Annual Cheesecake Factory lunch

I turned in all my change and got $90. So off we went for our annual Christmas lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. This is our 3rd year of doing this and we really enjoy this tradition. Sadly, Chris couldn't join us this year but we had fun nonetheless.

Heidi's 7th Grade Winter Concert

I am pretty impressed with Heidi's choir teacher. Just getting those middle school boys to stand there and sing is an accomplishment. But then she actually produces a choir that sounds good as well. Grandma, aunt krista, dad, Makenzie and myself attended. Heidi looked beautiful up there. She really enjoys singing. And she's excited and nervous about trying out for Pacific Youth Choir in January. I know she'll be fine.

To Hear Her Playing Again

Our oldest used to play the piano daily, up to three hours a day.  So much so that she developed chronic tendonitis in her wrist.

But then she stopped playing, not due to the tendonitis but something else entirely.

It's been over a year since she has played but she has started again and it is a wonderful thing to hear.

She is healing. We are all healing. And it's good to hear the music again.

Annual Tree Decorating Party

The Menu:

Pioneer Woman's hot artichoke dip
Zucchini cakes with cucumber dill sauce
Fresh pineapple
Cocktail meatballs
Cranberry juice
Sprite
Costco apple pie & vanilla ice cream

Music: The Lower Lights

In attendance:

Chris
Darilyn
Marilyn
Makenzie
Emma
Heidi

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

I wanted a flocked tree this year. It's just a necessity for me about every six years. I fill it with purple and silver ornaments and strand of beads in like colors.

It's beautiful and makes me happy to look at.

All our presents will be wrapped in silver and purple this year to add to the color theme.

Can you tell that purple is my favorite color?

Do you decorate around a certain color?

An Apron I Will Wear

I've wanted an apron for a few years. Every Christmas it's on my wish list and I guess people think its too simple or think I'm too picky because I still didn't have one.

Until today.

Today I found the cutest apron at the best price. I hesitated at first in buying it. Tried it on. Oohed and awed. Then thought oh maybe I shouldn't get it. After all, it IS on my Christmas list. What if Chris or the girls already got me one. I walked away with those thoughts.

15 minutes later I was back with money in hand. I decided I better take care of that item myself. And I'm SO glad I did! I've been wearing it all day. Decorating the house. Cooking dinner. Don't have a dish towel nearby to dry my hands?

No problem.

An apron I am wearing!

007

Saw the new Bond movie last night. My favorite one so far. Which is to say a lot since there are like a hundred. I love Daniel Craig.

Amen