I go thrifting just about every Saturday morning. When Molly lived with us she would go with me. One Saturday we went to one of my favorite stores and when we were checking out, the cashier commented on all the cute clothing we had found. She then asked if we had been to Gordman's store closing sale. We hadn't. In fact, I had never been there and really wasn't sure what kind of store it was. A few weeks later Molly and I were heading to Kohls when we realized Gordman's was next door. I didn't really want to go but I asked Molly if she did, and she did. I almost continued on but decided to pull into the parking lot. Hesitantly, I went in. We found all kinds of bargains. We shopped very carefully because we didn't want to buy things we really didn't need. I found an item for $150 where the sign said it would be $45. Still expensive for something not needed. I asked Molly if she would like it and she thought she would but didn't really need it. We didn't put it in our cart but we did go through what was in our cart to see if we really needed these things. That is when Molly saw a sign that said if you buy 12 or more items, you get an additional 50% off. I placed the $150 item in the cart, along with other high priced items.
After we got home and figured out how much money we saved by buying things we didn't need, I felt bad that I didn't buy more! The $150 item was only $21. Molly felt the same so we planned for Molly and Mike to go back the next morning right at opening, to buy more. I had to work so wouldn't be able to go. We made a list of what we saw and should get. Excitement was in the air!
The next morning I was getting updates and photos from Molly, asking if she should get this, or this, maybe this? Even though Mike didn't find anything, Molly was glad he went because she filled up two carts and needed Mike to push one! They finally made it to the checkout and that is when Molly found the disappointing sign that stated it was only 30% off if buying 12 or more items. They bought everything anyway.
We were done Christmas shopping September!
Stockings
When my sisters had babies many years ago, I would make the baby a felt Christmas stocking from a kit. This was always fun for me, knowing they could use it their whole lifetime. When I found out my niece was pregnant, she asked if I would make her baby a stocking. Of course I said yes. Soon a box came in the mail with three stockings, one for her baby and two for my nephew's twins. I handed the twin's stockings over to my sister Sherry, who also likes to do these. I did this because when I saw the one I was to make, I knew it was going to take me awhile. A LOT of detail. Then my niece said something she probably shouldn't have..."it's okay if it isn't done before Christmas." I had months to start and finish it, so I took my time. I would pull it out now and then. I did get a tiny bit done to show Meredith during her Zoom baby shower. Myers was born at the end of October. Now I could put the name on the stocking! But, I waited. All of a sudden it was December! I wasn't even close to being done. I told Meredith it probably wouldn't be done. She was okay with that but then my sister sent me the following photo with Myers' stocking missing. Okay, now I had to finish it.
For two weeks my life was consumed with applique, stuffing, sequins, and beading. I would work on it all day on the weekends, my lunch hour at work, at home after work. I finished it and got it in the mail to be delivered before Christmas!
Cooking and Baking
Christmas week arrived and Maggie drove up from Georgia. We are always so excited to hang out as a family during the holiday season. Since Molly now lives in Iowa, we decided to have Christmas at her place. It was time for Maggie to start cooking!
Since Molly's cat Poppy, likes to eat everything she shouldn't, like Christmas trees, we decided to put the tree outside.
That night we realized some lights were not working, so we had a striped tree.
Maggie cooked for two days.
Molly had some work homework. Since she works for a yeast company, the employees were asked to make star bread and take a picture to send to her company. This bread had raspberry and cranberry filling.
She didn't like how it looked so I don't have a picture of the finished product. It sure was good!! We ate the whole thing!!
The girls enjoyed cooking and baking together.
We had so much fun opening presents Christmas Eve and then finally Christmas day was here. Mike's mom Janelle, was able to hang out with us.
Here we are scratching off lottery tickets, all afternoon!!
The girls always enjoy hanging out with Grandma!
Molly did make another star bread after we got back home in Davenport. This time it was savory, onion, rosemary, and other yummy ingredients.
Happy Holidays!!!
