Monthly Archives: December 2008

Dec 9

Uh Oh Santa

One of the outdoor Christmas items that James really wanted this year was a giant inflatable Santa. We found one for a great price and all of the boys  were thrilled with the new Christmas decoration. We spent last Friday setting up the Santa on the lawn, and it was all tethered into place.

Last night the weather was turning bad, and really windy for this time of the year. I turned on the weather channel to see just how bad the weather was going to get, they were calling for thunderstorms and 35 mile and hour winds. All of the sudden thought I had better go outside and check on the inflatable Santa.

I went to the front door and Santa was gone!!! Uh Oh (as Dylan would say)! I ran outside, and saw Santa clinging to the house, flapping in the wind. One of the tethers  had snapped, and Santa was hanging on by the extension cord. I called up to James to come and help me rescue Santa, so we both headed outside and deflated Santa, and brought him indoors for the night.

So here is Santa today, deflated in a sad pile in the Foyer. This morning I brought the boys downstairs and Dylan looked over at poor Santa and said “uh oh Santa”. Thade was really worried that Santa was now indoors instead of being on the front lawn. I hope to get Santa back on the lawn this afternoon, if the weather holds out…

Dec 8

Homemade Christmas Cards

Making Christmas Cards is one of my favorite Christmas activities. This year I really wanted to use what I already had on hand. I went through all of my supplies, and found Card Stock that would do the job. I needed a few more cards than I originally thought, so I visited our local $1 shop, and found holiday printer paper that I could embellish.

The cards turned out great, and even Thade was impressed with the embossing. Now I just need to get the Christmas cards addressed, stamped,  and into the mail box for Christmas!

Dec 7

November Coupon Savings

I have been really busy around here, but I finally totaled up my coupon savings for the month of November, and you know what, there were none. Yep, a big $0.00 in the coupon savings for the entire month. Weird, I wonder how that happened?

I have noticed that my grocery shopping habits have really changed. I am making so many more items homemade instead of store bought, and shying away from pricey products even if they are on sale and I happen to have a coupon. I take the extra time in the store and compare product to product, and really try and save where I can.

This month I need to make a run to Aldi and get the pantry stocked for Winter, before the weather turns bad. Aldi is another one of my favorite places to save on the grocery budget. I like to make a big list, and stock up for 2-3 months. Already having the items on hand also helps keep me in the kitchen cooking, and not grabbing take-out.

What about you… Have you noticed your grocery budget or spending habits changing recently?

Dec 6

Decorating Around the House

I think I’m finally all finished with the indoors, but the outdoors are another story. There are plenty of lights that still need to be hung, but the weather is a little too cold for me to be doing that today.

We have lots of little Christmas touches all around the house. There are plenty of Christmas Stockings for Santa to fill too.

The boy’s have a Little Tree in their room, topped with one of their favorite NASCAR ornaments. They both really love the Christmas lights at night.

How are you doing with your Christmas decorating? Are you all ready for the Holiday season, or are you waiting to start decorating for just a little bit more?

Dec 5

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

I don’t know if there is any better weekend breakfast than Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven. Although the store bought rolls are pretty good, I really enjoy making these weekend treats from scratch.

I use a great recipe for Sweet Roll Dough, but I’ve altered the recipe for the filling just a bit.  I use 1/2 cup Sugar and 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar for the filling. I go on ahead make a double batch, so we have plenty of Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast and snacks too.

I also added just a little bit extra Vanilla in the Glaze, because we love Vanilla around here.

The Cinnamon Rolls are a family favorite, and I’ve even taken these to MOPS a few times. Thade has a lot of fun helping to make the Cinnamon Sugar filling, and I just love the way the kitchen smells as the Rolls are baking. I hope to make them for Christmas breakfast for the kiddos this Christmas.