Life is Good!

Life is Good... Well, Hello again. I have been gone for a while...but I am sure that each one of you understands. Life just takes over sometimes. Family and jobs come first. So I hope that each of you have been doing well. That you have had a wonderful and prosperous Spring. And that you survived the floods, storms, rains, and tornado's. We had some flooding in our basement, but nothing like some folks. Our hearts and prayers go out to ALL that were affected.

Summer is here unofficially, if you are going by the calendar. Yesterday, the heat index was above 100 degrees and  it is only the 3rd of June. I can't imagine what August is going to be like if we are that hot now. I may have to come up with an outside kitchen quickly, so I don't overheat the house when we start canning alter this summer.So, here are some of the things that have been happening in my world the last few months: 

Our daughter, Michele, graduated from high school. The two weeks before her graduation was filled with year end dinners, awards ceremony's, presentations, etc. She has received 10 awards/achievements and scholarships (woohoo!). We are so proud of her. She is planning on going to our local college this fall. majoring in Early Childhood Intervention. She loves children, especially child with disabilities.

Our son, Kendall got his drivers license and a part-time job as Chester Cheeto, but we won't let him drive to work just yet by himself. So, we are still in the mode of taking and picking up each day, especially now that school is out and his sister is working and can't be the errand girl anymore. 

I changed jobs. I took a position as the Director of Development for a non-profit organization called LifeSource International. We serve the community in many ways; Food Pantry, Clothing Pantry, Kid's Life After-school and Summer Camp programs, Senior Citizen assistance, professional Counseling, Adult Education, Monthly meal outreach & Food baskets, and medical referrals. Thus, I have been trying to settle into a new job and rearranging all my normal routines (since I go into an office each day and not work from home).

 

In between all the busyness I planted a garden, flower bulbs and plants. Now I am just waiting until they all burst forth in all their loveliness.

So there you have it...all my excuses for not being around much the last month.

Life is good and we are blessed. Even though, I haven't gotten to get out much and find any good deals at flea markets or yard sales. Nor have I gotten to home-can anything, just too busy and tired when I get home. Nor have I gotten to read any good books, other than some grant writing books for work. But, I cannot complain..we are all safe, we have a roof over our heads, we have jobs, and food to eat.  Life is Good!

Senior Prom

Prom time is here! My baby girl is off at her Senior Prom. It seems like only yesterday that I was giving brith, changing diapers, helping with homework, and driving her everywhere.

My how the time flys! In a month she will be graduating from high school and focusing on college courses. The funny thing is; is that she has already been to a few college courses...I was prego with her during my last year of college. And she attended my graduation ceremony at the age of 5 months.

She was 2 weeks old when I started back to classes for my last semester. Her Aunt, who lived close to the campus, watched her for us. I made my scheule so that I could go to a class, then go to her Aunt's house to feed & check on her, then go back to class each day.

Enough of the memories....

Shell-Belle,

You have become a beautiful young woman! 

You have made all of us very proud (Bill & I and your Dad & Lynne).

We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter of your life.

Keep your focus on the goals you have set for yourself and you will suceed.

But, most importantly always keep CHRIST first and foremost in your heart and life.

Love you!

MOM

Miracles, Blessings & Homemade Burn Salve

   Just as I thought everything was getting back to "normal" a few weeks ago, in regards to blog posting, canning routine, and just normal life; a huge "curve ball" was thrown into the mix. On March 17th my Knight was burning leaves and an unexpected "surprise" was in the fire. A spray paint can had unknowingly found its way into the hot flames.  As the can got hotter and hotter it exploded and released its pressure and last bit of paint. Acting like a blow torch, it sent large flames in the direction of my Knight, who was shirtless. Causing 2nd degree burns from one side of his abdomen to the other and from his belt-line to just below his breast. His left fore-arm also sustained 2nd degree burns. The intense heat singed his beard, mustache, eyebrows, and hair on forehead. Plus, other minor burns on his hands, nose, and chest. (no pics...too gross)

   After a trip to the ER, a concoction of pain meds, tons of anti-biotic ointment and gauze, lots of bed rest, and lets not forget the many many PRAYERS that were sent heavenward by countless friends and family, we are beginning to see healing of the wounds. His arm is the first to show signs of good healing. Today he was able to go without the bandages all day, while keeping it moist with salve (see recipe below). The salve is so that it doesn't dry out, crack, and then cause more pain. It should also help to reduce scarring.

