Reigning It In

So, it's almost noon and I'm still in my pajamas.

Don't judge. It's rainy and wet...I'm just being productive indoors today.

I've been online shopping and making lists all morning.

Why does it seem like such a challenge to come up with ideas for gifts this year?

Is it because we truly have all we need?

I get it..I'm not a big fat scrooge. I know it's not always about needs at Christmas. What fun is that?

But as I cleaned out my house for a recent carpet cleaning, I couldn't help but see that there were many things that had resigned themselves to live forever on a shelf , in a closet or in a drawer.

Sigh.

Am I the only one who just wants to simplify this season and do several things well instead of doing a bunch of things half-way?

Maybe make a memory instead of buying something just for the sake of having something to wrap and unwrap?

So, in an effort to include our kiddos in the giving, not just receiving, we are trying a few new things this season.

First, we chose to draw names with one side of our family.

Yeah for progress!

Yep, threw everyone's name in a big 'ol bowl and set a dollar limit.

And just like that....the kids have shifted their focus from their own lists to finding something truly fun and unique for someone else that means a whole lot to them.

We also enjoy partnering with Operation Christmas Child, KSBJ's Giving Tree and for the first time, Tillman's Troops with our neighbors.

I'm sure you've heard of the tradition of choosing 3 gifts...as the Wise Men brought 3 to Jesus....but I have to say I LOVED the idea I found today.

Choose 4 gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

How 'bout them apples?

You could even combine the 2 ideas..and just pick 3 out of the 4.

Need a jump start? Here are some ideas from last year, all in one place.

What about you? Have any ideas you'd like to share?

It Was The Best Of Times

The 80s....a time for big hair, bright colors, funny talkin' and even funnier dancin'.

When John Hughes passed months ago, it brought back a flood of memories of the 80's. I'm pretty sure they don't make movies quite like that any more.

While scouring the internet for ideas for my BIL today, I stumbled a pretty fun website....80's Tees.com

Where else could you find an I Love Jake Ryan t-shirt?

They have t-shirts from 80s movies, music, video games, cartoons. Some are pretty stinkin' hilarious!

My fave? They have Top Gun t-shirts and you can choose which call sign you want on the back. Several reviews mentioned how they used these shirts for a co-ed sports league or matching shirts for a racing team. How fun is that?

They also have non-90's shirts....The Office, 24, Tommy Boy, Yo Gabba Gabba, etc. It's definitely worth a look. And they carry a HUGE selection of the Junk Food tees.

And I'm thrilled as I found an oh-so-cute Christmas shirt.



I had purchased the gingerbread man shirt from Target but let's just say his hands were in the wrong place.

Nice.

So, head over to 80s t-shirts and get your credit card ready! I promise you'll be able to mark someone off your Christmas list after visiting this site.

Holiday Drama

Everyone anticipates a little holiday drama. When you mix that many people and personalities....all you can do is laugh and move on.

How 'bout some real drama?

Check out all these local drama opportunities:

December 12-13th
Houston's First Baptist Church Celebration
7401 Katy Freeway

November 20-22nd
The Nutcracker
Cypress Academy of Peforming Arts
11707 Huffmeister Rd.

December 3-4th
Christmas Theater
Jersey Village Baptist Church
16518 Jersey Dr.
7 pm

Weekends in December (December 4th-17th)
December 3-13th
A Christmas Carol
Houston Family Arts
9191 Barker Cypress

December 3-13th
A Taffeta Christmas
Main Stage Theater
9191 Barker Cypress

December 5-6th
The Little Rascals Rescue Alfalfa Again
Cypress Academy of Performing Arts
11707 Huffmeister Rd.

All Aboard on the Polar Express

The Texas State Railroad is known for their super fun events.....and with the holidays upon us, it's time for a little magic.

All Aboard! The Polar Express™comes to life at the Texas State Railroad.

Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas!

Advanced tickets on sale now!

Tickets:

Friday, Sunday, & Weekdays

• Coach $19 child (ages 2-11), $34 adults

• Climate Controlled $21 child (ages 2-11), $38 adults

Saturday Tickets

• Coach $23 child (ages 2-11), $38 adults

• Climate Controlled $25 child (ages 2-11), $42 adults

First Class Seating in Private Car 1511

Climate Controlled - Limited Seating

Enjoy The Polar Express™ Train Ride on our First Class private car. You will experience first class service at your table by Chefs, enjoy a variety of cookies served on silver trays, drink delicious hot chocolate with whip cream and chocolate sprinkles in our collectable Polar Express™ mugs as well as an additional choice of coffee, tea, or sparkling cider. Enjoy a First Class experience on board The Polar Express this Christmas! Table seating for 2 and 4 individuals.

Tickets:

$39 child (ages 2-11), $58 adults

November 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, & 29

December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27

Times: 5:10pm, 6:45pm, & 8:15pm

**Be sure and check back here for an event with the Lone Ranger in 2010!

It's worth it to visit this site and check out all they have planned for 2010. Even a New Year's Eve Dinner!

A Hope and A Future

There are tons of people doing hard things every day all around us.

Doing things that we might not have the skill set or the grace to tackle. Changing lives one heart at a time.

That is what Mercy Street Ministry does.

I have been reading HoodMamaMel's blog for quite some time and I am slain by her stories of how God works through them. Even more moved by the incredible obedience and faithfulness of she and her husband, Trey.

I'll well aware there are a gazillion things that pull at your time and resources, but if you feel so led, they are in need of a financial shot in the arm.

Would you pray about partnering with them? They are asking for monthly support but I'm quite sure they wouldn't turn down a one time gift as well.

Thanks!

Rooms To Go...Literally

I have had a massive bee in my bonnet.

You see, we are having our carpets cleaned in T minus 4 days and major surgery has to be done for him to be able to actually get to some areas of my carpet.

Don't judge.

So, I began cleaning out every square inch of my house on Monday and I'm not sure my back will every be the same again because I also rearranged my kiddos rooms....

You know where this is going.

So, I have a deal for you!

You've heard of bed in a bag....and a little bit more.



Do you have a little guy who is about to embarque on the wonderous journey of having his very own big guy room?

I'm your gal. Check this out.


I have a custom full/queen duvet comforter, 1 bed skirt, 2 European pillows, 3 accent pillows, 2 sets of full size sheets and a padded mattress cover for $75.



Can you hardly stand how cute these pillows are? The small one is a propeller with leather and fleece trim...like a bomber jacket. The large star pillow has the same leather and fleece trim.

It's true!


The front of the duvet is a black and khaki check and the back is black and khaki ticking. AND the duvet has authentic military buttons as detail.






Both sets of full sheets have authentic ribbon trim purchased at a company that makes military medals and such.

If you are having an 'ick' moment about buying someone else's sheets...I assure you...we are VERY clean people. If you have been reading this blog long, you know I err on the side of OCD. I'm just sayin'....





And the bedskirt is the same fabric as the European pillows with fabric insets the same as the front of the duvet.

Bottom line...these are priced to move.

Entire Bedding Set $75

Interested? Email me at intheknownorthwest@gmail.com

Have a friend who might be? Pass this along!

I also have a gently used Fuzion Scooter for $35 and a huge set of Rokenbok for $40.....ok...stop the madness! I'm done.


**disclaimer....don't worry, I'm not turning my blog into an electronic yard sale. I just wanted these darn cute items to go to a good home and thought I could spread the word to lots of mommies this way!

**I also had several pieces of furniture but they have since sold.