A Christmas Tree Hunt

Because we are blessed to live high up in the mountains, and because we love adventure, and because it costs a mere $15.00 for a permit, we cut our own Christmas tree each year.

Our pursuit starts in the fall.  While we are in the woods cutting firewood, we keep our eyes open for the perfect tree cutting areas.  Places that:

1. Are off the beaten path. (These are easy to find because the forest is gargantuan in size.)
2. get lots of sunshine...(Not deep in the woods).
3. have many of the type of tree we are looking for.

After we have selected the area, we cross our fingers and hope that the snow isn't too deep, and the roads are not closed so that we can actually get to the area.

 Here are the serious tree hunters...keeping their eyes open wide so they don't miss the perfect tree.

We decided to cross this little valley to see what was on the other side. 

Note to self: Trees that look small from across the meadow, are really giant sized when you get closer.

While I was nearly dying and out of breath from hiking over hills and through the snow with my five year old, my son was "frolicking" through the stuff.  Show off.

My baby said her legs were getting tired, so Daddy got suckered into carrying her on his shoulders.

That's much better. Look at her little smile.

From this vantage point, she can use her eagle eye to spot the good trees.

She's saying, "Go that way Daddy, I think I see one!"

 

I spotted "the one", and called in the troops.  Do you see how it's glowing, like a sign from heaven?  That's how you know. 

With careful instruction from dad, my boy started sawing at the base of the tree.

The troops are inspecting the job.

Now comes the hard part.  My poor lover has to drag it back to the truck.  We walked a long way!

Still walking. (Isn't that a beautiful looking tree?)

Now we load up the tree and put a tag on it.  We cut some extra greens to use throughout the house as well.

Stay tuned for part II: The finished product!

The Pomade Incident

Last night, Lover and I had a Christmas party to attend, so we hired a sitter to watch the kids. 

I was in the bathroom, curling my hair, when my 9 year old son stood right beside me and started to comb his hair.

me- " What are you doing?"

him-" I'm doing my hair before I go with Dad to pick up the babysitter."

me- "What?"

him- "Does this look OK? I want it to be combed up in the front."

I felt him to make sure he wasn't feverish.

Who was this kid, and where did my son go? My son has a ball cap on his head so often, that at times I wonder if it is going to need to be surgically removed from his scalp. It's his alternative to hair combing. He wears hats. Always. Period.

The only time he combs his hair is for:
a. church
b. weddings
c. funerals

So when he voluntarily went into the bathroom to "do" his hair all by himself, I nearly fainted.  Not only did he comb it, but he put pomade in it too!!!!

All I could think of was, "What's gotten into this kid?"

me- "Who the heck are you trying to impress?"

This was my fatal mistake.  He suddenly got all red in the face and gave me "the look."  I knew not to press him any further or he might regress back to his old ways.  I shut up immediately, but my mind was whirling with curiosity.

Was he trying to impress our 14 year old babysitter?

Was he suddenly caring about his "looks"?

Why does he want to be "cool" all of the sudden?

This one little hair incident might not seem like much, but I think I'm on to something here.  I think I sense a change in this boy.  I think....quite possibly...that he may be...growing up??!!

I think I need a tissue.

Feeling not ready for changes,

Nell

A Special Family Evening to Remember

Last night we loaded up the kids and had a very special date night with Grandma and Pop Pop.  They treated us to an extraordinary "experience" that  we would never be able to afford, and won't soon forget.

The night started off with a buffet style dinner at a fabulous restaurant and lodge in a nearby town. The food was Incredible!  Prime Rib, pork loin, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and the most amazing beef tenderloin that I have EVER experienced.  And I know my beef! It melted in your mouth and pulled apart with a fork.  I'm still dreaming about it. I would have paid a large sum of money for the recipe. I tried it all!  It was a feast like none other!

Then came the desserts:

little Petit fours, cakes, and pies...all for the grabbing.
And it was all in a lodge setting with roaring fireplaces, and beautiful Christmas decorations.  The night could have ended there, and I would have been utterly satisfied.  But wait...there was more!

Next, a trolley came and picked us up to take us to "The North Pole".

Once we arrived, we toured a bit of a toy "Hall of fame" where there was a showcasing of classic toys. They were displayed in the most exquisite way. Beautiful. 

Here was my favorite:

Every girl dreams of an Easy bake oven!

Next, we entered "Santa's Workshop" where the kids made toys for homeless children.  Pictures just don't do it justice. 

Here are the bears the girls made.

Next, the kids had Christmas cookies and snowman soup (hot chocolate).