   Though we rejoice in seeing this healing, the pain to the nerve endings are still there. This is what causes him the most discomfort. Second degree burns are the most painful of all burns, because the nerve endings are exposed, yet not damaged as they would be in a 3rd or 4th degree burn. And since the largest wound is across his stomach area; it becomes almost impossible to get into a comfortable position, since we use are stomach muscles to sit, turn, bend, lay down, etc.

   As we look at this "curve ball", we find MIRACLES throughout it all. First miracle, he had on jeans and shoes. Not shorts and sandals. Thus, keeping his feet and legs from getting burned. Second miracle, he was shirtless. If he'd had a tee shirt on it could have caught fire spreading the flames on up to his chest or around to his back. Third miracle, he had his hand up in front of his face lighting a cigarette (this is the one and only time I will be grateful he smokes) breaking the wind from the lighter when the explosion occurred. This act saved his face, eyes and ears from sustaining burns. Fourth miracle, his hands didn't sustain any major burns, just a few first degree on the back of the hands. His passion is playing his guitars. Fifth miracle, the bottom of the can flew past him at an extremely high velocity of speed embedding itself into the deck beam that were behind him. Had that hit him it would have been as a large bullet, causing sever damage or possible death. 

   There you have it, 5 Miracles in a matter of a few seconds that could have changed this whole unfortunate situation into something much more worse than it is. Now please don't think I am down grading the severity of his injuries. I am not. They are extremely bad, grotesquely ugly and very painful. But, we can see that our Lord and Savior was protecting him. For that, we are very thankful.

   Blessings have abounded. Family and Friends have rallied around us and provided us with wound care supplies, ointment, bandages, meals, and financial help. We are so BLESSED to have such caring and giving people in our circle of relationships. How can we say "Thank You" enough for all that each of you have done to help our family get through this? Words do not seem enough to express what is in our hearts.


   Now that his arm is past the point of infection, we can now use a salve to keep the wound area moist instead of the expensive triple antibiotic ointment we were using. So since, I am one who likes to use Natural products I have a recipe for a Beeswax Burn Salve that I will make. This salve is similar to the formula used for the better known: Burt's Bees Salve. Which can be rather expensive when using it in the amounts that we will be using it. Thus, we will be making our own. Saving our ever fading checking account from further drainage. (severe injury + no insurance + no work = ever fading checking account)

Homemade Burn Salve

Homemade Burn/Wound Salve
This salve can bring soothing and healing to; burns, minor cuts, cold sores and rashes.

1 quart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 ounce fresh calendula herb flowers
3 ounces beeswax, grated
cooking thermometer
Optional:
5 drops Tea-Tree Essential Oil - for calming the skin and fighting infection
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil - for soothing wound area and promote healing

Mix the olive oil and the flowers in a crock-pot and heat to a 175 degrees F overnight (You can do this in a double boiler/saucepan on the stove on low heat, but the longer the flowers are infused in the oil the stronger the infusion and final product is). Strain the oil from the flowers, then discard flowers.

Place the oil in a saucepan over medium heat (kept in over a double boiler). Add the beeswax and stir. Allow the wax to melt. When the mixture is fully melted, add essential oils if using.

Then pour into a jar. (I like to use a large mouth "squatty" jar for easier access to salve.) Let cool completely and secure with lid. Use: apply with fingers to burned, cut, rash or wounded area. Can leave moist over area or rub into skin leaving it soft and moisturized.

Where Does The Time Go? + Onions, Bananas, & Soup

I cannot believe that it has been well over a month since I last blogged.  The time has just flown by. You know "LIFE" it sometimes has a way of throwing us a few curve balls along with the normal everyday workings.

We are preparing for our daughters Senior Prom and Graduation. It is so hard to believe that my baby girl is graduating high school. She has surely grown up to be a beautiful young lady. I am so proud of here.

On another note....Spring is right around the corner...One of my favorite seasons of the year. With the coming Spring time comes the flowers in bloom. We have daffodils already in bursting forth and showing they beauty. Soon the Iris, Daylilies and Dogwood will be bursting forth.

