Christmas Tree!!

We wanted to get a real tree this year since it's our first Christmas with just us. I knew it would be a hassle but it has turned out to be so pretty! We were looking around for tree lots, but didn't really want to deal with tree lot guys. We found out that Costco sells real trees so we borrowed Marty's truck and drove down. The tree didn't look that big all set up in Costco. It didn't look that big all bundled up with twine. It seemed a little bigger when we had to haul it up the stairs. It seemed really tall when we put it in the tree stand and we were grateful for the vaulted ceiling by the kitchen window. Then came time to cut the twine. The scene from the Griswold's Family Christmas tree revealing flashed through my head. Luckily we had moved the stand away from the window beforehand :) Stephen cut and slowly but surely that tree got bigger and bigger. It pretty much takes up the whole kitchen, but it looks lovely.

We moved the cart closer to the window so we could put the table on that wall as well.

 

We unbundled it two days ago so the branches could settle. Then last night we started on the lights. We had to go to Wal-Mart again to buy more lights. It took 10 strands of the 100 strand lights to cover that tree...1000 twinkle lights! Yes, that is a big bowl of Muddy Buddies on the table :) While Stephen was doing the lights we watched The Griswolds and I made Muddy Buddies for a little treat.

I also have to tell about dinner! I have been wanting to make Posole (that Mexican soup) forever! Yesterday was the perfect day because it FINALLY got cold and snowed! My soup turned out so delicious! I doctored up a soup recipie from Rachel Ray. I added garbonzo beans, more spices and some Avocado to make it Posole. I'm glad we have left overs. I also used a new ingredient! Chilies in Adobo sauce. They aren't very hot, but more of a smokey sweet flavor. They were so good! I only used three from the can so I froze the rest for the next time I make the soup.

Once we got the lights on the tree we vacuumed up all the pine needles and moved it into position.

 

Thank you Dad for the new Peter Pan Pants. They are very comfy :) Thank you Mom for the extra fabric that works quite well for a little tree skirt. Ok, the Santa hat will not stay up there forever. I haven't found a tree topper I like or am willing to pay for, so for now (even though it seems a little disrespectful) we have the Santa hat...Stephen's idea of course.

I think our BIG tree looks so nice. When it was all said and done we sat down on the floor in front of the tree with the lights off and just thought how blessed we are and how cozy it is to be together in a warm house on a cold night. We are so excited to keep old traditions and start new ones. This Christmas will always be special because it's our first one on our own and it's our last one without little ones. We are cherishing this time along together, but we are also excited for next Christmas with little SJ :)