Isn't this tree over the top?  It totally wouldn't go in my cowboy/ country Christmas house, but I was enamored with it, and wanted to take it home immediately!  It was a true work of art!

There was no detail left undone.  Entering the doors was like stepping into a fairytale!

Aren't these elf shoes cute?

After attending an elf class, and touring Santa's office, the kids got to have a chat with "the man" himself.

Side note:

Santa said, "What would you like for Christmas?" Do you know what my kids asked for? Virtually nothing.  Finally after some serious prompting, my son said, "winter socks".  The girls said they didn't need anything. Santa didn't know what to say.  I got the feeling that these weren't his usual customers.

You see, my kids know that Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, and they also know all about the real St. Nicholas.  He was an amazing Christian who gave most of his inherited wealth away to those less fortunate than he was.  St. Nicholas gave to others at Christmas time in the spirit of the one who gave his life for our sins. Jesus gave us the very best gift! (I know I just got "preachy" on ya! I just couldn't help it! LOL!!) My babies made their momma smile.  They know that it's not about the "stuff". They are truly little "givers"!

(I could have left that part out, but my blog is my journal, and I want to remember this stuff!  Besides, I've got to keep it real.)

OK...back to the story.

After we saw Santa, we went outside next to a roaring fire, and even got a glimpse at the reindeer stables while we waited for the trolley to take us back to the lodge.

Even though the rest of the stables were dark, we could tell where Rudolph slept.  His red nose lit up his stall, and gave him away!

After the trolley took us back, Mrs. Claus read the kids a story about Gingerbread pirates, and they got to color pictures.

The whole experience lasted until after 10pm, and it was quite entertaining!  The kids fell asleep in the truck on the way home...and I'm sure they dreamed of that magical place.

What a special gift for our family, and a special night!  The kids will cherish that night for years to come, and I know we'll all think of it often.

A 23 Sticker Salute

I recently celebrated a birthday and, for this joyous occasion, my side of the family sang one of the worst renditions of "Happy Birthday" that I've ever experienced.  But you know what...I genuinely felt the love in their voices.  It may not have been in three part harmony, or even always in tune, but it was beautiful in its own "special" way.  Ha Ha. ( I don't think anyone in my family is going to make it big in Nashville, let's just leave it at that.)

I always love to check the mail near my birthday because of all of the great cards that friends and family send me, but there's one card that I really, really look forward to each year.  It's a card from my church.  Each member of my family receives one on their big day.  Here's why I love it.

On the outside it looks all serious and Hallmark-ish, but on the inside.....

It's loaded with stickers!  It doesn't matter that I'm a grown up, I still get a full-on sticker attack in my card....23 stickers this year...to be exact.  I don't want to brag, but my husband only got 18 stickers in his card last month.  Mine's better.  I never used to count the stickers, but my kids ALWAYS count and compare their sticker birthday cards, so why shouldn't I?

One of the things I love most is that the dear sweet lady that prepares the birthday cards always goes the extra mile with them!  She even writes "scratch and sniff" next to that extra special sticker. I cherish this! Some years I get a sticker that changes pictures at different angles, and she writes, "Move up and down" so I don't miss it! 

I'm so thankful for this wonderful person in our congregation that makes every birthday feel extra- special.  She's a real jewel!  Can you imagine the time it takes to make one of these for each member of the church?  That must keep her extra busy.  I bet she's gonna get an extra jewel in her crown in heaven for her efforts!

Anyway, my family spoiled me with some spending cash,  fancy skin care products, heavenly smelling perfume, and a meat thermometer. I also got this beauty. It's from my husband and kiddos.  It's from Sheplers, and it's got some of my trademark bling on it!

I also got my very first ever Peacoat from my brother and sis-in-law.  I love it!

 It's actually the first real wool dress coat that I've ever had.  I'm ashamed to say it, but for the last ten years, I've been wearing my Carhartt choring jacket to church with beautiful clothes underneath.  As soon as I entered the church foyer, I'd take it off really quick so no one would see it.  In hind sight, I realize that the "duck brown" color didn't go the best with everything, but I always had a fencing staple or two in the pockets....just in case!  You never know when you're gonna need one at church. I still love my Carhartt for everyday wear, but for special occasions, you just can't beat a classy looking coat!

I'm so glad I have my sister-in-law to keep me clothed in the latest fashions.  She's waaaay cooler than I am.  She's gonna take the redneck right out of me!

I just feel like a new woman with all of my new birthday stuff! I truly am blessed.

Another Lover

Here's what it looked like when I woke up this morning.

When I wake up to find that it's snowing outside, I get little butterflies in my stomach and get a little hitch in my giddy-up. 

