quick recap
Thursday, December 27, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
Even though I know how fast Christmas flies by, I'm always surprised when it's over. It was a good Christmas though. As usual, I was spoiled. I got a really nice sewing machine! Now I can give my mom back her old one. I'm excited to spend some of the winter months sewing. Josh and I got to spend time with both of our families. It was at times a bit chaotic, but a lot of fun.
My nephew, Tristan is turning into quite the little butterball. So completely adorable! He's already sitting up by himself which will make his six-month pictures even easier next month.
Kate, my niece, was really getting into the whole present thing. Although she usually wanted to help everyone else open their gifts but not do her own.
I was inspired by the Square America photo website to process some of my Christmas pictures that way. View the rest of them on Flickr.
Hope you all had a very happy Christmas!
merry christmas
Tuesday, December 25, 2007Labels: christmas cheer
We wish you a merry Christmas
we wish you a merry Christmas
we wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year!
ready
Monday, December 24, 2007Labels: christmas cheer
How did it get to be Christmas Eve already? Josh and I picked up one last Christmas gift yesterday after church. We've haven't really done anything all weekend. We're trying to enjoy it but honestly it's kind of hard to go from busy to nothing.
I've pretty much watched every Christmas movie that I can watch, except for A Christmas Story but that is on nonstop today. I've helped with my mom's hundred kinds of cookies she had to make. Josh and I also had a Christmas miracle. Yep, looks like I'm ready for tomorrow!
no work
Friday, December 21, 2007Labels: christmas cheer
Hooray! I'm not going to work today! I don't have to go back into work until the 27th and I'm really excited to have some time off. I need it... Today I'm up early in hopes of heading off to town to finish my Christmas shopping. I've gone over my list about a hundred times. Hopefully the traffic won't be too bad or people will be too mean. Although I usually get nicer the more mean people are... I'll just say "Merry Christmas" to everyone!
real love
Wednesday, December 19, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, music
This is one of my favorite Christmas commercials this year. I mean, you really can't go wrong with a little girl in glasses and John Lennon in the background.
That commercial also led me to a cover of that song, Real Love. Normally I'm not a huge fan of Beatles covers because well...they're the Beatles...nobody can do it better. But this is Regina Spektor and love her. I think she nailed it.
I'm a total sap and have a favorite Christmas commercial every year.
wishin' everyday was saturday
Monday, December 03, 2007Any plans that Josh and I had made for Saturday were covered in a quarter inch layer of ice. Since we were stuck at home all day, I used it as best I could. Normally if I'm home with nothing to do, I have pictures to work on. (And even if I choose not to work on them, I still feel guilty.) I had absolutely no pictures left to work on so I made cookies...lots of them. Labels: christmas cheer
Josh was my official taste tester and dishwasher. He's always willing to help me. I made peanut butter blossoms, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies and white chocolate dipped oreos. When they were all done I boxed them up for our family.
On Saturday I also addressed our Christmas cards, wrapped a couple more Christmas gifts, watched Christmas Vacation and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. And for the first time in months, I got out yarn and crocheted. First I had to sort through my massive stash. Clearly I have a problem...
It was a good day and the first Saturday in a long time that felt like a break and that I got to do whatever I wanted. Looking forward to a few more of those days this month!
4 day recap
Monday, November 26, 2007My mini Thanksgiving break was very good. I did everything on my list except start crocheting. I think I need to finish up processing photo sessions before I can attempt that again. Josh and I went to his folks for Thanksgiving lunch. My parents were invited to come with us so that was really nice. Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
We played with our niece and nephew which is always fun. The dynamic of the family has changed so much, now that there is two little ones. Christmas should be a lot of fun.
We ate yummy food and pie.
We played a couple games including one called "You're an Idiot". It involves answering questions and labeling others as "an idiot". At one point during the game Josh's brother-in-law called Josh's mom an idiot. I informed him that never under any circumstances (even a game) should you call your mother-in-law an idiot.
It was a good day spending time with Josh's family.
