I Love Christmas

This is what it's all about. 

There is a bigger story. And it's beautiful.

Oh, Christmas Tree

I know I'm not supposed to start out a post by apologizing for not writing. Besides, that's so overdone. Instead, I'm going to just make a list of things I've done since I last wrote. (This list is not comprehensive. In case you were wondering.)

• Went to Minnesota
• Changed Teams at Work
• Cut a Christmas Tree
• Sat in Front of the Fire
• Made a Wreath
• Slept
• Read Jane Eyre
• Watched The Biggest Loser Finale

Last weekend we went to cut our Christmas tree. Thankfully, the weather gave us a break because both the day before and the day after we went were bitterly cold with temperatures in the single digits. Friday, however, was in the 40's.

So with the sun shining, we set off to Woodland Park. You see, unlike some people (ahem ... New York) when we cut our tree, we actually go out into the wild and go on a tree hunt. In the real forest.

Anyway.

Upon entering the designated tree-cutting area, we parked, spread out and within 15 minutes, we found it.


Chris and Gabe did the manly work of cutting it down. It took about 7.5 seconds.

Then Gabe hoisted the freshly cut tree ...

... and proceeded to carry it back to the car.

By himself.

Then we all posed with the tree like we helped carry it.

Here it is packed up for the journey home.

And then it's time for the portrait session. The boys ...

... and the girls.

A tree that looks tiny in the forest looks a lot bigger when you domesticate it.


Last thing is the star on top and ...

TADAAA!

P.S. I'd like to apologize for the poor quality of these photos. I've been playing with the manual settings on my camera and I forgot to change them. I promise to improve!

'Tis the Season

Today was a momentous day.

After church we went Christmas shopping. But here's the remarkable part ... it was Chris' suggestion! You know I wasn't about to say no.

So the first hour we were at Costco. We even had lunch there - both of us for $3.17!! (Isn't Costco great?)

Then the next five hours we were at the mall. Yeah, I know. Five hours. I can't believe both of us lasted that long. Once we got going, we just decided to knock it out all at once. Actually, we spoiled ourselves a little too. Thanks, Old Navy!

In other news, I'm typing this post on my ... BRAND NEW MAC! Seriously ... it's so pretty I hardly want to touch it.

Maybe this new toy will help me to blog more frequently.

Christmas in January

Sorry I've missed a few days. I have a good excuse, though. Remember how sad I was that my sisters weren't here for Christmas? Well ... they were here this weekend!


Micah met Uncle Chris and Aunt Valeen for the first time. He was obviously thrilled.

We had waited to exchange Christmas gifts until everyone was together. It actually felt more like Christmas than it did on December 25th.

Valeen got a shirt with Zach's face on it. Cause who doesn't want one of those?

We also had a shower/reception for The Sach their wedding is in NY. Zach is a sailor and so the theme was sailing. Because of my brilliant idea for a centerpiece, I now am the proud owner of 10 pet goldfish.

Yesterday we celebrated the 26th annual Denver Day. We spent the day at the Denver Zoo and then had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.

At a table for 27.

A good time was had by all.
Merry Christmas!

Sisters

I'm REALLY missing my sisters today.
It doesn't feel like Christmas without them here.

Merry Christmas, Dave Barnes Style

Installment #3.
These videos just get more and more outrageous, just like his outfits.
This is fast becoming my favorite Christmas tradition.

Does he remind anyone else of Fez?

In case you missed it, here's last year's Part 2.
And, of course, who can forget the BEST ... Part 1.

Snow Globe

I have this weird idea that I'm living in a snow globe and someone shook it up today. The view through the window of my work space is gray, cold and dreary. The snow has been falling steadily all day long and it finally feels like Christmastime. Three weeks ...

Speaking of Christmas, I decorated my house the other day with my collection of Christmas-themed items. All six of them. Seriously, my lack of holiday flair is a little embarrassing. I apparently don't have a smidgen of Martha Stewart in me. I think I'll go buy myself a little tree after work.

This is the first Christmas that my whole family won't be together. It's going to be very different and I'm trying hard not to be sad about it. It's going to feel rather lonely without my two sisters. (And who will play the other part of the Sleigh Ride duet on the piano with me?)

Next Thursday is Compassion's Christmas Banquet. I found out yesterday that my sister-in-law Valeen and I bought the same dress. (Apparently we both have impeccable taste.) At least we bought different colors. I have a feeling, though, that we'll still be the Tschamler Twins.

That's it for today's update. I leave you with a picture of what I look at all day long ...
I never thought I'd like working in a cubicle, but with the snow falling outside, a cup of hot chocolate (second of the day!) and Tony Bennett singing me "Winter Wonderland," it's a pretty sweet deal.

A Funky Little Christmas Gift

Merry Christmas!

I couldn't have said it better ...

myself.
Right on, Brant.