Christmas 2011

I love Christmas. Nothing compares to the anticipation this holiday brings me. It was still hard for me to get to sleep on Christmas Eve and I was up probably five times, watching the hours slow-w-w-w-w-ly tick by. But soon, it was 7:30 and time to wake up and open presents!

As always, I was spoiled. Check out the present haul:

A new Vera Bradley hipster (in my most favorite print!) and make-up bag, as well as some make-up from Bare Minerals

 
New boots! (I was with my mom when she bought these, to make sure they fit and I liked them.) I’m in love. (Now, Florida, PLEASE GET COLD so I can use them!)

 
From my brother. A Kindle Touch. I’m so in love. (I had the Kindle Keyboard but when this one came out, I started lusting after the new design and touchscreen. I am super spoiled, I know.)

A beautiful new bedding set from my mother! It makes my bed look so much more comfy and inviting, which I’m not sure is a good thing. (But oh! So comfy!)

After my mom and I opened our presents to each other, we took our sweet time cleaning up and preparing for Christmas dinner. This year, we went the easy route and picked up a Honey-Baked Ham yesterday. No cooking required, all we had to do was take it out of the fridge thirty minutes before we wanted to eat. (Although I’m not a fan of ham, I am a fan of how easy that was!)

My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew came over a little after 1:00 and then it was time for more presents. My nephew came over in a bit of a grumpy mood which quickly dissipates once we asked him if he wanted to open presents. (For the record, I think he loved my digital camera. It was so amazing to see his eyes light up when he opened that gift.) We may have gone a little crazy with a variety of games, books, clothes, and toys.

The rest of the day went by smoothly and fun. (Luckily, with this meal, there was no bites from Dutch like there was at Thanksgiving!) I love our new tradition of it just being the five of us for Christmas. We’re not rushing around to get to this house and that or having to deal with any drama that inevitably happens within families.

It was another successful Christmas and while I’m a bit melancholy that my favorite time of the year has passed, I’m also excited to reflect on 2011 and make big plans for 2012. From the way 2011 is wrapping up for me, I have a feeling 2012 is going to be an exceptional one.

How was your Christmas? What was your favorite present this year?

Holiday Week: Memories

Last year, I completed my first Holiday Week on my blog. I got the idea from Nora. A week of holiday posts, writing about whatever your heart desires. Beginning my second year with a list of memories from Christmas’s past that fill me with utter joy and glee whenever I reminisce about them.

> Staying up an entire Christmas Eve night/Christmas morning with my brother when we were in middle school. I ended up falling asleep at 10:00am the next morning, but we were so proud of ourselves because we had tried to do this for so many years. The key was to watch loud, action movies. They kept us awake and our minds busy.

> Waking up one Christmas morning to seeing two bikes parked in the kitchen/dining room by our sliding glass doors. Mine was pink with pretty sparkly streamers. I can still remember how surprised and excited I was to see my bike.

> Waking our parents up at 6am to open presents and my dad tiredly saying, rubbing sleep from his eyes, “Happy Christmas and Merry New Year.”

> Going to the mall one evening in December with my brother when we were in high school to buy her Christmas presents. Coming home and stealing away to my room to wrap the presents. Coming out with the wrapped gifts to place them under the twinkling tree. Annnnd forgetting to throw away the bags everything came in so she saw the stores we bought things from. (Talk about a major joy killer!)

> Finding a mysterious large box in my walk-in closet that my brother and I grilled my mom about all throughout December. She insisted it was a gift for my cousin my uncle had asked her to keep. Turns out? It was our very first computer. Best gift ever.

> The anticipation of counting down to Christmas, whether it be in my classroom (we usually made paper links) or with a Christmas countdown at home. Getting to the single-digit days were exciting.

> Dressing up the Christmas tree with mismatched ornaments, many created by my brother and me.

> Creating the most hideous Christmas cookies with as much frosting, sprinkles, and M&M’s as we could.

> Being given the “Toys R Us” catalog and circling all the toys I wanted.

> Waking up on Christmas morning to see the cookies and milk my brother and I left for Santa gone, and a letter written by him in its place.

> Candlelight services at church. They never fail to fill me with Christmas spirit and remind me of the real reason this time is so special.

