Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

We're at work today, but had yesterday off which was unexpected and fabulous to have a special day off.  We had such a nice day, catching up on chores, going on a moonlit hike through the snow and then making a special meal together.  With some of the tragedies that have occurred recently, I was extra happy & appreciative to be spending the day with my husband.

Getting our tree this year was a comedic event ... I'd had the grand idea that it would be nice to have a tree that was a little fuller which meant cutting down a larger tree and then just using the top of the tree.  We found a beautiful tree, lopped off the top (without measuring) and carried it 1/4 of a mile back to our barn.  It was surprisingly heavy and I had to stop multiple times to rest my arms :)

When we got back, I measured our indoor space and Jason measured off how much of the tree we could take inside.  It was hysterical!!!  It was less than half of what we'd lugged all the way back to our place and was so skinny once it was cut away from the rest of it.  It was truly pathetic looking.  Even though the sun had already set, we headed out on a short hike to see if we could find something better.  We were about to give up when I spied a perfect looking little tree across a "meadow."  Of course, the meadow was actually a huge beaver bog -- a swampy, grass covered area with small streams running through it.  Getting across to check out the tree was doable ... getting back across while trying to carry a Christmas tree just added even more humor to the day.  Picture trying to team-carry a large, awkward object while trying to leap over steams.  Yes ... quite the adventure :)

I was reminded today that this will be our last Christmas with just the two of us.  It's really hard to fully imagine how much our life will be changing this next year.  Since today I am officially six months pregnant, here is an updated belly shot.  (Thanks Mom for sending me some maternity shirts since there are literally no stores that sell maternity-wear here!)

A chilly morning in the outhouse

{unintentionally} cruel comments

Today, I received my first really thoughtless comment with regard to my new pregnancy body ... I've known/expected to get some of these, but I have to admit when it came my way I was still stunned.

The comments was "... you know you're going to get really big, since you're already SO large ..."  

There was more, but this was the main idea.  Sigh.  I wanted to just respond that yes I knew I was large, but it wasn't really helpful to have it rubbed in.  But, I meekly just agreed.  What else am I supposed to do? 

Of course, I totally realize that it wasn't meant to be mean-spirited (at least I hope not!), but it still stings.  


On a much cheerier note ... this is our friend Edie, turning 89 years old.

Edie and her husband, Bud, are very dear friends who we met through church and she regularly reminds me how beautiful I am and that she loves me.  They still live in a house they built for themselves 30 years ago that sits on three acres of land with beautiful gardens that they tend themselves.  They love to play board games and this is where our connection began.  

I'd been looking for something "special" to take her to celebrate her big day and came across this recipe from Southern Living which turned out delightful.  One note, the recipe made way, way too much frosting -- I would cut the recipe in half if making again. Otherwise, I was really pleased how the experiment worked out.

So ... now that I've been informed that I'm large and going to get really large ... and I guess I'll have another cupcake! :)