I kept expectations low this year, so the holiday was absolutely beautiful! We did our multiple advents, ate loads of holiday treats, danced around the Christmas tree, watched The Muppets Christmas Carol, and retold the Nativity story. I don't remember a Christmas season that felt so comforting and special. I am grateful.
Christmas morning I had to wake up the kids to come open presents. That was a first. I was so thankful to have the financial ability to buy the kids Christmas gifts.
I decided to try something new this year. I'm working on this ambitious embroidery advent calendar. At the rate I'm going, I won't be done in time for Christmas. I've been juggling too many other projects as well.
A month or so ago, Luke told me that he would really like to go on a road trip. I think this boy has 'wander foot', but he has been afraid to mention it because he knew how financially tight things have been. For some reason, I decided that we really should go on a trip together while Peter and Brandon were out camping.
I was able to find a cute place to stay that cost half of what a hotel room would. It had quirks, but we were only there for one night. Luke really loved being able to pick where we went out to eat. It was fun to see him excited about making choices.
We did a lot of reading books while we were away. It was nice. It was also nice to come home and sleep in our own beds though. I think going away makes you appreciate what you've got at home.
We decided there are a few things that we really need to be comfortable. Those items are: a bathroom in the room, two queen beds, a place in the city. Luke said he isn't a country kid like me. The bathroom smelled like 'old lady' which was nostalgic for me, and miserable for Luke.
A couple of ladies on the fair board made the trip up to SLC to attend the State Fair. Our goal was to see some specific ways they do things. For example: what table setups do they have, how do they manage flies and ants on the food, do they get a representative of entries from across the state? Also, how are their garbage cans spread out, how do they place visual maps, and what do their entry tags look like. We were able to see all of these things plus more.
At one point, I had a chance to talk with some of the volunteers. Come to find out they aren't volunteers. They get paid $15/hour with shifts that last 6-8 hours long. We had a tight schedule while we were there so we weren't able to see everything. What we did see was pretty amazing things - including two ladies that were making bobbin lace. I found out they have a group that meets on Saturdays at the Provo library. I am so tempted to go.
I'm already planning to go and spend more time at next year's State fair because we didn't even have a chance to look at any of the animals. Sadness. Here is a few of the things I found most amazing.
It's so weird to realize that the month is over already. I don't know how that happened! The corn has been very happy this year. You can't even see the house in this background. It's crazy to me how tall it's gotten.,
