Saturday, December 29, 2007

Christmas Catch-Up

Our Christmas season still hasn't completely wound down and I should be finishing up a few items to take to Oklahoma with us tomorrow, but I'm blogging instead. I'm afraid I'll be evicted from Blogland if I don't post something longer than a paragraph so here goes. (Got that cup of coffee or gallon of tequila ready? Okay...then let the rambling begin!) I was lucky enough to receive a lot of great things this year and I'm grateful for those who thought of me (and sometimes I really can't imagine why they chose to gift me with things...my attitude usually doesn't warrant such kindness. lol). Randey gave me a bottle of Brighton's Laugh perfume. I have Annie to thank for introducing me to the wonderful smells of Brighton perfumes. I bought myself the bottle of Dream - which I dearly love - way back in August, I believe, and Randey and the boys got me the bottle of Love for my birthday in September. Randey's decided that Laugh is his favorite (which is reason enough to wear it every day forever).
Randey also found me another Jim Shore cat, this one named Freedom. I already have Patience, Vigilance and Curiosity and Freedom fits right in with those three. There's something about these particular cats that I love. They just make me smile whenever I see them. Maybe because these cats don't make me sneeze!
Nick and Jodie sent me, among other things, a couple of Nicholas Sparks books and some clear stamps for scrapbooking and cardmaking. Actually, the "coffee" set of stamps were for my birthday (right, Jodie?) but I included them in the picture because I can't seem to quit looking at them. I'm all excited to use them. And Jodie, Susan got me an embosser for Christmas so I'll let you know how that works out (need to get some brown embossing powder so i can use my tasty looking Hot Chocolate stamp). Yum-o! As to the Nicholas Sparks books, Jodie's read them all and I've been saying for quite awhile that I'm going to read them, too. Now I have no reason not to. My only problem is getting hooked on them because then I'll feel compelled to buy every one he's ever written (Nick comes by his obsessive collecting honestly!).
Kaleb, who turned 17 years old just this past Thursday (Happy Birthday, son!!), got me this soup tureen for Christmas. Isn't it beautiful? I have developed this strange fetish for soup tureens lately and I can't even begin to tell you why. I just love them and feel the need to collect a couple (or a couple hundred, if I'm lucky -ha). I'm up to 3 now...and this one is my favorite, for obvious reasons. What a great kid, huh? And speaking of Kaleb being a great kid, look at what else he got me...this Darth Vader snowglobe! How goofy is this? I have to laugh at the thought of Vader making his list and checking it twice. Pretty sure this is one list no one wants to be on....

My Star Wars Christmas didn't stop there. My Aunt Ginger sent me this:
I don't care who you are, this is just plain funny. Darth Vader using a frozen Death Star to make snowballs. Oh come on! Yeah, yeah, yeah...so Vader and Christmas don't exactly go hand in hand. But it's still funny.
Aunt Ginger also sent this absolutely adorable figurine. It's R2-D2 all decked out for Christmas. R2 and Luke Skywalker are my all-time favorite Star Wars characters. I didn't even know they made this little Christmas figure so you can imagine how excited I was when I opened it. Awesome, huh?
Before Christmas, on the 20th, my very best friend in the whole wide world came to visit. Susan and her husband, Terry, drove in from Florida and stayed until Christmas Eve, when they drove back so they could spend Christmas Day with their kids and grandkids. It was so wonderful to see them - truly. Unfortunately, Randey did everything in his power to corrupt Terry with the Evil X-Box 360. It wasn't long before Terry started showing signs of addiction. So sad. Look at his eyes....
The "remove red-eye" feature on my computer couldn't get rid of that glow. (Click to enlarge). That oughta tell you something. He was almost possessed by this. It's far too late to save Randey from it, but I never saw it coming with Terry. I'm ashamed that his fever started in my home and I hope Susan was able to cure him before he made it back to their home. Tsk, tsk. That Randey. Some friend, huh?
Speaking of friends, I have a little bet to settle with Susan. She seems to think I was, perhaps, just a little bit...oh, what's the word...mean maybe?, when I bought her Christmas gift. She had told me that her doctor was making her check her sugar level several times a day because she was borderline diabetic. So, being the caring, understanding, full-hearted and loyal friend that I am, I chose gifts that I felt would help her in her on-going battle with keeping that sugar level at a reasonable level. I bought her these things:
Was that not nice? Don't these gifts just scream "I love you and want you to stay around for another 50 years" (yeah, that's another thing, Susan will be 50 years old this coming Tuesday, January 1st. Apparently, she's getting a tad bit cranky in her old age because she seemed to think I was being snarky and somewhat less than sincere with my gifts. Can you imagine????). I was only trying to help, I swear. She told me that she wanted me to pose the question to you, my blogging friends, to see what you thought of my gift. So tell me, guys: Was I being mean or snarky or sarcastic, etc., etc., etc.? Okay, before you answer that, let me add that I also got her a lovely Rachael Ray cookbook and a cookbook stand and a few bookmarkers and really nice smelling Morenci candle. The Splenda and Splenda Cookbook were bought for her own good. And it's not my fault that company named their book Diabetes for Dummies, now is it? Right? Nor is it my fault that Susan got me, among other things, a bag of Hershey's Chocolate Kisses while I got her something geared more towards a "healthy" lifestyle. In fact, I would say that I was the one who got her the nicer gift. She was just looking to fatten me up even further while I, her loyal, kind and loving friend was looking out for her health. So before you answer that question, people, be sure to consider all the facts. And if you chose to go with Susan's side, beware! I'll probably just delete your comments and tell her that everybody voted my way anyhow, 'cause that's just how I am. So don't even waste your time siding with her. Okie-dokie? Having said that, I'll go ahead and admit that I tried these same arguments on Susan and they didn't work with her either. (I've really got to work on not smirking when I'm trying to look sincere.) Now let's move on, shall we?
Hey,check out what Jayme sent me!

