Oh Tannenbaum

Yesterday we headed out to Warren Tree Farm in Bartonville to find our perfect tree. It's been a few years, but in the olden days, our family had a firm tradition of searching for a gorgeous tree to cut down every year after Thanksgiving. It was really nice to go again. Vanilla Bean Counter and I had a lovely time. The weather was perfect, and the tree farm wasn't busy. It was Joshua's first time cutting a tree. Although he was a good sport, it wasn't really his thing.

We found a beautiful Fraser Fir in about a half hour, and Joshua had it sawed down in no time. We brought it right home and set it up. It's funny how trees look rather small in the forest, and then seem to grown once you get them home. Our 7.5 foot chubby tree is certainly bigger than the 6 foot petite tree I had in mind while shopping. By 10:00 last night, the tree was up and decorated, the needles cleaned up, and presents arranged beneath, a fun day that really put me in the holiday spirit.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

I don't usually decorate before Thanksgiving, but I couldn't help myself. It was much easier to put up the garland after buying it, rather than trying to find a place to store it just for a few days. So here's a small preview. I have a banister!

It's a lot of pressure to be festive this year. Christmas morning is at our house for the first time, instead of Mom's. Mom has gorgeous decorations galore, and until this year I've had nothing. So, after some trips to Hobby Lobby, I think my home will be quite lovely. The Christmas tree will be cut down on Friday from Warren Tree Farm in Bartonville, Joshua's aunt and uncle. Should be fun!

Dinner Theater

Saturday night was more family fun to celebrate Grandma's retirement. We all went to Circa 21 dinner theater to watch Holly Jolly Christmas. Dinner was delicious, and the musical was entertaining. My favorite part was the grim reaper carrying Santa's sleigh through the sky. It's a long story.

Retirement Party

Last night Vanilla Bean Counter and I drove up to Preemption. What, you've never heard of Preemption? Well, we were there for a rockin' party to celebrate my grandma's retirement from working as a post master in this small town for many years. It was a very nice party. I served coffee and punch, and Vanilla Bean Counter bitched because she hates parties and was slightly wicket (our family's term for sick). Jon G was in charge of the decorations and most of the food planning. The flowers were upcycled from my wedding flowers. After the addition of some orange, yellow, and gold accents, they were brand new again and looked lovely.

Today is moving day for Vanilla Bean Counter. New apartment with no Trompy, it will be fantastic. Then tonight, it's back to the Quad Cities for a Circa 21 play, something about the holidays and singing I think. I'll enjoy it, and so will Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Ronni, but Vanilla Bean Counter will probably be whining again.

Bedroom

I finished painting the bedroom two weeks ago. I went bold, and I love it. Brown paint, fun fun. I really need to figure out something for the walls. It's still pretty plain.

Halloween Weekend

Friday night began with a pumpkin search. Lesson learned: don't wait until the last minute to buy a pumpkin. Vanilla Bean Counter and I finally found them at Lowe's. We carved Friday evening, with great results.

Saturday night we had a quiet evening handing out candy to the neighborhood kiddos. I did dress up, even though I had nowhere to go. It was still fun.

Today was the central Illinois tour to Monticello and Springfield. We visited family, had some pizza, and watched a 4th grade basketball game. Nice weekend.