my Mom's Christmas List

We've all been pestering my Mom about things she might want or need that we could give her for Christmas, and this is the e-mail she sent to us all: (Just as a disclaimer, I don't know if this was a forward she adapted, or if this is ALL her own, but either way, it's my Mom.)

Dear Family,

For the twelve days of Christmas, this is what I want……
Twelve days of hubby happy,
Eleven seminary make-ups,
Ten healthy family members,
Nine financial assets to quadruple,
Eight hours of sleep,
Seven smiles from Sarah,
Six days of rest,
Fiiiiiiiiiiiive A’s for Jenny
Four job offers for John,
Three dinners out,
Two long foot rubs
And one baby Rockwell to sleep all night!!!

Merry Christmas!

Neighborhood Christmas Gifts

Some ladies on my street did this last year, and then continued with the tradition this year-it was so fantastic I wanted to share their idea with everyone:

THEME: Christmas Bonfire and Food Drive

What: in lieu of neighborhood gifts/treats we gathered together to give to those in need. We assembled in the culdesac for hot chocolate, cookies, and friends and brough canned food donations that were then taken to the United Way.

I had such a good time talking with my neighbors and drinking cocoa and cookies. A few people had brought those portable fire pits and we were roasting marshmallows too. Then when the party was done, not only had I enjoyed the socializing but I also felt good about those that would be bennefitting from my canned food donations. I know that my neighbors may have enjoyed my yummy sugar cookies, but not as much as a some one in need would have enjoyed my canned soups, fruits, and vegetables.

We will be living in a different home/neigborhood next year for Christmas and I've decided to instigate this Christmas tradition in the next location I'm in.