Friday night Josh and I got all of our Christmas decorations from my parent's basement. I wasn't sure if I would have the motivation to start decorating but I ended up doing it all. It's easier now because I have places for everything and know where I want to put things. Of course, decorating was finally a snap this year in what I hope is the last Christmas in the apartment.
I love the coziness of the apartment right now. With the candles all lit and the white Christmas lights on, you can hardly tell how junky the apartment is. We love being in the living room now. Josh and I watched Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday throughout the weekend. I figured I should start my Christmas movie watching early because last year I ran out of time.
Yesterday we put the ornaments on the tree which was the last bit of decorating to do. I wrapped a bunch of presents and worked on a Senior photo session. It was hard to accept that my break was over but now I can really start looking forward to Christmas!
break needed
Wednesday, November 21, 2007I'll be back on Monday. Until then, I plan on: Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
- eating mashed potatoes and some pumpkin pie
- watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade
- sleeping in (even if it's just a little bit)
- snuggling with my hubby and dog
- listening to Christmas music
- eating out with friends
- decorating for Christmas (huzzah!!)
- taking lots of pictures...all for fun, none for business
- doing a little Christmas shopping
- starting some crocheting
- and actually relaxing!
I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving!
blah & shopping
Thursday, November 01, 2007It's official. I have a cold. It's pretty much the worst timing because this is my biggest photo shoot weekend. I have two on Saturday and three on Sunday. Hopefully the cold won't get any worse! Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
In other news, I definitely started my Christmas shopping. Man, I love browsing Etsy and picking things out. Although all the time I have spent on Etsy has been difficult...it's so hard not to buy things for myself. My favorites are out of control!! It's going to be weird to pretty much completely shop online this year. It will be fun to go to the mall when it gets close to Christmas just to walk around. I love this time of year.
christmas is only 96 days away
Thursday, September 20, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, knight light
I randomly decided a couple days ago that I needed to design some custom photo cards for Christmas. For the past few evenings, I have been working up designs for them. And since I can't just do anything simply, I came up with 14 designs. FOURTEEN. Not sure if it's because I love Christmas so much or this always happens but I couldn't quit designing cards. I love variety. I want people to have options!
So now I guess I'm going to try and sell them to my clients. I don't know how much to charge for them so I need to do some research. How much would you pay for custom 4 X 8 photo cards?
whew...
Wednesday, December 27, 2006Our Christmas weekend has come to an end. It was a full and happy time. Here's my recap in pictures: Labels: about me, christmas cheer, family matters
My brother, Tony and his fiance, Emily came home. Josh and I were honored to be asked to be in their wedding. Yeah, that's right...I'm a freakin' bridesmaid.
We decorated my parent's tree with all of our childhood ornaments.
My parents cooked up quite the feast on Christmas Eve. Gideon, the adopted stray, was allowed inside for awhile. Toby even shared his bed.
We played Battle of the Sexes and Apples to Apples where we all got a little into it.
My mom had her first actual cup of coffee on Christmas morning. She was so darn excited.
My dad and brother both got new kicks for Christmas and decided to show them off with a high kick.
And of course, we got to spend some time with our favorite niece, Kate.
It was such a great weekend. Josh and I both got so many nice gifts...more than we deserved. It was a wonderful time spent with our families. Sad it's over...
Christmas
Saturday, December 23, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer
From my family to yours...wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
christmas stuff and my folks
Friday, December 22, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer, family matters
Our little Christmas tree is packed full of Christmas presents all wrapped and ready to go. Every year I plan how I'm going to wrap all of presents. This year I had a plan but chucked it all when I realized I had all of this blue snowflake paper. I think I probably bought it last year after Christmas, planning for next year!
I had to share this ornament. It is my absolute favorite ornament. I made it when I was in nursery school and it has survived since then. Growing up that was my favorite ornament to put on the tree. While we were decorating the tree I would pick a bottom branch in the front for this little guy. Once we got Toby that didn't work so much since it's made from a dog biscuit, so it was moved to a very high branch. It hasn't been gobbled up by a puppy and managed to make it on my tree every year.
A few pictures from last night:
The trick is to just snap pictures like I'm the paparazi. Soon they'll be laughing so much that I'm bound to get a good one. I took this one of my parents last night. Love it.
