Christmas Countdown

It's begun.  EIGHT weeks to Christmas.  If I countdown by paychecks . . .uh, let's not.  Here is my countdown to do list for Week 1:

1. Buy postage stamps

2. Create/update master gift list

3. Finalize plans for Thanksgiving (menu, guest list, place settings, centerpiece, shopping list, etc.)

4. If ordering by mail, do it now to allow plenty of time for shipping.

5. Check out Pittsburgh Events and enter those interested in on Holiday Calendar.

This is my favorite time of year and usually my poorest as the real estate taxes and refuse bill are due at this time.  Luckily, Mom and I were in many a right place this past summer/fall and found bargains galore! I have bags and bags piled in a corner of my family room.  The little kiddies are pretty much done. We just have to sort, wrap, and update our master gift list.  

Sunday, we sat down and finalized the Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Open House menus.  That just leaves our Annual Ornament Exchange to think about.

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Saturday, the kiddies came over for a little Halloween lunch.  Sadly, my camera was on night and the photos are poor.  DAGNABIT!  But a good time was had by all.  I mean it.  We really had great fun!

Brendan. He LOVES his dinosaurs!

Amanda, such a pretty ghost

Cammi as Monster High's Laguna Blue

Jade, on leave

Joey a/k/a Pumpkinhead

Kayla, came through WillKillYasBurg (not funny, I know)

The gang - playing Scattergories

Jake, was a dinosaur, too, but that didn't last too long

Caramel Apple Swamp

From the ground comes . . .

Amanda made yummy candy sticks

HALLOWEEN LUNCH MENU

Winter Squash Soup with Gruyere Croutons

Zucchini Casserole

Mummy Dogs

Brownies

Caramel Apples

Candy

Orange Punch

Ice Tea