A House Divided

We made it through another Iron Bowl. Yes, there were moments of silent celebrations but for the most part we kept our sentiments at a polite level. Of course, that was harder for the supporter of the winning team....

We also got some of our Christmas decorations out. This is the first year I have ever had an artificial tree. We got it because we wanted to be able to put it up early and keep it up late if necessary. We got a fairly inexpensive one because we feel like this is a temporary thing-and now that it is up, I feel more sure it is indeed temporary. Thank goodness for the Bath and Body Works Wallflowers (I love the Winter scent) and Yankee Candles (I am using Mistletoe scent this year) to ease the loss of the fresh tree smell.
Behold the tree. We are part of the minority that still loves colored lights:) We also found a place for our stockings...not easy with no mantel.

I can't think of anything else to do before baby! I guess I'll read more, see more movies, and rest. I am not complaining. Yet.

Happy Thanksgiving

Alas, it doesn't look like Caroline is coming today, my lucky day (11/22). Thanksgiving has been good..and is our last Thanksgiving for two. We had a nice spread tonight and now we are both too lethargic to move! We hated not being around family but knowing some visits are coming up helps alot. Of course we had to take pictures. We had Mama Jeanne's veg-all casserole, Mrs. Holt's dressing, deviled eggs, roasted turkey breast, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.

Our lives are already changing. Tonight is the first Thanksgiving night I haven't been to a movie in probably 10 years and tomorrow will be the first day after Thanksgiving that I can remember that I haven't been out shopping. I just can't do it with this heavy belly and knowing that my Christmas shopping is done. I will, however, be taking in a movie and luckily I have received word (thank you, Ellen) that Starbucks has a new sugar-free latte. EUREKA!

I saw the Christmas spirit of giving today

I have to share this. I was waiting in line in Target and watched a woman in front of me pay and then hand her bag to the cashier saying, "Merry Christmas-this is for your children." The cashier was stunned and then very grateful. Everyone around was smiling and surprised. After the woman left and I was checking out, the cashier explained. Apparently, the woman had gone through the line minutes earlier with some toys and the cashier had commented on how she would love to give her kids those items too. So the woman took her purchases to the car and then came back and bought those items again from the same cashier so that she could give them to her for her children. It was a wonderful thing to witness the happiness of the cashier!

I've got the Christmas spirit now

I think I am catching the holiday spirit early this year. I have been listening to XM radio's Christmas station in the car and keeping the holiday tunes tv channel on in the background at home. I can't wait to get a tree up next Friday! This week we had our junior league Christmas market sale and there were so many cute holiday items. I coordinated the market's holiday giving tree with someone who is due just days before me...what are the chances? It was fun to trade stories. As for purhcases, I resisted. Alot. But I did buy this cute apron:)

I need to check out the vendor that sold the aprons...the web page is cute- http://cvillemonogramshop.com/

Is this what they call nesting?

I think I am nesting. Or obsessing. Maybe they are the same thing? Actually, it isn't all THAT different from my normal behavior but the to-do items are a little different. I am so afraid that I won't be able to do anything in the next 3 months, so I have to do it all now. I can only imagine what I will come up with next...my to-do list for each week starts on Sunday night, but evolves as the week goes on. All the baby stuff is done so now the items are getting kind of strange.... last week's list included things like:

-Purchase Thanksgiving meal ingredients

-Annual Christmas ornaments purchased

-Baby's stocking ordered

-Christmas labels, return addresses printed

-Christmas stamps purchased

-All Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped

-Refill birthday card file for next year

-All jewelry and jewelry box cleaned

-Calendars and planner pages for 2008 ordered
-Leather purses/accessories cleaned and conditioned

-Purchase 3 month supply of all toiletries

-Stock up on batteries in all sizes

-Back-up iTunes and photos on cds

Meanwhile, Jonathan is working very hard but still (thankfully) getting in some football time. Here is a picture of the typical game night ritual-the jersey, slippers, pajama pants and man chair.

On the baby front, confirmed at dr. appt today that she is in 'correct' position. Her weight is roughly estimated at over 6 lb. right now (gulp). Everywhere I go I am getting the 'when are you due' question so I guess I am looking big!

On the C-ville front, Thursday night I went to an open house event (junior league) at a boutique store in our downtown area and it was so cute. It would be a fun place to go for anyone who visits here.....here's a peek. http://www.novelboutique.com/

Fall arrived

Fall has finally arrived in Charlottesville. This was peak week for the leaves (later than usual) and I have to say it has been really pretty. I had lunch with a friend on a restaurant patio one day and it was wonderful. Pictures just don't do it justice.

We drove to Waynesboro (25 miles west) to eat at Cracker Barrel this weekend-it's the only place I can eat 'dessert' (sugar free jelly with biscuit) with my gestational diabetes. So that was my birthday cake until a later date when I am allowed sugar. Definitely a memorable year for several reasons! All the Christmas decor was out-wow. Thanksgiving never seems to get its fair share of hype.