Black Friday and it was -1 degree outside! There is nothing I needed bad enough to go out. I wanted to make myself go out because I wanted to join the girls shopping...but honestly, I wanted more to begin taking down fall decor and to think about Christmas decorations.
The festive Christmas feeling changed for me the year Mom died on Dec 12th. I just haven't been into it as much as I used to...and I was quite ready to skip all decorations last year and this year...but it seems my family that doesn't really like to decorate DOES like to have it decorated. THIS year I knew I would be spending Sunday in town with Carrie and the girls and Monday watching Josi and then visiting with Liv when she got home from school....so I needed to make progress Friday and Saturday or it wasn't happening until Tuesday or later....
All that led me to stay home and start taking fall decor down. My goal for the day after Thanksgiving was to get the fall stuff done and the tree up. I didn't make it. I DID get everything DOWN. I cleared a little spot Saturday morning for Dad to eat. ::snort::
I missed Black Friday. Not to worry our area has Shop Small Saturday (or some such S's) and the girls were going to do that too. Guess what? It was STILL ridiculously cold to park and walk for hours. Allie and I decided, "No." I STILL didn't have the fall stuff PACKED nor the tree up. I dreaded putting our big, beautiful tree up. It's TOO BIG for our small living room. It takes over...but we like the lights...I told him I'd like to get a "pencil tree" as it would fit the spot better. Also - quite honestly - I decorate my tree with pictures of the kids through their growing up and it really was quite painful to see one little boy smiling up at me last year. I'm SURE I WANT it up - but it hurt. I thought maybe in the family room where we'll be eating and hosting. He agreed. My goal on Saturday was the same as Friday "Get the fall stuff packed away, and get the tree up."
Krista and Stacia met Arielle in town for more outdoor winter shopping. I made plans to meet them at one of my new favorite places, "Sweet Gypsy" for lunch.
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| Stacia, Krista, Arielle shopping in negative temps |
Stacia came home but Krista, Arielle and I had lunch. Mona, Luke's mom, and sister joined us. It was great holiday fun! I was ready to head for Wasilla to hunt up a pencil tree and Michael had seen a Black Friday sale on a patio heater he wanted me to pick up. I realized the girls were home studying and GG wouldn't have to come out but maybe Michael would like to. He did. We headed out. We found a pencil tree...it shocked me that a skinnier tree would cost so much money...and then I saw the Grinch tree....and Michael saw the Grinch tree...and it made us giggle. It appealed to us. It fits in the spot. It came with lights and decorations. I got the tree up!
While Michael put the patio heater together I packed away the fall decorations. I also baked some pizzas which was a good thing as Stacia had a friend over for dinner and studying....
Millie is unsettled and moping around as everything has been moving and changing.....I feel bad for her - though she IS much quieter.
We ended up taking 3 cars to church. The girls wanted to come home immediately after lunch. GG ended up driving in with me and home with them. Michael brought the truck and came over to help Carrie clear out Josiah's fishing, snow showing, hiking, guns. We are going to become the family's "Outdoor Rec." Going ice fishing, come check out what you want. Jamin and Jared came to help Michael. I brought the van in as you know I am enjoying my mini-vacation.... afternoon/evening discussion with Carrie, playing with Josi and catching up on blogging while she naps. It IS lovely! I get to do it again in a couple of weeks. I'm a blessed Bachan.
December? I am trying to figure out how November went so very FAST!!!!
GRACE NOTES:
1. I am loved well by God. My relationship with Him brings me hope - even in the pain.
2. It is such a blessing to have time with Carrie and the girls!
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