How sweet is this? I love that little notebook. I usually carry a small notebook around in my purse to write down those massively profound thoughts that flit through my head when I'm standing in line at Wal-Mart and now I can write them down in style. Jayme is just the sweetest person. I was surprised and touched by these gifts - I just can't tell you how much.
And how about this beautiful card from Debbi, who lives Down Under in the Land of Aus. Isn't this amazing? So many layers and so many little details. I love it and will keep it out year round in my little scrapbooking room (where all my treasures stay!).
Finally, (hey! WAKE UP! We're almost at the end!), Randey, Kaleb, Jacob and I went to see National Treasure II, the Book of Secrets. It was wonderful!! I have to go see it again because there is just so much in there that is interesting - it's well worth seeing twice. Or even 3 times. Maybe even 4. Yeah, people, I loved it that much. Go see it! What are you waiting on? Go! NOW! Let me know what you think. And don't forget to leave a comment telling me how great my gift to Susan was. (I need all the support I can get on this...there's no telling the revenge she's already plotting!)

25 comments:

  1. You got GOOD stuff!!! I love laugh the bestest too, it was actually on my list (I guess no one thought to read that list :o)... it smells so good and I'm glad you like the brighton smells too!

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  2. I think you bought her a great gift. She probably really appreciates it but wants to give you a hard time. It's something she wouldn't buy for herself but is glad that you did.
    How many brownie points did I earn!!!

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  3. Yes, of course I'm on your side! Wink!

    Boy, you racked up! Lots of good stuff.

    Have fun on your trip. Be safe.

    Hugs!
    Kat

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  4. Great gifts you received Kari! Kaleb's soup tureen is lovely :) We are all for long posts so don't change a thing!! Happy New year and safe trip! Jenn and Jacqui

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  5. I think you did awsome on her gift. I have wanted a Splenda cookbook foever. I know in your heart you were being your sweet self.

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  6. I love all your presents...but your cousin (Wallace JR) says you need to send R2 to him that Aunt Ginger apparently had an address malfunction...and that lucky Susan, I would love to have those Splenda cookbooks...I use it and nothing else...I would love to get to a book store...sometimes living in the boonies is so disadvantageous...cepting for Uncle Wally, it saves him money, lol...and as I sit here looking at my cat Trouble's double, how rude! LOL...have a good trip and be careful and hurry back!!!
    love ya
    Aunt Sandi

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  7. Hi Kari,
    I just found your blog by way of...somebody...oh yea, I think Sandi?? Anyway I have had a lot of laughs and I haven't even finished the first page. I'll be back tomorrow to read more. I'm getting cross-eyed and need to go to bed!!

    Nice to meet you and thanks for the laughs!

    Hope

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  8. I'm lovin' the Jim Shore cat you got. I love patriotic stuff since I'm a 4th of July kid, ya know. lol

    What cute stamps!! Did you know they make scented embossing powders? I'll see if I can't find them and let ya know where to go.

