Getting ready for the Holiday's

Last weekend was spent making & ordering my digital Christmas gifts and cards.  It took me 4 days in between working and other activities.  I am happy to say that I was able to get everything ordered in time for Holiday shipping cut-offs.  My cards arrived on Tuesday (only 2 days) and I got notice tonight that my 2 calendars are shipping & will be here mid-week next week.  How wonderful it that!  Kudos to Panstoria Print Shop for such a quick turnaround time on my orders.

Tonight the kids put up the tree & the lights.  Now that all of the lights are working it looks great!  Over 1000 tiny white lights on the tree...I think it looks great just like this.

Someone please tell me how when you 'test' all of the lights before putting them on the tree how is it that when you're done you still have a string or two that doesn't light??  We spent the evening watching our favorite Christmas shows on DVD.  Started out with The Little Drummer Boy, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, The Cricket on the Hearth, and last but not least Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  Tomorrow we'll add the decoration & watch A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart. (one of my favorites.) 

Tomorrow will be setting up the rest of the outside lights & manger scene if all goes well & the weather cooperates.  I may even attempt a few more digital photo gifts if time allows.  I definitely need to get my cards in the post.

Here's a sneak peak at our family Christmas card:

due to being pressed for time this year I reused the template from last year and changed out some of the embellishments, changed the colors of them and added a glow.  I also added the house with the snow because we had a storm the day before Thanksgiving.  It's been a very hectic year for us, especially with our son graduating from high school, he just earned Eagle and our daughter was in her 1st pageant this year, and it's the only year they both will be in marching band together.  A lot of special memories for all of us.

I hope you'll remember me next year if you'd like to design your own cards.  I'm glad to help you out, I just need your thoughts & photos before November 1st so I can complete & order them in plenty of time for you.