> Making my first gingerbread house, even if it was put together wrong and a wall began caving in minutes after I finished decorating it.

What’s one holiday memory that you have from your own childhood?

A Christmas Wish List

I’ve never done one of these Christmas wish lists posts and to be honest, it feels a little weird. But I’m still posting this because I’ve loved reading what others are wishing for this Christmas. I absolutely love Christmas and creating a wish list is part of that excitement. I mean, what other time of the year do I get to lay out a list of things I’m currently coveting?

Without further ado, here is my list!

1. A new cover for my Kindle
When I got my Kindle this Spring, I bought a hot pink cover to go with it. After 7-8 months with it, it’s getting worn out and I’m a little sick of looking at it. Amazon itself has nice covers, but I’ve had my eyes on a few cute designs from Etsy.

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L - R: ServicePartner Kindle Hardcover Cover ($27); dobeeubags “Plum Antiquity” ($42); dobeeubags “Aviary 2 Sparrows Bark” ($38); ServicePartner “Woodgrain”, personalized ($31)

2. Running capris
I’ve been coveting fitted running capris for a while now and I think I need them in my life since I’m running (ha!) more regularly. The pair below is from Lululemon, the Run: Inspire Crop II. They are $86. I do not believe I need a pair of EIGHTY-SIX dollar pants that I’m just going to sweat in. (Unless, of course, they will cure my ankle pain to help me run longer and faster.) Target offers a similar pair for under $30. I like that option better.

3. A new pair of boots.
I own a pair of Fuggs (fake Uggs). I love my Fuggs. And while Florida has been HOT lately (it was in the 70s for Thanksgiving), one always needs to be prepared. And I need some nice boots to wear to work on those (infrequent) cold days. My favorites from Zappos.com are below.

L-R: Report Footwear “Divan”, Christin Michaels “Marlah”, Madden Girl “Zeda”

4. An umbrella
Umbrellas are those purchases you never think to make until you need it (read: a rainy day). And goodness, what kind of boring Christmas wish list is this? An umbrella? I guess I really am turning into an adult. This one is my favorite:

5. Frames for my diplomas
My wish list is getting very boring. But these are things I NEED and never think to buy for myself. So these are going on the list.

6. Vera Bradley
I have a slight obsession with all things Vera Bradley and really could care less if you think her designs look like something your grandmother would have. Just a few of the things on my wish list:

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L-R: Hipster in Mocha Rouge ($58), Laptop Sleeve in Happy Snails ($38), Pleated Tote in Purple Punch ($60)

7. Amazon Gift Cards
I feel like gift cards are “cheating” for Christmas but seriously, I could put these to so much good use. I use the “1-click” button on Amazon frequently.

What’s on your list this holiday season?

‘Tis the Season!

Last year, I put a call for addresses to send out Christmas cards. It was the first year I’ve done anything like that and I enjoyed it so much. Christmas is my favorite time of the year but it was a lot of fun (and a lot of work!) to personally write each of you a note and bring holiday cheer to your homes.

So without further ado, here’s the form I need you to fill out! I promise not to stalk you or send out your address to strange people. ;)

(And as much as I love giving Christmas cards, I love getting them, too! Just a hint for those of you sending out cards!)

So Long, April

April was a busy month for me. And it showed in the fact that I only posted six times. For me, that’s not a lot. My entire April seemed to be wrapped up in school and finishing up assignments that blogging fell by the wayside. It happens.

April was about school. It was crunch time to get all my assignments completed. I knew I had to complete my final draft of my short story, complete a bunch of quizzes and blogs for my online lit class, and take two Spanish exams. For my senior seminar course, I had a mock interview and a professional website to finish. It was going to be a busy month. And let’s just add on anxiety that I would fail a class or something would happen that would cause me not to graduate. It was a worrisome month.

But I got through it with hard work and determination. I set aside an entire weekend to fix my short story and make it a million times better than it had previously. (And my second read-through went a lot better, as well, with my classmates telling me how much they enjoyed this second version.) I set aside time daily to work on my website and make it look as professional and unique as I could, using a free template. I began studying a week in advance for my Spanish tests to make sure I knew the vocabulary and verb tenses backwards and forwards. Any extra time left over was used for my literature class.