    Haaaaaaaaaaa, the snowglobe is too darn funny. That Kaleb is so sweet with his gifts. ;)

    What a thoughtful gift you gave to Susan. :) :) :) Totally on your side there. :)

    Ooo, I love that cute little notebook...cute cute cute....LOL ;)

    I've been wanting to see that movie. I LOOOOOOVED the first one. I'm sure I'll want to see it over and over again as well. Can't wait to see it. :)

    Have a safe trip and a Happy New Year!!!! :)

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  9. Kari,

    You really cleaned up with the Christmas presents. I got a gift card-LOL. No you really are a good friend making sure your friend eats well. :-) Hey I really like your new look and your little dog is so cute on your banner. Have a good New Years!

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  10. Your gift to Susan was perfect. I'm sure she really appreciates it and the thought behind the gift.

    I love the soup tureen - it's beautiful! You did really well this Christmas!

    Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  11. Susan's gift: PERFECT!

    You had yourself a great christmas! I am ready to get back into the routine of blogging, how about you?

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  12. My grandma was diabetic...Your gift to Susan was perfect!..Good score on the Star Wars stuff.

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  13. Wow did you ever score big! Caleb's gift was so sweet and LOVE the SW goodies!! Vadar snowballs...: )
    W are going to Nation Treausre tommorrow. SO want to see it. I thought the first one was SO GREAT!!
    I have now seen it a buncha times and never tire of it.
    I must go check out the Brighton perfumes. The bottles alone are gorgeous.
    Now, the gift. I think it was super and sweet Susan is just giving you a fit on purpose because I would do it too. *evil grin*.
    You love her and care about her.
    That is the best gift of all....

    Now, be safe and well and have a great time in OK.

    Come home. tell us all about it and
    we will get this blog weekend going....I am so excited about the prospect of it.

    Happy, happy New year to you all.

    Love and hugs,
    Sue

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  14. It is so nice to catch up with you Kari. I want to wish you a happy belated Christmas if I wasn't able to stop by. I've been out of town and I can't remember who I visited...lol!

    I love the new header...brilliant!

    I've started a new private blog and emailed you an invite. I hope you come see me sometimes.

    Love & Hugs,
    Tammy

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  15. Kari!

    You never fail to make me laugh!

    You received so many wonderful gifts! Isn't it wonderful when people really "know" you and your personality and they find the perfect gifts based on that? I was very lucky that way as well! (I am thinking we are a bit spoiled? NAW!)

    I think the gifts you bought your BFF are hilarious! Sounds like something I would have done! I am sure she will enjoy them! Even if she doesn't admit it! LOL

    Have a wonderful trip and a GREAT start to the new year!

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  16. I'm glad you took the time to write a paragraph (or two!) I can see y'all had a fun christmas.
    Safe travels!!

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  17. Kari,
    I have never seen those cats before - I love them. I going to look now.

    Happy New Year
    Heather

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  18. Hello! And Happy New Year! What a fun read! I even left the "radio" on! LOL (Love Harry Potter theme)
    Have fun and be safe this evening!

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  19. Happy New Year!

    Totally on your side with the gift thing. If you would have given her a bag of candy she would have thought you wanted her dead. It's one of those "just can't win" things.

    Love the Star Wars things - and the giant picture of Anakin - too cool! The boys would LOVE living at your house.

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  20. Dearest Kari,

    I'm slowly making my way to all my friends' blogs...I didn't blog for a few days and now I'm wayyyy behind!

    Sounds like you all had a wonderful Christmas and you sure did receive some delightful gifts!! As for Susan's gifts, well, ummmm, yes you did good but errrrr, ummmmm, I can also see why she would be a bit wary of your intentions! lol Too funny!

    New Year is a time for celebration of love, of life, of friendship. It's the time to thank God for wonderful friends, and to bring to their lives as much magic as they bring to ours...so here's celebrating our friendship and praying that its magic continues forever. Happy New Year to you and yours dear Kari! xoxo

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  21. Oooh, yay, I'm so glad to hear that about the movie. We are going to see it tomorrow!!! Can't wait!!

    I LOVE all of your gifts, especially the great Star Wars ones. (Have I ever told you I'm a Star Wars nut too? lol) Sydney got a Darth Tater (DV mr. potato head) from her aunt and uncle...too funny!!

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  22. nice thought bad timing for her I guess

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  23. Great gifts you received...obviously, you are very much loved!

    Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to all that you will write in 2008!

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  24. Hi Kari, hope you are having a great trip...Happy New Year!! Jenn and Jacqui

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  25. I'd say you were being a kind and thoughtful friend; it's just the authors of the Dummy books, wanting to make a marketing statement( and quick buck) chose an unflattering title for their book. Certainly not your fault1 Would she have been as offended if the book was titles "Diabetes for Genius, Bodacious Hot Chicks"? I think not.

    Janet

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