I'm Feelin' Merry

Why?  You ask. 

Well, because my tree is looking better...

 

and, because I am off tomorrow (just like last year) to find some gifts to put under it.

 

These little green baubles were an early treat for me :)

Decorating

It is starting to look a bit more festive around here.  I am not one of those "decorate the day after Thanksgiving (or before)" kind of people.  I know this sounds Scroogie but I have a really low level of tolerance for clutter.  Usually by December 26th, I am ready to sweep every decoration off of every surface and cram them back into their boxes. If I wait until mid-December I can really enjoy it without getting overstimulated.

So, the girls and I have been doing festive little projects here and there (between exhilarating games of Bananagrams and hallway bowling).

 

This year, I am feeling a little "Old World/Homespun/Tartan plaid" when it comes to decorating.  Last year we did the bright and crazy pink tinsel stuff.  Every year is different.  I love changing it up.

 

This little stringing party lasted a couple of hours yesterday. I consider it a success despite the squirts of cranberry juice on clothing, and frequent consumption of the crafty medium (aka. Cheerios).

The girls really wanted to decorate the tree.  I let them.  You should see it.  Too painful to photograph.  There are no decorations on the top 1/3 of the tree, and the remaining ornaments are clumped together in akward groups down below.  It was just killing me to leave it as it was.  I struck a deal with them, however. Let me decorate the tree, and I'll clean your room for you and string some lights up above your bed. 

Sold.

 

 

 

Bedtime was a bit more magical tonight.  Here's to re-decorating the tree while they are sleeping soundly!

Weekend Wrap-UP

 

Thanksgiving was very enjoyable.  Even with "camo man" carving the turkey...it all turned out wonderful.  My Dad has another nickname:"Foreman Jim".  My brother gave it to him because he has a tendency to be, well, a bit bossy.   It is not a bad trait...just executive-ish.  My dad says that it takes one to know one.  In that case, there were too many foremen/forewomen in the kitchen this weekend :)  But many hands make light work.  More time for me to sip wine and stir the beans.

     

Once again, Everyday Food  was at my right hand.  I had a clipboard, time schedule, and a whole lotta lists.  It paid off.  I felt very organized.

 

The highlight of my weekend actually came the day after Thanksgiving.  My friends from high school had lunch together.  It was so exciting to see these girls!  Some of them I hadn't seen since graduation.  It was a tad surreal sitting there with them all grown up- talking babies and husbands and homes.  After lunch we hit up some of the downtown shopping.  Laughing, lots of chattering, and the spending of money ensued.  Good times.  We promised to make it an annual event.  For those of you who couldn't make it...we really, really missed you!  If you see your foxy face in this picture, leave me a comment and I'll send you the picture file.