Shan-nanigans: Jumping into the Holidays

This weekend we spent getting ready for Christmas in the Gonzalez house.

We woke up Saturday morning to a winter wonderland of snow, and it snowed all day bringing 4-6 inches of snow to Chicago. This made for a very festive day, as Saturday was our Christmas tree day. The neighborhood community house, The Benton House had their annual tree give away, and we got a great one this year.

Ruben and I made an agreement. We picked out the tree together, he sets it up, and I decorate it. I really love this arrangement!

So, here's Ruben setting up the tree and removing the netting that held the branches together.

The dogs stayed close by, making sure that they approved of this years choice. :)

It opened up beautifully! It's the perfect Christmas tree, I think!!

This is a view of the snowy roof tops out of our living room windows.

It was such a cold day, that I decided to make some Chile and cornbread!

It's one of my favorite things to make, and I always think of Grandad. :)

We also treated ourselves to a Coke.

Sunday morning Ruben had to work, so I set out to decorate the tree and the house while he was gone. I had so much fun!

I got a new table clothe and set out the Snow Village on the window seals.

I love the garage sale. Grannie must have known that I'm really into second hand stuff.

Later that afternoon, Ruben had a performance, where he was the sole bassist for a Christmas Lesson in Carols performed by North Park University, in northern Chicago.

We got to the church early, so he could set up. Here I am, before the crowd arrived.

Here's the program. And what a wonderful program it was! It really helped to connect the season to the reason why we celebrate! Plus it had lots of choirs and an orchestra, a truly enjoyable experience.

It was held at a local Catholic church, Our Lady of Mercy. I really loved their stained glass windows and alter. I thought it was the perfect setting for the performance.

Here's a blurry shot of Ruben playing with the women's choir.

After the performance, I had to bake 3 dozen cookies for the annual cookie exchange at the office. I love this, cause I make one batch and can come home with a bunch of different flavors.

I made Spritz cookies shaped like ball ornaments. I had a lot of fun using my colored sprinkles, and eating the cookie dough. However, I was sick to my stomach by the time I went to bed.