Veggie Soup

Then comes the garden...fresh fruit and veggies. Woo who...I can't wait. Even though I can all year round, I just love the burst of adrenaline that comes with a garden for the " stocking of the larder" as the veggies and fruit ripen.

Speaking of canning, this afternoon I made a huge pot of veggie soup consisting of: spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, homemade chicken broth, and spices. I cooked it until it was about 3/4 of the way done, then ladled it up into hot sterile quart jars and pressured canned. Now I have lots of wonderful home canned soup ready to 'heat -n- serve'.

Onions in Freezer

I also had a whole lot of bananas, so I made 16 dozen Banana Oatmeal Cookies. I would have made more but ran out of oatmeal. Will have to get more from the store tomorrow. Of course, we ate some, then we froze some for later. I still had bananas that needed processing, so I made up a batch of 'Banana Nut Bread Jam'.  But, still had bananas....I guess more jam and cookies are in my future for tomorrow. (Jam Recipe Below)

I also chopped up about 10 pounds of onions. Sorted into freezer bags and placed in the freezer. I haven't found a good way to can them, except to caramelize them. Caramelizing them takes a lot of time, butter, and onions. The end product is excellent, but reduces to about 1/8 of what you started with. So, I just peel, chop, and freeze.

Banana Nut Bread Jam

Banana Nut Bread Jam

3 Cup of pureed bananas (I like mine a little chunky)
2 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups walnuts, minced (some like the nuts toasted)
1 package powered pectin
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Mix bananas, nuts, lemon juice, spices and powered pectin in large heavy bottomed pot. Stir constantly while bringing to a full boil. (Watch carefully as mixture is thick and will scorch on bottom if not stirring) Add sugars all at once. Stirring continuously. Heat until brought back to a full boil. boil hard for 1 minute. Ladle jam into jars leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a BWB for 10 minutes. Adjusting time for altitude. Makes 6 half pints or 3 pints.

So what have you all been doing lately in the kitchen? Canning, Baking, Freezing?
In the craft room? Sewing, quilting, crocheting, etc.?
In the garden? Prepping, pruning, or planting?

Normalcy, PLEASE Return!!!!

     It has been a very long time since I have seen snow and ice last this long, six days, here in Arkansas. I am talking 30 + years. And the weatherman is telling us that more is coming in the next couple of days.
     Being from the South, if it snows one day it is usually pretty much melted and gone the next. I do believe that Arkansas has switched places with Alaska this last week. At least, it feels and looks as if it has.
     Our roads out where we live are still covered in all the ice and snow. And as some of it is s-l-o-w-l-y melting during the day, when the temp drops in the evening it all turns back to ice. Slick and dangerous, ice.
     Being snow bound is not the "norm" for us Arkansas folks. After nearly a week of being confined at home, everyone is getting antsy. People are trying to venture out to the store or restaurant, because they feel so cooped up or they didn't prepare well and are running out of supplies. This in and of itself is causing more vehicle accidents now than when is was really bad those first few days. Since Arkansas generally doesn't get this type of really bad weather much, it causes havok. Especially, since people have a hard time adjusting to: road conditions, being home more, spending time with family, or just slowing down in general (cause you can't move fast in this stuff or you will wish you hadn't).
     Even at my own home I see my own family "biting at the bits" to get out of the house. I keep telling them that there are plenty of things that they can do; clean a closet, organize a book shelf, catch up on laundry, or 'spring' clean the kitchen. But no one seems to want to take me up on any of the offers.
     If I would have had all this time off from work, I think I would have been able to accomplish some of our family resolutions. One being to "rid ourselves of stuff". I would have loved the opportunity to get into the "black hole" of a closet and purge some stuff. But I did not and could not, as I work from home (for the most part). Thus, I had no excuses as to not get to work. Especially, since my compute was from one room to the next. I did get a lot accomplished this week though in the administrative area of my job, but it sure put a damper on being able to get out to do the rest of it.
     Though I have enjoyed the time at home with my family, I find myself out of the normal routine of things, which gets everything out of whack. I will be glad when everything gets back to "NORMAL". Whatever that is.

