Friday, November 16, 2007

Just some ponderings

As soon as the phone rang this morning, I had this feeling... :) Yes, it was the bookstore's H.R. Manager asking if I could work today. They had two cashiers call in... I told them I'd be there within a couple of hours. Fortunately, I caught up on my housework yesterday. I said I'd work Saturday, too. With two birthdays and Christmas coming up, the extra income will come in handy and neither day was for more than seven hours.

I've been assembling a "Birthday Box" for my daughter, nothing very expensive but lots of little things, which probably are going to add up to more than I spent on "one somewhat big thing" for her brother. It's a lot more fun buying for a daughter than for a son at times like this, especially since all I had to do for him was pay for a model of a tank for him to assemble, paint, and then use at his weekly game evening (a much better way to unwind than another computer game).

For the three older grandchildren (ages 2, 4, and 5), I found backpacks on clearance last month and I'm packing each with a new book, two boxes of crayons, a new big coloring book, a little artist's notebook for their nature walks, and perhaps a puzzle. Each will also receive a new "stuffed animal-- and one Dora" in a beautifully wrapped box. At least, it will be as beautiful as Grammie can make it, being rather challenged in the gift wrapping department.

Yesterday I started going through some of the vintage ornaments I found this past year. For the first time in decades (no kidding), I'm going to do something different with my tree. As I think it through a little more and get my computer back (with pictures), I'll share more. I also went "Downtown" yesterday to shop at my favorite primitive-country type shop (the one where I find most of my beautiful candles and tart warmers). Just walking in the door to this shop makes all my senses come alive with the aroma of spicy candles, primitive Christmas trees abounding with old fashioned ornaments, and dulcimer music playing in the background.

I was there to look for something to add to my daughter's birthday package. It was one of those few times I wish I had unlimited cash availability. I always get this way when I visit this shop during the Christmas season... I could covet... easily. Instead, I came away with a small present for her and a Christmas CD for me... leaving with a sigh and a promise to return soon. I enjoy just being there and looking at the wonderful displays.

As I was returning to my car, I passed a new (at least new to me) knitting shop and noticed they were advertising beginner's classes. I know where I'm stopping the next time I go "Downtown". I may be able to use those knitting needles soon.

Now, to brew a cup of decaf tea and read a bit before turning in early tonight. I skimmed Noel Piper's book but tonight I'll go back and read more carefully. I like it very much. It doesn't have a lot of practical ideas (but there are plenty of books which provide these). Instead, she speaks to our hearts about using our important family traditions to bring the importance of God to our homes, our children, our lives. She does give enough good ideas that a person looking for practical traditions would enjoy the book.

I hope to write on Sunday... hopefully... we'll see if the computer is available. :)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

My favorite presents are the little ones. I'm sure Stephanie will love everything you've picked out for her. :)
jo

postmodernMom said...

No stuffed animals! They "are fruitful and multiply" in the toybox! (Well, the beautiful large wicker basket I use as a toybox...)

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed catching up with you (I was a few posts behind) :)

I'm sure your daughter will love the package you so lovingly put together for her!

Manuela

Heather L. said...

The box you are creating sounds so fun! Thanks for the review on the Noel Piper book! I'll have to put it on my list.

DebD said...

I love little presents all packaged up like you've done. What a lovely thing you have thought up for your dd.

Mimi said...

the basketfull of little gifts... just the kind of present I love to give and I love to get... it is so much fun finding all the little things to make someone we love smile isn't it!!!
have fun with your Christmas preparations

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I love little gifts, too.

...but Stephanie, they are LITTLE stuffed animals. :)

Terri Steffes said...

Thank you for coming to visit me on my birthday! It was a nice surprise! I hope you come back often. I will come back and check in on you!

Jo said...

What a delightful, intriguing blog you have here! I am certain your children live in a home surrounded by beauty and appreciation for unique things as that is evidenced in your blog. I am eagerly looking forward to exploring some more of what you have to say...
Cheers!
- Jo
http://followtheroadlesstraveled.blogspot.com

postmodernMom said...

Those are the sneakiest kind! They hide in corners of the toy box (basket) and proliferate!

:)