YJJA123
Moms View Message Board: Secret Santa 2008: YJJA123
Hi there. I'm your secret Santa. I'm really looking forward to having fun with this and helping to make you smile. After reading the information you sent, I think that you love Christmas as much as I do. This will make it even more fun. I hope your week has been going well. Have you read Mary Higgins Clark's Christmas mysteries?
I read a cruise one. I am not sure about any others?
I LOVE Christmas! 
So do I.
I collect Christmas music CDs. I start playing them by mid November. Do you like Christmas music?
Have you read "He Sees You When You're Sleeping" "All Through the Night" "Deck the Halls" and "The Christmas Thief" by Mary Higgins Clark? She writes one every year.
"The Christmas Sweater" is a brand new book by Glenn Beck, and "A Christmas Grace" is a new novel by Anne Perry. They both look very interesting.
I hope you have a great weekend.
I have a large collection of Christmas music on my Ipod
I have read each of the books you listed by Mary Higgons Clark.
The other two I have not bought/read.
I just returned from a cruise. Today involves lots of laundry---yuck! 
How was the cruise? Where did you go and on what ship?
Have you read Fannie Flagg's "A Redbird Christmas" or "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham?
Do you like religious/traditional, contemporary, Celtic or country Chrismas music.
Do you like ornaments? (Hand-made, glass or German style wooden)?
The cruise was fantastic. We went on Royal Caribbean "Liberty of the seas". We went to Jamaica, Mexico, Grand Cayman & Haiti.
I have read and own both of those books. I also have the Skipping Christmas movie---love Tim Allen
I like Country music.
I LOVE ornaments! I favor handcrafted of any kind. I just purchased a handpainted pottery one in Mexico. It is very unique.
That's is great. This will help me find something, or somethings that you might really enjoy.
I went to your web site. The jewelry you make is beautiful and so whimsical.
What did you think of Jamaica? Had you been there before? Where did you go in Mexico? Did you go to see the Mayan ruins? Did you go into Haiti or just to the private beach? Are your kids good travelers?
I hope your laundry is done and you'll have a nice relaxing Sunday.
Thanks! I am busy getting ready for a jewelry show next week and 2 more afterwards (in November).
We went to Mobay Jamaica. It was OK. Jamaica is such a poor country. We have been to hios Rios before...liked it better. We did the Taste of Jamaica. It was a nice tour.
Haiti was Labadee (owned by Royal Caribbean). My least favorite port. VERY aggressive vendors!
My kids are good travelers. They have been on 5 cruises. Maybe I should say they are spoiled travelers. They have gone to a lot of places that I never went to as a child.
My laundry is still going
I had to do my parents first (they are here visiting us). They went on the cruise with us. They are leaving next week.
Ochios Rios
We took a river tube tour in Jamaica. We had a ball. Have you ever climbed Dunn's River Falls? I won't even get off the ship in Labadee. It's so nice to be on board with very few others. I hope your week is calm. Sometimes it's so hard to come back from vacation to the real world.
Yes, we took the Pete Taylor tour in Ochios Rios. We climbed the falls and toured the island. Pete is one of our favorite tour guides.
I am sick with a cold. The kids had one before we left. I am happy it held off until we returned home. I would have been upset if I was sick on vacation.
Laundry is finally done. Yeah!!!
I have to make ornaments this week so lots to do.
Hope you are having a great day!
Hi there Yvonne. I hope your Monday was a good one, and your cold is getting better. Are the ornaments you make fused glass?
Yes, they are fused glass.
Tomorrow I go in to see the doctor. I'm pretty sure this is a sinus infection. I think I'll need some antibiotics to shake it. It's just getter worse.
I hope you are OK!!!
I am down with a cold. Just glad I have it now and didn't have it on vacation.
I'm feeling a little better. I finally got in to see a doctor today. "Just a nasty cold" was the diagnosis. I'm coughing up blood. He tells me it's from my irritated throat. Rest, drink lots of fluids and take medication to reduce the symptoms. According to him this could last a full 14 days. YUCK!!!
I hope you shake your cold quickly. Feel better soon.
Glad you are doing better!
I am wiped out. I woke up coughing at 3:00 AM and couldn't get back to sleep until 8:00 AM.
I just can't seem to get the coughing under control
Don't tell me a cold can last 2 weeks???
