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Firstly, Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you had a wonderful day!
This is my first visit here on my brand new shiny laptop! I got very spoiled and was very caught off guard, but I'll happily accept of course. And all I asked for was to paint my livingroom!
Toy reports, we need toy reports! What did you get?
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My husband bought me this great set of Cordless Ryobi tool toys. My favorite one is the cute little cordless chainsaw.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3812 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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A bike. A very cool road bike. A laser leveler, 18lbs of clothing and a contented morning of watching my collective children opening presents.
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
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A Palm Pilot, a new Dremel, Guerrilla marketing and another Blues Harp (C).
[ December 26, 2003, 06:54 AM: Message edited by: Terry Baird ]
-------------------- Terry Baird Baird Signs 3484 West Lake Rd. Canandaigua, NY 14424 Posts: 790 | From: Canandaigua, New York | Registered: Dec 2002
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a casio keyboard, lazer level(well that was actually a gift to my husband, but i know i'll be using it), socks and things, cash for vacation and the day off! today it's back to work, but i doubt i'll answer the phone.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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My Mom-n-Law got me the Mastering Layout AND Gold Leaf Techniques books. Also got a grav-feed eclipse and bunch of art store gift certificates. Black Sabbath live in 78 dvd. A sweet snow shovel.
Received lots of holiday cheer and smiles ... this was a good one
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Glad to see that everybody had a great day. I got a new set of dishes (mine were terrible, Rachael is my dishwasher & only takes off some of the new gunk & none of the old) A new set of glasses (ditto the above reason) New silverware (ditto) But I refuse to part with my 60s Spagettios spoon! Some perfume! (which smells great!) And some home-made Christmas ornaments from Justis! (I usually get NO gifts...this year the kids actually gave me presents) And of course, $$ from my mom & my brother & my ex-father-in-law. THANKS GUYS Love- Jill Mark...ain't it great when an extended family member goes to the trouble of getting you "sign" stuff?
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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A 65' Mitsubishi HD TV with a 600 watt Yamaha surround sound, gift cards from Lowes and harbor Freight and yet another '48 Chevy to be a parts donor for my '48 sedan delivery. That should hold me for a while.
Lee
-------------------- Lee V. Hulick AKA Vance 139 Weinland St. New Carlisle, OH 45344 Posts: 101 | From: New Carlisle, OH | Registered: Sep 1999
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some little goodies so far... (blue soft slippers from Arthur he gave me as we were heading out the Illinois door to Ohio in a rush), as our Christmas in my home will be a week or so later...
Two magazines delivered personally from the big show in atlanta.."Letterheads" and "Signs of the Times" and some other little goodies (yes, I saw Jillbeans article in that about paint and vinyl ).
a trip to Ohio to visit loved ones, many dinners and cookie/coffee gatherings ...the graciousness of all the families to share their intimate family Christmases with me, as my son is in Akron...I now in the Columbus, Delaware, Ohio area..
small sentimental gifts from abroad from friends..
airbrushed artwork from my girlfriend's triplets, aand two handpainted coffee mugs from my dear friend's niece (the friend I lost in July).. a Christmas ornament from his Mom...a dinner from the whole family... and we got to play drums and listen to aerosmith with the 6 and 10 year olds...
but most of all... the bonding, sharing, hugs, and kisses from everyone wherever I have been the last six days...when we return to Rockford, I will have all our family come over for a nice turkey dinner and gather my children in my arms and squeeze them tighter than they've ever been held before! (and, for the materialistic part of it, I am buying a digital camera finally).
[ December 26, 2003, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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I got to spend the entire day with my wife of 30 years, my daughter and her 2 year old twin sons, and my son. It don't get any better than that.
Oh yeah... and I got some cool tools and other stuff too.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and have a great New Year to come.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2274 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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I guess I'm allowed to include the Christmas toys I purchased for myself right?
I got a REALLY great deal on a 12" DeWalt Compound Miter Saw, my sister gave me a Lowes card towards the purchase price.
I am getting ready to run out the door to go get myself some goodies(books N tapes), from Air Brush Action magazines offices. That was money I got for being such a great helpful son and also for doing a special 3 hour survey for a famous manufacturer of things we all use from time to time. I cant tell you much about the survey because I'm sworn to secrecy, but this isn't the first time I have done it and its amazing the new things that they have come up with this time.
But my cat didnt get me anything this year. Guess I'm going to have to go to sears and buy some hand tools on sale and tell myself the cat bought them.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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I got a wireless optical mouse for my laptop.
And Shirl and I spent a great day with a good friend and his family. BBQ'd Chicken breasts and steaks in the gently falling snow.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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One gift left in my stocking. Not sure yet. The object appears to rather cube shaped, dark black and leaves a black dusty residue when touched. Earthy in it's odor. Must be something good though, only gift I received.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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i bougt myself an electric wheelchair and a lift to go on the back of my truck my brother built me a ramp so i can get the wheelchair in & out of the house. my wife gave me a grabber so i dont have to bend over a pen radio and a nice heavy shirt. my sister gave me money.
