Christmas Decorating

Today I am stealing photos from Kirsten's facebook page. It is Harlee and Nicholas decorating their tree.
I got my floors mopped this morning. And then I started decorating this afternoon. But it doesn't happen overnight. Have my bay window done, so that means the tree can go up now. If I can talk Curtis into bringing it in.

We are having quite a snow storm out there with the wind whipping it about and I am sure making visibility terrible out there. I have been hibernating this afternoon.

Our Elf

Long before-The Elf on the Shelf, there was Elfie.
He was the elf Santa sent to visit our home at Christmas time.
He would wonder around the house at night and be in a new location, most mornings.
Well, Elfie has been missing from our family for quite a few Christmases.
He is about to make a reappearance at the house of Harlee and Nicholas.
I think it should be cute, especially with Harlee. She is really into Christmas this year, being 4. She tells me she is not afraid to talk to Santa this year.
We shall see what reactions there are to Elfie when he arrives at the Steele household.

It is very dull and gloomy out today, with snow expected tonight and tomorrow.
Curtis is on the road to Missoula and will be back tonight.

First Sunday of Advent.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming". So, this means, I need to get prepared for Christmas.
I feel a panic, once I know American Thanksgiving is done and Christmas is a mere 4 weeks away.
Finish shopping, get presents sent out to family out of state and out of country.
Christmas decorating, Christmas baking. And wrapping. I not sure how to simplify things. I'd welcome any suggestions. But I did get my fall decorations down and put away.
Today I have been canceled from work. I just finished watching 2 of my favourite things on TV--figure skating and they were skating to Manheim SteamRoller. Could I just sit there and watch it---that would be no!!!!! I was wrapping up some of the Christmas gifts I already have.
But in celebration of advent, my grandchildren have a little advent house. There is a present for each day of December for them to open. Back in the day, my girls had the calendars where they opened up a small chocolate every day.
Any way it is part of our family Christmas traditions.

Black Friday

Black Friday shopping seems to get earlier and earlier and crazier and crazier with each year. This year, Thanksgiving can't even get finished and the stores are opening up. Some didn't even close, which I think is a shame, since they aren't an essential service. I think Thanksgiving is a day which should be set aside for family and friends and not shopping. But who the heck am I??? old fashioned, traditional!!!!!

But at midnight, Curtis was up as usual and headed out to Target to check out a couple of bargains. He got down to the store, couldn't find a park, made a U turn and headed back home. I guess the line up for the store was unreal. And that a lot of folks stayed up.

We didn't even head out early this morning. We did go shopping for a couple of items and then headed back home. I am not into the crowds.

Kirsten and the kids stopped over for a few minutes this afternoon. Harlee asked - aren't you going to take my picture, nana?? So out came the camera and this is what I ended up with.

Onto tomorrow......

Happy Thanksgiving

My future photographer!! Look how happy this boy is behind the camera.


American Style. Last month we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving. So today it was time for American Turkey day. We have so much to be thankful for --- Our family,our friends,our health. And I am thankful to be changing my status to registry at work.
I was up early baking our pie and getting our dressing made. Kirsten invited us over for breakfast. And then Curtis and I came home. I swept up all the pine cones in the driveway and fed the birds. I came in and got the turkey bird in the oven. Shortly after lunch, Kirsten and the crew arrived. Harlee and I made little turkeys out of Oreo cookies, candy corn, mini peanut butter cups and choc. covered cranberries.
And Curtis got our Christmas lights up as it is so mild out. Better than last year.

It was a yummy dinner and I am pooped this evening. Got my feet up and running the dishwasher for the second time today.

Tomorrow is the craziness of Black Friday. Not sure there is anything that I really want out there.

Picture of the Week-#46

This a photo from our outing on Sunday down at Giant Springs.

I am pooped after working all day. It was busy with only 3 nurses and no secretary, doing our work and answering all the phones calls.
Now I am off for a few days. And will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow with Kirsten and her little family.

A Field Trip with Harlee

Today I went on a field trip with Harlee's preschool class to Pizza Hut to make Pizzas. I remember the days when I went on field trips with my own girls--sure brings back the memories. I even rode the school bus with her. I think she was happy to have her nana with her. And she ate most of her pizza she made for herself. But she had to save one piece to take home to her mama. She always is thinking about someone else--I think that is remarkable for a 4 year old! Anyway I enjoyed spending the time with my little granddaughter. Far too soon she will be grown up on us-so I am enjoying all I can while she is little.

My December Daily

A few more foundations pages for my Dec. daily.
I am excited to make pizza with Harlee's preschool class tomorrow.

Sunday Stroll

Today I was canceled from work and was home creating.
Curtis was headed down to Giant Springs on a photo expedition and I decided to tag along.
I think I got some awesome shots today. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them. j

Photo of the Week #45

Picture is of Harlee eating her decorated cookie at the Festival of Trees.

It's a cold, snowy day out.
Happy to be at home.

How the Wind does Howl

out here on the plains. This usually happens before the storm blows in. And we have snow predicted for tonight and tomorrow.
I picked up Harlee from the preschool bus and she was telling me how the wind was blowing her around on the playground at school.
Today, I have been working on the advent calendar goodies for Harlee and Nic. Harlee saw the little house out with the notes inside. She says to me, " Can I Help You, Nana!' I tell her - then it wouldn't be a surprise for you. She was happy to play Wii and then a little on the IPad before her papa came to get her.

Unproductive Day

Today, has been very unproductive. Just no motivation to do much.
I spent all morning at the hospital at a staff meeting.
I drove across town to 2J's to pick up some fresh produce.
Came home a puttered all afternoon.
Curtis was down the road in Helena.

Went to a fantastic concert last evening.
Manheim SteamRoller. Gets you in the mood for Christmas.
And there was a little snow that had fallen when we came out of the concert.

MME Blog Challenge #29

Here is my layout for the latest MME layout challenge.
You need to use 80% MME product and use the colour BROWN
A photo of Harlee earlier this year in the tub.
There are other great layouts on the MME blog.

Pretty quiet Tuesday around here.
It is open season for Federal Health insurance, dental and vision.
So, I read through some of those and we signed up for some different options, since I will be losing my dental insurance when I change my status at the hospital, come January.
Watched Nic for a bit, while Kirsten went off for a job interview.
Looking forward to going to see Manheim Steamroller tonight. Should be an enjoyable concert. Get one in the mood for the Christmas season!!!

A Little visit to Festival of Trees

Why does it seem Christmas celebrations get earlier and earlier each year? There was so much going on this weekend in town getting in gear for Christmas. Festival of Trees, the Christmas collection at PGS and an open house at the Charlie Russell Museum.
Our NICU used to decorate a tree for the Festival of Trees, back in the day. They use to be gorgeous. We made all our decorations to put on the tree. We have some real crafty gals that I work with. One year another girl and I sewed and quilted a tree skirt. But those days are long gone.
Kirsten wanted to take the kids to the Family Day they put on. There are a few kid activities to do. My girls used to volunteer at this activity when they were Girl Scouts. And that was back in the day too.
Today, I was canceled from work. So, I put it to good use. I visited the grocery store for a basket full of much needed goodies. I changed the sheets on the bed and washed towels and sheets. Kirsten was here from school over her lunch time. Worked a little on my Dec. Daily.
Snowy on and off today. People need to change to their winter driving habits and slow down. There was an accident on the 9th Street bridge with a school bus. Harlee heads that way every morning, so I am happy it wasn't her bus.