Sam Moon and Kirkland's

I think I could knock out 85% of my Christmas shopping at these 2 stores. Seriously. I love getting 'personalized' items, specifically with the person's first initial and these 2 stores have quite a collection. Never to disappoint. OK, at Sam Moon's, I was disappointed that I could not find an 'S' on three different items. After looking at 97 clipboards, 72 notebooks, and 88 wallets, there was not one 'S'. Either they did not order any OR every one else in the metroplex needed an 'S'.

From now on, I am going to Kirkland's first. I found the nicest 'stuff' there. Very classy objects with a wide variety. AND they had the letter(s) I was looking for. Granted, most of the stuff that I paid full or sale price for will be on clearance in 2-3 weeks, I wanted to make sure I got what I needed. Don't get me wrong, I'll be going back, waiting on stuff to get clearanced out and then either use those things as gifts for the end of the school year or next Christmas. I love buying ahead of time! (I just have to remember to find it in all the Christmas boxes!)

PIE Party (and 20.5 reunion)

We had so much fun at our 20th high school reunion that we decided to have a 20.5 reunion. Today. In the form of a party. What kind of party? A PIE PARTY!!

I took Natalie and Claire, as I knew that there would be lots of girls and Melissa had some crafts set up for the little ones. Claire got plenty of attention and did not need me to hold her but a few times. It is so fun to 'share' her with those who want to hold a sweet baby girl. We stayed a little over 3 hours, in which Claire was ready for snoozeville. I did not want anyone to think she was anything but a happy, sweet girl, so I decided to depart before the 'big meltdown' occurred. Good timing, because she cried for all of 3 minutes before she crashed.

Great friends and great fun! (Oh yeah, and the pie was awesome too!)

Hibbs 24th Annual Christmas Party

Every year our neighbors across the street kick off the Christmas season with a party on the first Friday of December. Guaranteed. I could go ahead and write it on my calendar for next year. They invite a lot of our neighborhood, plus a few others. It also benefits the Tarrant County Food Bank, because everyone brings a donation to put in the box by the front door. How awesome is that?

It is such a great time AND we do not have to drive anywhere afterwards. We just walk ourselves across the street!

What I am Thankful For

Finding Christ 12 years ago
John
My 4 beautiful, healthy children
Parents who love me
Being healthy
My neighborhood
Pantego Bible Church
The doctors who take care of me
Being able to stay home and raise my children
Driving an SUV that I feel safe in
Being forgiven
John having a good job
The plethora of friends who surround me, encourage me and comfort me
Ditto Elementary & Julie Harcrow
Junior League of Arlington
A fantastic mother-in-law
Having a chef for a husband
Ditto Elementary PTA
My children being so intelligent
My love of books and reading