The Hunt

It all started with the "6" of us piled in the mini van all bundled up in search of the "perfect" Christmas tree. It was 33 degrees outside and very frosty!!! I thought that since we lived so close to the mountains that it wouldn't be hard to find a u-cut tree farm. Boy was I wrong.

I started the day before looking online for tree farms and found there to be a select few in our area. I took down the addresses and put them in my GPS system. Yes, I have a GPS in my van...when you live where we do, there is no other option. Needless to say, if we didn't have it we would have gotten lost!!!

So we went to the first of three. And what do you know...they are SOLD OUT. How can that be when it was only December 8th? So on to the next one. I am not sure the name of the second tree farm, but I will affectionately call it "The Charlie Brown Tree Farm". We didn't find a tree bigger than Sydney, nor were they full. At this point we have two tired ones and a cranky mom, so I decide to head out on my own at nap time.

I drive 30 minutes and came to a big farm that has a ton of trees and hot cider too. Now they weren't all big and full, but they had a better selection. As I am searching I call my mom threatening to buy a fake tree at Costco. (I may just do it Kelly!!) And right then I see it. The one. It may not be like the White House tree (pictured here) and it may need a little grooming at home, but it was the best one yet. It is now up and decorated to the best of my ability since my mom isn't here to help me. Gosh I liked having my mom so close.

Anyway, I have realized that there are nice trees here...but Oregon has the BEST Christmas trees in the world. So for all my Oregon friends....enjoy your tree, because next year I am coming down to get my tree!!!!

Little Town...Big personality

Well I have figured out a lot about this little town. If you want to go anywhere other than "downtown" you are planning a good 30 minutes anywhere. This town has a lot of personality and some great antique shops too! The only thing I wish it had was a Winco. I guess Safeway is the next best thing. We even have the BIG Evergreen State fairgrounds near by. I have been told that they hold the biggest Fair in the summer. I am sure the kids will enjoy that. Not to mention a Reptile farm. I am thinking daddy is going to have to take the kids to that.

I am thankful that God has given us this opportunity to live here...and I am sure over time it will feel more like home then just a place we are living. GOD IS FAITHFUL.

A blogger friend (thanks Dawnelle) quoted a great book "Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World".

"Any life challenge presents us with a very basic choice: fear or faith. And yet, when you think about it, the conditions that inspire fear are often the very same conditions needed to inspire faith."

It really made me think about the differences of fear and faith. I fear not having the closeness I have with the friends back home. But I have Faith that God will provide me with new friends to fill my void. And to be able to continue the wonderful friendships I have made (you know who you are) over the last 8+ years back home. I love you girls!!!