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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy 2010!

I'm assuming this is my last post of this year. I hope everyone has had a good holiday. It sounds like it from reading everyone's blog. We, too, have had a good holiday. Last week, I ran around a bunch getting ready for Christmas. I even felt up to baking. I baked two different kinds of cookies (Chewbilee cookies and Chocolate Toffee Crunch). I also attempted my grandmother's divinity. If you've never heard of divinity, it's basically sugar and nuts. It's supposed to be fluffy KINDA like a marshmallow but not as squishy. It's a little harder than that but when you bite into it, it kind of dissolves in your mouth. ANYWAY.... now I've never made candy before but I thought I would give it a try. So, on Christmas Eve (big mistake) I whipped up a batch. Unfortunately it's a temperamental candy that humidity greatly affects. If you were here, you know it rained in the late afternoon and all night... which means, that my divinity did not set at all. In fact, it looked like white pecan brittle. It tasted REALLY yummy, like my grandmother's. BUT, I had to throw it away because it wouldn't set and we couldn't even peel it off the wax paper. Oh well, I'll try again next year. This time on a day where NO RAIN is in the forecast.

This was the first Christmas we were at home. It was quite nice being at home and to begin to think about family traditions that WE want to have with our family. Christmas Eve, we were invited over to my brother and sister in law's for dinner. We crammed into their one bedroom condo and had a delish meal with them, my dad and stepmom, grandmother, her parents, her brothers, her sister in law, two nephews and her grandfather and his wife. (which is why I used the word CRAMMED). My dad, step mom and grandmother joined me and Chris in attending the 11:00 pm service at the church we've been going to. It was nice and I know it will be the last late service we're able to go to on Christmas Eve for quite a while.

Christmas morning it was SO NICE to wake up in our own bed and be lazy. I made breakfast for us and we opened presents just the two of us. We had a lazy morning and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. I even surprised Chris and set the table in my mom's Christmas china. We even drank out of our crystal tea glasses. It was quite fun! We headed over to see Lonebutterfly, her hubby and caterpillars for a short visit before going to my dad's. We had a great time with my family, eating, laughing and opening gifts.

This week has been much more relaxed for me. Chris has been working all week (of course) and I have mainly just hung around the house and rested. Tonight, Chris's parents are coming and we'll celebrate Christmas with them and Chris's brother tomorrow. This is, of course, assuming that Sprout isn't affected by the blue moon tonight.

Happy 2010 everyone! I wish everyone the most blessed new year to come!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas

I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases and the most happy New year to come!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Sprout's Room

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WOO HOO!

I made it! It's been a LOOONG week but it's finally over. The last week before a holiday is always stressful, tiring and well... long. I'm so excited to have 2 weeks off to rest and prepare for Sprout (and possibly Sprout will come).

We have no special plans for the break (well, aside from celebrating Christmas). We are not going anywhere. We are strictly on "Sprout Watch." I am done (for the first time ever in my life) with my Christmas shopping. All that's left is wrapping, Christmas cards (I've been lazy on those... sorry friends), and cleaning the house. Sprout's room is ready for Sprout (pics to follow in the next post)... so now we just wait!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Happy Birthday!!!

From Scanned photos


Today would have been my mom's 63rd birthday. I think of her everyday and miss her everyday. She would be ECSTATIC to meet Sprout (in fact, I know she's up in heaven just happy as can be about Sprout). I am writing this post, not to make you sad but to celebrate the wonderful life she lived. Most of you know, we lost her to cancer 6 years ago. I am very blessed to have a wonderful and caring step mother who is a great support. I am also blessed by my mom's friends who love me and think of me. One of my mom's friends saved baby blankets and sweaters that my mom crocheted for her grandchildren and passed them on to me recently. What a blessing!

Today I have my last shower for Sprout and I am super excited about it. It's being hosted by 3 of my mom's favorite friends from the church I grew up in (and my dad still attends). I think it's a fantastic way to celebrate my mom today.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

'Tis the Season

I just have to say it... I LOVE Christmas!!! You might remember a few weeks ago when I posted that I had begun listening to Christmas tunes. Well, I am loving the fact that I can now "officially" listen and they're on everywhere! I LOVE IT!

Our house is decorated (pics will come at some point). MOST of my Christmas shopping is done, still have a few people left (mainly Chris). I AM READY! I keep thinking how next Christmas will be SO different having an almost year old around. THAT makes me excited too! I have such wonderful memories of the holidays growing up that I can't wait to start new family traditions and make memories with our new family!