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.