Can you take Robitussin D? That, or Vicks 44 D will sometimes stop a cough when it's caused by sinus drainage. That's what I usually get...that tickle in the back of my throat. The D is the clue. If it dries up the sinus congestion, it stops the tickle. I hope tonight is better for you.
I'm finally feeling human. It was warm and sunny today, so I was out doing some fall garden clean up this afternoon. Have you gotten anything I sent from Hallmark?
Still coughing I am using Mucinex right now.
Yes, I received the Hallmark card. THANKS!! Sorry that I forgot to mention it.
What are you doing for Halloween? I am taking the kids to a friends house for a party & trick or treating. Do you decorate a lot for halloween? We have a cemetary set up in front with "dead Fred" sitting on one of the tombstones. LOL.
I'm usually the candy giver-outer around here. Some years I do a lot of decorating. We have the gravestones skulls and spider webs, and spooky sounds to play. But this year I'm not feeling up to it all. I was back at the doctor again today. The meds are causing a side effect. My hands and feet are itching like crazy. The weather is great for the trick or treaters. I'm sure the kids will have a ball, and bring home way too much candy.
My kids had a blast at their friends house. They brought home a ton of candy!
What did you DR say?
Hope you are feeling better! My cold still has me down
Yesterday's doctor's visit was an eye appointment. I'm still snuffling, but feeling much better. I may have to go back to see my allergist.
It was beautiful here today and I spent a big part of the afternoon in the garden clearing things up for winter. I spent the afternoon cutting back shasta daisy stalks over a half inch thick. They love where I introduced them, and have spread like wildfire. I have daffodil bulbs in that plot that come up first, then the day lilies, and then the daisies, cone flowers and black eyed susans finish the summer. There's a butterfly bush against the wall, and the butterflies and hummingbirds love that part of the garden. Then I went out back and cut back the day lily, calla lily and gladiola bed. DH moved my huge pots to the south side of the house for the winter. I cut back the lantana and rugosas. I need to take the weedwacker to the liriope and prune the rose bushes, but I usually wait until December for that. The roses will bloom until then most years. They are planted against the south east brick wall of the garage. The brick holds enough heat to keep them warm well into the cold months.
I sure hope your cold is almost over. Are you drinking lots of water?
I am STILL sick
I am drinking lots of fluids. No appetite though, I am forcing myself to eat soup.
Your garden sounds beautiful! I have a black thumb. I tend to kill most things I plant.
My son has a cactus garden that adds color to our backyard.
I had 4 rose bushes that I managed to kill (despite a friends intervention). They were pretty while they lasted.
I did plant Plumeria treees in front and they are doing great. They have beautiful blooms and give a great frangrance.
Hope you are having a great weekend!
I'm sending lots of get well hugs and thoughts your way. I hope you feel better soon.
We're all having a quiet weekend here....just hanging around and putzing.
I love the scent of Plumeria. That must be wonderful to have around.
Thanks for the e-greeting!
The plumerias seem to love dry ground, which is great as I forget to water
They do smell great. We may plant more this year.
I hope you're feeling better.
The cold is still hanging on. I hope I am better soon. I have a big party (selling my stuff) this weekend AND family photos are set to be taken by a photographer on Sunday. Some how pictures of me with red eyes, nose, etc are NOT the type of picture I want.
Do you decorate for Thanksgiving?
We usually get a tree up by now and decorate it with popcorn and cranberry garlands and cinnamon pinecones. We add ornaments on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is "Thanksmas" at my house. We celebrate both holidays with my inlaws. I host the dinner at my house.
We'll have family here for Thanksgiving. Yes I decorate usually, but this year they'll be seeing Christmas decorations. I have to decorate early since we'll be away for Christmas this year. I try to get my cards in the mail by the Monday after Thanksgiving. The sooner I have it all done, the sooner I can enjoy the Holiday fun.
Take extra Vitamin C, and drink, drink, drink...as much water as you can get down. Flush those nasty germs right out.
I mail my cards right after Thanksgiving also.
My cold is still lingering but I am feeling better. You sound like my mom with the "drink, drink, drink". That is her advice too
I managed to get a lot done in the studio today so I am ready for this weekend.
Hope you are having a great week!
