And every so often, the shofar's horn blows and then they all stop to pray as a part of the Torah is read.

Post made December 8th, 2008
Some of you have written asking for some ideas at little or no cost  for The 12 Days of Christmas.  I understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be "strapped for cash", especially this time of year as gift giving is in full swing. 

Here are some FREE ideas for you to love on your hubby...

• Massages are a great gift to give!  You could even make a coupon to give to him in the morning (so he would be looking forward to it all day) or mail it to him at work.  To take it a step further, you could even make this a gift for the entire 12 days, picking a different body part to focus on each night (uh... I don't have to tell you what to save for last right?)  A good massage is at least 30 minutes.  Sometimes it may seem longer to you than it really is, so be sure to look at the clock by your bed before you begin so you don't cut your sweet husband short!

• Breakfast in bed with a smile (and nothing else but a smile).

• Making coffee every morning and greeting your hubby with a cheerful "good morning".  How we start our husband's mornings have a HUGE effect on the rest of their day, as well as how eager they are to come back.  (I know that I wouldn't want to come home to me some days!)  Make it your goal to be cheerful each day for the 12 days.  Start his morning with a happy wife.  If you work outside of the home and leave before him, then having the coffee pot with coffee and a sweet note would be a thought too.

• Pray for him each day.  You could use The Power of a Praying Wife for this as well.  Whatever you choose, and regardless if your husband prays with you or not, get out of bed each day with your knees hitting the floor before your feet do.  Pray for the man God has blessed you with.  Thank Him for your husband.  Even if you're struggling in your marriage, ask God to give you the strength to get through the 12 days with love and compassion and to renew your marriage.  You might be surprised what happens when he finds out that you're praying for him every day.  Cover your husband in prayer each day... it may seem crazy, but YOU will become a better woman for it.

• Hmmm... this next one... well, it's REALLY simple and may get one of the biggest reactions from your sweetie... but if you can't afford to get some "blessings" to wear... you can always do what God intended from the beginning!  That's right... NO panties.  Be sure to whisper it in his ear at the grocery store, church, or before he leaves for work.

• One of my personal favorites (and my Beloved's)... Clean Lovin'.

• Take a marker and write SHMILY somewhere on your body for him to search for.

• Find out what he really likes by having him fill out the "I Feel Loved by You When You..." sheet... and then do it!
  

Some more ideas (some cost involved):

• Ice cream in bed together naked... one spoon.  For the ice cream lover, you could get the pints of ice cream and have ice cream in bed every night.  Don't worry about the diet... this is only 12 days... get fat on each other's love!

• Some "Christmas socks" you wear... and that's it!

• 12 pair of sexy panties... one for each day.

• Mistletoe (need I say more?)  You could used this throughout the 12 days as well by having it show up in various places in the house... or various times... and it could mean more than just kissing.  Write up a note and let your hubby know... you may want to even make it a "treasure hunt" by hiding it in various (obvious) places... and then follow through when he finds it!

• Three bows (or other wrapping ribbons for all over your body and hair) and place strategically on your body for him to "unwrap".

Remember, the whole idea here is to do what HE would like you to do.  Some men may like to take walks.  Some may like to stay home and watch TV.  You may bless your hubby with a coupon that says he can watch his favorite sports team uninnterupted, or it may be by letting him read a book.  Find out what it is that HE would appreciate... and then do it!

We were in Group 8 and got our books signed around 9 p.m.  I'm glad that I went on Saturday to get our line tickets. It was a really fun experience. Lots and lots of laughter with the other women in line, but we had to drive an hour and a half home in awful wind and rain. Gotta be awake to do that!

The line wrapped all around the store, but you didn't actually have to stand in line very long because of the line tickets. I thought it was really well organized. Everyone was so friendly, perky, and fashionable. I saw more cute shoes and scarves than you could shake a stick at. I kept wondering how many people there were bloggers, but I was a little too shy to just go around asking, "Hey, are you a blogger?"

It was a FANTASTIC Girls' Night Out though. I'm really glad that my friend, Becky, suggested it. We laughed, talked, did a little shopping, sat in the massage chairs at Brookstone, ate at Panera, bought some Sees chocolate, and finished off the night with slushies. What else does a girl need?

Meeting Ree was fantastic. She is every bit as friendly, funny, and gracious in person as she is on her blog. I, however, totally froze and just kept mumbling about how my friend, Candace, has cooked SO many of her recipes already, but couldn't come because she's battling morning sickness. Ree said that she was really sick with all four of hers and that carrying a lemon around to smell really helped with the nausea. Just thought I'd toss that out there in case any of my other friends are battling morning sickness.


And then we got to meet Ree's fabulous sister, Betsy, and terrific friend, Hyacinth. It's easy to see why Ree loves them. They were just hanging out like good girlfriends do, passing out t-shirts, and making small talk. They asked me what my favorite recipe was and again, I drew a blank. All I could think of was how my 13 year old RAVED when Candace made Ree's enchiladas. I have made Ree's corn casserole. It was super quick and easy, (which is how I like my recipes!) but Ree makes me want to be a better cook.

Enough about me though. If you get a chance to meet Ree at one of her book signings, please do. It is well worth the drive. And even if you can't make one of the book signings, she'll sign your cookbook if you mail it to her. And even if you can't buy the cookbook, you can find great recipes, pictures, and stories on her blog. That's how it all started and I'm so thankful that it did.

Here's my Jon Deer.
Christmas shopping at the Bass Pro Shop Carter-style.