My mom always shys away from the camera. I was telling her that if she just relaxed and had fun with it I was likely to get a good picture. Suddenly she started posing like a model and laughing. I kept snapping and got this beauty. I think she looks gorgeous.
christmas memory: the year we got a puppy
Wednesday, December 20, 2006Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
Growing up my brother and I were typical kids that ask for a dog for Christmas. I seem to remember thinking that my parents would never go for it. Little did I know that on Christmas Eve of 1993, there was a little white puppy sleeping in my parents' bed.
Christmas morning started like every other Christmas morning...my parents had to wake up my brother and I. (What can I say? We're heavy sleepers.) My mom told us that we had a couple gifts to find. We were given clues that lead to a gift and another clue. The last clue lead us to the attic. We finally headed downstairs and my parents were sitting in the living room. My dad moved a rug he was holding up to reveal a DOG! A tiny white fluff ball darted towards my brother and I.
I couldn't believe it! He was so cute. Unfortunately my brother was still scared of dogs after an unfortunate chasing incident when he was younger. He jumped up on one of the chairs and started crying. I immediately started crying because I thought we were going to have to give him up.
My brother got over his fear of dogs that day because a little white puppy befriended him. Toby and my brother became buddies in a matter of minutes. I will always remember going on a scavenger hunt that Christmas and seeing Toby for the first time. Oh, and those small gifts we found? Dog toys.
shopping
Tuesday, December 19, 2006Last night I ran into town to see if I could finish up my Christmas shopping. I didn't finish but I'm pretty darn close. I have a couple things to pick up and then shop for Josh. Sometimes it's more fun to have a few things to get right before Christmas. Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
It was so funny how many men were shopping last night. I saw the cutest guy in Bed, Bath, & Beyond. He was probably in his late 50's, silvery hair, very tall...examining all of the baking sheets. I then saw him later debating each one with a worker. It makes me smile to see guys out shopping looking obviously clueless but so determined to find a nice gift.
Gosh, I love this time of year.
the holiday
Monday, December 18, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer
[Outtake from our Christmas family picture]
Josh and I went to see The Holiday on Saturday night with some friends. I thought it was a really cute movie. Unfortunately it was probably the most uncomfortable movie experience ever. We went to a movie theater we don't go to anymore. I sat in a very uncomfortable chair behind a very tall guy. The lady next to me alternated between coughing and "aw"-ing. You know at everything she would say (loudly), "AW!" or she'd describe what was going on like, "Oh, she's crying". I sat leaning to the right the entire time so I could see and trying to ignore the lady a seat over. I think that I'd like to see the movie again so I could really enjoy it.
christmas plans
Friday, December 15, 2006Josh and I worked out our Christmas plans fairly painlessly this year. The really weird thing is that we just have two, my parents and his parents. His grandparents are all snowbirds this year so we won't be having a family Christmas with them. My dad's side of the family is the only ones that still get together on my side. They're having it on Christmas day which I think is silly. I would plan a larger family Christmas a few days before or after. Josh and I will be at his mom and dad's during my relative's Christmas so we won't be able to go. We'll do my parents' Christmas in the morning on Christmas Day and after lunch go to his parents. It should be a fun day. Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
It's kind of cool how it all worked out this year. Since I don't really have any time off it will be good to be able to just be at home some. I can't believe Christmas is in less than two weeks. I've got some shopping to do!
so i ruined another christmas present
Thursday, December 14, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer
Josh told me after the Russell + Hazel tote came that he had another gift coming. He said that it was going to be delivered to my parents on Tuesday and I wasn't to even set foot in their house that day. I talked to my mom Tuesday evening and she said that something had arrived for me so I wasn't to be looking in my brother's room. Of course I obeyed because I love surprises and Christmas.
Yesterday I got the mail after work as always. Josh was looking over my shoulder pulling out his mail. I got to an envelope that was addressed to him. Unfortunately the return address was Lands' End. I don't think that Josh or I have every bought anything from them. But that is the place that has the aqua snowboots I've wanted for a year. I knew the minute I saw it that Josh had ordered them for me. I had just ruined another one of Josh's presents.