Happy 18th Birthday, Michele!

Happy Birthday to my Daughter, Michele. 

As I Watch You Grow

Do you know how much you mean to me?
As you grow into what you will be.
You came from within, from just beneath my heart
it's there you'll always be though your own life will now start.
You're growing so fast it sends me awhirl,
With misty eyes I ask, Where's my little girl?
I know sometimes to you I seem harsh and so unfair,
But one day you will see, I taught you well because I care.
The next few years will so quickly fly,
With laughter and joy, mixed with a few tears to cry.
As you begin your growth to womanhood, this fact you must know,
You'll always be my source of pride, no matter where you go.
You must stand up tall and proud, within you feel no fear,
For all you dreams and goals, sit before you very near.
With god's love in your heart and the world by its tail,
You'll always be my winner, and victory will prevail.
For you this poem was written, with help from above,
To tell you in a rhythm of your Mother's heartfelt Love!

                                                                                             © Kay Theese

Love Ya Shell-Bell!
MOM

Reflecting on Christmas 2010

This Christmas season has come and gone. The anticipation of lots of food, fun, gifts and family gatherings has been swept away in what seemed like only a fleeting moment in time. What remains though are the wonderful memories made, family relationships renewed and strengthened, and the love shown to one another. These are are the things that really matter. The time spent with family and friends and the love given freely to others. Just as God did when he sent His son, Jesus, to be born on earth as a man. The One to whom we celebrate during the Christmas season.

In the eyes of the world around us, our family's Christmas was slim, to say the least. There were not loads of presents under our tree for everyone. Some of the gifts were even Thrift Store or Tag Sale finds. But you know what? That didn't matter. There was so much laughter, joy, fun and love that was shown and shared that my children didn't mind.

They have learned over the years that it is not what you get, but the manner it which it is given. LOVE. That is the important thing. I am so thankful that my children have learned this lesson early, for they will be able to carry it with them into their adulthood. They will someday be able to share this with their own children.

God has been so good to us this year. He has blessed us in so many ways. He has brought my family through some tough times, but He has always been faithful to provide our needs. Not necessarily our wants, but our needs.

As I reflect over the past year, there have been struggles (financially) and heart-ache (loved ones who died) but, these things do not compare to the Blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We have a roof over our heads. We (Bill and I) have wonderful jobs. We have food on our table. We have our health. We have wonderful children and grandchildren. We have family and friends around us.

Therefore, Our Christmas was one of great Joy. We are able to look back on this year and with grateful hearts know that we have been Blessed. Looking forward to the New Year, we have lots of dreams and plans. Who knows if they all will come to past? Only God knows. But we will leave that up to him.

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11

I do hope and pray that you had a wonderful and joyous Christmas and may you be Blessed during this coming year.

Family Christmas Gathering #2

This past Sunday we gathered at my parents home to celebrate the holidays with my Mother's side of the family. If all would have been there we would had 38 people in her tiny house. But instead we only had 32 people there. WE MISSED YOU...you know who you are.

There was lots and lots and lots of food....We all ate too much. I know i did.  We each had to catch up on everyone 's lives, work, kids, etc. I always love getting together. We don't get together enough.

As always, the men gather in the living room watching a ball game of some sort. It is usually really quite in the room until a something significant (in their eyes) happens on the TV i.e. fumble, touchdown, goal, foul, etc. Then they hoop-n-holler at the TV, then make comments to each other. It is so funny to set back and watch this male bonding...the silent version.

Then there are us ladies, we all gather in the dining room or kitchen as talk, talk, talk.  We talk about everything. Life, health, cooking, kids, work, clothes, homes, decor, etc. You name it we have probably talked about it. Sometimes we get to laughing so hard we cry....

Then there are the kids....they play together, tattle on each other, pick on one another, make up, and play some more. In and out of the rooms and house. This includes both the BIG and the little kids.

All in all though it is always a wonderful time.

Merry Christmas....may you be able to enjoy you extended family during the Holiday.

Happy 16th Birthday, Kendall!

My Baby Boy turns 16 today. They grow up too fast.

To My Son

Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You're growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever.
My little boy will someday be a man
and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.