Thanks. I'm a drink, drink, drink advocate because during my first pregnancy I had a massive bladder infection, and the doctor didn't like using the heavy duty meds I needed to knock it out quickly. He sent me home and told me to sit on the john drinking water all day. I took in a good book and sat. It flushed that infection out in two days. I also use it on my kids when they run fevers. I normally dislike drinking water, but when I'm sick, I guzzle it. LOL I think my cold has finally left. It's so nice not to wake up coughing several times a night.
Feel better soon. Happy Hump Day.
I am glad your cold is gone!
Mine is still lingering. I agree, waking up coughing is awful. I actually had a shot of whiskey the other night to attempt to tame my coughing. It definitely helped me sleep LOL
I leave tommorow for Orlando. Saturday is the jewelry party. I am hoping I sell enough to pay for the rest of Christmas shopping I need to do.
What are your weekend plans?
Have a safe trip to Orlando. Is it very far? I hope you sell lots and lots of jewelry, and feel much better by then.
I'm decorating for Christmas.
It takes 3-4 hours---depending on traffic.
I plan on completely decorating for the holidays next week. I can't wait to have the tree up and smell the cinnamon pinecones. That says "Christmas" to me.
Have a great weekend!!
I hope the jewelry party went very well, and you made gazillions, ;o).
DH is still working on the pre-lit tree that has half the lights not working now. I'm still decorating, room by room.
Welcome back and have a great week.
not gazillions but it was OK
We are still in Orlando, will be heading home in a few hours. I am looking forward to being home!
Do you decorate all of your house?
Yes. I decorate every room, even the bedrooms. I have a tree (most are small trees) and a nativity scene in every room. I use to use real greens, but when we bought a new artificial tree, I took the old one apart branch by branch, and started using fake greens.
I hope you at least made what you hoped you would.
I LOVE Nativity scenes! I have one that I particulary love that is displayed in my kitchen year round. I have a tile that I made displayed next to it that says " Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself"
~Norman Wesley Brooks
I made exactly what I needed to purchase the kids gifts, so that is good. I was hoping for more but the attendance wasn't high. Come to find out, there was a football game on that a lot of people did not want to miss
I'm sorry that the jewelry show didn't bring more customers.
My favorite Nativity in my collection, is one that was hand carved in Western Africa. The one visitor is holding a breadfruit and one a broken spear. The animals are very tiny.
Last year DH bought me one that was hand carved from olive wood in the Holy Land.
That is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
To me they are a balance of the spiritual and secular parts of Christmas. I like to be reminded often of why we are celebrating. I also love to see how people from other cultures express their faith.
TGIF. Have a wonderful weekend!
Have you ever read C. S. Challinor's, "Christmas is Murder", or any of the Anne Perry Christmas mysteries? Do you like who-done-its?
I think the nativity is the most important decoration!
I have not read the books mentioned. I do like who-done-its. I like a variety of books!
I ordered part of your gift today. It's coming from Amazon. Don't peek!!!!!
Amazon is one of my favorite stores
I had a gift arrive via amazon and I immediately took it in my studio and wrapped it.
I locked my studio and went on an errand.
The kids decided to peak and found the keys to my studio (which were also hidden). They found 1 gift and luckily I put it in a larger box and bubble wrapped it so it wouldn't shake. It also is not labeled.
They are going nuts trying to figure out
1)who it is for and
2)what it is.
How do I know this---They both told me they peaked. My kids always come clean when they do something they shouldn't LOL. I guess that is a good thing, they never keep things from me. They rat themselves out.
Now, I need to figure out a better hiding spot for the other gifts. I have 2 digital cameras hidden in my glass bin. I know they won't go in there because they are afraid of getting cut by the glass.
Thank you for the great E greeting! It made my day!
Hope you are having a great week santa!
The house is almost all decorated for the holidays.
We have had a cold front so I have been enjoying having the windows open.
This is my favorite time of year!
Hi there. Things have been hectic here. Lots of decorating and writing Christmas cards. It's cold today. I went walking with a friend. It felt great, but my cheeks got nipped a bit by the wind. I'm very rosy this afternoon. I also transplanted several bushes with the help of my son, who is better at digging than I am. I bought two Yuletide Camellias during the summer, and I had to move two good sized bushes to put them where I wanted them. I'll bet your place looks beautiful. Did the package/ packages come from Amazon yet?
