Peaceful Eve

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We are enjoying the Christmas tree and lights after a very long week...

I love nights like this at home!

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree

How lovely are your branches....

I need to readdress how I tackle getting a Christmas tree. It is a tradition-ever since I was a senior in college and my roommates and I got a tree I have had a Christmas tree. There was even that one time I had a fake tree up in July to celebrate Christmas in July. I LOVE it. I love the lights, the smell. The peace. I love that I feel a connection to my grandpa and mom when I sit in the dark with only the tree lights on as they both could and would spend hours doing that. Each year I say I'm not going to get a tree-especially since I am usually not home in Portland for the holiday, and without fail, every year I change my mind. I'm always pleased with my decision. The last several years my tradition has been to get and put up my tree the weekend right after the Festival of Trees is happening, once I am done with it on Friday for work. This year I didn't do that...because I was "really" going to stick to not getting a tree this year. And, there weren't as many close, convenient lots for me to get one at. But, last minute...one week before I leave for NYC I woke up and had to get a tree and I had to do it today. I went to a lot that a co-worker of mine had gone to with her daughter and there were so many trees I could barely pick...but I went back to the first tree I looked at-which I always do.

 The lot guys strapped it to the top of the car and home it came...

 And...it was perfect for me. 

 Ezme thinks that setting up the tree is hard work...she was plum tuckered out.

We had rainbows...lots of them on the ceiling and walls that made me happy while decorating.

 And...it is lit.

Note for next year...as opposed as I have been to setting up my tree over Thanksgiving weekend I decided this year that next year that is a must...more time to enjoy it and why delay that happiness?!

Remembering

Remembering my wonderful Grandpa today, 13 years after his death. 

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 It's amazing how fast and yet how slow time seems to have gone.

Grand Adventure Christmas and Josie Style

I love the kids in my life. And, I am blessed that their parents let me be such a part of their lives...so much so that I get to "kidnap" them for grand adventures. This sweet girl has come to request a "venture" with me often when I see her. So...away we went today for our winter edition of Miss Stephie and Josie's Grand Adventure. I'd take big brother Myles to the big Christmas Tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square...so as tradition had it...we had to make a trip as well.

Excited when we first got in the car!

 Walking to the Max train!

Waiting for the Max! She's not excited at all...if you can't tell!

Watching the world go by...

On the train!

The tree! I love Christmas trees. So much! They make me happy and this smiley face in front of this tree makes me happy!

Walking around to watch the building being built!

The top is WAY up there!

Traditional Burgerville lunch! Yummmmy.

Quick stop at my work to look up a mini-golf place per Josie's request. We went. It was dark and pirate themed and scary...so we left. Note: mini-golf another time. Outside. When the weather is good.

 Since mini-golf was a bust we had to have dessert. Ice cream solves so many of the worlds problems.

 I {heart} this picture so much! That little one under that umbrella!

Sacked out with goldfish snack in hand! I always say if one of the wee ones falls asleep in the car during a grand adventure we know we've had success! It makes my heart happy!

At home, little sister Ella was happy to see us and is very excited to go on her first grand adventure sometime soon! She's almost old enough!

Some of my favorite Josie quotes from the day that melt my heart:

J: "I'm a silly goose and you're weird, okay!"
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S: "You make me smile, Josie."
J: "It's true."
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J: "It's cozy in here." (she was riding in Miss Stephie's new car for the first time-Josie stamp of approval-check)
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J: "The M & M's are tricky."

LOVE!

Festival of Trees & Pedicure Time-yes, they go together!

Another year of Festival of Trees is in the books for work. I actually had a chance to see some of the trees this year! Also, my wise friend, Natalie convinced me that it would be in my best interest to join her and have a pedicure tonight. I hesitated about it, but caved....she is smart! smile emoticon Christmas can now begin in my world. Thanks to all my work peeps who helped/supported. I appreciate it.

 Pretty toes...Natalie got fire engine red with red glitter as well...good or Christmas! This may have to be an annual tradition!

Nesting!

Don't mind me....I'm just nesting in Mom's yarn.

Love her SO SO much!

Christmas Card Helper

Overseeing Christmas card addressing...important work.

She must have decided to leave the addressing to my capable hands...that or she was so unimpressed with my ability that she just couldn't look any more. {heart} her!heart emoticon

"Backyard" Birdies

I love my "backyard" birdies. They love the suet cake. I could watch for hours and I see all kinds of different birds back there.

Annual Portland Christmas Tree Lighting

As per our now (3rd?) Annual Trek to downtown Portland the day after Thanksgiving for the Christmas Tree Lighting here you go! There was A LOT of rain. We were soaked. Jenny, Sara, Jenny's boyfriend and his kids and myself all went. And...at Sara's home was waiting a smorgasbord of soups and breads for us to partake in in the warmth of Sara's home (oh, and hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps-the best) for some warmth and dessert! 

The crew....almost all dried off. What a fun evening with lovely people and yummy soups and chili and goodness all around! Merry Christmas!