- Amy R. Campbell

***Don't forget to enter your guess for the giveaway. By going to the post of Dec. 12th (Organizing Larder)***

 

Hugs for Everyone - Family Christmas Gathering #1

Yesterday afternoon, We attended the first of four Christmas gatherings that we will have this year. Today's was with my Father's side of the family.  It is always a fun time getting together with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and others, most whom we haven't seen very often throughout the year. 

Because our family has grown so much over the past several years, the kids draw names and the adults just bring a gift for a gift game. I call it "Chinese Christmas", but I know there are other names for it. Where everyone draws numbers and you get to pick a gift to open or steal an already opened gift from someone else.

This year the kids got some "cool" things and were giving the giver extra hugs. It was fun to watch the kids so willingly loving on their cousins and expressing thanks.

A good time was had by all. We had WAY too much food. We got to catch up on the "family news". We found out that we will have a new addition to the family next July.  Shhh...I am not suppose to tell (at least I won't say who). Plus, we got to spend one more Christmas with my Great Aunt Ennie and Great Uncle Ron.

When it was time for the adults to do their gift game, I got stuff stolen from me 4 times. I guess that means I make good choices, because everyone kept wanting my gifts. In the end, I got one of my gifts back that was stolen from me. It was garden stakes (made by my Great Uncle) and garden seed. Oh Yeah!  I have a jump start on my garden and it is only December....plus it is going to look so pretty with those row stakes.

So Happy Early Christmas to All!

Serina

My, Oh My What a Surprise!

Children are special...I love my kids dearly and they know it. They get told "I Love You" on a daily basis. So it really didn't catch me too off guard too much when our daughter, Michele, gave me a gift on Friday when I arrived home.

She met me in the hallway and said, "Mom, I found this for you today. I thought about waiting until Christmas to give it to you, but I just couldn't."  She then handed me a small white box. Inside was two necklaces. One with an open heart that says "Mother" and a smaller heart that fits inside the other that says "Daughter". This means a lot to me.

As a mother of this almost 18yo, I know that teens can focus a lot on friends, relationships or lack there of, school, music, cars, etc.  But I have to say that I am thankful that my two teens seem to "get" what life is about (most of the time)...Family, Loving, Caring, Sharing, and Building lasting and worthwhile Friendships...

Thank you, Lord for giving me such loving children. My prayer is that they stay true to themselves and reflect God's love in all that they do.

Why Do WE have Fans Running in December

Today was "work in the kitchen day" at our home....We had lots that we had to do. We had been graciously given some venison, peaches, tomatoes, key limes, jalapenos, and bell peppers . Plus, we had stock made from our left over turkey that needed to be canned. So, we got up ready to get to work...at least some of us did, while others got into the groove after a few minutes and a cup or two of coffee.

Needless to say, it got really warm in the kitchen really fast with a room full of people, the cook stove running, and the fireplace blazing.

Here is what took place.


The guys were designated the breakfast area as their prep station. Where they washed, trimmed, cut, ground and packaged the venison meat. They did a fantastic job.'

We ended up with 21 quart packages of ground venison, 8 packages of either back-strap or tenderloin, and we have about 8 pounds of meat marinating in the fridge to make Jerky out of.



This is down the main work area of our kitchen. We had a lot of things happening at the same time. Here My Knight is getting venison from a cooler to grind and package. On the stove is jam cooking and broth/stock being processed in the pressure canner. In the large kettle next to the PC, is pints jars of both in a "holding tank of warm water" waiting to be pressured. In the second black kettle is peach peelings, waiting to be cooked down to peach juice. Finally in the sink, are the peaches that are being washed, peeled, and chopped for peach jam and butter.

 Our daughter loves to "can", yet today she had to set out. As she is studying for the ACT test. She only has a few more days to practice and study before taking the test. So, we gave her the day off from canning. Even though she would have loved to be in on the whole process. 

Side Note: She is doing a presentation this week for FCLA competition called "Leukemia - We "CAN" make a difference. More on that after her presentation is judged.

Here are the final "canned" products. Left to right: 3 quarts and 1 pint Peach Juice, 5 pints Tomatoes and Onions, 4 half-pints and 3 pints Peach Butter, 2 half-pints and 3 pints Peach Almond Jam, 5 half-pints and 1 pint Peach Raspberry Lavender Jam, 8 pints and 5 quarts of Broth.

