Well, all I have to say is, HOLY COW Susie!! :)))) My birthday came a few days early, that's for sure! You are so sweet Susie, I can't believe how much you fit in that box, it was stuffed full! And things were wrapped up so pretty, I had so much fun opening everything! And here are the presents that were wrapped: Well, let's see here, I shall attempt to list everything that she sent me: -A book about growing plants indoors, which is just great for me, because I sure do need help with that, lol! Looks like some good info in there! -A very cute windsock -Shower gloves, which look really neat, I've never had them before -tulip and hyacinth bulbs, which I love, and will plant in my yard in the next couple days! -Eggnog flavored coffee! I love eggnog and I love coffee, but I never would've thought to put the two together, lol! I will definately be trying this, I bet it will be quite tasty -A really cute santa soap -Some fruit-scented incense, which smells very nice. I really like incense, so I will enjoy these! -Some doggie biscuits just for my babies! Thank you so much for including them, that means a lot to me. -An eye wear care kit, which comes with some glasses cleaner, (which I definately will use because my glasses are always getting dirty,) some lens cloths, and a tiny screwdriver with several little screws, which is so funny, because one of the screws on my glasses has come loose many times, and I've had to take them in and have the screw replaced and have them tightened. So now I can do it myself, how did you know Susie? -A really cute little green notebook, which I really like because green is my favorite color -A package of foot repair lotion -A light fixture to illuminate paintings and other such things! -A Reese's Peanut Butter Cup scented lip balm, which smells very yummy -Some yummy chocolates, crackers, and licorice candies -Some homemade raisin suet cakes, which I'm so excited about feeding to the birds, they will just love them!!! I was also wondering if I could have your recipe for these? I always buy the storebought suet, and would love to be able to make them myself. A little stocking filled with seeds! A very special little snowman figurine, which is just so cute and I have it sitting on my desk right now. I couldn't seem to get a good photo of it, and this pic doesn't do it justice at all, it's just so cute! -And there were also some delicious little jelly candies, I couldn't quit eating them, lol! Did you make them yourself? -And a very special gift, a cookbook on preserving what I grow. Susie says it has been her bible, and that there's a wealth of info in it. It looks like a really great book, and just what I've been wanting, too. I know I will get a lot of use out of this, thank you so much for passing it on to me! Can't wait to try the recipes out with next year's harvest. I sure hope I have not forgotten anything! I think I've remembered everything, forgive me if I left anything out. There was just so many great things in this box, I was like a kid in a candy store opening all these gifts, LOL! Thank you so much again Susie, you are so wonderful, you have no idea how much you've blessed me with this package. I have really been through a lot lately and have been pretty down, but getting this box from you has really lifted my spirits, to know that someone cares that much to send me all this neat stuff. ~Summer

I found the tax shelter in this posting when searching for a gift for my brother. He is a tax preparer and has everything. So I just had to share what I did for him. I took one of those woodcraft houses from Walmart- removed the two screws from the base. I cut a 1" block of wood that fit into the bottom of the house. I glued this block onto the base thus allowing the top of the house to be easily lifted off the base. I cut a 1/2" groove in the center of the block with the table saw so I could set a card of thumb tacks into it. This was hidden in the house until the top was lifted off. I wrote a poem for this & read it to him while my daughter did a Vanna White presentation of the house. Everyone got a good laugh out of this and I finally did a complete craft project! It's been a while. Hope you have as much fun with this as we did. Here's the poem: I drew your name for Christmas It's an honor, don't you know To get my brothers name for Christmas Ah! ashopping I will go. But then I started frettin After searching high and low Whatever will I get 'im (Twas wrong to worry so!) I went into an office shop Maybe something for your desk? I talked to the clerk a lot She tried to aid me in my quest. He could use a tax shelter Is what the lady said It seemed a bit off-kelter But there was nothing left instead. So here's your little shelter All painted so very nice The foundation has been mended The roofs' been polished thrice. The flowers are all blooming In the big pot by the door The bumblebees are buzzing And there's no sawdust on the floor. It seems to be the perfect place I do agree she's right It sure beats a plain old case And your tacks! They're finally safe at night!