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dave, hearing snow being described as gently falling stunned me. You usually have some colourfull words for the stuff! LOL!! I'm still jealous of course. We DID have some freezing rain last night though, we're getting closer!
I know I came off materialistic in my first post. I actually had good reason to be this time. Now that the shock has left me, I'd like to briefly tell you why.
Mike and I have had a tough last few years of going through different obstacles and illnesses on his behalf. I've gone actually presentless for the past few years (Christmas AND birthday) and started to not expect or actually care whether I recieved anything or not. Giving to Cody became my passion.
Mike is off 99% all prescription drugs at this point. He's dropped a ton of weight. Things are improving dramatically. He rarely complains about arthritic pain. It's like his head now clears the clouds and can see alot of things for the first time in a very long time.
He wrote a very lengthly card out handmade on construction paper. Not fancy by materialistic means, but absolute heavenly by all other standards. I cried like a baby. He went on to explain why he felt the need to buy such a gift when our means are somewhat meager right now.
When I opened the heavy gift, I was really stunned speechless. If at all, we had planned to spend $100 tops on each other.
So forgive me for going off into a materialistic tangent. While my fingers ran over the laptop keys, I truely felt a need to share an excitement in me that I hadn't felt in a very long time.
Besides the toys, we had a great day. We stayed at home for the entire Christmas Day, just the three of us. We played with the electronic racecar set, playdoh stuff, games, watched new movies, all the kiddie stuff you can think of. Stayed in our pj's till dinnertime. Instead of my planned lasagna, Mike surprised us with making a ham dinner! Then after Cody was asleep for the night, Mike and I watched a romantic comedy from our own personal library. It was cute and I appreciated the fact he went 'girly' movie for me.
By far, spending personal time with my own family is the greatest gift of all, especially when only part of your family has been there (mentally) over the last few years. We were truely blessed this year.
All your toys sound great! This woman and powertools thing, I've been very tempted over the years to go through a woodworking course and get my own tools! My time is coming soon.
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I only had a few small presents to open Christmas morning... but don't feel too sorry for me. I had so much more!
Janis & I decided to ease up on personal gifts this year. We asked the kids to put the money they would have spent on us into our 'family fund'. Then we went out as a family and went wild shopping for a family who didn't have the resources we had. We'll never meet them or know their names. Our family of five had made a short wish list and we set about making their wishes come true. Janis & I threw in a bunch of money as well, and we had a blast getting extravagent on someone else's behalf.
Christmas morning it gave me no end of delight to know someone else's Christmas was special. I sat in my chair grinning and watched our family opening the pile of gifts.
Here at home, we were surrounded by lots of family, a ton of good food, and blessings beyond measure!
This year we were blessed with many, many things... loving family, good friends, good health, lots of work, fun times, safe travel, a new property to call home, good crew, a new shop, lots of necessary (or not) tools, and many other things.
The new year promises to be even better... we leave for Florida for three weeks of R&R on New Year's Eve. The work is scheduled for months and months ahead.
We are blessed beyond measure! And I am grateful!
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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My first favorite was getting to spend the day with my kids, Penny and other family and friends. All the while doing it from home and not a hospital bed.
Second was getting a visit from a good friend a fews days before Christmas. we only live an hour away from each other and talk often, but we don't get to see each other nearly enough. Only drawback was his lovely wife did not make the trip.
Third would have to be the coolest looking Christmas card I have ever recieved. Thanks Mark!!!
And last but not least, Stephen doesn't have Hockey practice or a game and Megan doesn't have soccer practice this whole weekend. I love that they are into these activities and we participate as parents as much as possibble, but this will be the first weekend in about 4 months that we can stay home, light a fire, watch movies and generally kick back without having to GO ANYWHERE!!!!!
Penny and I went overboard on the kids as usual and we wait to get or do something for each other if we get a tax refund. Generally it turns out to be something for the whole family.
We have plans, but I won't jinx it until it is finalized.
Happy Holidays All !!!!!
-------------------- Troy "Metalleg" Haas 626 Kingswood Dr Evansville,In 47715 Posts: 1100 | From: Evansville,Indiana, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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i got a call from dave grudy....wishin me a merry christmas, from the the "great white north"!!!!!! and i wasnt home ........also i got something ive always wanted...NFL LEATHER STEELERS OFFICIAL TEAM JACKET!!!!!!! to bad they played like crap this year. got hennie a solid oak corner curieo cabinet(sold my soul for it, in the form of barter, got do some work for a furniture store)
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Definitely a different christmas for me being out on Vancouver Island and the kids in Alberta, but was able to hook up with them Christmas Eve with MSN messenger then a phone call later..how appropriate that i'd get a complete fly fishing setup, pole/reel,case,fly box, flys, line etc..the world famous Cowichan River is a hop skip n jump out my front yard.. 2003 was a transition year for me and Im so looking forward to 2004..
