Finally in the Christmas Spirit

So finals around here have not been pleasant, but they're finally over! And after a recovery nap last night Calhoun and I decorated the Christmas Tree and the dog!

Trapped Behind the Holidazzle

For most people, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the always glorious, holiday season. Filled with window displays, candy canes, strolls through stores decorated with sparkly packages, Christmas trees and garland as far as the eye can see.

Not for me. As a student, Thanksgiving is the seasonal reminder that I won't have time to enjoy holiday shopping and won't have the energy to trim the tree, because I'll be studying. And so will most of my friends. And so will my family.

But there are occasional reminders that there are people out there who are enjoying this marvelous holiday season. On my way home from school last week I got trapped behind the Holidazzle floats driving back home to their storage location, wherever they may be. The MPD pulled in, blocked the street, and they floated by.

I saw a whole stack of packages, and Santa's Sleigh.

Yay for Christmas Cheer!

Thanksgiving in the Red River Valley

Calhoun and I traveled north to the Red River Valley to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family and we had a great time in the north country!

As we departed in the car for Calhoun's hometown, I realized that I've never been to his childhood home during the winter. As we drove the 280 miles from Minneapolis to his hometown we watched the temperature drop...eventually hitting 5 degrees. And, what I have learned about the Red River Valley is that it's not the temperature that gets you, it's the cutting wind. Being from Minneapolis, I thought I knew wind.

I was wrong. You do not know wind until you have walked the dog a mile and a half over the flat tundra of the Red River Valley.

I am thankful this year for houses that shelter you from the wind, and homes that are filled with family, food and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Recipe SOS

Calhoun and I are headed up north for Thanksgiving this year. We did Easter with them last year and Calhoun's mom, Bemidji, cooked a great meal. I mean, I know she's a great cook - but eating a holiday really brings it all together and makes one feel quite inadequate as a new wife. Meat, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, sides, sauces, pies and cookies.

What is a daughter-in-law to do?

No, seriously. What am I supposed to do?

I need a recipe suggestion.

I will not show up empty handed to a family holiday again!

Happy Halloween!

It's Sogn's First Halloween! I bought him this bumblebee costume because I thought it was hilarious!

Sogn didn't think it was so funny. Instead he spent most of the morning showing the costume who was boss.

Happy Halloween!