The Decorating Is Complete!

Since 80 percent of the ornaments
are owls, I call it our Hootie Tree.

So I didn't make my EOD Sunday deadline, but I was close. I finished decorating for Christmas by 8:30 A.M. today. And all I had to do this morning was decorate our new tree.

Yep, we bought a smaller tree over the weekend because hubby is still suffering with a pulled back muscle. He's getting better, but hauling and assembling an eight-foot tree would have been rough.

I love the idea of a smaller tree anyway. It's so much easier to deal with and less tree for perfectionist me to fuss over.

Plus our new artificial tree is the best we've ever had. There's no need for fluffing and it's covered with berries, pinecones, and artificial snow and ice. Honestly, it looks great even without ornaments. But adding ornaments was a breeze because there's plenty of room between branches. Oh, and the best part is, if one bulb burns out, it still stays lit!

And Now It's Christmas

Just couldn't get the group
to cooperate for a photo,
so hubby focused on the
food and table.

I successfully cooked and served another Thanksgiving meal. Everyone enjoyed the food and, overall, it was a good day. My daughter's family joined us as well as my 85-year-old dad. And my son and daughter-in-law were here as well as the Korean young man they're guardians to while he's in America.

Insoo is a complete delight. He was so good with both of the grandsons, playing games with them as well as making sure they ate and buttoned up their coats. When he moves to our area with Daniel and Zuae in the spring, for sure he'll be the boys's first-pick babysitter!

And now the rush is on to decorate for Christmas. I do less and less each year, but it's still a big job. Although this year we may not be putting up a big tree. Hubby pulled a back muscle last Sunday and is in a lot of pain unless he's just laying on the couch with a heating pad.

If he's still down tomorrow, I may buy a small tree I can handle all by myself. Or maybe we just won't have a tree this year, which frankly wouldn't bother me. Either way, a decision will be made no later than Sunday. After which, I don't want to do anymore decorating.

Grandbaby #3!

My son and daughter-in-law arrived yesterday for the holiday week with big news. They're expecting their first child in July 2016!

Best of all, they are moving to our area in late April. So, once again, we can be hands-on grandparents. Of course, since it will be ten years after welcoming our first grandbaby, I'm skeptical about just how active we will be. But, no matter what, we'll be able to give lots of hugs and kisses.

I'm so looking forward to cuddling a new grandchild. And the news has given me even more incentive to continue working out and eating clean.

Winter Wonderland

Me and Emily with Jonah (5) and Elliott (9)

Last night we walked the Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park with my daughter's family. Hubby works for St. Louis County Parks, so we were able to get tickets to the preview weekend. No crowds but I don't remember the last time I was so cold.

The boys were troopers but we were all glad to get back in the car. I'm afraid it's going to be a looooong winter.

Pumpkin Pie Run Winner!

What's better than a medal
or trophy? A pumpkin pie!

Yesterday was Jonah's first Pumpkin Pie Run as he's now in grade school. The way the Run works is each student predicts how long it will take them to run the track. The student in each grade who gets the closest to their prediction wins the pie. For the Kindergarten group, there was a tie this year and two winners, Jonah and Vivien.

Since Jonah could walk, I've been saying he's the athlete in the family. He's extremely strong, has always been able to kick and throw a ball straight and long, and has a natural runner's stride. I'm so eager to get him involved in sports, but it's difficult since no one in his immediate family has any interest. At this point I'm counting on Jonah's gym teachers and classes.

And I'm hoping yesterday's win is a step in the right direction. Jonah was beyond excited and so was his brother, mom, dad, and grandparents. Congratulations, Jonah!

Holiday Focus

For the last few weeks, I primarily have been focused on preparing for Thanksgiving, finishing my holiday gift shopping, and doing some fun holiday crafting.

After testing a few recipes, my Thanksgiving menu is finally set. So I'm now able to shop for all the ingredients and plan to finish no later than Saturday.

By EOD Saturday, I also plan to finish my holiday gift shopping. I only have two gift cards to purchase and a couple of small gifts to assemble. But, after that, all gifts will be purchased and wrapped.

And for my own sanity and pleasure, I completed some holiday crafting and cross-stitching. Last Friday Jonah and I made gift tags for his mom to use. And I finished several snowflake tags for my own gift giving.

We have travel and sightseeing plans for the first two weekends of December. So I've been anxious to complete all my holiday projects before the end of November. (I finished my holiday cards in October.) It's now looking good for a December full of fun. I just need to get through Thanksgiving and putting up the tree two days later!

This little snowman was super easy and fast
to stitch while watching TV. I got a pack of six
snowflakes from the Dollar Tree, so this tag
was also extremely affordable.

I finally got to dip into the bag of colored shells
I bought in Sanibel last August.

Jonah helped with the die cutting and glued the shells on the trees.

Spectre

For as long as I've known my husband he's been a James Bond fan. So it's no surprise we saw the franchise's latest installment the first weekend of its release. This Bond movie viewing was unique, however, because Spectre is the first one we've seen in IMAX. What a rush! The explosions shook our seats and the helicopters felt and sounded as if they were flying over our heads!

If you're a Bond fan you'll like Spectre. As always, the locations are beautiful; the soundtrack is enjoyable; and the pace is fast. Plus Daniel Craig, once again, delivered the perfect 007.

Bridge of Spies

Hubby's been sick with a virus for three days. That means he's been laying on the couch in the middle of the family room for three days. I just don't get it. If your sick, go to bed. If your tired, go to bed. Drives me crazy!

Please understand I am not a bad person. I've been bringing him blankets and food, and regularly asking if he needs anything else. I'm happy to be his nurse. I just would appreciate a break now and then, which I can't get if he's always in the common room!

So today I just had to get out of the house and decided to go to the movies. I saw Bridge of Spies, staring Tom Hanks as Jim Donovan, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bridge of Spies is my kind of movie, a dramatization of real people and events with no blood and guts. I have no doubt it'll be nominated for several Academy Awards, starting with best actor for Hanks's performance.

I strongly recommend Bridge of Spies for the storyline and acting. But, if you grew up in the 50s, you'll also enjoy the set and costume designs. Bridge of Spies is all around good entertainment.