Bopeep

I remember one time when my son was younger, something was said about a gift he was getting for Christmas. My sister asked him "How do you know you're getting it?" and he said "Because I asked for it". Like, duh! LOL. Very rarely did they ask for something that I didn't figure out a way to get, and they knew it .

Here is what participation looked like the last few years: 2017 - SS 31, OE 14, Cards 15 2016 - SS 30, OE 15, Cards 12 2015 - SS 33, OE 16, Cards 11 2014 - SS 34, OE 19, Cards 12 2013 - SS 33, OE 19, Cards 13 2012 - SS 46, OE 28, Cards 21 2011 - SS 44, OE 33, Cards 27

A couple people have said they're going to participate this year, but I haven't received anything from them. Also 1 or 2 that usually participate but we haven't heard from at all this year. They may have changed their minds, but I will reach out to them via pm if I don't hear from them by Friday. Please check the lists and make sure your name is there if you've sent me your info. I don't want to accidentally miss anyone! Also, make sure your name isn't on any list it shouldn't be on. I've made that mistake before too .

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GLXZMR2/?coliid=I3ALHI8IP0XFF3&colid=3VHLSFABL98MP&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I bought tile mates for my kids a couple years ago. They worked, but they were only good for about 1 year. You can change the batteries in these.

I can't wait! I also heard this morning that there is a new holiday channel this year: Hallmark Channel and SiriusXM announced today a new 24/7 holiday music channel, Hallmark Channel Radio, which is scheduled to launch on Thursday, November 1 in conjunction with the network’s highly popular “Countdown to Christmas” programming event. Hallmark Channel’s 24/7 “Countdown to Christmas” initiative has become an annual holiday tradition for millions of viewers nationwide, while SiriusXM offers an extensive lineup of holiday music channels across an array of genres. This year Hallmark Channel and SiriusXM are joining forces to bring the warmth and joy of the season to listeners across the country with Hallmark Channel Radio.

I, too, have spoiled my children. Every year I say "next year I'm not going to do as much", but then I start buying. And I try to make sure they get the same # of gifts (even though they're grown and definitely say that's not even necessary) so if I get ahead with one I have to catch the others up. Of course, they say they would be fine if I didn't buy so much, but that theory has never actually been tested. LOL I do remember one year when my boys were small, my youngest told me "I know why we didn't get very much for Christmas this year". I said "Oh, really?" (thinking they had gotten plenty). He said "Yeah, we got some REALLY good stuff!". LOL. To answer your question, I don't set a limit before hand. They usually get between 15-20 items each.

sugar cookies: 5.5 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt (sift all that together and set aside) Beat: 1.5 cups butter 2 cups sugar (be a little heavier handed than this says with the sugar) 4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla Blend mixture, add dry ingredients, chill for at least 1 hour. roll out, cut, and bake @ 375 until just almost brown on the bottom. Buttercream icing: 2 cups butter 2 cups Crisco 4 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp salt 2 2lb bags C&H powdered sugar (may need more, depending how thick you want it) 12 TBSP milk These are out go to recipes every year, and it keeps em coming back for more . Good luck! http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/ts1852/15380344_10207849120205779_1418020503271876814_n.jpg http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/ts1852/15578946_10207945337451150_2637628906788408676_n.jpg **sorry my pictures are always too big

I was watching Hallmark last night and they kept advertising the Countdown to Christmas. Less than a week to kickoff!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DKLWZDW/?coliid=IE0TRAICFJXQ1&colid=3VHLSFABL98MP&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it My dil has requested one of these. Looks too hot to me . http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/ts1852/81A9PJBf1uL._SL1500_.jpg

This is coming up as a Today's Special Value on QVC. It's only $5 off of what you say here, but hey $5 is $5. https://www.qvc.com/The-Comfy-Original-Oversized-Blanket-Sweatshirt.product.H217202.html?sc=PRODFEED

I'd never heard of Discord. But I've signed up and it looks like it might be fun . Also downloaded the app to my phone. You can never get away from me now.

I think (and this is just my opinion) the best thing about the webcasts is the real time conversation between everyone. That would be lost with a podcast.

CVS and Walgreens, places like that, usually have gift cards in their BF ads. Like $50 for $40, or something.

Growing up, we always had somewhere to go on Christmas Day so Mama said we didn't have time to play with our new toys. Therefore, we would go drive around and look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve and while we were gone, Santa would come. I continued that with my own kids. Santa came to my daughter in law's house while she slept, and they opened presents on Christmas morning. What that means for me is, I got to keep my traditions even after the grands came along . They come over to my house on Christmas Eve and we open presents, then Santa comes to their house that night and they open in the morning.

Turkey The French word “Noel” is often used around Christmas, but what was its original meaning in Latin? (I always thought it meant "good news". Learned something new today )

And then, when everything else is coming out mini, there are these : https://www.arcade1up.com/ http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/ts1852/44122114_1940763656006376_2067728420300652544_n_1.jpg

I second the Home Depot tree. I think a lot of us here have it. It's pretty, has white and multicolor lights, and you can't beat the price. I bought one for my kids 3 years ago, and got mine 2 years ago. We did not get there at opening, and were able to get one, so I guess it probably depends on where you live. We walked in, and they already had them loaded in baskets.

Still expecting some regulars. They may just not be back to GottaDEAL for the season quite yet. Sign up deadline is 2 weeks from today

Do we usually get a letter from Home Depot (and by "we", I mean "you")??? Maybe I've blacked it out, but I don't remember that one.

Congrats winners, and thanks for all the entertaining captions!!

I always get a little jealous when y'all talk about that great kitty litter deal. I mean, i could always switch, but the litter I use does not go on sale .

GottaDEAL helps me start early. I think I bought my first Christmas gift this year in July .

Walmart started at 6:00 last year. Maybe you got there at 3:00?

No gift card here, but I received both shirts (won one, bought one) and can't wait to wear it! Thanks!