Usually Josh will accidentally give away what he got for me because he'll hint too much. I know him so well that I can almost always guess what he got me. This year he was doing so well and hadn't really talked about anything. But of course, Lands' End would have to mail him a receipt for his purchase. I mean, c'mon, who does that? Just put it in the box with the item!
I cried when Josh brought them down from my brother's room at my parent's. I cried when I tried them on. I told Josh that I just wanted to return them. I don't want them anymore. I'm actually trying to convince myself that they're too big. Of course, Josh is determined that we will not return them.
Less than two weeks until Christmas, we'll see how many more presents I can manage to screw up.
one less christmas present
Tuesday, December 12, 2006Labels: all you need is love, christmas cheer, retail therapy
Yesterday the UPS guy delivered a box to me at work addressed to my husband. The big black sticker on it read "Russell + Hazel". I called Josh to tell him what had happened and that I knew he got me the Audrey Tote. We were both disappointed that I knew.
My parents had planned on getting me the Audrey Tote for Christmas but everywhere they looked they were sold out. Delivery was not expected until middle of January. Josh heard about this so he emailed Russell + Hazel! I guess they were really willing to work with him and promised him the first black tote with black handles that they get. Wow. Unfortunately there was a mixup between the billing and shipping address and the tote got sent to our apartment instead of my parent's house.
Josh asked if I wanted him to wrap it up and give it to me for Christmas. Uh, no way...I'm using it! It's perfect and I love how much effort he put into getting it. I think that makes me like it even more.
all i want for Christmas
Thursday, December 07, 2006Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
alena hennessy blue floral on charcoal scarf [link], sheila d reversible corduroy school tote [link], audrey expanding file file tote [link]
hancock gourmet lobster co live maine lobster [link], small things itty bitty necklace [link], Russell + hazel recipe binder set [link]
I made up a little Christmas wish list for Santa last night with things I have found on the Internet. Some are ridiculously expensive (ie. the lobster) so I'd probably actually be upset if I received it. But I thought it would be fun. Plus I really want that scarf so I thought it would be a good way to remind my husband.
new TV
Tuesday, December 05, 2006Josh's parents are getting us a new TV for Christmas. (Ours is about ready to bite the dust.) Actually they're giving us money for a new TV. His mom had been looking at them and felt completely overwhelmed by all the choices. Believe me, I understand. Josh picked us out a TV that was $1 less than the amount they were giving us. And it fit almost exactly in our entertainment center. Labels: christmas cheer, moolah, retail therapy
Cindy told us that if we get it before Christmas that they would give us the money before Christmas. Of course, that meant that Josh wanted to get it last night! We went to Best Buy and started looking at all of the televisions. We found the one we had picked out. Instead of just getting that we started looking at the nicer ones. After waiting for 15 minutes for someone to help us, we were just ready to get out of there. I finally tracked down someone. That darn blue shirt swayed us towards the more expensive one, dangit.
Josh and I got it home, hooked it up and well, weren't that impressed. I mean for another hundred dollars (and that's after a big discount) it should be a lot better than the initial TV we picked out.
Very frustrating. We were both kind of mad at ourselves for not going with the one we picked out. Josh packed it all back up in the box and he's going to exchange it this evening.
60 to snow in 5.3 seconds
Thursday, November 30, 2006Over the weekend Josh and I watched White Christmas to help get us in the Christmas mood. After the movie got over all I wanted was some snow. For the past couple days, it's been in the low to mid-60's. Yes, you read that right... SIXTY at the end of November. Ugh. Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
I woke up this morning and suddenly there is a Winter Storm watch. This morning my car was cover in a thin layer of ice. And get this...tonight, 80% chance of 8-12 inches of snow. Wahuh? Didn't I just wear a t-shirt and hoodie yesterday?
