Delight in Simple Things...

 

 

 

December has been full of these.



The tree

 

Last week we drove to a nearby lot and picked out our Christmas Tree. It was dark and no one was there but there was a note stating to just leave your money by the door. Nice and a bit scary that people are so trusting still. We walked the rows of trees and found a couple that looked like a good fit for us, and then made the final decision. It was a winner.

It took a few days before we brought it in and decorated it.  There really is nothing like a real tree. I have such good childhood memories of going to cut one as a family. Trudging through the snow, singing Christmas songs, throwing snowballs at each other, Dad chopping it down and hauling it back to the car.

 

Not until I became a parent myself did I fully appreciate these memories that my parents worked hard at to make for us. Its not easy, as I'm realizing. Life is busy, full of commitments and such, but how thankful I am for my good parents and all the memories they have given to me.

I hope that our kids will have memories of their own that stay with them and that they will think of with great fondness.

Thar she is, in all her glory!

And just to top things off, a good waltz around the kitchen to Manheim Steamroller.

It's feeling like Christmas!



This and that

It's December 2nd! Whoa! Can't believe it's Christmas time already. Yay! It's my favorite. We dug out our Christmas decorations today and are slowly decking the halls around here. Not sure when we will get our tree, too much going on the next few days but it will happen.

We celebrated Mr. Mckays birthday last week. My baby boy is 5! What?! I suggested the crazy idea of a friend party this year. Why?!! I about did myself in with 10 crazy little boys running a muck around my house. I was exhausted! Thank heavens my Mom came to help! 

He was so excited all day and kept saying all day long, "This is the best day ever!" This little guy sure has a big piece of my heart and always will. He's full of all things boy but has a tender little heart and when he gives me those juicy, mushy kisses on my cheeks it melts me every time.

We ventured up to Jake's parents for Thanksgiving and had a nice time eating and visiting and eating and eating. I'm pretty sure I ate my weight in butter! Always so great to be with family and the kids love cousin time and being spoiled by Grandma. We also made it up to see Grandpa Sanders. So great to see him and visit with him. He's amazing. He had just made some homemade oatmeal cookies. Go Gramps!

I have so much to be thankful for and I'm grateful for this time of year and the reminder that it is of the beauty of each day and the gift it is to spend this life with those we love.

Other stuff....

The girls are still playing basketball. I love watching their games so much. It's so fun to see them improve and get better.

Running...still trying to get in 15-20 miles a week. Nothing serious but enough to stay in some sort of shape. Contemplating a half marathon. Hmm. 

Moab maybe??It's been super cold the last few mornings to run outside so it's been on the treadmill. Bleh. So boring, But grateful for the option. 

Eating...detoxing a bit after Thanksgiving but excited to do some holiday baking.

Excited...for Christmas! For Christmas movies, baking, music, family time and all that the season brings. And thankful for online shopping.

Livie sucking her toes, a completely normal thing to do on the way home from   Grandma and Grandpas.

The end.