The List

• Decorate the tree - Done upstairs and down.


• Decorate our home - Mostly done, but the boxes need to be put away. I am SURE I am still missing one box of decor items and I think there are items inside I would enjoy using.


• Lights - Mark and the kids put the outside lights up weeks ago. Rachel gave me some white outdoor lights I planned to put on three small lilac shrubs in the back yard, but I don't think we will get to that. The lights were live on Thanksgiving evening, like many neighbors in the 'hood.


• Wreath - Gifted to me at the Mickman Brother's open house last Friday, jazzed up, and in place on the front of the house. Additional fake wreath jazzed up by the patio door outside.


• Additional outdoor front door decor - The galvanized tubs and pot holder were decorated last Saturdaywith evergreen free from tree farm, red and green bulbs, red accent twigs and bows to match the wreath.


• Decorate Ikea kitchen/living shelves and floating wall shelf - All set for the holiday's


• Christmas Card holder - In place with three cards received so far


• Christmas cards - Ordered from Shutterfly on Sunday night with family photos taken in October!


• Visit with Santa - We saw him at the tree farm AND at a Breakfast with Santa in Chanhassen last Sunday with the Charlie, Nana and Papa, Brett and Rachel.


• Christmas Outfits for the kids - They will actually wear last year's attire to there Step by Step Christmas program. I am unsure about the Sunday School Program on Sunday and Christmas Eve.


• Gift Shopping - Seven items purchased or in the works on Etsy. More online shopping to ensue. Gift cards needed for teachers.


• Parties - We had our neighborhood progressive happy hour last Friday, Dad and Chris's open house on Saturday, and the Pizza Party last week.


• Christmas Programs - Coming up on Friday and Sunday for school and church. Grandparents, etc invited, with supper to be served on Sunday.


• Holidazzle Parade on Nicollet Mall - Not yet.. but hopefully.


• Macy's 8th floor holiday display - Why bother, they haven't changed it for three years! So not worth the lines or build up.


• Christmas Carol at the Guthrie - My dream for the year's ahead, to go with Gretchen or a romantic evening with Mark some day... some day....And a few year's down the road to create magical memories with the kids.


• Time with dear family and friends - Happening regularly and scheduled in the weeks ahead. The most important part of the season!


• New Year's Eve - Unknown, usually until the last minute. Dean has already requested to go back to the zoo during the day, like we did last year.