Getting ready for Christmas

Christmas is sneaking up on me again! This year it will be a VERY white one. We have a foot of snow on the deck, speckled with tracks of hungry cardinals and squirrels under the feeders.

My "fake, but sufficient" tree is almost decorated. Lots of lights and sentimental ornaments from over the years. Mine is a "family" tree. I thought about one of those store window themes-you know, all silver or all burgundy and gold - but we have so much history in the box that we open once a year. And I have successfully re-wired my treetop angel with a new plug that matches the last ascending string of lights. (My last attempt resulted in a rather nasty short that almost scared me off my ladder and blew out all the lights in a smoky chain reaction.) Now I'm ready for the tree skirt, etc. Then I'll set up the nativity scene given to me by my sister, Tara. She made the pieces herself in a ceramics class. I treasure it and it will go on top of the piano (for safe-keeping???)

We're looking forward to having seven grandchildren present for Christmas Day. (And they are welcome to bring their parents, too!) Cody and Myles are both 6 now and go in and outdoors without assistance. Sage (4), Brooke (4), Morgan (4) and Macy (3) are into crafts and watching what's going on in the kitchen. Terry James (1) is right in there at the toy chest with the rest. He loves trucks and chasing the mini-poodle, Charlie. Cole and Cora will be in our hearts and on the webcam from Australia this year.

What a GREAT Thanksgiving we had together! All the kids were at our house and we took turns talking to Joe, Mary, Cole and Cora in Australia via the webcam on Skype. Cole told us some very interesting stories and Cora bounced about the room with blonde curls flowing! The little ones played well together and filled the house with energy and joy. My dad, Mike, joined us and Tara Lynne tended to his dinner and exchanged new with him most of the day. Scott played football with the boys and took some great pictures with my camera while I stirred the gravy or some such essential mealtime task. Shannon has taken up pie baking and brought two delicious apple pies to the feast. My dad gave them the seal of approval by asking for a second piece!