Living in Montana has opened my eyes to a lot of different things. One of them being that you can get a tree tag from the Forest Service for a mere $5 to cut down your own tree and they give you a map to show you where you are allowed to cut. I guess I have high expectations when it comes to Christmas trees because this was the most "normal" looking tree I liked and then once we got home and all the pretty voluminous snow had fallen off the branches, I was pretty sad at how measly and wimpy our tree was. We couldn't even use 3/4 of our ornaments because the branches weren't strong enough. It barely even smelled good. I guess next time I'll either fork over $28 at a tree lot or do the pagan thing and have a potted tree from a nursery.
Phaelen got a lot of great gifts this year. He loves his cool cool cars, light saber, magnifying glass and fun books. He also got some pretty cool clothes if I dare say so myself. He is getting used to bundling up before going outside to play and realizing it's more fun with gloves on rather than off.
Calder got a lot of great stuff this year too. It is so easy to shop for him I had to control myself on many occasions to not buy anything else. He is really into Batman stuff right now and so he got 3 really cool shirts that he loves to wear. He really likes science and learning too, thank goodness for cheap school Book Orders! He also got some really nice new snow boots that will keep his feet nice and dry while playing outside at school and on our family adventures.
Thank goodness for these two, Kathy and Dann. Without them we would've spent all of our money on rent and living expenses if they hadn't let us move in on such short notice. We know that it isn't easy having little kids and grown adults live with you when are aren't used to it 24/7, but we are super grateful. We are so grateful for our families this time of year and we always miss those whom we can't be with during the holidays. Moving to Montana was a great opportunity for us but it won't be without it's own uncertainties and struggles.
Jeff is working hard and studying Para medicine homework so he stays awake during his shifts at work (7pm-7am Fri, Sat, Sun). He is #9 on Missoula's hiring list, #2 on Butte's hiring list and Great Falls should be getting back to us next Friday. We are starting to apply for more jobs though as departments get budgets approved and the new year starting. Jeff will be done with his Paramedic class in May so we'll see what happens after that as well.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
