It's Sunday evening and I'm about to take my husband out for his birthday dinner. Tomorrow is the long-awaited surgery for Laydee at 7am . It was bleeding on Thanksgiving, and that nasty thing just needs to go.
I'll send out a quick post to let you know how she did.
I pray my big, sweet girl makes it through with flying colors!
Monday -
Surgery for Laydee
My husband's birthday.
Wednesday-
- 8 am-noon BSF
- 6:30 pm - Bible study
- Dental appointment - removing two old fillings at 10 am.
We put the tree up on Saturday, but to our surprise, the lights were dead—pretty impressive after 20 years of bringing festive cheer! So there it was, looking all cozy and dark. After church, my husband picked up some new lights and put them on. I told him,
"I actually love it just the way it is!"
The tree is adorned with clusters of pinecones hanging from its branches, and its limbs are decorated with two different types of faux foliage, which gives it a charming, rustic vibe.
Maybe it feels a little too minimal.
I’ll take a few more days to think on it.
I definitely want to keep things simpler this year. I got the inspiration from my church, where they have a variety of Christmas trees—some skinny, some pretty white branchy ones, and others classic—none of them decked out, just beautifully lit. I just loved the simplicity of it!
We'll see...
On Friday, I visited Target and began to experience a sense of inspiration as I walked past the various decorations. I managed to stay disciplined and successfully saved 100%. I then gathered my courage and decided to visit Hobby Lobby. The atmosphere was typical Hobby Lobby - with cheerful Christmas music and the delightful scents of pine cones and potpourri creating a festive ambiance. I had a specific item in mind, which is generally how I approach shopping there. Of course, navigating through a variety of other intriguing products was part of the experience on my way to finding what I was looking for.
Christmas stuff is 50% off. I saved 100% once again, but I plan to stop by later this week.
Weather looks pretty good for the week.
December always zips by in a flash, and I can feel the excitement buzzing in the air! It’s such a whirlwind this year, even without gift exchanges. Instead, everyone’s on board with making donations to their favorite charities. Of course, we can’t forget about our furry friends who still deserve some holiday cheer!
I’m full of hope for continued good health as we dive into this festive season. After all, who wants to be under the weather during Christmas?
Let the celebrations begin!
Now, let’s get this first week of December going!
Later -
Debby
Prayers for Laydee's surgery tomorrow, and also for your hubby to have a Happy Birthday! I love the way your tree looks! I like the natural look. However, I find that I enjoy putting on the old ornaments that have so many memories and much meaning attached to them. Our tree is always old fashioned and full of memories. Maybe if I had room for another tree it would be a simple one, just lights and pine cones. I do love that idea, but I don't have a place to do that. Good for you getting through those stores w/o giving in to buying things. I don't dare even visit them! LOL. But actually, my lack of extra spending funds keeps me from going crazy on stuff like that. We have to really watch our Christmas budget closely. It's too easy to let it get out of control. I would prefer to do what you are suggesting, with gifts to charity, etc. But hubby feels like we have to give our kids gifts like when they were little. Sometimes it's just silly stuff like wrapped presents of cookies or candy or some kind of "toy", for these adult men. But that's his thing and it makes him happy to do that. He wants them to always have lots of little things to open up and have fun on Christmas. I kind of just roll my eyes and let him continue to play Santa. I buy the serious gifts like underwear and socks. LOL. It's a family tradition. All in all it's a great time and we enjoy being together most of all for as long as we can. As you and I both know. life is short, and things can change so quickly. So we try to have fun with them while we can. (((hugs))) to you and I pray everything goes well tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I’m a little sad about not exchanging gifts. I was outvoted! I may bake some goodies, craft something to give. It would be the first time and it feels like so many traditions seem to be changing.
DeleteAfter all, with no grandchildren, they are all I have to buy for along with the husband.
Oh well - it’s not the end of the world.
I’ve always had good restraint when shopping. It’s a discipline probably started back years ago when I had no money - barely enough money to eat and my boys and I were the recipients of charity. Very humbling! They remember and want to give back. They know how it feels and so do I.
Anywho, thanks for dropping by. It’s always fun to read your comment.
Praying all goes well for Laydee.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for saving 100%. :) That's not easy.
It was very tempting but my wallet made it through unscathed.
DeleteI don't know if I have ever left hobby Lobby with nothing! so you did good! I am sure Laydee will be fine! But of course you have to worry because you love her so much. I like your tree this way, it is all nature!
ReplyDeleteI hope it get over there this week while it’s 50% off.
DeleteI like the tree this way but the husband isn’t quite sure he likes it!
I love the tree the way it is. the first year I had the 17 inch tree in the nook, I left it with white lights and the pine cones that came on it and added a few hanging pine cones. I am minimalist at heart with all things, and that might be why I like your tree.
ReplyDeletemy mother was the opposite of minimalist, and even hung fake misletoe from the ceiling lights, the lamps, and every space on tree, mantle and tables was covered. we were very poor, but she found deals and people gave her things and she was happy with plastic flowers. even in the yard...
I just said a prayer for Laydee and her surgery, that thing is indeed evil looking. waiting to here how she does.
Thank You. I do, too. I may do some minimal tweaking. Thank you for praying for Laydee. We haven't heard anything yet. No news is good news. We'll pick her up around 4 pm!
DeleteFirst, prayers lifting for Laydee's successful surgery! I always fret when anything goes amiss with one of our girls.
ReplyDeleteYour tree looks perfect! While I admire those who can 'deck the halls' so beautifully, I actually prefer ours minimalistic, too. Aside from the lights and raggedy Angel atop, we've no beads or other adornments.
Wishing you a beautiful new week!
I totally agree! It really takes a lot of artistic talent to make everything look classy during the holidays. My home is on the smaller side, so it usually feels like too much for me to handle! Back in my younger days, I would go all out with decorations, and everyone said it looked great. What mattered most was how much joy it brought me. These days, though, I'm in a different season of my life, and I just can't do it like I used to nor do I want to.
DeletePlease do keep us apprised of Laydee's surgery outcome, Debby. I'll say a prayer for her. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWe're still waiting
DeleteSending a hug for Laydee and for you.
ReplyDeleteI do like your tree.
Happy Birthday to your husband! A December birthday.. me too.
Thank you!
DeletePraying all went well for Laydee. Sorry about the lights on the tree. I'm not sure I can even put mine up this year. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm still sitting on pins and needles.
DeleteI hope Laydee's surgery went well. I am praying that all is okay.
ReplyDeleteMy church just lights the trees as well. So beautiful to see on Christmas Eve.
God bless.
Hoping Laydee's surgery went well
ReplyDeleteI like your tree just as it is!! It really is pretty.
Happy Birthday to your husband too! Hope Laydee does well. I love your tree with the pinecones. I may have to steal that idea next year. Janice
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me to enter Hobby Lobby and not get all excited - one of my favorite stores for the holidays. I always find a goody or two there. I love Target too, especially that dollar section at the entrance. Your Christmas tree is pretty and simple. Looks really nice just as it is. The black and white curtains are a nice touch. Enjoy your sunny week. We got the heaters fixed, but it sure is cold outside. Supposed to have a little sun this week too.
ReplyDelete~Sheri