Muddy Christmas

It's been raining for two days. The only snow that is left is in muddy patches here and there. Not exactly a pristine white wonderland like the movies. Oh, and I've got a cold. Well, I had a nice quiet Christmas at home anyway. I grab a cookie each time I pass by the container. That's probably not doing much to cure my cold.

What did I get myself for Christmas this year? A flat panel TV. It was a great deal on Black Friday. I put it in the den.

What else did I get myself? New brakes on my car. Yeah, I know, sexy, huh?

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Presents

Hmm, which one do I tear open first?

Linc got a "digger" from Grandma and Grandpa Big Truck.

Linc wasted no time hopping aboard. The bucket hadn't even been attached yet.

After a brief initial conflict, the boys were able to share really well.

For a one-year-old and a two-year-old, I am always stunned at how well they behave.

Linc learned how it made noise. He would push the buttons and back up. It beeped like a real end-loader.

Nash's turn. He caught on quickly and was able to pick up toys with the bucket.



It was a really great day.
Thanks for hosting, Sarah!

Santa Claus

It was an amazing coincidence that Santa decided to visit while we were there.

Nash adored Santa. He brought Nash exactly what he wished for (a garbage truck).

He also brought the boys some animal crackers.

Linc wasn't quite sure what to make of Santa. Maybe next year.

Santa also brought some coloring books in his bags of goodies. The boys must have been extra good this year.

Family

Sarah, Brad, and the boys were a bit under the weather during our visit, but you'd never know it from the smiles on their faces.

Hope you're feeling better.

Grandma shows Nash the pictures she took.

Linc and Brad watching the Packers.
It was a good game right up 'til they lost.

These boots were made for walking...

Nash discovered my boots and decided to try them on.

Despite the fact that they were far too big, he did amazingly well! Did I mention they were high heels?!

He continued to wear them while Grandpa Big Truck demonstrated how his watch worked.

Christmas

Christmas was held at my brother's house on Sunday.

The gang's all here.

(Finally, a picture where everyone is paying attention!!)

Smokin'

I made cookies today. I gave my mixer a workout. Unfortunately, it had a heart attack and started smoking. After I unplugged it, I stuck it in the sink and watched it for a while. Poor thing. At least it didn't ignite.

On the bright side, now I have a spare set of beaters.

Mein Tannenbaum

In progress...

Finished product.

It looks best lit up in a dark room.
It's a theme tree: green, red, and gold. No blue. No pink. No silver.

Well, what do you think? I think it looks very pretty.

I need a tree topper. A star? An angel? There's one in the closet of my old bedroom at my parents' house. My grandmother made it when I was a kid. My parents have used a similar angel on their tree for many years. One might say it is an heirloom. (I probably shouldn't tell you that they use a plastic straw to give the gal a wingspan.)

Fresh pine scent

I've never had a Christmas tree at this house. The first year I was here my life was in chaos because I'd just sold my condo and I had furniture and boxes everywhere. Then last year my life was in chaos because I was getting new windows. So, this year I wanted to make things special.

I love the smell of pine forests. It only seems natural that I would want a real tree. My parents have had a beautiful artificial tree for many years. But, if I search my earliest memories, I do recall us having a real tree at some point in my childhood. I vaguely remember Dad screwing it into the tree stand. To my surprise, they're not that heavy. They're just unwieldy.

I bought it at Menards. Wow, were they busy!! I tried to get the straightest one they had. Guess I could have tried a little harder. Ah well, I'll shim the stand. It's a 7' tall scotch pine.

I'll water it and let it stand at least overnight to let the branches fall before I start decorating it. My house already smells heavenly.

Perhaps next year I'll buy a 10' fake tree to go with my 11.5' ceilings.