It cracks me up. I really don't mind the cold or the snow. I just really hate the first big storm because people drive like idiots. It's like, how can you forget how to drive in bad weather just over the summer? If you're in an area that's getting or going to get hit with this crazy weather, stay safe and drive careful!
decorating for Christmas
Tuesday, November 28, 2006While scouring through the Pottery Barn magazine, my Real Simple and another magazine, I tore out every Christmas decoration I liked. One of the images I kept coming back to was this one from Pottery Barn: Labels: apartment living, christmas cheer
To do a scaled down version for the top of my entertainment center, it would have cost me approximately $193 for the candle holders plus $128 for the candles. Holy crap, $321? That's not even including all of those shown or the glass vase in the middle or the stockings or garland.
So the day after Thanksgiving Josh and I headed into town to do a little shopping. We decided to hit Hobby Lobby to see about their Christmas decorations. Jackpot. No joke, everything I bought there was half off.
Here is my version of the Pottery Barn mantle. Total cost: $56.25 ($36.25 for the candle holders, $10 for the candles, and $10 for the berry garland)
I absolutely love how it came out. Josh decided that we needed a theme for our decorations so I told him I was thinking red and white. We bought some red and silver classic ball ornaments (half off at Hobby Lobby) to decorate our little Charlie Brown Christmas tree. By the way, A Charlie Brown Christmas is on TV tonight.
I saw this idea in a magazine too (maybe Real Simple) and thought it would be perfect for the window above my kitchen sink. My version:
This little tree (also half off at Hobby Lobby) came prelit. I used a set of ornaments I received from an Aunt last Christmas (thanks, Suzi). The ornament set is called a bride's tree collection. According to an old German tradtion, a couple's Christmas tree should include these twelve ornaments to ensure their happiness. For example, a house for protection, a rabbit for hope, a fish for Christ's blessing, a teapot for hospitality... The ornaments were a perfect fit for this little tree.
I really love the apartment this Christmas. I feel like everything came together so well and it all looks so homey. For once it's not just thrown together leftovers, it's my own decorations that I planned out. I feel kind of like a grown-up. And if you're not going to make it to my apartment sometime during the month of December, you can see more of my decorations on Flickr. (Including Josh's painting he did for me, Post Modern Candy Canes.)
stuck in a car
Monday, November 27, 2006Josh and I drove to Wisconsin on Saturday for his family's Thanksgiving/Christmas. The drive is three and a half hours which doesn't seem too bad. Actually the ride there wasn't bad at all. I cross-stitched most of the way and we talked. The ride home though was quite different. Three and a half hours seemed like years. I was going crazy and since it was dark I couldn't do anything to keep me busy. I'm wondering if part of the problem is that I'm becoming more claustrophobic. I start to freak out a little because I can't stand up or move around. Poor Josh had to put up with me the whole way home. We were both so glad to be home! Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
black friday
Friday, November 24, 2006Today is the mother of all shopping days. To be honest, I love it. Not because I love the deals or to spend money. I absolutely love being in the mall at Christmastime when it's busy. As long as I can take my time and there isn't something I have to get, I really enjoy it. It's kind of become tradition for Josh and I to shop on the day after Thanksgiving. Last year I got this awesome purse. Although I'm not looking to buy anything for myself this year, I will keep my eyes peeled for any good deals. We have to get a couple gifts for the Knight family Christmas/Thanksgiving that's in Wisconsin tomorrow but other than that...there's nothing specific. This way I can enjoy the hustle and the bustle. Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
apartment = clean
Wednesday, November 22, 2006So last night I worked my butt off cleaning the apartment. The spare room was out of control and it was driving me crazy. I know I'm going to want to decorate for Christmas this weekend so I had to have everything cleaned up. (It's funny that last year I did the same thing before Christmas.) It's just so frustrating to try to keep things organized in an apartment. I don't have any storage! You've really got to be creative with storing everything. Labels: apartment living, christmas cheer
I was able to get rid of some stuff. I did four trips to the dumpster and took some stuff to store over at my parents. I was wiped out by the time I was done. I didn't even get to the dusting or vacuuming! Oh well, that seems pretty minor after what I did last night.
