Christmas Hustle and Bustle

The last few days have been very exciting. I don't know if I accomplished any work at school during the week, but it was certainly festive. Beginning on Monday, parents began bringing in all sorts of trays filled with goodies to eat. The counter in our little office kitchenette area was covered. The staff was in an out all day and everyone would grab a snack when they had a minute and were passing, myself included. Come Tuesday, there were fresh trays when there were still a few leftovers from Monday. The week went on like this. Every day there were new trays delivered. I don't know if I have ever seen so much food. I certainly never experienced anything like this in public school I wish I had made a picture, but alas, I didn't think about it until it was too late.

Not only did we have all kinds of food, but presents began arriving on my desk from first one and then another. Some from families, some from the staff, and the board presented everyone with a whole ham. Guess what I'm serving for Christmas Eve dinner to my family!
This is a picture of some of the gifts I received. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful this kindness was and how meaningful. Once again, maybe in elementary, but as a high school teacher, I didn't receive gifts at school. Included in the loot were two beautiful poinsettias, a lighted figurine of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, two books, three beautiful tree ornaments, necklace and matching errings, a bowl along with bath gel and lotion, a vase and towels, a gift card to Long Horn's Steak House, and a cheese board with dip mixes.

I love this board. I am drawn to anything with my initial on it and this is a favorite Bible verse that I have used as a print in another part of my house. The spreader has a cross engraved on the top edge.

My car was loaded down when I left Friday afternoon with all my gifts, the ham, and a variety of left over goodies. Bryan had to help me get everything in the house. On Saturday morning, Collin took me shopping in Southhaven. We discovered a mall there and spent the day.

We began at Gordman's and found several things. It isn't actually attached to the mall. Of all the stores there, we found a Kirkland's which is one of my favorites and I either have to travel to Memphis or go see Micah to shop at one. We found several things there as well. There were lots of fun places to browze and we had a successful day.

No day would be complete without a good meal and Collin chose his favorite place for his part of the trip.

There was lots of Christmas items in every store and outside of Kirkland's, we found this sidewalk display. Collin caught sight of these stockings and he said that we should buy one for Ben. It would take a big one to hold all his presents. I know Micah will be so excited.

These last three days have been very hectic. I went out Monday to finish some last minute shopping, but plans changed, and basically, I bought a ton of groceries. Yesterday, I went to town again, and this time finished my shopping. I left out early so I could meet my buddies for lunch.

Meet Jeannie and Vera. We met at Dairy Queen and exchanged our gifts. Our visit was short and sweet, but we squeezed it in. I had to get to Paragould to get my oil changed and get back home to meet up with Bryan. We went back to town to let him pick out one of his Christmas presents that I couldn't buy without him.

Today, I have wrapped and wrapped presents. I think just about everything is under the tree that is going to get there. I have one more package to finish up on Christmas Eve. The elf is still working on just one. I've also done laundry and began trying to straighten and clean my house a little. There have been boxes, bags, tissue paper, ribbons, and bows everywhere. Not to mention, we have camo all over our house. Bryan has been duck hunting every day and having the time of his life. There is no need to put any of this away if you're just going to use it again tomorrow. That would be a silly waste of energy. Besides, everything needs to dry out. I also have a boot dryer and other accessories in my laundry room. You have to pick your steps carefully. I'm really not complaining; it's good to have him home for a while and believe me, you can tell he is here.

We are anticipating the arrival of the rest of our family. Micah and Rhyne should be headed to Arkansas tomorrow. We have lots of family plans; dinner Friday night with the Putman's and Christmas Eve brunch for my family and the Putman's.

Tomorrow will be another busy day. Still have more cleaning to do and I need to squeeze in a girl's basketball tournament game at ASU. On Friday the RCS boys play. Then Collin and I have haircuts tomorrow. Sometime, I have cooking to do. It's a wonderful life.

Marcia