working around things...

Besides being a master craftsman -- Rick also knows how to work around things -- such as -- piles of "stuff"...

...and Sofia!  :-)

Here is the same view at the beginning of the project...

better than holiday cookies...

...a new basement floor!

Rick just starting putting the flooring down this morning, so, there's not much opportunity for the "artsy"  photos.  This is the view from the stairs.  He started in the small closet and will continue through the foyer and down the hall.  The "pink stuff" is the underlayment.  We chose to go with Airguard Premium 3-in-1 -- because I don't want any nasty moldy stuff growing under my pretty floor in the basement.  The flooring is Red Oak Natural .  I'll show more photos as he makes progress.  I'm a little bit giddy about this.  Yay! :-)

holiday cookies...

Those delicious looking cookies in my new background were made by my sweet neighbor.  After tasting them, I had to know if she would share her recipe.  When she told me they were from Martha Stewart, I remembered that I received her Christmas Cookbook as a gift last year -- and the recipe is right in there!  Yay!  :-)

And... if you're wondering why I have an Ortega Loaded Nacho recipe in the photo too -- it's because I finally found it -- the day after I needed the recipe.  I spent quite a few hours looking for that recipe last week.  Oh well... guess I'll just make those loaded nachos to eat while we're playing Pictionary ~or~ Jenga ~or~ Sorry on New Year's eve.  :-)

Oh, and during my search I also found that I have two of the same Mary Engelbreit holiday cookbooks. Not sure how that happened, but I'm thinking it's time to organize my cookbook cabinet. :-)

just what I always wanted...

 Merry Christmas!  :-)

may all your christmas dreams come true...

the elves made me do it...

These little cuties overheard a conversation I had with "someone" today.  We were talking about elves.  I was a bit  upset when the person I was speaking to explained to me that her elves could finish all of her gift wrapping in just a few hours.  I began to think that maybe my elves have been slacking a bit...

So...since I had a 30% off Kohl's coupon PLUS $10 in Kohl's cash, I decided to do a bit more shopping.  I came home with three huge shopping bags full and gave them to my elves.  Ready... Set...Game On elves...! 

the elf supervisors are getting mean...

Put on those hats and get back to wrapping!!!

Only 4 days left !! (for gift wrapping) 

the sunday before...

...the elves are busy with some last minute sewing, and, the first batch of cookies are waiting to be decorated.

  

Santa passed by before with the firetrucks -- but he didn't stop!  Maybe he's busy too! :-) 

wrapping gifts...

Apparently, Sofia has her own ideas on how to use wrapping paper! 

10 days to go...

~ done ~

~ done ~

~ done ~

~ done ~

~ done ~

Not done...

Gift wrapping...

Baking...

Gift wrapping...

Last minute shopping...

Gift wrapping...

Not being done is part of the fun!  :-)

holiday sugar rush...

I think these guys better slow down on the holiday candy... ;-)  

I noticed a few people like this while shopping in the store today too. I think it's time for me to switch into the "stay home and wrap presents" gear.  It is only going to get worse out there -- and the only weapon I carry is hand sanitizer. :-)

folderol la la...

a little push...

This year...the elves seem to be popping up everywhere!  They don't seem to be making my tasks any easier -- just in case you're wondering ;-)  I'm sure you're all out and about right now -- busy with your own holiday tasks -- or, at least that is where you should be! :-)

I think that Gingerbread house in the photo is being built this weekend -- it's pre-baked, which doesn't matter because we never eat them.  Do you?  We have about 10+ days more before actual cookie baking takes place here -- those we do eat -- but only when they're fresh out of the oven!  

Time to go run some early errands...I am feeling a "little tug" on my sleeve...maybe those elves are helping me after all!  :-)

it's fa la la tuesday...

...19 days to go!  If you haven't found your "fa la la" -- it's time to go look for it!  Mine is behind that door... in the "shhh... secret... closet..." :-)

 

22 days to go...

...and the "real" elves have finally arrived!  I thought Santa forgot about sending me helpers this year...
















No time to waste!  Get movin' you little cuties!  :-)

put your elf hat on...

...I'm off to getting some "secret" elf stuff done...before the troops come home for the weekend...  Yes, the photo is from last year -- I don't think I can top that cute expression on Ozzy's face.  I did change the background -- as per the request of a loyal follower...wink ...wink ...  I also added some energizing music to rev you up for wrapping, or, hanging those decorations, or, elf stuff...  That's where I'm headed...

Happy Friday! :-)