christmas has started
Monday, November 20, 2006My mom informed me the other day that a local radio station had started playing all Christmas music. Friday afternoon I headed into town and listened to the Christmas station the whole way. I got to the first stoplight in town and looked to my right. There was a truck pulling a trailer FULL of Christmas trees. I'm sure I smiled like a goofball but I couldn't help it. It was suddenly like signs of Christmas. That evening I spent forever combing the aisles of Hobby Lobby. I looked through every row of Christmas ornaments and decorations. I decided I should take inventory of my Christmas decorations before I start buying new stuff. My goal for the beginning of the week is to go through all of my decorations and plan everything out. This way I can decorate on Sunday! Labels: christmas cheer, everything else, music
I already have started the morning off with the Elf Soundtrack. Gosh, I love Christmas. I can't believe it's on its way already.
In Order
Wednesday, December 28, 2005I love Christmas time but when it's over, I'm ready for the decorations to come down. Monday, the day after Christmas, I took all of my decorations down including the tree. Some people leave their tree up past New Years but I just can't do it. It felt so great to get the apartment back in order. Josh was such a trooper. He helped me pack up everything and took all of our boxes to my parents for storage. I just love when things are back in order. I feel like I can face the day and any problems that arise better when things are organized and picked up. I know, that's a little nutty. Labels: apartment living, christmas cheer
So the apartment has been deChristmasfied...
Wow, Christmas is over.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
I can't believe that Christmas is already over. I had a great Christmas. My first married Christmas. We woke up Christmas morning to snow on the ground! Everything was slushy and rainy on Christmas Eve. But we still ended up having a white Christmas.
Josh and I got ready for church after we gave Bebo his presents from Santa. He was so excited about his new water dish. He wagged his tail and hopped around.
After church we headed to my parents for our first Christmas. Bebo gave Toby a new dog bed which Toby loved. He camped out on it all day!
It's always so much fun to open gifts. Everyone was so excited...especially my cute little momma. She was thrilled with all her gifts and I even made her cry with a framed picture from the wedding. You should have seen her open silverware from Tony and Emily. You'd have thought she was given a million dollars. So cute.
I felt completely spoiled this year. My parents got me a rockin' tripod for the camera and tons of other cool stuff. Stockings are always a big deal and jammed full. My parents are so cool...they got me pickles in my stocking. Okay, let me explain. I LOVE Jimmy John's pickles. My dad was looking through the paper a couple weeks ago and Jimmy John's had an ad about catering. It said you can even get a container of pickles so of course they thought of me. After we were all done with gifts and stockings my mom came in and told me that they had something else for me but it couldn't go in the stocking. My parents were so giggly that I couldn't think of what it could be. And then she pulled out the pickles. It was awesome. One of my other favorite stocking stuffer was the remote for my D50. Let's just say that I had a blast playing with it.
After my parents we headed to his parents. Josh got his guitar which he was so excited about. I had put a pick in my pocket so that he could play as soon as he opened. And get this...I got a freakin' iPod nano. I know! Can you believe it? I'm still kind of in shock. I still can't believe that his parents did that for me. And the cool thing was that they were so excited to give it to me.
It was a good Christmas. A great first married Christmas with Josh.
Bake, Bake, Bake
Saturday, December 24, 2005Labels: christmas cheer, in the kitchen
I spent most of the day in the kitchen baking. I made a yummy double layer chocolate cake, homemade pretzels, a loaf of homemade bread, jello jigglers... Whew, I was wiped out! We had a dinner at my parents tonight and then all of us played Catch Phrase. Christmas Eve service at my church was really nice. We sang Silent Night by candlelight. It always chokes me up. Tonight Santa comes and Bebo is excited. Santa gave me call to let me know that Bebo is getting a new water dish, a rawhide and some yummy food. Bebs will be excited.
I'm looking forward to Christmas tomorrow. Our first married Christmas...it gives me warm fuzzies!
Merry Christmas!