These two posts on this forum have lots of great ideas. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/christmas/msg102046164996.html?20 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/christmas/msg100715389926.html Shirley has a great site with great ideas too. http://www.craftsayings.com And then there's always my humble little site. http://www.angelfire.com/mac/crafts Check them out and enjoy!! Hope you don't mind me asking but is there anyway you can post a picture of your display rack or if not somehow describe it to us? I also sell these and have something set up but I'm always looking for better ways to display things.TIA

Rosieclown, Here are all the Christmas gag gifts I have that are not the poop poems. You could just put the candy and such in decorative Christmas cello bags you can get at the dollar store, add the bag toppers, and forgo the mugs to save money. Hope this helps. Angel Kisses (*you can use the hugs Hershey kisses*) There are so many kinds of kisses, Some for love, and some for good wishes. But here is the one that can't be beat Angel Kisses--so wonderful and sweet! *************************************** Angel Seeds (*use white candy*) #1 In this packet you will find Angel Seeds of the sweetest kind If you eat one you will see Your heart will be most lovingly Eating two or three or four Will bring you happiness and more Angel wings and shiny halo as into an angel you will grow birdiekity #2 God created angel seeds To let us know He cares. Take one seed per day And swallow it with prayer. #3 Angel seeds are delicate So plant them in a spot just right Do it with a little prayer And love them day and night So when you are in special need Of the Angel's love and care Look into your heart to see Your Angel living there ********************************************* Candy Cane poem (*Tie this poem on a candy cane*) #1 Jesus Gentle Shepherd, this cane of red & white, Proclaims a sweet love story, born on Christmas night. This cane, you see, when turned around, begins your name of love, And now becomes a symbol of peace proclaimed above. The lively peppermint flavor is the regal gift of spice. The white is your purity, the red your sacrifice. And so this cane reminds us of just how much you care, And like your Christmas gift to us, it's meant for all to share. #2 A significant symbol of Christmas Is the Simple Candy Cane. It's shape is the crook of the Shepherd One of the first who came. The lively peppermint flavor is The regal gift of spice. The White is Jesus' purity. The Red is sacrifice. The narrow stripes are friendship. And the nearness of his love. Eternal, Sweet Compassion A gift from God above. The Candy Cane reminds us all of how much God cared. And like His Christmas gift to use It's meant to be broken and shared. ********************************************* CANDY CANE SEEDS (*Use round, red and white peppermint candies*) I once knew a gardner who knew how to grow Bright tasty candies, right out of the snow I asked him to share his secret with me And this is what he replied quite readily To garden in winter is difficult you see It takes lots of care and a very special seed I'll give you a couple to grow your own treats And you'll soon reap a harvest of candy cane treats. *************************************************** CHRISTMAS BLESSING MIX BUGLES---The trumpet that sounded at his birth. PRETZELS---Mary's arms wrapped around her baby. FRUITS AND NUTS-----The gifts the wise men brought. CANDY CANE(S)---Shepherds staffs. CHOCOLATE STARS-- The star of Bethlehem. HERSHEY KISSES--The love he has for you. RAFFIA---The hay in the manger that ties it all together. Use dried fruit mix and two different nuts. Put in treat bags tied with raffia. You can then put in mug, or any suitable container that recipient may need, or just leave in treat bag. *************************************************** Christmas Candle Here's a Christmas Candle, A gift for your family to share. Let it brighten up your season, And spread gladness in the air. It is hoped that you'll enjoy A special season full of fun. And love will burn more brightly When your holiday is done. *************************************************** The Christmas Star (*give Christmas star cookies*) May the Light that shone from the Christmas Star On that night so long ago Fall on you this Christmas night and set your face aglow. May it shine from your eyes. May it rest in your mind. May it burn in your Spirit bright. May the Peace it spoke to a weary world. Bring joy to your heart tonight. ©m.garren 12-7-96 ***************************************************** Cookie Cutter Poem Instructions: Place a gingerbread man cookie cutter in a baggie Put some candied sprinkles