November Adieu

Pretty orchard in Provo, Utah

Since December 1st is tomorrow, I thought I would bid November adieu with a picture of the last falling leaves.  I'm feeling the change in the air.  I don't think it is as much the weather as it is the feeling of giving myself permission to celebrate a new holiday.  It's as though listening to Christmas music and drinking Peppermint Hot Chocolate is okay now, and not only that, it is something to look forward to. 

I  promised the kiddos that if we cleaned up every room this week then we could get the Christmas decorations out.  I still have some unpacking to do and I am embarrassed at my bathrooms since we have returned--so a deep clean is a must before I unveil the sparkle.  It will be our first Christmas in this apartment, so figuring out an arrangement of the tree and stockings will be fun, I think.

I'm also desperately excited to head to Georgia in a few weeks.  The entire Stroud clan will be there with some new family members since our last gathering and we have such fun planned.  I got a little preview of the bunch when we saw my new nieces for Thanksgiving in Utah and I am in full giggle-mode at the idea of smothering their cheeks in kisses again.

Christmas cards are mailed out (wahoo!) and I am in full Christmas making/shopping mode.  I am going to be kinder to myself this year and not expect myself to do the crafts/activities that a SAHM would have time to do, and so I hope that what I can accomplish will be ever so appreciated, and ever so remembered.

Happy December, friends.