Friday, December 14, 2007

Santa Claus Has Come To Town!!

I don't do it often - usually only when I'm sick with pneumonia and the doc is threatening to throw my butt in the hospital. Theeeeen I'll take a day off work. But this season struck me with the notion to take one of my personal days today and do a wee bit of shopping for Christmas. So, I lined up a wonderful sub to take my class for the day - so I could play!

Off I ran from store to store - helping Santa with wish lists from my son and daughter. This is the first Christmas in a couple of years where I can afford to 'play Santa', so I was happy to do my part to make Santa's visit merry and bright!


Oh, but I wasn't the only elf out spreading holiday cheer!

After returning from trip #2, a box greeted me at my front door! It was chock-full of goodies from my amazing blogging buddie, Jolene! She had a drawing 'at her place' a week ago, and I was the oh, so lucky winner!



Tucked inside was a treasure of Christmas cheer! A jar of the most dangerous trail mix - nuts, raisins, m&m's - uh...this won't make it until Christmas, I can tell you that right now!

Some sparkley presents all ready for a note or tag to someone, a bag of candy cane Hershey kisses !!! (just when you thought kisses couldn't be improved!) and the nicest family Christmas card that I have ever, ever seen or received! Jolene is amazing....and her creativity and thoughtfulness is so evident in her card... simply beautiful!

But wait.... there's more! A pair of fuzzy ice skates hang on my tree - whispering of winter fun and memories! So cute!

And then, an item that you can't eat, but you are so tempted to try!!


I was shocked when I found out that this dear gal actually drove to my house and delivered my present in person!!! But she thought I was at school (which I normally would be) and I had no idea she was out front, so we didn't get to met face-to-face! I am so bummed about that!

I found her number, called her up immediately and had the NICEST visit with her! What a doll, she is! And she's just as sweet, funny, kind and nice on the phone as she is on her blog! We're going to try to get together for lunch over the next couple of weeks - that would be so wonderful! Jolene, what an angel you are and I thank you so much for this treasure! : )

Tomorrow, it's baking day for a cookie exchange - I'll be making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. I got so much done today that I'm all set to have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings have found their way to me - in so many forms... and I am grateful for all of the wonderful things that have happened to my family and my dear, dear friends. I am especially grateful that I am able to do for those people who have stood by me without falter these past years. I experienced the bleakest holiday two years ago. One that stripped me of joy, cheer, hope and security. This year, I will quietly give thanks to Him for all of the goodness, blessings and joys that grace my life every single day and for being able to feel joy, cheer, hope and security once again.

I wish you blessings of your own for you, your family and your friends.

4 comments:

Jolene George said...

I'm so glad you are enjoying your goodies. Gratitude is the best gift to me, so I really appreciate you. I loved talking to you on the phone and I can PROMISE you that we will have lunch during Christmas break. I can hardly wait...honest! :o) Perhaps after lunch we can wander around Rustic Hutch for a little bit. :o)

Chickenbells said...

Doesn't Jolene give the best packages!?!?!? I have the sweetest little pink puppy that graces my bed in the package I won from her! I tell you, the one you received is stellar...

And it's thanks to that girl that I have become shamelessly addicted to those peppermint kisses...and I thank god that they only come out once a year...or I would be in BIG trouble! I am so sorry you didn't get to meet each other in person though...she sounds like she would be fun to hang with...we already know you are for sure!!

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

playing hookey is the BEstest most wonderfulest in the world!! And you had suprise treats on that day too!!! What a blast!!!! xoxo

Simplicity Wins said...

I am so happy I was able to be part of your day off. Thanks for lunch, what a nice surprise!