in a small ziploc bag and put in baggie with the cutter. Attach a card with the following recipe and poem. Poem: I made a plate of cookies to share with you this year I thought it was a good way to spread some Christmas cheer They all looked really tasty, so I thought I'd eat just one And a little while later, I noticed there were none. So here's my Christmas greeting, And a cookie cutter too, Now you can make your own cookies, And maybe share a few. Recipe: Sugar CUT UPS 1 cup sugar ½ tsp. salt 2 egg yolks 1 tsp. baking powder 1 Tbsp.cream 1 ½ cup flour 1 tsp. vanilla Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt. Cream butter, add sugar slowly and cream until fluffy. Stir in well-beaten egg yolks & vanilla extract. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with cream. Chill for 1 hour, roll and cut with cookie cutters. Decorate. Preheat oven to 350. Place cookies on greased cookie sheet about 2" apart and bake 10 - 12 minutes or until cookies begin to brown. FROSTING RECIPE: 1 cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp butter, room temperature 1-2 tsp. milk Add all ingredients in small bowl. Mix well. ****************************************************** Perfect Man (gingerbread man) Gingerbread man Is the perfect man, He is no trouble at all. He is very sweet And never talks back, And he always comes when you call. If he gives you any trouble, any trouble at all, Here's what you do ya'll. Give him one warning, just one warning I said, If he doesn't listen, bite off his head. ****************************************************** Ginger Bread Man - Recipe for Life 1 Heaping cup of encouragement 1 cup of melted compassion 2 cups of hope 1 cup of love 1 tablespoon of faith (it only takes a little) 2 large attitude Lots of hugs in assorted sizes Cream encouragement and compassion together. Add hope, love, and faith. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Slowly add the unbeaten attitude. Batter should be firm but not unyielding. knead gently. Roll in hugs and cut out to the desired shape. Add stars for eyes and a kiss. Bake in a warm oven. Excellent when shared with a friend. ****************************************************** Grinch Candy Canes Poems (*Just buy the green colored candy canes and attach the following poem:*) #1 When the Grinch discovered There was no way, To Keep Christmas from coming On Christmas day, He devised a new plan... Though not quite as mean. He licked all the candy canes, Til he turned them all green. #2 Every Who Down in Who-ville Liked Christmas a lot... But the Grinch, Who lived just North of Who-ville, Did NOT! The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason. But, Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes, He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos, Then he got an idea! An awful idea! THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA! "I know just what to do!" The Grinch laughed in his throat. And he chuckled, and clucked, "What a great Grinchy trick! IÂll lick all the candy canes, and turn them all green! ****************************************************** GRINCH PILLS (*use green M&M's*) #1 Feeling kinda' grouchy? Holiday spirit can't be found? Just try these little "Grinch Pills." They're the best medicine around. Whether eating a whole handful, Or munching one or two, These tasty little "pills" Take the "Grinch" right out of you! #2 So the Grinch stole your Christmas, Well this should help you out. Little green Grinch pills Will take out the pout. You can eat a handful or just one or two, And before you know it, you'll be a smiling fool. ****************************************************** Christmas Candy M&Ms As you hold these candies In your hand, And turn them, You will see. The M becomes a W, An E, and then a 3. They tell the Christmas story, It's one I'm sure you know. It took place in a stable. A long, long, time ago. The E is for the East, Where the star shone so bright. The M is for the Manger, Where Baby Jesus slept that night. The 3 is for the Wise men, Bearing gifts, they say they came. W is for Worship, Hallelujah, Praise His Name. So as you eat these candies, Or share them with a friend. Remember the meaning of Christmas, It's a Love story that never ends. by Pam Ridenour *************************************************** Make Your Own Treat (*use frozen or dried cookie mix*) Poinsettia's are red Cookies are sweet I've been really busy So make your own darn treat! **************************************************** Santa Kisses #1 Santa's been busy Granting our wishes So he dropped off this bag of Santa Kisses #2 A bag of Hugs & Kisses to wish you Merry Christmas **************************************************** SMELLS