Just stopping by with a few obervations...

Oh, yes… we’re into the end-of-the-semester-preparing-for-Christmas-don’t-forget-the-next-event days. So, I’m just dropping into this blog o’mine to share a few observations I’ve made over the last few days.

• We’re receiving very few Christmas cards this year. So, I’m wondering… Is no one sending cards this year? Or, have we been marked off everyone’s list???
• We scaled back on the Christmas décor this year. Bud thinks it’s great and says we should scale back even more next year. My opinion? Big mistake. Huge mistake. It won’t happen again.
• My kids are having a hard time coming up with ideas of things they’d like to receive as Christmas gifts. I think Burrito summed it up pretty well when he said, “I think that might be a sign that we’re spoiled.” Hmmm… maybe? (Probably.)
• Speaking of Burrito, he’s halfway through his senior year. He’s been accepted to three universities so far and we’re waiting to hear from one more. We’re very proud of him! Nothing more to say about that lest the tears flow.
• Kat is halfway through her freshman year of high school. Is it just my imagination or is the transition to high school harder for girls than boys?
• You know how the police will tell you that there’s no such thing as ticket quotas… particularly at the end of a month? Well, I’ve been making my own observations of the situation over the last few months. My conclusion? I’m not buying that story. (And, no… I haven’t received a ticket.)
• Blogs are being neglected. And, it’s not just the season – it’s another trend I’ve notice over the last several months. You know who you are! (Of course, those bloggers probably aren’t reading my blog anymore either.) And yes, I realize this point is like the pot calling the kettle black.
• It doesn’t feel like December yet. It’s hard to feel Christmassy when the daily temperatures have been in the mid-60s to mid-70s lately. I still made Bud turn on the gas to our fireplace and we’ve used it on a few cooler evenings. I love it! Bud on the other hand, suggested I just burn a few $20s instead.
• This post is making Bud seem very cynical. He’s really not.
• Speaking of Christmas cards… mine are finished but I haven’t mailed them yet. Just in case you were thinking you’d been marked off my list.
• We scaled way back on Christmas gift-giving this year. It feels good. It feels right.
• I’m still in my jammies and need to leave the house in 20 minutes. Guess I’d better get moving.

What observations have you made lately?

We interrupt your regular programming for this announcement...

It is SNOWING in central Texas!

Pictures to come...

Snowman Soup

The warmer winter weather was an adjustment for us when we moved to Texas from the Chicago area some years ago. It was difficult to feel the "mood" when wearing shorts while hanging the outdoor Christmas lights. We've acclimated now, though. So, last night when the wind started whipping and the temperature dropped more than thirty degrees in less than two hours we were reminded just how much we've adjusted to - and like - our climate here in central Texas. We almost didn't believe our eyes when a few flurries swirled around our yard and their remnants even remained on roof lines and vehicles this morning.

In honor of this blast of winter, I'd like to share with you a cute poem and recipe for Snowman Soup. This makes a great gift for teachers or even school friends when presented in a cute ceramic mug!

Snowman Soup

When it’s so cold that
You holler and whoop,
It’s time to bring out
The Snowman Soup.

Pour the packet in a mug.
Add the snowballs, too.
And throw in the kisses
From snowman to you.

Now fill with hot water
And use the cane to stir it.
Sip slowly and soon you’ll
Feel the warm winter spirit.

Directions: Find a cute mug - one with a snowman on it or in a snowman shape would be perfect. Place a packet of your favorite instant cocoa mix in the mug along with mini-marshmallows (snowballs), a couple Hershey Kisses (snowman kisses), and a candy cane. Wrap in clear wrapping with a cute bow and attach a copy of the poem.

On this cold, blustery day... this recipe works for me! Visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for more Works-For-Me Wednesday ideas