fast Signs here, but I don't know if that is a local thing or an all over thing.

We put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. That is after I've been shopping for probably 8 hours. I'll be with my sister for her shopping fest. As for me, I'm done except for a few very small details. :)!!!

Hooray for nursery stuff!

Melissa said...

I never realized that you are a Thanksgiving baby too! I am the day after this year ugh. 41. Glad everyone will be tired and not too enthused.

Cate said...

Your holiday excitement is even worse than mine! I love having tree and all the little lights outside. I am also looking forward to it being COLD!!

Loved the cards you posted. My friend Jill laughs at me as I am just a little bit obsessed with Dasher!

Lisa said...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MonkeyThreads

Anonymous said...

Hugs.

I have gotten vinyl from Etsy vendors.

Ellis said...

I wanted to let you know that there are lots of sellers on etsy.com that do custom wall vinyl. I have looked at it for my nursery too (I'm due May 21)! I wrote about it on my blog here: http://passmorefun.blogspot.com/2009/10/nursery-inspiration.html

Have a good day and good luck with all your projects!

kathunter said...

I'm game for candy making again this year! It was so fun last year and Troy and I really enjoyed having treats around the house. In fact, this year I'm thinking of making some stuff to give as gifts (last year I was too new at it all and we ate everything I made, yummm!). Let me know timing that works for you guys, I think we may take some short trips to see family during the holidays but nothing over a night or two so we should be around.

Jori said...

I've ordered tons of vinyl off etsy. I can't wait to see the completed nursery. You always do such great work.

Shelley Buffaloe said...

check out http://shelleybuffaloe.uppercaseliving.net

I have followed your blog since your incredible loss, my heart hurt with you and rejoiced with you!

Merry Christmas!

Rachel said...

http://www.mytalkingwalls.com/index.htm

Just wanted to add another vinyl option. This is a SAHM that does beautiful work.
:)
Miss you- would love to catch up sometime.
Rach

Laura said...

Oh gosh! New baby rooms! I'm getting really excited for you...

We used to let the kids "prep" the walls before we did any sort of painting/papering/etc. on them. A little bucket of warm water and a soft cloth and away she goes. :D