OF CHRISTMAS (*It's a cute little idea that could be given to a great friend during the Holidays. It could be given in a nice coffee mug or whatever you can think of*) 3 cinnamon sticks 3 bay leaves 2 orange slices 2 lemon slices 1/3 cup loves - whole Combine ingredients in a mesh bag and tie with a string-not ribbon. Place in a ziplock plastic bag, and put in fridge until ready to use. Place 1 quart of water in a saucepan , and remove the mesh from the ziplock bag and place in the saucepan. Add water as needed and heat on low. If giving as a gift, I dried the lemons and orange slices first. Then put them in a pretty glass jar with ribbon tied around it. **************************************************** SNOWMAN KISSES (mini-marshmallows or other white candy) Snowflakes from Heaven as white as can be! Can build a Snowman for all to see! He's cute and cuddly and full of good wishes! And wants to give you a bunch of his kisses! **************************************************** Snowman soup (*1 individual packet of cocoa mix, 10-15 little marshmallows, several Hershey's kisses and a small candy cane put into a Christmas cup, with this poem added to it.*) #1 Was told you've been real good this year. Always glad to hear it! With freezing weather drawing near, You'll need to warm the spirit. So here's a little Snowman Soup Complete with stirring stick. Add hot water, sip it slow. It's sure to do the trick! #2 When it's so cold that you holler and whoop, It's time to bring out the Snowman Soup! Pour the packet in a mug. Add marshmallows too. And throw in these kisses that are special just for you. Now add some hot water and use the cane to stir it. Sip slowly and soon you'll feel the warm winter spirit! #3 When the weather outside is frightful, Snowman Soup can be delightful. May it warm your spirit and your soul. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! When you feel a chill or 'burrrrrr', Use the peppermint stick to stir. Add hot water and sip it slow. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow. #4 This snowman looks frosty, but he has a warm heart He's brimming with soup mix just for you-- This isn't a snow job ... I think you're great Your friendship warms me through and through. Recipe: 1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes 1-1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder 2 Tablespoons instant chicken bouillon powder 2 teaspoons dried minced onions 1-1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/4 teaspoon dried whole thyme 1/4 group white pepper 1/8 teaspoon tumeric Make 3 cups soup mix. Instructions to attach to jar: To serve: Place ½ cup of mixture in a mixing bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth. **************************************************** Spare Reindeer Nose's (Red Hots or Red M&Ms, hard candy, etc.) #1 Rudolph has a job to do Every Christmas Eve, it's true. His nose will always light the way For Santa and his tiny sleigh, But if his nose should ever go out Don't cry or whine or yell or pout. Take out this bag and use a bit. From Rudolph's Red Nose repair kit. #2 Rudolph's nose is very bright He helps guide Santa's sleigh Without it in the dark night sky They might not find their way. So just in case dear Rudy's nose Is kaput and goes on the blink We have these spare "red nose seeds" To repair him in a wink! **************************************************** St. Nicholas' Shoe (*go to a craft or party store for a plastic shoe or boot....or use a small stocking*) When St. Nicholas comes to fill up each shoe, He leaves gifts inside, and a shiny coin, too! So here's a small token that's just meant to say~ Best wishes to you as you go on your way! **************************************************** WASHER & DRYER (*Wrap a dishcloth and dish towel in a large and pretty box with this note attached*) This Christmas our ship has finally come in We're feeling so wealthy and rich. Instead of some small remembrance This year will be quite a switch We're giving a gift of high quality No more cheap presents for us. It's time we really went all out But don't worry, its really no fuss. We considered giving you a sports car Or maybe a tropical cruise --- But we decided to be more practical And give something you really could use. So, open the box and you may be surprised, To find not only ONE gift, but two -- We hope you will put your presents to work It's a WASHER & DRYER, too!!!! **************************************************** Wisk Gift Take a large wisk and fill it with Hershey Kisses. Wrap all in cello and tie with fancy ribbon. Make a cute little holiday gift tag that says: "We WISK you a Merry Christmas". ****************************************************