Friday we decked our halls. Husband saw an add in the paper for a $30 pre-lit tree and sent me out on Black on Friday to get it. I was prepared for the worst. I don't do Black Friday shopping for a reason. I would rather spend extra to get something than waste my time. Time is much more valuable to me. However, it's what he wanted and he asks so little, so I went out and braved the crowds for that tree. It's been more crowded at Target on any given Saturday. Walked in, got my tree and walked out. No lines, close parking spot. It was great! Got home and the new tree went right up. We dug out the Irish Angel for the top of the tree. She must have been hitting the Jameson's too hard because we couldn't get her straight for a while, but finally she sobered up (those crazy Irish!) and she is perfect, like always, on top of the tree. We listened to Christmas music and enjoyed family time. Then, a new "tradition" was started. The babysitter arrived! Now, I have to first say, our babysitter rocks! My original intention was to have her come over so Husband and I could hang outside lights without interruptions. But, before she got here, Husband decided he didn't want to do outdoor lights this year. That meant we had four hours do whatever we chose. We chose to clean. It was great! No really...it was great! We cleaned out and organized the basement storage closet. We got items ready to donate to the hospice store. We got a ton of yard work accomplished (the awesome weather helped out a great deal with that!). We got Christmas gifts for the kids organized and gifts for our families at the Children's Center wrapped. Perfect day in my opinion
Saturday was again a beautiful day. Lots of cleaning. Re-organized the playroom and went through toys the kids no longer play with and got them ready for new homes. Did mounds of laundry. That part wasn't so exciting for me, but it gave me quiet time while the kids and Husband made pizzas. Best part of the day was the time we got to spend outside. Husband taught the kids how to play Four Square. They got their bikes out and road up and down the sidewalk. I got to mow and I learned how to use the trimmer (may not seem exciting, but for me it was. I love that stuff!).
Today, I actually get to go see my parents alone. I'm still working on the Advent Calendar. OK, so I haven't even started. I didn't get the right kind of material for a no-sew project, so I have to sew. I am taking the afternoon and heading up to my parents sans children and Husband. My mom and I are going to spend the afternoon sewing and chatting! I'm so excited! It's been a while since I've gotten to hang out with my mom, just the two of us.
The rest of this week will be filled with more holiday preparation! Just a bit more shopping to do. Gifts to wrap. Cookies to start making. Toys to donate. Acts of Kindness to fulfill. I can't wait! It is going to be a wonderful holiday season this year!