ahhhhh Christmas!

As Santa is preparing for his departure, some of us our finishing up, our last minute shopping.

I know, I know- I say every year that I WILL start sooner- much like many other people out there.

But when it comes down to it, getting my LAST MINUTE shopping done- is really not what matters most.

It isnt!

It isnt pushing your way through the crowds, or trying to find a parking spot close. It isnt, fighting with the cats, to get the packages wrapped without them trying to eat the ribbon.

Its this face!


...because really, if he is happy, excited and thrilled about Christmas and being at Grandma and Grandpa's house, then I am happy and totally know that all the shopping that WAS done, was worth it.









And after dinner, for kicks and giggles, we will dress up the cats and call it a party!!

Lets just say, its my way of getting even with them for the all they Christmas ribbon they try to eat, the Christmas bows they tear off the packages, and the Christmas tree the youngest one likes to destroy daily!

Yes, I do have an evil streak!

Today...

OMG.. did you know that Lands End has Fleece Lined Jeans?? Can it be true. My little heart is all a flitter...really??? Fleeced .....lined.....jeans....??????

Fleece, that wonderful fuzzy, cuddly, warm wanna wear it all year fabric- better than Chanille or Pashmina as far as Im concerned- is now actually INSIDE of my jeans- SHUT UP!!!

Look out butt cheecks- you will no longer be cold!




I love the winter, I really do!

Yes, I know I may be a freak because I like the snow and getting all bundled up in my mittens and scarf (what can I say, I grew up out in the country of Illinois) but one thing that I do not like- shopping in my Big Ole Eskimo Parka, because it IS Minnesota and it DOES get freak'n Antartic Tundra Winds cold here and I HATE shopping in my coat.

And pa'lease... the lockers- barely allow A coat to fit into them.



For right now, one of my favorite things is getting in my car after work and driving up Nicollet Ave in Burnsville on my way home.

I have done this now, for five and half years and every year, it makes me smile and a bit giddy for the up and coming holiday. It reminds me of growing up in a small town and having everyone decorate their houses and my small town of Hamilton, Illinois would always hang their lights on the light poles (they were antique decorations but we all loved them just the same)on Main Street- everything seemed so festive when I was young.

Nicollet Ave just helps to keep that part of my childhood alive.