Last minute decorating

So normally my roommate and I decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. We have both been so busy that it just didn't get done. So yesterday I decided it was about dang time one of us did something. So I began to decorate. I put up my mothers nativity scene from Japan and a few other small items on the fireplace mantle. Then today I put up the tree and the lighted garland. NOW it feels like the Christmas. My home teachers came over after church today and had a little giggle at my last minute efforts to get it all done. How sad to think that this will only be up for about 2 weeks before it all comes down. I just love the soft glow of Christmas lights and the music. It makes me feel like a kid again. There is something so peaceful and calming about it all.
Here is an interesting tidbit. In doing some research online I read somewhere that the true tradition of the 12 days of Christmas actually begins on Christmas day and continues into the new year. Also that the song was originally written in a time when teaching about Christianity in public was taboo, so the song was written to teach in a round about way. Every day has a special meaning about Christ, His ministry, His life and death. I am not exactly sure if these things are true, but I did read them somewhere and am going to try to learn more about it.
Merry Christmas!

Welcome to Raleigh

So I am now living in a small town called Holly Springs near Raleigh, NC. I must say I prefer small town southern living to Las Vegas. The people here are so nice. The pace of life and the workplace is much slower and easier. Even traffic jams have a different feel to them. In Las Vegas it is run over or be ran over, here it is about courtesy and going the speed limit (in most places). Closer to and in Raleigh you will find an almost Vegas like attitude. Out in my small town and near Mindy it has a wonderful peaceful feel.
It is great that Philip and Kelly now live out in Georgia. It is great having some more family within a days drive. Now if only the rest of my siblings would see how wonderful life can be here! (Tapping my fingers and hatching my plan to convince them to move!) I miss my nieces and nephews something fierce. I do not think they realize how much a part of my life they were before I left. I miss my family so much. Being single and not having any children of my own, it was the closest thing i can come to without actually being married to be around children. Mindy's boyfriend Randy has 2 wonderful children who are such a joy to be around. Here are some photo's of our adventures on Halloween. More photo's to come.