..and it's real purdy! I put on the lights and the beaded garland and the kids did the rest - it's so sweet!. DH and I learned our lesson about waiting...as we had to pay about 2x as much as we are used to paying to get this little tree. I joked that we should go buy a fake one -don't their prices go DOWN as we get closer to Christmas? DH would never hear of it... a fake tree... in OREGON?! we would have to hang our heads in shame...we're already wimps for not going up to MT Hood and cutting it down ourselves!
Marti - I am so with you about the chaos of Christmas! We really try to single out the three or four things that bring us the most pleasure and just focus on those....funny, spending the day at the mall isn't on the list! I did most of my shopping online this year.... However, I do need to do some grocery shopping for the various gatherings this week, so I probably won't be able to avoid chaos entirely.
Ellen- Our community has organized a unity rally to promote the positive values of our community as opposed to running the skinheads out of town. After all, they DO have a right to gather and to free speech. Their goal is to generate calls to the police, so members of the community thought it would be best to just ignore them and take the time while they are here to remind ourselves that we are a welcoming community to all races and religions. It will be a wonderful event with many religous leaders of the community ( including our pastor) speaking, activities for kids.....Too bad it takes the threat of a hate group to prompt such a gathering...but it is happening and it will make us a stronger community I think.
Jane - good plan on the cookies! Cookie baking was one of the things I dropped off my list, as I do not enjoy it all that much. However, DH loves to bake and this year will include the children in the process....so more power to them, I say! ((((hugs)))) to you and
Sue.. holidays are hard with ailing relatives. but hopefully there's extra time to be with them over the holiday.. I pause and remember my loved ones who aren't with us anymore several times during the season - it's bittersweet
Mindee - glad your party was fun - I'll have to check out Brandon's page and see him all dolled up in his new clothes. I'm proud of your response to the hate speech uttered in your presence. You just keep to your values, girl. And remember your son and the great example you are setting for him by not tolerating that language. Hate is taught - we are not born with it....
Sue - hope your tests go well and you can be done with them for awhile...
Hi to everyone else...
Today is a busy one. I have get back to the hairdresser for a few extra snips. I did get the highlighting done last week and I really like it - a nice change of pace...cut needs a little tune-up. Today MIL is watching the kids so DH and can go to lunch and the art museum. Yay another date -two in one week...can I stand it? Saturday we went on a volkswalk around downtown Portland, timed with the Christmas ships on the Willamette. So we got to see the ships and .... the displays downtown.... and walked 10k besides! It's become a tradition for DH and me. We don't particularly like to shop, but the city is so pretty during the holidays...this is our lo-stress way to enjoy it.
Then this evening the ILs are coming over for pizza dinner as DH's stepsister is in town...need to see her before she skedaddles back to Houston.
Oh - and today the piano arrives! The best present ever....
Cheers