Received the package and put it away unopened though it WAS tempting.
I finished my Christmas cards, I mail them right after Thanksgiving. It is a family joke that when everyone receives my card Christmas season has begun (since they receive my card first) LOL
I trade my necklaces for a gorgeous Christmas quilt. I received it today and hung it in the dining room. It is so pretty. I love quilts but do not have the patience to make them.
We have so much in common it's spooky. I always send my cards on Black Friday. Folks also kid me about being first.
Can you send a picture of your new quilt? I've always loved them too, but I'm not crazy about sewing.
I bought a decorated table top tree at a charity Christmas tree auction this week. It's decorated in red and gold, with red lights, a gold beaded garland, glittery red and gold poinsettias, red and gold striped bows, and cardinals. I put it on the upstairs landing.
I hope you have a great weekend. I'm sending the rest of your Christmas present on Monday.
Here is a link to the quilt
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11667694
I hate sewing I can do it but do not want to. LOL. I blame my mom for making me sew my prom dress.
Your tree(s) sound beautiful. If my house were bigger, I would have one in each room. Our tree is always on my antique trunk. We have vaulted ceilings so it gives it height. I tried to put it on the floor this year and Addison had a fit. He said it is tradition to go on the trunk. He is VERY hung up on traditions.
We have two trees outside that we decorate too.
Have a great weekend!
I used to sew a lot, but I guess I got sewn out. I only drag out my machine when absolutely necessary now. Hubby just installed it into my mother's old sewing cabinet, so I might actually use it more, since it's more accessible.
The quilt is lovely...like a fancy crazy quilt.
Do you put edibles on the outside tree for the birds? I don't decorate a tree, but I always put out suet cages, pine cones rolled in peanut butter and bird seed. I also keep my bird feeders and bird bath full. The holly, pyracantha and nandina bushes are so full of berries this year. They say that predicts a very cold winter.
I do not put edibles in the outside trees. We just keep the birdhouses full of treats. The outside trees are just covered with lots of lights. They are displayed next to our lighted snowmen.
I have a brand new sewing machine. I have never used it. I might like it more if it were in an anique cabinet. LOL. I love the old sewing cabinets! I love antiques of all kinds.
Now you tell me!!!! I collect antiques and would have loved to antique shop for you.
The cabinet isn't very antique looking. It's a mahogany desk which the sewing machine folds down into. It was probably bought in the late 1930s. I think my grandfather bought it. We did our homework on the desk as kids, so it has sentimental value. Now I can sew there. My Mom's old machine was a heavy old singer, but it didn't do much more than straight stitch. My Fhaff portable is very heavy too. That's why I hated lugging it from the closet each time I sewed. Now I just open the hinged desktop, lift it up and latch it. I have my sewing stuff in the three drawers on the side of the desk. Maybe now I'll do more sewing.
I hope you had a great weekend! Counting down to Thanksgiving. Are you serving all the traditional stuff??
Sorry--I thought that was well known about me. The majority of my furniture is antique. If it isn't, it is a reproduction. I have had several pieces made by the Amish. I also collect Pink Cambridge (Depression glass), minature china sets and paperweights. I love vintage linens too.
My menu:
Roasted turkey breast
Apricot/cranberry pork loin
Garlic herbed mashed potaoes
Pineapple Sweet potato mash
Creamed spinach
Mac-n-cheese (a relative brings this)
Cranberry sauce
rolls
desserts:
pies
Chocolate peanutbutter cheesecake (Jessica is making)
Grandma Brown's Christmas candy
We'll be having...
A wine laced Fresh Fruit Cup
Roasted Turkey
Savory Bread Dressing
Gravy
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts
Mashed Buttered Rutabaga
Cauliflower with Cheddar Sauce
Rolls
Apple, Cherry, Pecan and Pumpkin Pie Alamode.
Oh yeah, I forgot the stuffing 7 gravy. LOL.
My recipe calls for the yukon gold potatoes too.
My favorite pie is Pecan. I do noy make it very often though. It is just too high in calories and too tempting.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
I'm going to try a sugar free version I found on line. I'll let you know how it tastes.
