Girls in white dresses...

Every year at Christmastime I look forward to hearing about other people's "favorite things". It gives me good ideas and creates a new wish list in my head that I can ponder about over the coming year. In fact, I love to see Oprah's "favorites" episode that she does every year--because I, too, would love to be able to share my list of favorites with all of my favorite people--but that's not happening until I become as freakishly wealthy as Oprah {someday}. So, I'll fill you in on this year's list--but don't expect any fancy packages arriving on your doorstep anytime soon.

My animal fur blanket. Had it for a couple of years now, and it's the best.

Big Star jeans. Worth the splurge. Can I find some in maternity?

My raquetball raquet. Love that my family loves to get together and play.


My Dyson. Seriously, I want one for every room in my house. And then some more.

To go along with my fur blanket. And a good book.

Any Utah apparel. It's super hot. I don't actually own this particular zip-front hoodie, but I want to.

What's on your list?

Feelin' the Love

I'm so feeling the love. And I'm thinking that all this rambling that I do is paying off. Because I got a trophy. Ok, not a real trophy, but an "I love your blog" award from my friend Coral. And I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The rules are that I now have to pass this on to 7 people whose blogs I adore. So, after much deliberation, the winners are: Mandee, Jamie, Norman (because he makes me laugh), Moira, Brittney, Amy, and Angie K. So, winners, know that I love you--and take the logo and pass it on to your favorites.

Made with Love

Just some of the girls--gift exchange 2007!

One of my most favorite Christmas traditions is the Haynie family Christmas party! We get to be together as children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents. It is fabulous company! And the best part (aside from the food, of course) is the gift exchange. There are rules, of course, which makes it a bit exclusive and better! Only women are allowed. And only those who have graduated high school and therefore qualify as an "adult". Also, your gift should be homemade, if at all possible. It is so exciting to pass around the exchange, and to see what everybody has come up with. These are a very talented bunch of girls! And I have come home a happy chick for many years.

However, the stressful part is coming up with what to make each and every year. But as I do, and as I think about the possible receiver (it could be anybody) and what they would like, I get so excited. Not because I ever think that what I have to offer is fantastic, because I fall way low on the crafty pedestal at this party, but because it bonds us all together. I know that while I am working on my project, everybody else is too. And then we all meet to celebrate, and everybody has their gift all wrapped up, and we laugh and visit as we exchange. And everybody gives the mandatory "ohs and ahs" after each and every presentation. And it's exciting to see who ends up with what. But, the most special part is that sometimes you recieve a gift that you know will be a future family heirloom. Because it was handmade by your dear aunt, or closest cousin, or even your special grandmother.

I'm now looking forward with great anticipation to Haynie Christmas 2008! And I've been working on my gift. And I'm feeling a little bit more Christmas-y!

Desperate Housewives

I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but I'm just not getting into my normal Christmas excitement. Maybe it's because I feel like morning/night-sickness is taking it's toll. Or because I feel like I can't keep my eyes open for longer than an hour. Or because I'm so tired of looking around at the same chores to be done every moment of every day. Or because the economy stinks and we've decided to cut back this year-alot.

Whatever the reason, it's starting to really annoy me. I'm always the one in Christmas overdrive at our house. And I've had the tree and decorations up since Thanksgiving weekend, and I've been enjoying my Christmas music--but it just doesn't feel like it's kicked in yet.

And not that I'm complaining about not spending enough money this year. Because I'm not. I think cutting back every year sounds like a good idea. But we aren't doing adult sibling gifts, or cousin gifts, or neighbor gifts, and probably not even Christmas cards. And all of this change has made for a much less stressful December. But almost to the point of feeling like there's nothing to do. And that makes it seem like it's not really Christmas.

So, I've determined, as of today, to make myself get into the Christmas spirit--somehow. I'm not sure how to go about that, because I've never had to try before. Any suggestions?