The Halls Are Decked

I woke up this morning and spent time working on some Creative Memories orders. D went to the attic to find more Christmas decorations. I say I'm only going to do a few things, since our home is small and it can feel overwhelming to have too much out. But most of the boxes came down anyway so I could sort them out..."Mommy's Tree" is up, very simple and classic with only white lights, gold stars and red glass balls. The boys did the "Hallmark Tree" in the school room, sporting all the Hallmark ornaments from my childhood and theirs. I must have my "Snow Guys" up in the kitchen (I've been collecting these for about 10 years. My dear friend N and I give each other a snowman each year, and others have added to my collection) and I even found a new place to put my Willow Tree Nativity. My mom, sis and husband each bought me pieces for that, so it's extra special. Finally, Mr. Snowman was placed on the front door. He is so cute, I found him about three years ago in a shop over the mountain. D returned later that week to buy him and he looks so sweet hanging on the front door. We like the icicle lights, but we may pass on them again this year. Keeping things simple and budget rate.

I met my neighbor for lunch at a local restaurant. We don't see each other much in the fall and winter, so it was good to catch up with her. She is a busy mother of a one and two year old and she recently went back to school. Her days are busy and since I am homeschooling, we don't have many opportunities to connect. It's important to make time for special friends, I'm glad that we were able to do lunch.

This evening D helped a friend carry a 42 inch LCD TV into his daughter's townhouse. Downstairs, his wife loaded me up with shoes and clothes that she no longer needed. I picked out a few nice things for myself, then we dropped the rest off to another dear friend. I hope the clothes fit her, if they do she has a new wardrobe! What fun. I also purchased my first two pieces of Premiere Jewelry tonight. What a treat. I've been looking at it as another business venture, so it will be nice to have something from Premiere to wear.