Twas the Week Before Christmas....

Twas the week before Christmas and scarce trace of snow,
I pedal my bike when to work I do go!

This was December 11th, and it looks pre-e-e-ety brown out there for December.

Over the meadow and through the woods, to Great-Grandma's Care Home we go....

The boy knows the way to carry the sleigh....

So that was one gathering, short and sweet, including caroling, seeing Grandma just before her 93rd birthday (not that she could remember her birthday was coming- her short term memory is less than 5 minutes now) cousins, and cousins' little children...compared to our big galoots.

I have done the majority of the Christmas prep, so in order to be an equal opportunity partner, I sent Peter out to "hunt and gather" our Christmas turkey. He had been staking out his hunting territory already and was prepared to make his move. He donned his Hunter's Orange clothing, and put on his stealth hat and shades. His weapon of choice? A pre-loaded IGA gift card, which handily bagged him this 23.76 pounder, ready to go into the oven at 8 am next Saturday. Good work!

Today was "Christmas haircut" day. After two months, it was getting a little shaggy.

Here it is, tamed down, and has some subtle highlights that I get done below the crown so I never have to deal the root situation when they grow out. If you look closely you can see a couple of them in my bangs and on the right. I always like how it looks better when I style it myself, but this gives you an idea.

We're counting down to the holidays now. Tomorrow is Music Sunday in Church, and also the last church service our small church will have until January 8th because we are still looking for a pastor, and so many people will be away over the holidays. Peter's school concert is Tuesday (and I have a small accompanying part), Evan's school concert is Wednesday and he's in Gr. 8 Band, Gr. 8 Choir, Jazz Band and has a small part in the Drama. I might even have to go early to get a spot closer to the front this year.... Thursday is the last school day of the holidays! I wouldn't mind if I weren't booked for that day; we'll see what happens. Friday will be cleaning day, Saturday is my extended family (all 10 of us including the 5 in our house) and Christmas day is for our family at home. The final preparations are being made.

I'm sure that there will be much fun and merriment yet, and we're all planning on staying WELL for the holidays!

Enjoy this last week of anticipation. May it be stress-free and pleasant.