simplify

I am feeling a bit stressed out lately, hence the lack of blogging. I just took it off of my to do list for the last few days. Some more things I am doing to make some down time:

1. Cleaned up my google reader. I deleted everyone i don't know except friends of real life friends or ones that I can get ideas for food or crafts. I moved them to favorites so I can check them when I want. When they pile up in google reader it just makes me anxious.

2. I started making weekly menus again. I fell off the wagon for a while and then I freak out at 4:30 when I gotta figure out what to fix.

3. I am taking my running/training down to 5 days a week until after Christmas. Six days is just too much right now.

4. I am only going to do volunteer projects once a week. And I didn't schedule anything for this week :o). Next week is a fundraiser I am doing for a friend (details to follow) and the week after that I am going to wrap presents for Make a Wish foundation!

5. I have drastically cut back Christmas gifts. I say every year that I'm going to do it, but this year I have. Each kid gets 4 each + something from Santa. We are going to work on a project or craft each week and get back to Christmas traditions rather than stuff.

6. My Small Group is over until after Christmas. Not something that I specifically did, but it frees up my Tuesday mornings and for that I'm grateful. (but will be happy when it starts back up in Jan) And also soccer is over. It was fun to watch her play, but again, I'm glad its one more thing we don't HAVE to do.

7. I am not doing a huge Thanksgiving. It will be just our family and I am do the basics. I will buy turkey breasts instead of roasting a whole turkey, make mashed potatoes, stuffing, and some kind of veggie. Grandma Karen gave us a pumpkin pie last night, so thats crossed off my list :o)

8. My baby will be turning 5 in a couple weeks! Alison has not asked for a party, so I am keeping it family and family friends again this year. Its nice to know that the people who are coming care about Alison having a great day and not the "show" of the party. It will be an Alison Wonderland theme, but very low-key.

Some things on my to-do list other than the regular day to day stuff:
~Fundraiser for Aedan
~Alison's birthday
~Pictures for Christmas cards and making the cards
~Finish tins for Christmas cookies
~Bake cookies and goodies
~Find an outfit for Brian's company Christmas party. Should be fun, but not with three little ones in tow.
~finish Christmas shopping. Without the kids is the hard part...I don't have much time when I'm not with them.
~Brian's Family Christmas party and getting gifts for that gift exchange.

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Fundraiser for Aedan!
Please come and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping.

Aedan is a five year old boy who has had his Leukemia relapse. He and his Mom must travel to Arizona and rent an apartment while he undergoes 5-6 months of treatment including a bone marrow transplant.

Missy from Premier Jewelry and Erin from Arbonne (skincare) will be selling items that you may use for yourself, or buy for a friend for Christmas. They are giving their commission to Aedan and his family! The more you buy, the more they get. (and you get some holiday shopping done!)

Please join us Monday Dec 1st after work at my house. Snacks and drinks will be served.
Show up anytime after 5, chow down, and shop!

Please RSVP via email so I know how much food to have ready. mausman@cox.net
Please invite as many friends as you would like.

The place to be Monday the 1st is:
5820 Field Breeze
Las Vegas Nv 89148

email me for my phone number

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