Can't please them all

This is going to be a bit of a rant. This is the only place to do it because some of my family members are on Facebook so I can't rant there :)
Any one else struggle to make EVERYONE happy for Christmas? To contort yourself in a box to make others happy or satisfy some one else? Come on, raise your hand..You know you want to!

Over the last several years, we have had our whole family Christmas celebration (4 brothers wives kids etc) a week before Christmas to accommodate one family my youngest brothers family. They have the only small kids left in the family so a few years ago my sister in law said she did not want to take the kids two places so they would not be joining us on Christmas eve or Christmas day. Now I understand wanting to create your own traditions with your kids and have family time. It is super important. But she will not concede any time for us over time with her family.  And apparently, she wears the pants in her family.
So, I changed the date for the family gig from the 19th to Christmas eve to better suit the majority of the family. We extended an invite but they declined because the kids are in a Christmas play at church in the evening and it would be too much for them to spend the morning with us and church at night. (Don't get me started on having Christmas programs on Christmas eve at church) My sister in law's comment was, do what you need to do, our feelings won't be hurt. What she fails to realize is it hurts our feelings she does not seem to want to be with us. And my brother really needs to grow a pair, seriously.
 I can no longer extend and change and contort our entire family's Christmas for the sake of one who will not bend or come our way at all.
So, you can't make them all happy and I have be ok with that and quit trying.

That's all

In the Christmas swing

I cannot believe it is the 8th of December already! I am just getting into the Christmas swing. I have done a little cookie baking with a boatload more to do. My cookie gift list has grown this year so I hope I can get it all done.

I have no desire to wrap presents or send out Christmas cards this year. I am not sure why on the cards either because this is the first year we took a photo and put it on Christmas cards. I think it is because I hate the picture of me. The hubs is soooo excited about it though so I had better get with it.

I am hosting our family Christmas on the 18th and am so not prepared. Don't have a meal plan or time. The hubs wants to go duck hunting that day so I am trying to find a compromise for a situation one is not likely. I am guessing I will do the cooking and he will be home in time to eat with us. I don't know.

I hope everyone else is enjoying the Christmas season and faring better than me. I am getting in the swing but it has been a slow process so far.

That's all

Christmas Songs

I visited a blog yesterday that the topic was Christmas songs you can't live without this year. I love Christmas music and have been known to start listening to it in October. I did not do that this year though, I started my Christmas music listening  December 1st.
She listed her top 11, not sure why 11 is the number but I am game.:)  Here is mine.

Boots, The Killers. This is a pretty cool song and I love the Killers.  
      

Linus and Lucy, Vincent Guaradli Trio. This song makes me feel happy and is such a classic.


Blue Christmas, Elvis. 


Silver Bells, Reliant K. I like this band's version.


Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt.  NO Madonna version for me, Eartha Kitt does it best.


Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent, Red Mountain Church.


Oh Holy Night, Il Divo. These men do this song right.

 A Cradle in Bethlehem, Nat King Cole. What a smooth voice this man had.


Frosty the Snowman, The Ronettes


Go Tell it on the Mountain, Need to Breathe


I'm Gett'n Nuthin for Christmas, Reliant K...LOVE THIS SONG

I really could go on and on. I have a huge range of songs and taste when it comes to music in general so Christmas music is no different.

Hope you check them out if you have not heard them.  I would love to know what your favorites are this year.

That's all

Changing directions

I think I started this blog about a year ago or more. I started it for me as an outlet and off shoot after another blog blew up. So much drama there I named my blog life with out the drama. But I am ready to head a different direction. Because really, there is some drama in every life including mine. None lately really but it is there. So I hope to blog more just tidbits and ramblings and things that make me go hmmmm..

So, for my first useless fact I give you this: Honey is the only food that does not spoil. Archaeologists have found honey in tombs of ancient Egyptians, has been tasted and found to be edible. (From the website 50 amazing but useless facts)
Probably equally as useless I love honey. I prefer orange blossom honey. Seedless Mandarin orange growers in California have been in a battle with beekeepers over bees in their orange groves. The reason? The fear of cross pollination with seedless and seeded varieties of oranges. I would hate to see the bees not be able to pollinate the orange trees because then where would I get my orange blossom honey? Florida. I guess.

That's all.