Reindeer games.

As is our tradition, the "big" people in our family purchased an inexpensive gift

 for the dice game we play on Christmas Eve after the "little" people go to sleep.
 In the past I've been known to spend a tad more than the allotted amount of $20 or less,
 but this year I wrapped up a thrifted find that was actually under budget!

You've got to toss doubles, sevens, or elevens to choose your prize.  After each person
has a prize, we unwrap our gifts.  Then we set a timer for 5 minutes and pass the dice around
again.  If you toss doubles, sevens, or elevens, you may exchange your gift for another.
  It's always fun to see the prizes family members bring.

Here's the prize I wrapped up this year:

Do you remember the old screen I bought for $3 way back

in the spring of 2012 at the Tavern estate sale?  I'm sure you do.  :)
 I cleaned it up and ordered 2 sets of magnetic letters and numbers online for $3.99 each
 plus shipping, so the grand total of my gift was only around $15!

 I got the idea for my gift when I saw the magnet screen (below)
that Debi at Real Simple Style repurposed for her grandchildren's room.

(Photo source Real Simple Style)

(Real Simple Style)
So cute!  Check out more of Debi's farmhouse style here.

The winner didn't have room in their car for the prize, so we'll deliver it
 the next time we visit.  Until then, I'm having some fun with it myself!

Menu board.
The only thing missing is fine wine and candles.

Our daughter Julie bought us a bottle of the good stuff.
Read the name out loud.

As long as you're here, I'd like to wish you a..

Thanks for stopping by!

*I'm joining the parties at:
Mod Vintage Life Mod Mix Monday
 Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday

Everything but the food.

By the end of today, I should be almost done with my

shopping and have most of the gifts wrapped.

Our house is decorated, although I may need to do a bit of

undecorating before 4 sets of inquisitive hands arrive.

All that leaves is the food.

Menu planning, grocery shopping, cookie baking.....

somehow it will all get done in time.

Wouldn't you know, I finally got around to taking pictures

 of our dining room and it's the gloomiest day in December!

I've had a bad case of laryngitis for the past 2 days, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Maybe I'll do a little whispering.

A new find this year.

Old crocheted stockings are tied up with string.

Nice shot of my camera.

Tea for two.

I could use a cup of hot cocoa!

Santa needs some cookies to go with the milk.

Notice the wood closure has been replaced on the secretary door.

Everything's locked up tight!

I can't resist a new old set of salt and pepper shakers.

No peeking!

Well loved mugs.

I've yet to find a rug I want for this room, so I borrowed one from the basement.

A familiar sight these days.

I hope all your packages have arrived!

Front entryway.

In just a few short days Christmas will be here.

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!

Vickie

*I'm joining the parties at:

Common Ground Be Inspired

Funky Junk Interiors Party Junk

Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday