Monica's Testimony - 2003

Dear Krisann,

I just wanted you to know what an impact you have had on my Christmas preparations. In fact it has been a groundswell around here. I started out on the busywomen.com site that referred me to your site and WOW what an impact on me.

I have taken control of my holidays this year. I have sent an email to my family and friends stating my intentions for parties and get togethers from Halloween through new years. I have always been like a willow tree branch getting together at the will of others (who usually steam rolled me). I sent the note out the end of August and now have followed up with all the stated activities.

I have planned to get wish lists out to all my friends and family so they can advise me of their wishes for the holidays. It was accompanied by a cute note stating that Santa checked his lists and found he was missing some wishes so he enlisted me to help him. I sent the note, the stocking/Santa face wish lists with a self addressed stamped envelope with a dead line of November 1st. I further asked each person to enclose sizes of clothes, favorite colors and what their all time top 3 gifts were.

I have arranged the date of a gathering with a family friend (we do this every year). I called her and stressed that I was planning my holiday calendar and she had the first pick of dates for a limited time only. The date was set and secured by Sept 15th.

I have arranged to have a craft day and holiday decorating party in the same day. This allows parents to have a free afternoon while the kids are with me making crafts for their parents. Then the parents arrive; the kids play and parents party and decorate. Those invitations are going out by Halloween. Save the date calls were made by Oct. 1st.

I have started my list of homemade crafts that need to be made. I actually have two gifts completed. I made my mom a gallery glass lampshade. It was my first project with gallery glass. I also made gallery glass for my mother-in-laws skylight in her kitchen. All done!!!!!!!!. I have my sister's gift purchased and wrapped.

The list for Christmas cards has been reviewed and updated, cards purchased and I am starting November 1st with the addressing and signing. I have to complete the newsletter that will go with the cards, but I am on my way.

You are a God send to me and I just wanted you to know it. I know you have been through a rough time and wanted you to know you work is not with out rewards - it is just that I got the reward this time.

All the best to you and yours.

Monica Shilay