A New Tradition at G's House

In years past Santa has always "outdone" me in the spending dept. This year we discussed how we need a new tradition. We agreed that from 2007 on, we will purchase a trip for ourselves, and wrap the tickets:) It has been difficult to say the least, not to shop for him because I know the little things he has been whining about. But I have stuck to it, because we both want so much to travel. Theres a pretty box, thin and small stuck into the branches of our tree to keep reminding me to be good. The box hold tickets to Maui, for a week to celebrate Valentines day, and I am tickled pink! We will be travelling with our good friends Heather & Kim who so graciously invited us to their condo. I cant wait til we begin discussion on next years trip!!
Here's the bummer.... he is sooo fun at Christmas, I will miss that part! Last year there were several boxes for me to unwrap, and he said Gina.... We are going to play Deal Or No Deal. I had to choose, and keep choosing and this went on and on until all the kids and I were squealing like pigs! I passed on a beautiful Whale pendent, a watch, a flip flop diamond pendent.......I went to the end, last box, no more deals, and there sat the most beautiful pair of diamond studs, and I made the right deal! ( all of the others had to be returned to the store. A real tease this man is.. but a great Santa!
Now why am I telling you this? Well, I suppose because I really love traditions, and encourage my grown kids to make things happen in their new families, and also because I am pleased that tomorrow begins a very fond tradition of ours. Tamale Time, which you have read I am sure. My family will arrive afternoon, and I am soooo not ready, but I will be? I have many pots ready, tools and towels and aprons.. ( I should have made us some cute ones eh?) I just bought 40 pounds of pork roast, and there are tubs all over for soaking Oja's. I'm getting excited!! I have Vince Gill's Christmas music all programmed in so Mom can groan over it ( she calls him a whiner). I have snacks and yummy coffees for me & Sis. I am not finished with my customer quilts, and frankly, I dont know when I will be? But I'm still giving it hell over here ( sucking down coffee as we speak). So, for the next several days I will be in and out and hope to share some pics of our mess with you.
Tradition!!! TRADITON! ( sang in my best Zero Mostel voice, while stomping my foot!)