Snow days...

I was listening to Matt Pond’s song, “Snow Day” today and it made me remember the past…

Growing up we had more snow days than I can even count. I used to love snow days. These days when the power goes out it’s such a big inconvenience, back then it meant sleigh riding, snow ball fights, playing Monopoly and Clue by candle light, hot chocolate and togetherness. 

I miss the simple pleasures snow days used to bring to my life. I remember anxiously listening to the radio for school cancellations and praying for school to be canceled. There is also something so peaceful about a huge snowfall. It brings a silence with it that is breathtaking. 

Everything stops, if even for just a short while.  Joel and I got to experience this in NYC last year. It was amazing to see one of the busiest places in the world, slow down. I was literally standing on a normally busy street and there were only a few headlights on the road. 

My only wish is that we would get more snow days here in Charlotte. Until then, I’ll keep going home to the mountains and enjoying my little white wonders there. 

Hope you enjoy the song as much as I do...enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus, aka...Joel (after all they both have beards) gave me some wonderful gifts today! This was our first Christmas together as a married couple, and my first Christmas ever spending it without my family. We didn't get to go home this year for Christmas because my mom, dad, grandpa, and brother's family all have a stomach flu. We're postponing our Christmas gathering until next weekend, with the hope that everyone will be feeling better - and less contagious!

Joel and I started some of our own new traditions this morning, and carried on some old ones. We both took turns reading the bible and praying before we exchanged gifts. Joel whipped up my favorite breakfast, french toast, maple syrup bacon and homemade skillet potatoes. And we've been watching the classic, Ben-Hur all morning by the fire.

This year we set a limit on spending. I got him two new pairs of shoes, his old ones were falling apart and he continued to wear them with no complaints, so I felt he was long overdue for an up grade. I also got him a golf cooler with a special surprise inside... a voucher for 7 rounds of golf. I think he liked this one the best. He had hinted more than once this was what he really wanted...

Joel had the giving spirit a little early this year. He gave me a new pair of UGGs and a long gray sweater dress a couple weeks before Christmas. Today, I opened three more thoughtful gifts.

He gave me a rose gold angel wing pendant necklace to signify our little angel on the way. Which I love!

A Michael Kors watch! I love the rose gold. He has such good taste.

And one of my favorite books that I can't wait to read to our baby. So sweet! I sure am one lucky girl!

What Christmas means to me…

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

It’s so easy to forget the real meaning of Christmas. As we go about our lives and get shuffled into the hustle and bustle of it all.  From Santa Claus to Frosty, cable is airing the 25 days of Christmas, but none of the shows are about the real meaning, the reason for this season…Jesus.

I remember growing up, the real Christmas story used to air. There were other shows on TV centered on Jesus too like “The Little Drummer Boy.” I don’t remember the last time I saw that one air. What changed? What has made everyone get so far away from the real meaning?

Every Christmas before one gift is touched, my family sits down with the Bible and we read the story of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38, 2: 1-20, Matthew 1:18-25).  This has become a great tradition in my family and I am looking forward to starting this with my own children. It reminds us all that gifts are not the real meaning. We all love Santa, Christmas trees and everything childlike that this time of year is known for, but the real meaning should be celebrated and glorified, the birth of our Savior.  Happy Birthday Jesus.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  Luke 2:14

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs...Merry Christmas!

 

From our home to yours...

Pregnancy has taught me to…

• Always have snacks. I keep snacks at my desk at work, by my bedside, in my purse and sometimes even in my car. The best way to avoid getting sick is to keep your stomach 50% full all the time, so I try to nibble on something every two hours if possible.
• Drink lots during the day and slow down on the fluids after 6pm – otherwise I’ll be up all night!
• Plan out what I’m wearing to work the night before. As my belly continues to grow, I never know if what fit me last week will fit me today. Good thing I like to plan ahead!
• Take naps often. Every time I can lie down, I do! I haven’t slept the whole night through since I became pregnant. Napping is the one way I can catch up on my beauty rest – and it seems I am always tired; after all I am growing a human inside me.
• Bring a glass of milk to bed with me. As odd as it seems, it’s the only thing I’ve found that helps relieve my ulcer pains at night.
• Watch my attitude. Joel has told me more than once I’m being hormonal… I don’t always notice it, so I try to be more aware before I speak now.
• Take some ME time. Whether it’s a manicure/pedicure, nap, reading, bath or massage, I figure now’s the time to pamper and indulge myself before the baby arrives. It makes me feel better too!
• Read more… I thought I knew the basics and felt confident at first, but there is still so much I have to learn. Reading and talking to others makes me feel more prepared and less stressed.
• Not to overdo it on the good days or else plan a lot of rest for the next day. 
• Let things go in one ear and out the other... it seems everyone has a pregnancy story they want to share with you. What happened to their friend, sister, a friend of a friend... It used to scare and worry me at first, but now I know to take the stories with a grain of salt. 
• Let some things go… there will always be dishes and laundry to do, a bed to be made, floors to mop and carpets to clean. With the constant nausea and exhaustion I’ve felt over the past 4 months or so, I’ve learned its okay to let some things go…after all, it will still be there tomorrow.

And lastly, to enjoy every moment of my pregnancy even the aches and the pains because it is such a blessing...

It's a Wonderful Life...

Christmas is one of my favorite Holidays. Well, actually I love all Holidays, even Halloween (if that's considered a Holiday). Holidays resemble fun times and memories for me.

Usually, I know what I want for Christmas by the 1^st of November, but this year was different. I couldn’t think of one thing I really wanted or needed for Christmas. I could think of plenty of things we will need for the baby eventually or to improve our home, but nothing that I wanted or needed just for myself. I bet my mom and Joel asked me twenty times what I wanted and each time I would respond, “I’ll have to think about it.” But thinking didn’t help, because I knew I already had everything I needed for Christmas. 

We have been so blessed with a warm house, paid bills, food on the table everyday, clothes on our back and most importantly, one another.  My dad always told us when we were growing up, “You’re old enough that your wants won’t hurt you.” This year it finally sank in.

 

An Ode to the Birthday Girl!

Today is not only the shortest day of the year; it’s one of the most special days of the year too! Today is my dear friend Andrea’s birthday.  Andrea is the kind of person you always want to be around. I think the first day we met, we instantly became best friends. She would do absolutely anything for her friends and puts all of her friends’ needs, worries and concerns ahead of her own. She is beautiful inside and out.

She has been such a blessing to my life and I thank God for giving me such a wonderful friend to lean on, enjoy spending time with and talk to about anything and everything. I know Andrea is a lifetime friend. 

So cheers to you Andrea on your special day! Know that you are a special person to so many people and you have brought so much joy to my life. I look forward to many more lasting memories to come. I love you to Boone and back, and then to the moon and back!