snow

It has been quite sometime since we posted anything. It has been hard to see straight through all the snow. In fact it is hard for me to even think about snow after almost 2 weeks of being stuck at home. Here are a few things that happened during the storm:

-We went to Sunriver the weekend of the snow storm and had the best time. The first snowfall of the season was lovely and I wondered to myself why people complain about bundling their kids up. If you have not been to Sunriver during December you should really consider it, they have really great Christmas activities for kids.

- Hannah came home for Christmas!

- Christian took my car with the traction devices to work everyday. I realize that his employment is more important than my trip to the JoAnns, but when I look in the garage and the escape vehicle is missing I get a little tense.

- One morning with the help of our dear Mackenzie (who walked to my house), we loaded the ladies into the sled and pulled them up the vineyard to Grandma Pru's. We love to go visit my inlaws but I must be honest and say that I only walk there when the weather is above 80. I really hate being cold.

- Katrina and I sewed 6 quilts, barely getting them finished for Christmas. Twice Katrina was dropped off at my house and trapped here for several hours while we finished things up. I was also able to finish up the camping playhouse for my nephew Vincent with just a minute to spare.

- Christmas Eve morning my parents and brothers were able to make it to our house for breakfast and gifts and Christmas day all the Stavigs made it to celebrate at my inlaws.

As I reread my list I'm noting that things weren't all that bad despite the snow. I accomplished something almost everyday and the most important part... we were able to spend the holidays with our family.

NINE

Question: How many trees does one need to get inorder for the nice man at the tree lot to recognize you???

Answer: 9

Between Katrina, Pru and myself, we managed to purchase 9 trees last year at Alices on 212 at the Carver exit. Kat and I each had 2 and then there were 5 at the big house. I really love Christmas trees, they smell so good and there is just nothing like the feeling of driving around town with a couple trees on top of the car. Kind of like taking your new handbag out for a spin!

This year the Roths got their trees up first and I could hardly stand it. If I hadn't been hosting Thanksgiving and a babyshower within 48 hours of each other I would have had mine up too. So, first thing (11am) Monday morning Katrina arrived so that I could go get my trees. Finn volunteered to be my tree expert as he had already practiced over the weekend. We looked at about every tree on the lot and finally decided on "the tree" and then the smaller one I like to have in my bedroom.

The man helping us was so friendly and I wondered if he remembered the scene from last year. As we went inside to pay Finn asked, "Auntie, how will the man know what car is ours?" and as I'm turning around to give the man a little direction I notice that indeed he is already standing on my back bumper.

In the two years I have lived in my neighborhood I have met 2 neighbors. I don't know anyone at the grocery store, or the starbucks but I now feel confident in saying that I know the tree guys. And I suppose if I'm being honest I might also know my safeway.com delivery man. :-)