Because we need more to do

We never got around to getting a bigger bed for the new guest room but E was kind of on us to get it done before she came home. So, in our holiday accommodating spirit, we ordered a full-size bed frame on Saturday that arrived this afternoon. Before the frame arrived we went to a local mattress store to get the mattress and to Target to get a set of sheets.

After that, we (Andy) took apart E's old IKEA bed, which was part of a bunk bed, and moved the metal twin bed frame from L's room into E's room. The wooden bed frame and that mattress is sitting by our garage in hopes that someone sees it and takes it home.

With the metal frame in E's room, we were able to unbox the mattress in L's room/guest room and let it plump up.

August made himself comfy in E's room.

The frame arrived on schedule and we [Andy) put it together. No screws, which was interesting. We put the sheets on and even found a large-enough comforter.

All ready for our special guest(s).

Andy's reward for all of his hard work - a beer at Kinslagher. Of course, he's still watching the golf tournament,

Christmas in Florida

Christmas is a busy time at work for L but she's finding time to go out with friends.

Her Christmas list included a bed frame because the used one she took to Florida broke. She's been sleeping on her bedroom floor since October. I went into mom mode and had a new frame delivered to her from Amazon. She successfully got it assembled.

Can you find L?

Ready for E’s visit

We stocked up on flavored seltzer water for E's visit. She and D will be splitting their time between our house and his parents' house. They fly in tomorrow!

Gifts for me

Can we just admire this fabulous wrapping job on an awkwardly shaped box? It's a gift Darla sent.

It's a poinsettia-shaped puzzle. I'm sure I won't have time to do it before Christmas but maybe next month.

And Cindy and Kevin sent another cheese and sausage assortment. Gives me something to snack on while putting together the puzzle.

Friday was my last day at work until after Christmas. I got a very unexpected bonus so I might buy myself a walking pad for when I don't have time to get outside and walk. We'll see. The boss gave me Frango mints and they weren't wrapped so when I handed him his gift - also Frango mints - I said, well, this is a little ironic. My other boss gave me Beeckman soap and hand lotion and I just used the last of the hand lotion I had stashed in my desk earlier in the day. And the hand lotion and soap I got are almond cookie flavor and I love the smell of almond!

Christmas Seals

I was surprised to see this Christmas Seal on the Christmas card from Aunt Lorene that arrived today. I didn't realize Christmas Seals were still being made!

Blanket for a friend

Penzey's Spices was asking for nominations for people to receive their "care" blanket for free. I've had success sending them to friends in the past and it worked again. My friend got her surprise blanket recently and posted about it on FB that it was just what she needed. And she has no idea who sent it. Perfect and fun.

Oh, August

I was playing around with centerpiece ideas for Christmas the other day and left these candleholders on the dining room table. I was in the kitchen getting coffee and noticed August looking at them.

Sure enough, he was drinking from the holders. Eww.

So crafty

I wanted to try out this craft but didn't have any buffalo check paper so I improvised with Disney scrapbook paper. It turned out pretty well. Hardest part was holding the flaps until the hot glue dried (ouch!). I plan to hang it in the living room. It's like having a little bit of L around for Christmas.

December b-day party

My friend, C, celebrated her birthday last night by having a few women over for a dinner party. I had the appetizer course and made Brie cranberry bites in phyllo shells and mini-quiches (OK, I just heated up the quiches). They were all tasty.

C made Italian sausages and butternut squash pasta. We also had a very cheesy spinach side (lots of cheese with a little spinach - perfect) and bread. Dessert was a brownie and peppermint ice cream layered dish. I grabbed my plate as I was leaving and C insisted I take something home so she poured her bowl of seasoned pretzels onto the plate and wrapped it up for me. They're a little addictive.

Story of the star

I was taking pictures of the sanctuary on Sunday so E can forward them to her wedding florist. I took this picture of the tree after worship. The star was sitting on the ledge behind the tree.

It's one we found on clearance a few years ago. Turns out, it was way too big for our tree so I offered it the church and they took it. It's so sparkly and fits the size of that tree much better. I think they wait until Christmas Eve to put the star on the tree.

I sent E the sanctuary pictures I took and after we left she asked for a few more so Andy and I went back yesterday afternoon. I snapped this picture before Andy figured out how to turn the sanctuary lights on. I like how the stained glass looks.