I’m ending April on a good note. All of my work is done and I did the best job I could. Next Sunday, I will be walking across a stage to receive my diploma and it will all have been worth it.

April was also the month of the IronGirl race. It was the month I should have been able to declare myself a half-marathoner, but I ran the 5K instead. It was a great race and I had a blast. I ran my fastest 5K yet and it proved to me how strong and capable I can be when I put my mind to it.

Easter was made more special by seeing it through the eyes of my nephew, who is two-and-a-half. We dyed eggs with him and hunted for Easter eggs. Kids just make the holiday so much more fun and he was especially thrilled whenever he saw an “Eter Vony” (Easter Bunny). The day was pretty low-key, with dinner at my grandparent’s house and spending the night curled up on the couch, watching TV.

I started applying for jobs in April. And worked a lot on my resume. At the beginning, it was pretty awful and I had a sweet Twitter friend who helped me to make it sound and look better. I only applied to three jobs: two involving human resources and one involving marketing. I was called in for an interview for the marketing job and today, I am in the midst of the second round of interviews. This is big and I am desperately praying that God grants me this job. I mean, how awesome would it be to already have a job lined up before I graduate?

As for weight loss, it was a pretty stellar month for me as I lost 4 pounds this month. It puts me at 12 pounds total and I am finally beginning to see the difference. Some pants are fitting looser and my clothes are looking better on me. Seeing the results in the mirror is sometimes better than seeing the results on the scale. And while I’m not counting on May to be a big weight loss month (uh...I’m going to count it as a success if I only gain 5 pounds during my cruise...), I’m still hoping to stay on plan and keep a consistent exercise pattern.

May is going to be a busy month for me but I’m excited about it. It marks my graduation, cruise, and hopefully a job offer. I am so ready for May!

What exciting things are happening for you in May?

Christmas 2010

I’m not sure I could sum up Christmas Day in one word. It was definitely a rollercoaster but I must say that our first year hosting Christmas (albeit with a small crowd) was a success.

Christmas started at 7:30am when my mom and I exchanged stockings and then gifts. We spoil each other every Christmas, but since it’s the only time of the year we do so, it works for us. I think I did all right in the gift giving department with her. Among the many gifts was a new armband for her iPod (to replace her old one that still has blood on it from her accident, despite washing it.), tons of clothes, and a new Vera Bradley bag and wallet.

And she totally spoiled me. Witness:

Oh, and this:

Yes. She spoiled me greatly.

After presents were unwrapped, it was time to stuff the turkey, get it in the oven, and prepare for Christmas dinner! We were busy putting the apartment back together, showering, decorating, and cooking but there was such an enveloping sense of peace about this day. Even though we got hurtful news about something a family member attempted to do, we knew we were spending Christmas Day with the four people we loved the most and who loved us the most.

My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew came over around noon and then it was on to more present opening! Since my nephew was sleeping, we left his presents for later while my brother and SIL opened their’s. A customized 49ers jersey for my brother, along with more clothes and candy. And a Bath & Body Works gift set in my SIL favorite scent (unbeknownst to me! I’m just good like that.), a travel mug, as well as Mario Kart for Wii (which I badly want to play because Mario Kart used to occupy my brother and I for hours when we were younger.)

My mom was finishing up cooking dinner when my nephew woke up. He is definitely his father’s child in that he usually wakes up a little grumpy and just wanting to cuddle for a long while. He eventually warmed up and opening some of his presents. But since he’s only two, he doesn’t quite understand the concept yet. He would open a present and only want to play with that one so eventually, we had to open up presents for him and show him all the cool stuff. True to form, we spoiled him greatly for Christmas with a soccer set, a baseball set, a wagon, tons of clothes, and a doctor’s set.

He was more interested in playing with his toys than eating dinner, so we all sat down to eat some yummy turkey, delicious mashed potatoes, green beans, fluffy dinner rolls, and the best stuffing in the world. Oh, gosh, was dinner delicious! My mom is forevermore hosting Christmas dinner.

And then it was onto playing! It’s so much fun having a child around for Christmas because we get to buy him FUN things and there’s such a pure joy in his eyes when he’s playing. Next year will be even more exciting when he understands who Santa Claus is and I just can’t wait!