I will share recipes for the Peach Jams and Butter in upcoming posts.

Happy Canning,

Life, Weight Loss and Car Shopping

Greetings my Friends,

I am still here....Life at Red Bud Cottage has been extremely utterly crazy busy, to say the least.

We have been car shopping...This alone can make life really turned upside down for awhile. It is not a process that I look forward to. Although every now and again it is necessary. All looking, researching, inquiring, driving, taking to mechanic, haggling over price, etc. is just time consuming and sometimes frustrating. 

pic from ridelust.com


We finally decided on a 2008 Toyota Yaris. Since, I drive quite a bit for my work this was an excellent choice as it is rated to get 37 MPG City and 40 MPG Hwy. Thus this little car will help with the gas bill. I was beginning to worry a lot about our Jeep breaking down on me somewhere, so I am thankful that God has given us this vehicle.

During our research on this vehicle we found that many people can get more mpg hwy mileage. Well, I tested that theory the other day when I made a trip to Ft. Smith and back. They are right in the fact that you can get more mpg. Our car is a standard 5 speed, thus we have a little more control of the car with consideration to being able to coast, shift down, etc. Plus, I am not a "lead-foot" when it comes to driving. In fact, my Knight would like it if I would drive a little more like others. But, I am not one to take risk or drive above the speed limit so I take it easy....Well, it paid off...I got 51 MPG on that little trip all Hwy miles. AWESOME! Then when I filled up again this week I got 40.3 MPG with a combination of Hwy and City miles...

Besides car shopping, the kids have been studying for semester tests, we have been listing and selling items on Craigs List, we are preparing my Knight's music room for a make-over, and everyone is getting anxious for Thanksgiving holiday...I think we are just really excited for a few days off to just relax, enjoy family, eat lots of yummy food, and sleep in late (even though I know that won't happen).

Oh, I wanted to update my weight loss. As some of you know I have been on a diet with my Knight since summer. I have officially lost 40 pounds since August 2010. I am feeling so much better, lighter and healthier. I am having to shop every few weeks for clothes, especially slacks. I am thankful that I have found something that works for me and that I can do. Currently, I am off the diet because I want to enjoy the holidays, but I will start up again after the first of the year. I still have about 30 pounds that I would like to lose. This is a total of 77 pounds since October of 2008.

I would like to say a big "Thank You" to my Knight who was also doing this diet with me (until he reached his goal weight), his love and support mean the world to me. Also, "Thank You" to all the others who have encouraged me, complimented me and just kept me focused on the process. It is much appreciated. It kept me uplifted to keep on track.

So there you have it, some of the happenings in my little corner of the world.

Holidays Fast Approaching

Before we all know it Thanksgiving will have come and gone and Christmas and New Year's will be fast approaching like a speeding bullet.....I don't know about you but I like to enjoy my Holidays....spending time with family and friends, not chasing around crowded stores and streets looking for presents.

For several years now, I have completed most if not all my Christmas shopping before Dec. 1st. Last year I didn't even step foot into a store. I did all my shopping online, taking advantage of sales. I used all FREE Shipping sites, so that I didn't incur shipping costs. It was fun for 8 weeks leading up to Christmas, because we were getting packages nearly everyday delivered at the house. I had to inform everyone that they were NOT to open a single package since it might be their gift. The suspense almost did them all in.

Well, we got started this week doing our shopping. I have ordered a few online and will await their arrival. But we also did some store shopping this evening. We draw names on 2 of the 4 Family Christmas' we have. Each are "themed" gifts, one is Books (get a book or books for your name) and the other is Flowers (gift must contain a flower of some sort). The flower one has me a little stubbed as we have a $10 - $15 price limit. That is why I am store shopping.

I told my Knight tonight that I am determined to have my presents all bought and wrapped by Dec. 1...He agreed so now you know where all my focus will be for the next couple of weeks.

Are you a Christmas shopper all year long? Do you have a strategy? Do you enjoy the hunt of that one special gift? Do you like the hustle and bustle of shopping from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve? Or do you like to get it done before the crowds begin?

Happy Shopping!