More tree story, and other stuff

A litle bit more on putting our tree up. So we tried to hoist it up in front of the window, but we couldn't get it more than a few feet off the ground. Lukas, Nicole, and I were trying to keep the bucket (what we used for the tree stand), from sliding, as everyone else tried to lift it up, but the bucket kept sliding further and further along the wall in front of the window. At one point Nicole got trapped between the tree and the wall. So, then we went to plan B, which was to have a couple of boys stand up on the balcony, tie a rope around the tree, and have them lift the tree, while the rest of us pushed and arranged it in the bucket, then trying to scoot it over in front of the window. Well, once we got it upright, we started to scoot it, but it was too tall, and wouldn't make it under a part of the vaulted ceiling. So, then on to plan C, and that was to tie it and leave it right where it was. It is tied to the pillar with tie-downs and ropes. The whole thing was actually quite funny, and we were all laughing. All in all I think the tree looks pretty good, but I think the one we get next year will be a few feet shorter.

I am ordering a scrapbooking kit called Project 365. You are supposed to take a picture everyday of the year, and write a little note about it. So, I am going to try and keep up with that on here.

This picture was taken on Dec. 28, 2008. (I took two of them, and mom's eyes were closed in both.) We had my mom and J.R. over for dinner. We had pulled pork, corn, baked potatoes, and brownies & ice cream, to eat. While we were in the great room visiting and talking, Patrick was driving his remote control Hummer he had gotten for Christmas, up and down ramps he had made. Marshal also got out a remote control car, and was driving it around. So, it was kind of loud, but nothing too unusual for a house full of boys. J.R. came from a family of mostly boys, and my mom kept saying, that she just wasn't as used to this, meaning all of the racquet.

This picture was taken Dec. 29, 2008. It is of Rebecca, (9 years old), and my niece, Ella Kate Cooper, (4 1/2 years old). We had my dad, Arlene, my brother Timmy and his wife, Jennifer and their daughter,Ella Kate, my brother Daniel, and his girlfriend Megan over for dinner. We had Papa John's Pizza and pineapple cream cheese desert to eat. It was fun to sit around the table and talk, and laugh. Ella Kate had a lot of fun playing with Rebecca, and was upset when it was time to leave. It's so nice having family close by to visit with and see.