 

All in all, this was a very successful Christmas. I’m so glad my mom and I decided to host it at our house because it was calm, peaceful, and relaxed. (Well, as calm, peaceful, and relaxed you can be with an active two-year-old!) I’m sad this magical day is over but I’m looking forward to wait 2011 will bring for me and my family!

And for my giveaway winner! I was so excited to do this and I couldn’t believe the response so thank you! I will definitely have more things to giveaway in the future. I used Random.org to pick the winner so a huge congrats to Kim! Shoot me an e-mail with your address and I’ll mail off the prizes ASAP.

Love In a Manger

via

But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of the earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb. 

The Omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent on the nourishment of a young girl.
God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.
-Max Lucado, “It Began in a Manger”

I wish every one of you a wonderful Christmas and remember the meaning behind this day. Jesus became a man so he could one day die for our sins. Even if you don’t believe in Him, even if you hold hate in your heart towards Him, He still loves you unconditionally and died on that day for you. There is no greater love than His.

Letters To My Future Husband: On Christmas Eve

My heart,

Today is Christmas Eve. I can’t help but think about you during special days like these and wonder how many more Christmas Eve’s I will spend without you in my life. Will this be the last? Or a continuation of many? Only God knows.

Christmas Eve isn’t a tradition-heavy day in my house. We save it all up for Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is spent in anxious excitement and anticipation, while we await Christmas morning. No Christmas Eve has ever been the same for me. Last year, I had to work and then I remember decorating Christmas cookies and watching a few Christmas movies.

I have a child-like approach to this holiday. There’s a part of me that loves knowing people are going out of their way to buy me things that will make me happy and cannot wait to see my reaction. I don’t mean that to sound selfish, but more of how I know people care. And there’s a bigger part that loves buying presents for other people, most especially my mom. I love finding things that she didn’t add to her Christmas list but know she’ll love and be completely surprised about. I love taking her stocking down from the nail late on Christmas Eve and filling it with goodies I’ve purchased. I love the spirit of the season; the pretty lights as I drive at night, our Christmas tree with handmade ornaments from my childhood, as well as our array of snowmen ornaments. I love wrapping presents and placing them under the tree, watching how big our stack grows. I love Christmas music, most especially the songs dedicated to celebrating the birth of my King.

And I love thinking about what our first Christmas will be like, while we’re courting. I think about our first Christmas as husband and wife. I think about our first Christmas with our baby. I think about future Christmases, filled up with kids, late night wrapping, and shopping trips. I think about Christmases far, far in the future, filled with our children and grandchildren.

I wonder how you celebrate Christmas. Are you as in love with this time of year as I am, or are you more of a Grinch? I promise you this: if you are a Grinch, I will turn you into a lover of Christmas. Believe that! Does your family open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas? Do you go to church, have a big meal, or do Secret Santa exchanges? Are you even close to your family?

And what about Christmas 2010? How are you spending it now? I’d like to think you’re a family man, but perhaps you’re not. Maybe you’re working over Christmas or overseas. Maybe Christmas is a sad time for you, or maybe you’re experiencing the same childlike glee I have right now.

Sometimes, the thought of spending another Christmas without you chokes me up. I want to meet you so badly. I want our life to begin NOW. But I know I have a lot of issues I need to work on first, otherwise our relationship is doomed from the beginning. And you may be dealing with your own issues. Perhaps 2011 will be our year, but if it’s not, just know I will still be waiting for you.

I will be content in my singleness on this Christmas Eve, because I have hope for the future. I will watch Christmas movies with abandon, bake cookies until my arms ache, and joyously count down the hours until 7am on Christmas morning when presents will be opened. I am praying for you, love, that your Christmas is filled with laughter, joy, and above all, peace.

I love you with everything in me.

Picture Source

Holiday Week: Snapshots

There’s nothing I love better than decorating for Christmas. Coming home to a beautiful tree with gorgeous presents lying underneath puts my heart at peace. Buying presents for loved ones and getting Christmas cards in the mail fills up my soul with happiness. I’m sad that soon this most wonderful time of the year will be over and decorations will be put away for another 11 months. I’m trying to soak it all up now and live in the moment.
How have you decorated for Christmas this year? Do you go all out or keep things simple?
And don’t forget to enter my giveaway! There are multiple ways to win some sweet after-Christmas gifts!