Very busy weekend for sure. I got a call from DS Friday asking if I could watch his two little ones so he and DIL could meet halfway for a date night. (He is down in Sacramento) So GD (4) and GS (20 mo) arrived at about 2 yesterday, along with my oldest GS (7) who also wanted to come and spend the night.

With three little ones, I stay very busy...right now they are all out in the garden picking the red cherry tomatoes for me. To them, it is like an Easter egg hunt scavaging the tomato plants for the ripe ones. Everyone will be heading home at about 2...and the hub and I are planning on a QUIET evening tonight!

I picked up another Christmas present yesterday at Costco, and ordered a couple on line. I have about 25 people to shop for, so starting early is a must. So far I have 7 checked off my list. Funny, I used to worry about shopping early because of thoughts like "what if I find something I like better" or "what if it goes on sale for less before christmas'...and ultimately would end up spending MORE because I couldnt find what I wanted at a decent price or they were sold out of the less expensive options. I have somewhat let go of that mentality. I love having it all done ahead so that during the busy Christmas season is spent WITH family instead of IN STORES. I still like finding the perfect gift, but I am less critical of what 'perfect' means. I guess I have re-framed my gift giving expectations.

The hub has one more week at home. He is so busy finalizing his wood sales and getting everything packed. He has next weekend at home and then he leaves on the 27th. He reminded me that his pay will be different than what I budgeted. He actually will earn time and a half for everything over 8 hrs each day, which is a nice surprise for the budget. We did talk about the tentative budget and he was ok with it.

Ok, kids are done with tomatoes...so back to gramma time....