It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Normally, I'm not one to put up Christmas before Thanksgiving has occurred. However, since Brad's mom was in town and ready to help me I gave in. I had only one ornament that I could put on a tree so essentially we needed to go find everything including the actually tree. I think we did pretty well. We drove all over town though, including three trips to Target (one in the morning, one for more lights, and one more to exchange light with white cords for lights with green cords.) I think I probably wore Janet out with all of our shopping. We did manage to get a real tree home by strapping it to Brad's Dodge Stratus. Somehow putting a Christmas tree on the dome of my little VW bug didn't seem safe. Once we got it home and set into the stand we were all so exhausted and hungry. After a trip to Macaroni Grill and more shopping we were ready to attempt decorating. Put on some Christmas music and Janet and I were all geared up to decorate. So, we got to work with our red and silver glass balls, silver snowflakes, and glass icicles. We even got Brad to put on a few ornaments. I must say that it looks really good. All I have left to find is a silver star for the top.

I haven't had a real tree in probably over seven years or longer and I must say that I am really enjoying it. I love the smell of the needles and the way I can smell it when I wake up in the morning or walk into our place. We'll just have to see if I can keep it alive for the entire Christmas season.




Thanksgiving was awesome. We were in charge of pies, stuffing, and drinks. We made two pumpkin pies and a pecan pie. Umm! Alissa did such a fabulous job with everything else. Delicious turkey, roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes, and amazing rolls. Everything was so good! It was fun to spend the day with Brad's family and to coo over baby Ella. She's getting so big and is just adorable.

This break has been perfect for Brad and me. We have hung out with family, gone shopping for Christmas, played games, decorated, and ate really well. We even have got some homework done. It's been nice to not be stressed by school and just relax. I must say that I am jealous of my family being in Hawaii right now and leaving us home. I did make them promise to bring us something back home since they left us here. Even though we missed the beaches and luaus, it has been really nice just to be home and to relax. Plus, it's made me really excited for Christmas.