Sugar Free Pecan Pie
3 eggs
5 teaspoons sugar substitute for baking
1 cup sugar free breakfast syrup
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup pecan halves
Pie dough for a single 9-inch crust
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix the eggs with the sugar substitute. Stir in the breakfast syrup and the melted butter. Stir in the pecan halves. Line a 9-inch pie pan with the pie dough. Pour in the pecan pie filling mixture. Bake for 25 minutes with edges covered with foil. Remove foil from the edges and bake for another 25 minutes or until you can insert a knife and have it come out clean. Cool and cut into 8 pieces to serve.
Definitely let me know how it is.
I mailed your other package today. I sent it Priority Mail, so it should be there by Monday/Tuesday. Please let me know when it gets there.
We have family coming to stay for Thanksgiving, so things will be crazy here for a few days. I'm sure your house will be too.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy your family and all the good food.
Thanks!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
How was the pie? Jessica's Chocolate peanut butter cheesecake was to die for. It probably was worse than a regular pecan pie
I received the package today and stuck it under the tree. Thank you!
I didn't make the pie. We had too many as it was. I might make it some other time. I'll let you know how it turned out then. It won't be for a while though, as we baked about 50 dozen cookies and made several pounds of fudge over the weekend. We also made and painted a bunch of salt dough ornaments.
I'm glad the package arrived. Does it look in good shape? I hope you like your presents.
It looks fine. I am sure I will love whatever it is. You have been a great secret santa!
mmmm fudge. I love fudge. It is my hubby's favorite holiday treat!
Have you guessed who I am??
I can't believe I remembered to post anonymously every time. This is a first. :o)
Yeah--I knew early on but didn't want to ruin it. You are Bea
Thanks for the adorable e greeting.
I love the Jackie Lawson greetings!
...and here I thought I was being so sneaky. ;o)
Have you tried my fudge recipe posted on the recipe thread here yet? It's so easy, and I guarantee your hubby will love it.
A few clues gave you away...the cruise info, the love of antiques, and how sweet and motherly you were when I was sick.
I have not tried the fudge recipe. I usually make it with marshmallow fluff. Paula Deen has a recipe using cheese of all things. My daughter wants to try that.
It's hard to chat and not reveal who you are, I guess. That's me...the eternal Mom. :o)
Try the fudge recipe once, please. I think you may stick with it. It's really is so easy and delicious....Only four ingredients....1 can Eagle Brand 1/2 bags milk chocolate chips, dash of salt and vanilla extract. You can add walnuts if you want them.
I will try it. Easy is always a good thing
I really have enjoyed getting to know you better as my secret santa!
Bea,
how much vanilla ex? Sounds good and easy!
EASY AS PIE FUDGE
3-6 oz. pkgs. milk chocolate chips
or 1 1/2 12 oz bags
1-14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand)
1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chips into condensed milk. I beat mine with my electric mixer right in the pan on the stove. It makes it so smooth. Remove from heat and add salt nuts and vanilla. Mix well. Spread evenly in a foil or wax paper lined 9` x 9` baking pan. Chill overnight or until firm. Turn out on cutting board and peel off foil or paper. Slice into squares. Store loosely covered in refrigerator or at room temperature.
You have made this one of my best years. It's such fun having someone answer my posts, and (I THOUGHT I HAD YOU STUMPPED). LOL
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
Yvonne. We are leaving tomorrow, so I won't be here for the big reveal. I sure hope you like your gifts. It has been such fun getting to know you this way.
Merry Christmas to you and to all you hold dear
Bea,
It was such a pleasure getting to know you. You have been a great secret Santa! Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity!
I love the Christmas book and Faith Hill Christmas CD. I am looking forward to reading and listening to music!
Thank you for the ornaments. The red cardinal reminds me Of NY. My daughter loves the angel one and says I have to let her have it. LOL. She collects angels.
The kitchen towels will come in handy. Did you make the one that is crocheted/knit on top? It is very nice! The Williamsburg print is wonderful. I have fond memories of Williamsburg. We stayed at the Colonial Williamsburg for Christmas, when I was a teenager. It is one of my fondest holiday memories. I assume the Christmas card is of your lovely historical home? I have enjoyed looking at all the pictures you have posted of it over the years. I know it looks so festive for Christmas.
Thank you for EVERYTHING!!
Yvonne
PS---Have a Great cruise!
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