Its all about family!
-------------------- Del Badry philmdesign Sylvan Lake, Alberta Posts: 636 | From: Sylvan Lake, Alberta | Registered: Nov 1998
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Great Christmas!!! I got a old Coke sign for the shop my boy got a train and alot of cool cars and trucks. My wife liked everything I got her! My buddy got a racing Kart for his son this year. They have a class for 4 year olds so his son will have to wait a few months. My son went crazy when he saw it!!! So it looks like I will have to get him one next year He will have to wait about 10 months after next Christmas but you should have seen him jerking the thing around now and he is only two and 3months old!That my little man in the pic.
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
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I know that feeling Donna. My husband has never been a Christmas shopper. Usually, we're out somewhere, I see something & he says "do you want it for Christmas?" then buys it while I'm standing there. I was kinda floored when he said Wednesday morning he was going Christmas shopping, although I still think that had something to do with avoiding any work on 2 Christmas dinners or house preparations. So, over the years, I've become accustomed to caring more about making everyone else happy at Christmas.
This year, I was kinda concerned. I got my stepson's girlfriend a georgous bracelet, but I was at a loss for his one "cool" present. I've always been the one to find the perfect thing for him, the one he has to take to other Christmas celebrations & show off. While finishing up last weekend, I walked into Wilson's and instantly saw a suede coat that made me think of him, so I bought it. I also dye-sublimated a keychain with pictures of his car on it. He was tickled with the keychain, but his eyes lit up when he opened the coat....seems it was the exact coat he almost bought himself while buying his girlfriend a leather coat. That to me is the best present.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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I got a Trikke8 (check out trikke.com).. if you haven't seen one before they're like a human-powered scooter with 3 wheels, but you use a skiing motion (swoosh side to side) to move. I used to be an avid inline skater but I'm cursed (well, OK, I work them hard) with overdeveloped calf muscles (22" circumference) so my legs won't even fit in skates anymore, and I've been kinda bummed about not bein able to skate.. Mom thought that would be the next best thing to skating and I have to agree - it's quite a tough workout!
I made monogrammed champagne, wine and hurricane glasses for most of my family. I used a formal letterstyle and simply etched a single letter (first letter of last name) within a circle within an outline. I included candles in the ones for those I know didn't really drink much. I'm designing and building a ceramics wedging, cutting, and slab rolling table with storage for tools, clays and bats, and a smooth plaster top for my mom, using all welded steel construction so it's nice and sturdy.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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The best present I received were the smiling faces of my wife, son and daughter as we opened the gifts. Although we all live in the same house seldom do we get several hours together. Jobs and other commitments make our daily routines cross paths like ships in the dark.
The best present that went around the familyroom Thursday night (our son worked 12 hours on Christmas day) was a book. I gave it to Nate but it was admired by all. The title...1000 Places to See Before You Die. It will probably take a year to read it and a lifetime to actually see all the places described. Name the place this book describes it. For example the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Memphis in May Barbecue Contest, The Canadian Rockies by rail, the Cabot Trail and Anartica.
We are going to have a great time finding our way around the world with this book.
-------------------- Chuck Churchill, It's A Good Sign Inc. 3245 Harvester Rd, U-12 Burlington, Ont. Phone: 905-681-8775 Fax: 905-681-8945 Posts: 633 | From: Burlington, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Our family has been sick the entire holiday. It started last weekend with our 4 yr old and a 104.9 temp. We usually travel on Christmas day to see other family. We are always wiped out, so it was nice to just stay home even though I am sick now.
One of the highlights for me this Christmas came courtesy of Kimberly Zanetti. She gave me the idea to do painted ornaments for my daughters and they loved them. I plan on doing it every year. Thanks Kimberly!!
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Donald, That was so kind of you to say. Glad you liked the idea. I'm so grateful that my father was able to do one for my daughter before he got too sick.
Toys: I haven't picked them out yet but my husband told me that he'd buy me any pair of fancy sunglasses that I wanted. I get terrible headaches fairly often and he's convinced that the merciless, blinding sun down here is partly to blame. Instead of my usual $9.99 drugstore sunglasses, he wants me to get some that will really protect my eyes. Makes sense to me.
I too got power tools...my cordless screwdriver crapped out this past year and I have really missed it. My husband isn't home much so I really need one to be able to do little repair jobs around the house. I got a really nice new one with a whole set of special bits.
I got all kinds of cool little stuff too but the coolest gift in the family this year was the Major League baseball edition of Monopoly that I bought for my husband. We are huge baseball fans. The properties are the MLB teams. We had a great time playing it on Christmas day.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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And all I asked for was to paint my livingroom!
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So, over the years, I've become accustomed to caring more about making everyone else happy at Christmas. 
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