And so it begins…

In a matter of days the Christmas Season is upon us. Let the decorating begin! Tomorrow is Taya's turn as she is hosting a family party on Monday. We will be fluffing garland (not the most fun job), testing lights (lights are evil), putting holes in walls (hopefully we can find the same color paint for repair later), and ribboning everything. I am a ribbon junkie and cannot pass by a ribbon display at Costco and not succumb. I strive to know where it is and not go that way as the season progresses. Mostly because I don't want Grumpy to divorce me over ribbon. I am actually excited to help Taya get her house Christmasy and magical for the month to come. My favorite time is when everything is up, the fire is going in the fireplace (I will miss that here with Papa this year), the holiday music on and peace is everywhere in the house. I have taken great pleasure during the years to make our home memorable and help the kids with theirs. Nana, Papa and I and whoever I could get to help would get all the stuff out to make this house beautiful at Christmas because Nana loved Christmas things so much. She loved her house to be decked out and would sit with all the twinkle lights on and just enjoy it. My other addiction is wrapping paper. I have given that aisle a wide berth at Costco and anywhere else I shop. So far I've been able to stay on the wagon, so wish me luck.

As people prepare to leave town for Thanksgiving elsewhere, go elk hunting (whaaat?), go to the dunes (sand and turkey?) and other events, I pray the Lord will bless us with safety. I hope in the middle of all the “stuff” we can remember to be Thankful, bigtime, for all that we enjoy here. American may be hurting, but I love it and can't imagine living anywhere else. I hope God will continue to bless us here in this most blessed of nations, and that we will do all that we can to try to deserve it.