Merry Christmas From My Family to Your's

Merry Christmas!  We had a great time with family the last couple of weeks celebrating Christmas.  Here are a few photos (from the tons I took) to show you a little of what and where we've been.  I hope you and your family enjoyed celebrating as much as we did!

LP and My Farmer on a very cold and windy day picking out our Christmas tree

LP playing with his new tractor with wagon and corn stalk bailer

LP opening gifts from My Farmer & I and Santa Clause

LP posing with some of his gifts
(including cheese blocks from a  meat and cheese gift box from a landlord)

LP was one lucky boy and got a pedal tractor
(LP also got a motorized tractor and wagon for Christmas too - that'll be fun this summer)

LP and My Farmer opening gifts (and wearing gifts) at my grandparent's house

What does a farmer truly get excited about:
a new pair of Muck boots, a  new  Carhartt sweatshirt and a new Leatherman

Our only family photo from Christmas...  I'll work better on that next year!

Getting Organized for the Holidays - Thanksgiving Week!

It is Thanksgiving Week and I'm already getting excited for all the good food and time with family!  Last week I told you what I was doing to get organized early for Thanksgiving.  Here is what I'm working on this week so I have a no-stress Thanksgiving Week:

• Make and bake ahead for Thanksgiving Day dinner, that way you don't have to do it all on Thanksgiving morning.
• Give the house a final clean sweep and lay things out for guests.
• Decide what gifts you're giving others for Christmas
• Shop Black Friday - go through all advertisements and make plan for shopping
• Remember to give thanks!

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Getting Organized for the Holidays - 1 Week Til Thanksgiving!

Can you believe that it is just one week til Thanksgiving?  It is hard to believe it is November, let alone so close to Thanksgiving for me.  I know the holidays can sometimes be stressful.  So to decrease stress, I try to be as organized as possible and stay ahead of the curve getting things done.  I figured everyone can use some help getting organized for the holidays, so I figured I'd share some "tasks" I'm working on with all of you.

My Family on Thanksgiving Day 2011

1 Week Til Thanksgiving:

• Finalize Thanksgiving Menu (I'm bringing creamed cauliflower, pecan pie, pumpkin brownies, pickled herring and shrimp dip to Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws.  I've also finalized what we will be eating Thanksgiving night through the weekend.)
• Buy Thanksgiving Groceries (I bought mine yesterday so I can stay out of the grocery store all next week!)
• Finalize Travel during the Holidays (This past week I finalized all our holiday gatherings and travel with our family.  It feels really good to have this done and organized.  Also confirm which family members will be visiting with you during the holidays and get all arrivals and departures on your calendar.)
• Gift Lists (Finalize your family member's wish lists to send to other family members.  Also start making a gift budget and gift buying list.)
• Peek at Black Friday sales (I'm personally a big-time Black Friday shopper.  Several stores' Black Friday advertisements are already out for public view.  Take a sneak peak to give you ideas for yourself and others.)

Now the thing for me that takes the most time and energy is Gift Lists.  What are you asking for Christmas this year?  I'm always looking for more ideas for myself, My Farmer and LP.