Churches cancelling on Christmas
Thursday, December 22, 2005So have you heard about the churches that are cancelling church Sunday? I'm so completely blown away by this. Some mega-churches are doing this to allow their staff a day with families. Orchard Hill out of Pittsburgh is one of those churches. [source] Apparently it takes 150 people to stage their service. I guess maybe here's a reason that yes, they did get too big. A church in Normal is cancelling church on Sunday as well. There website says: "There will be no services...so that families can spend this Christ-filled holiday together." So families can spend this holiday together??? What? Labels: christmas cheer, deep thoughts
Christ-filled holiday...You would think that on a Christ-filled holiday, you'd want to go to church. I guess it doesn't bother me if people skip church on Sunday, that's no big deal. But I don't feel that the churches should cancel service. I feel like it's just the church becoming more seculiar. Really, church is not supposed to be "convenient".
Of course, it makes Christmas day different than usual and the traditions may get moved around a bit. (I know I'm a little bummed that I can't stay in my pajamas until lunch time.) However, I think it's going to be neat to get up Christmas morning with my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, and Josh to go to church.
Christmas shopping
Friday, December 16, 2005I finished up my Christmas shopping last night. Whoa. That's a good feeling. I think what makes me feel even better is that I made a budget and I actually stuck to it. No credit card debt this Christmas! When it comes to buying gifts for other people I have a really hard time controlling myself. Christmas is usually the one time of the year that I can spoil my mom and she lets me get away with it. This year Josh and I got everyone really nice gifts but we just didn't go overboard. I didn't even know it last night when I was on my way home that I was completely done shopping. I looked at my list this morning and woohoo, it's complete! Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
Okay, I just realized that I have to get Bebo a Christmas present. Whoops. I didn't mean to forget the little guy. Here's Bebo and his favorite scarf last night:
Onto the work week
Monday, November 28, 2005Whew, what a weekend. Lots of food, lots of friends and family... Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
Only 28 days until Christmas, can you believe that? Josh and I did brave the crowds on Friday. We got a few good deals. People were surprisingly not too mean. All of the salespeople we dealt with were really nice. I know, amazing. I just love being in that busy hustle and bustle environment even if I can't spend a lot of money.
Josh is in full on stress mode. He always gets like this before finals...just a little crazy. But he always does well. He wrote a paper yesterday. I guess that's what you do when you work well under pressure. You just wait until the last minute.
Now it's Monday but at least the sun is coming out after all.
Charlie Brown tree
Tuesday, November 22, 2005Labels: apartment living, christmas cheer
Josh and I put up our Christmas Tree last night! It's a total Charlie Brown tree. Every year I think, "This is never going to look nice" but every year it does. I ended up putting some evergreen garland in the middle of the tree to help fill it out. I think it looks pretty cute.
After Josh and I finished decorating, we played Mario on Nintendo 64 F-O-R-E-V-E-R. We were totally sucked in and determined to win another level. It's nice when you have someone to spend all your time with, even while playing Nintendo.
Sidenote: I decided to put out my Christmas design on the blog. I had planned on waiting until after Thanksgiving but I just can't anymore.
Santa Came
Saturday, December 25, 2004Another Christmas is over... It's weird how things are so different from when I was a kid. Although this morning I woke up and felt like a kid again. I said, "It's Christmas!!!" Josh and I went to his parents at 8 for their Christmas, then right over to my parents by 10. We drove over to his grandparents by noon for yet another Christmas. Josh got his amazing iPod and was one happy boy. That was probably the best gift I have ever given someone. I absolutely love giving someone something that isn't expecting it. He was so surprised and excited I got a little choked up. I'm such a sap. It's been a good Christmas. I love having Josh as a part of my family (even though only unofficially). Tomorrow Josh, Tony and I are braving the day after Christmas shopping because there are SO MANY sales!!! I'm excited to shop. Us three are watching Dodgeball and drinking coffee... Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
Not A Busy Day
Thursday, December 23, 2004Day before Christmas Eve and I'm looking forward to the long weekend. I still can't believe that it's Christmas this weekend. Maybe since I finished my Christmas shopping a month ago... Now I just have to wait. It does make me sad though how the waiting isn't as exciting as it used to be. I remember going crazy with anticipation at the thought of Christmas. Now it just comes and go like another day, which also makes me sad that I forget the real reason for this time of year. Jesus was born and most people only think about what they got or what they're giving someone else. Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
