Merry Christmas to All

Here's hoping everyone had as wonderful a Christmas holiday as I did. Catching up with friends, meeting my man's family, and relaxing with my family was the perfect way to spend my week home. And although I didn't see the sun once in eight days, it was a fantastic week; one that I wish could have lasted just a bit longer. Take a peek.

Enjoying my momma's fantastic cookin'!

This is my mom laughing hysterically as she opened one of her gifts. It was kind of like the bunny pajamas Ralph gets in "A Christmas Story."

Merry Christmas!!

I Hear Sleigh Bells

I don't know about you, but I definitely still believe in Santa Claus. As you may or may not know, I've been unsuccessfully searching for a job for about 4 months now. Jokingly, I said I wanted a job for Christmas, clearly something no one could actually get me. BUT in the past two weeks things have really been happening. I've been called in for interviews, and I may even have multiple job offers coming. My luck has really turned around, and in the spirit of Christmas I'm giving credit to good old Kris Kringle. Thanks Santa!! (Don't worry, I know the real reason for the season is Jesus...and I love him more than Santa.)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Just a few reasons why I LOVE this time of year and some favorite holiday traditions:

1. Watching Christmas Vacation on the night of Thanksgiving

2. Hanging Christmas lights

3. Picking out the perfect Christmas tree

4. Decorating the tree and house

5. Christmas shopping (minus the crowds and crazy people)

6. Getting together with friends and family

7. Baking and decorating Christmas cookies with my mom

8. Christmas music and movies

9. Sipping hot chocolate by the fire with the tree glowing nearby

10. Christmas Eve candlelight service at church

11. Driving around neighborhoods Christmas Eve looking at lights

12. Christmas morning and homemade brunch

13. Spirit of love and giving

14. Being home

15. Jesus Christ

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

And I'm not kidding! Right now The Weather Channel says it is 2 degrees outside, BUT feels like -16 degrees. The past couple of days it hasn't reached temperatures above 13 degrees and snow flurries have accompanied it all. It is seriously cold out there -- bitter cold. It even looks cold outside. A blanket of white covers most everything, gray clouds hang low in the sky hardly letting the sun shine through, and smoke pours out of chimneys across town. The trees even shiver in the wind. I've tried to avoid going out in it, but unfortunately I've actually spent quite a bit of time out and about. And every time the cold chills me to my bones; it takes me quite a while to warm up all the way to my fingers and toes (which are always cold). They say it's supposed to warm up to 30 by Thursday and maybe 35 by Friday. I can't wait! It will probably feel like a summer day. :o)

A Date

Tonight I went on a date with my man, and it was quite lovely. After a quick dinner of sushi, we went to the nearby theater and saw The Blind Side. AMAZING. Seriously, this movie is great. I definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to see a feel good, inspirational flick. And it's a true story, which makes it even better (in my humble opinion).

Now, for a good night's sleep curled up in a warm bed. It's freezing outside!!

My Christmas Wish List

found here

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found here

(another option found here)

found here

found here

found here

Let me know if you know where I can find one. Ugg!