December Days

 I want to remember this month and have it not be such a blur, but I find it hard to settle down to write anything.

Thanksgiving was different for us, as usual, but fun.  We staggered 3 different meals - vegan, Southern, PNW - throughout the week and enjoyed bits of all of it.  I'll get some pictures posted soon.  I have a good many, but they're all scattered among texts and cameras and unedited.

Day 1: Monday. I woke up with a burst of energy, which is unusual for me.  I usually have to get some protein and some coffee and take what pills I have for the morning, especially since I've usually been awake half the night.  We were aware that the maintenance guys were coming on Monday to do a safety inspection and check the fire alarm and ceiling sprinklers, so we made sure we could let them in.  Noreen asked me to go over for a visit, and I didn't need to be asked twice.  We've had such a busy week and needed a lot of time to catch up.  It was good to laugh and share our Thanksgiving pictures and get back on track.  It wasn't even as cold as we were thinking it would be.  I washed my 3 big front windows, inside and out, and felt pretty proud of that.  Then I refreshed the front door wreath and swept the porch a little.  

The girls didn't come after school, so I took back library books and picked up some, and by that time it was beginning to rain a little.  I then took my little Christmas tree over to Steller for the girls to put in the upstairs playroom to enjoy.  It was good to get that out of the garage, and I'm hoping it's the catalyst that will get me going on giving a lot of stuff away.  I still can't get to my bins of decorations, but no hurry. 

Lots of stuff happened in between - texting with family and friends and catching up and getting my first gifts ordered.  A good day, for sure.

Day 2:  It had gotten much colder and rainy overnight, and I didn't have as much enthusiasm, but I got all my laundry done plus part of the girls' and went through yesterday's mail.  Kyle and his helper came by and inspected the alarms and noticed that my stove doesn't match the other appliances.  It's still an old white one, although there's nothing wrong with it.  He said he would bring us a new one. Yay for us, I guess.  I just wanted him to get some new burner pans or whatever those things are called.  

Noreen brought over some homemade turkey soup, which was delicious and perfect for a gloomy winter day.  

The girls came after school, and Graysen and I talked about gifts for Kate that she wanted me to order, and when Kate came in after crossing guard, we played Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza.  I'm hopeless and slow and am always mixing up the pizza for cheese.  I didn't win.  They had to leave at 4:00 to get ready for soccer practice and DMW.  I sure hate to see them leave after it's already dark to walk home, but they don't seem to mind.  I just don't trust the drivers.  I feel like the girls are careful.  Emily sent me more pictures just now of them doing the second cat picture of their advent puzzle.  I think they're really enjoying it.  

The Nutcracker is Saturday night in Seattle, and they'll go with the Wheats.  They are wanting new dresses for the occasion.  Always a fun night.  Then Saturday night I'll babysit while Emily and Ryan go back to Seattle for a show they want to see.  There's entirely too much travel for me to relax, but I try to not be anxious.  They're leaving the 17th to go to Leavenworth where they plan to immerse themselves in as much snow as they can while I stay and babysit Gus and Luna.  

Today was supposed to be Mah Jongg, but some had doctor appointments, and one had an appliance repairman coming, so we took another day off.  We'll definitely be there Thursday, the ones of us who can.  It will be fun even with going out in what looks to be more cold rain.  It makes coming back home that much nicer.  

Nothing planned for Day 3 except to get the living room ready for the tree.  We moved chairs today and the desk, and I think we have too much furniture still.  It's going to be okay for the few days it's like this though, and we'll enjoy the new look.

I'm way behind on pictures, but here are a few of the puzzle nights and the end of the decorating.  Gray did not like the tree they picked out, but once they got most of the ornaments on, I think she likes it better.  

 

 Emily came across this beautiful little face in the old Christmas memories yesterday and sent it to me.  Such a sweet baby.  Is she eating a whole cake?