I get giddy as a school girl.

Why? Because, whenever there is at least a 2% chance of snow, I reach back into the back of my closet and pull out these:



Hello, Lover.



What you are viewing right now are only the most amazing footwear in the UNIVERSE!

They are more comfortable than Ugg slippers. (I know because I have some.)

They are warmer than sticking your little tootsies next to the wood stove.

They are like wearing a constant foot massage.  Not even joking.

They are my other lover.

If the air smells like snow, then you can find me in my size 8 Sorel snow boots.

I bought them years ago because we spend the entire winter feeding cattle, chipping ice, and hauling hay in the snow, and all my other snow boots just fell apart.  I finally broke down and bought the best.  I've had my Sorels for years, and they've never let me down! 

Besides... our cattle think they're sexy.  They flock to me when I'm wearing them.  At first I thought it was because I had hay for them, but now I'm certain that it's because of the boots. 



Aren't they dreamy?



I wear them everywhere...Walmart, the movie theater, dates with my husband, etc.

Last year it snowed 4 feet, and I wore them to church under my long jean skirt!  All I can say is, there was a double dose of the Holy Spirit in the sanctuary that service.  Whenever I wear heels and pantyhose to church, I dream of that snowy morning, so long ago, when my feet felt alive and free!

Am I saying that you should go out and buy a pair of Sorel snow boots right now?

Only if you want to experience a little slice of heaven on earth.  Only if you want to feel invigorated and vivacious.  Only if you want the sensation of pure bliss!

If you can be satisfied with mediocre footwear, then don't bother.

As for me, I'm going to lace up my two pieces of Paradise, and take a walk outside to check on my chickens in the frigid 2 degree air.  Will my toes get nippy? Nope.

Honey, it's a sunny summer day inside my snow boots, and it's always 98.6 degrees. 

P.S.- This is not a paid advertisement. The folks at Sorel don't know I exist...but I would gladly be their spokeswoman...wink...wink.

Conquering Black Friday!

Here's the blow by blow on the best Black Friday Shopping trip EVER! I brought along a camera for documenting purposes.

At 10:45pm on Thanksgiving, we grabbed a one hour cat-nap before heading out to shop. I made the mistake of putting on comfy clothes for this which made me not want to get up, but I forced myself.  The good deals were calling my name!

11:55pm- Mom and I loaded up and headed down to the Wally-World for the deals that started at midnight.  There were people camped out in the frozen food aisle with lawn chairs.  We grabbed the $1.97 and $5.00 movies that we went there to buy and one of the ladies in a lawn chair woke up and asked us if it was midnight yet so she could get her movies.  I didn't have the heart to tell her that they were almost gone already.

Here we are in my mom's zippy little car at midnight.  Not lookin' too bad....yet.

PTL (Praise the Lord) for my mom's car, because if we had to take my massive crew cab long bed pickup truck we would have had to park a mile away from all the action.

1:15am- Went home and took a 1 1/2 hour cat nap. I decided to sleep in my clothes and I tried to sleep like a mummy so I wouldn't wreck my hairdo or my mascara.  Mom decided to stay up and eat a turkey sandwich.

2:50am- Headed to Kohl's for a HUGE sale.  Pulled into the parking lot to find that the entire state of Arizona was at this particular Kohl's.  The sea of humanity wrapped around the building.  We took a deep breath, plunged into the crowd, and shopped for two hours.

 

Here's our loot. 

Next, we waited in a TWO hour line that wrapped around the store. One person shopped while the other waited in line, and then we switched.  Reporters from the local newspaper interviewed the "Crazy" shoppers in line about what possessed us to shop at 3 am.  If you have to ask, then you wouldn't understand. 

Total time spent at Kohl's= 4 hours

Total spent= $200.47

Total saved= over $400.00 + $30.00 Kohl's cash to spend online tomorrow!

Was it worth it?  ABSOLUTELY!

7:15 am- Arrived at Joann Fabrics.  I'm beginning to fade.  I need sustenance badly!



My eyes are bloodshot.

My mom took 20 minutes to decide on which decorative cellophane packaging she was going to buy for Christmas treats.  She called my dad to help her make a decision.  My legs are still numb from standing in the two hour line at the last store.  I sat in the aisle while she made the call.  Finally I give her the eye..."JUST CHOOSE ONE."

We both decide that I must get food or I won't be able to carry on any longer so we whip into Jack in the Box and grab a breakfast jack and a Dr. Pepper.  I felt refueled and refreshed!  Time for more shopping!

