This year for Christmas, I am trying to focus more on doing things, and traditions, or memories, rather than gifts. And every year for as long as I can remember, my cousin Vickie and I have exchanged presents. When my sister came along (she's eleven years younger) she joined in on the tradition. This year, for their gift, I asked them if they preferred plan A - a night at a motel, or plan B - a gift. They both opted for Plan A. We went to the Sheraton, which is attached to the Keystone mall, Indianapolis, IN area.
Theresa, Vickie, Me
They LOOK happy to be making felt trees, but the truth of it is....
they were more happy about this...
and this! (I brought the Biscoff, but Vickie brought this yummy popcorn/pretzel mix that was given to her as a gift.)
We laughed A LOT making these trees. And no, we did not get drunk. The mix was leftover from Christmas last year and I thought I'd bring it in case we wanted a nightcap. (I don't think I've ever used the word nightcap in my life!)
Vickie gathered stuff throughout the year for our gifts. She knows I like garage sales and auctions. She got me this strainer at an auction (I think), some fancy cleaning gloves, coffee, lotions, a Beatrix Potter teacup and saucer (I'm a BP fan)
Vickie also got me this necklace. The other side is a cross.
Theresa, Vickie, Me
The Sheraton is attached to the Fashion Mall, so we did some shopping. But while we were in the room, I wanted us to make a handmade ornament, or something, as a memory of this trip. So I threw a bunch of wool in a bag and everything we needed to make some felt trees from the Fa la la la Felt book.
They LOOK happy to be making felt trees, but the truth of it is....
they were more happy about this...
and this! (I brought the Biscoff, but Vickie brought this yummy popcorn/pretzel mix that was given to her as a gift.)
We laughed A LOT making these trees. And no, we did not get drunk. The mix was leftover from Christmas last year and I thought I'd bring it in case we wanted a nightcap. (I don't think I've ever used the word nightcap in my life!)
I think our trees turned out lovely.
Breakfast did not come with the room, but there was a Starbucks in the mall, so Vickie and Theresa went down and got us breakfast.
We also had a gift exchange which was very nice. I don't know why I didn't take pictures of that, so I gathered my gifts together to show you what they got me. My gift to them was the room. And the very special gift to all of us was that the Sheraton gave us a free upgrade to a suite!!!!!
Vickie gathered stuff throughout the year for our gifts. She knows I like garage sales and auctions. She got me this strainer at an auction (I think), some fancy cleaning gloves, coffee, lotions, a Beatrix Potter teacup and saucer (I'm a BP fan)
and some feed sack material.
My sister got me this baking dish
and Harriet! Only we re-named her, but I can't remember what we renamed her. Started with an "S"....hmmmm.....
and Harriet! Only we re-named her, but I can't remember what we renamed her. Started with an "S"....hmmmm.....
Vickie also got me this necklace. The other side is a cross.
My nieces are of the age where they do not really believe in Santa. I told them all, I BELIEVE. I do.
Cindy
PS - The doll came from a booth at a local craft show (IUK) and it was made by Pastor Grant. I just now saw on his card he has a blogspot
I'm gonna check it out.
Oh my goodness Cindy. What a wonderful time. And that was a great idea for a gift. It's often hard to get the quality time we would like with those we love. I'm so glad you three were able to do this. Absolutely everything about it looked fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memory, I'm so glad you've been able to continue this tradition, so many times we grow our separate ways, this is very special. What an awesome girls night out! You are all very blessed.
ReplyDelete~Ronda
Hi B - yes it was a wonderful time. I only wish it could have lasted longer. To laugh as hard as we did, over who knows what, is good for the soul!
ReplyDeleteHi Ronda - I feel very blessed (and sometimes overwhelmed) to have such a close family. It's a nice life when your friends are your family..or is tht your family are your friends! Either way...tis good!
Cindy
Well...Looks like you took care of your own "mini" bar sitchiation...
ReplyDeleteYes Cindy Bee...Paneras would be good...Maybe Wednesday...hmmmm...I will check with Scribe...since she works and all...hehehehe
What fun! Glad you had a nice time together and thank you for your nice comment on my blog xx
ReplyDeleteHello Cindy Bee! I love Welsch Terriers! They look like a small Airedale in a prettier color. So you've added TWO dogs to your family pretty close together. Your daily life has changed, hasn't it. I just love having dogs. I couldn't imagine life without them. I hope it all works out and they adjust easily to their new home. They are worth the trouble it takes to get them there.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a happy and safe holidays!
Hi Queen, Yes we did take care of our own mini bar situation. They had bottled water on our counter for 3.50 each. Imagine what a drink would have cost! It's a way to save money when you are unemployed!!! I ran into a friend last week and she asked if I could go out for coffee on Wed., but then she said she might not be able to go if she had to take her son shopping. So...I'll let you know if Wed. will work.
ReplyDeletePammy Sue - Yes we did get a Welsh. We used to have an airedale and weren't planning on getting another dog until we moved, but this Welsh needed a home....{sigh} just like Dixie...and we're too easy and everyone knows it! Yes our daily life has changed!
Cindy