Phase One!

Well, we've go to start somewhere! I guess the process of finding "the" tree will have to suffice for Kelly's blog right now!

Today marked the beginning of the last on my list of "to do(s)". I took a different approach with my home decor this year: house first, tree second, everything else -- crazy chaos that I promise myself I won't get involved in EVERY year -- when "I can"!

We've made a family tradition of hitting the high country for our Christmas trees. This was our fifth or sixth year of our northward excursions. Our wedding anniversary is December 2nd, and we've always celebrated by buying our tree, followed by dinner (or lunch) out. Each year, I'm pressed by my ever-loving husband to stay in Charlotte, and buy our tree locally. Sorry, just can't do it. Our day, today, was reason enough to carry on this fine tradition... in my opinion, of course! :)

We woke up this morning at 8:30. Jim nudged me to get out of our warm, cozy, bed to check the weather report online. He was bound and determined to escape having to travel, and was leaning prayerfully on the forecaster's "treacherous" weather warnings from the night before. No such luck (insert smile... he, he, he!). 1-3 inches of snow by 2:00 p.m. -- treacherous? Into the shower I went, and out the door by 11:00, we were!

The ride up to Boone was beautiful. Rainy, but pretty in a wintery way. The boys had our collection of new (old) Christmas dvds going, and we were treated to memories of childhood classics: Rudolph, Frosty, and Charlie Brown. As we passed through the town of Lenoir, our car thermometer read "ICE" with a little snowflake symbol next to it. One of the boys noticed, and screeched with joy. "Snow, Mom! See, I told you we'd see snow!". Within minutes, the temperature dropped to 29*, and down came the snowflakes. Beautiful. No regrets on my part!

We drove through the town of Blowing Rock, and the boys' excitement grew. Their childish joy is so contagious. I love being a mom! We finally reached our landmark sign, "Christmas Trees Choose & Cut": Bill Austin's Tree Farm -- our favorite tree farm -- the only tree farm, as far as our children are concerned. As we pulled in, the boys suited up with gloves and hats. They had one goal: get to the snow. I had one goal too: find a tree - quickly, as to not frustrate my ever-so-patient husband. You know how much men LOVE shopping; Christmas trees are no exception to the rule!

The boys found their snow! And this is what I faced (below!)...

So many pretty trees to choose from! At 29* with snow falling, one is forced to make a choice, and this is what I found! "THE TREE" is pictured below. Do you hear the music accompaniment from Chevy Chase's "Christmas Vacation"?!?

I can't wait to decorate this baby!

Down the hill it came, and on slippery butt, I slid behind -- really, I did! By the way, a little funny side story: Jim was on the mountain side with me for a very brief time. While up in the trees, he decided he needed to "go behind a bush". Lest I say more, a woman came snow shoeing: tip-toeing along, and I gave out a warning. In my sad attempt at discretion, I broke out into hysterical laughter. I was laughing so hard that I fell right on my bum! Made a quick recovery, I might add - Jim never saw me fall, and that's all that mattered at that point! By the time I made it down to the bottom, I was soaking wet. A good laugh; well worth the chill in the end!

They ran the tree through this fancy machine, and by the time it came out, it was a fraction of the size. The twine wrap makes the set-up much easier, by the way. You line the tree up in the stand while wrapped, straighten it out, and cut the twine. Very simple. It's Jim's job. :)

On our way back to Charlotte, we stopped to eat at Canyons. Traditions die hard! The crazy thing in all of this: we parked in the SAME EXACT parking spot as we have for the last five or six years. Weird, but very cool, I guess. Great memories are formed by the expectations of familiarity having been met; year after year.

So, stay tuned! The first picture in this post will give you a little hint as to my "theme". I can't wait to share more pictures with you in my next post. Things to come: more traditions, decorations, recipes, and of course, "the" tree in it's glory.