8:20am- The car has a mind of it's own, and swerves right into the Hobby Lobby parking lot.  We spent 1 1/2 hours here.

Ladies...everything in that store was calling my name! I was out of control. I was feeling a little sugar rush from the Dr. Pepper and the awesome gospel music playing on the loud speaker, and it put me in the mood to spend all of my money.  Thankfully my mother intervened before I bought the whole stinkin' store!

10:15am- Headed to Macy's for one item for my mother. The mall was a zoo so we did a Chinese fire drill at the front of the store where I switched to the driver's spot and circled while she shopped.

11:00am- Home to unload packages, eat a turkey sandwich and sleep for 1 1/2 hours.  We took showers, changed clothes and headed out for round two.  This time, my sister- in- law joined us!

2:00 pm- Headed to the cheesecake factory at the mall.  We prayed to Jesus for a parking spot, and I want you to know that there were 4 of them on the aisle we drove down.  A real miracle!

We had our first annual "girl's date" for a slice of Peppermint Bark Cheesecake on the first day it came out for the season.  If you haven't indulged in this little slice of heaven, then run...don't walk, to your nearest Cheesecake Factory!  You won't be sorry!

4:00pm- Toured the mall to walk off the 4 billion fat grams we just ingested. Bought Christmas soaps at Bath and Body Works, and smelled more perfumes and colognes at the department stores than a nose should sniff in one day.  Talk about nostril overload!  I put on 3 spritzes of my favorite expensive perfume and smelled like a street walker for an hour or so until it faded a little. 

5:00pm- Target.  Bought socks, stocking stuffers and looked at bedding.

6:00pm- The menfolk and children began calling to complain of hunger pains.  Who wants to cook after a full day of shopping?  We decide to pick up  pizzas.

8:00pm- Fell asleep on the couch where I proceeded to drool heavily.  I crashed hard!

I know that many people stay locked in their houses on Black Friday because of the crowds, but we experienced nothing but wonderful people full of kindness and Christmas spirit. It was just one day out of the year to miss out on a little sleep, and I treasured getting to spend it with my mom and new sister-in-law.  These little outings are a time of girl bonding, and making fun memories.  Oh yeah, and I saved a chunk of cash and got 3/4 of my Christmas shopping done in one day.

When you live nearly 4 hours from a mall, like I do, then you've got to make your list ahead of time, watch for the sales, and do a shopping marathon when you're in a city.  Now the rest of my shopping will get done online.  I just love great bargains.  What a fun day!

Thanksgiving Wrap-up

When we left yesterday to make our trek down the mountain, I begged my husband to let our two dogs ride up in the cab with us because it was so chilly outside.  I couldn't imagine them sitting in the back of the truck for 4 hours in temperatures below freezing.  My husband reluctantly gave in to my pleading and big brown doe eyes.  Not 5 minutes into our journey, my very old cow dog started getting gassy, and we had to roll the windows down in the freezing cold to get the stale air out of the truck.  I could feel the "I told you so" stares coming from the driver's seat but I kept my eyes straight ahead and pretended nothing at all was going on in the back seat.  I thought to myself..."This could be a very long trip if this old dog doesn't mind his manners."  Besides that one minor detail, the drive went by quickly.

This morning I woke up to the smell of turkey baking in the old turkey roaster.  It used to be my Granny's, and it's faithfully cooked our family's Thanksgiving turkey my whole life.

Every year while the Turkey is cooking, my mom and I look through the sales flyers and chart out our plan of attack for Black Friday while we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. Then, everyone comes to the house around lunchtime, and we feast the day away.

For as long as I can remember, my whole family has also fought over the pre-dinner deviled eggs.  If you arrive late, then "No Deviled Eggs for You!"  They're a hot commodity around these parts.  The black olives go quickly too.....especially when my children do this with their fingers:

I remember doing that very same thing when I was little.  I guess some things never change!

Dinner was fabulous, and as always, I ate waaaaaay too much.  Afterward, we had a fierce tournament in the backyard.  We love to play a game called "Washoes." I don't know how to describe it other than to tell you that you try to toss giant metal washers into a board with three holes in it. My Hubby and I gained back our reigning title from my brother and his wife.  It feels good to be a Champion! We even performed out trademark "Happy Dance" to seal the victory.

The day was even better because temperatures were nearly 70 degrees F. down in the valley,  while it was snowy back home.  We ate dinner on tables on the back porch of my folk's house and it couldn't have been more perfect weather.  We had such a fabulous Thanksgiving.

Up next....a full day of shopping! I've got to catch a few winks before I fight the crowds for the great deals!

Good Night.