Christmas 2010

Christmas came and went super fast this year. We didn't even get to decorate our gingerbread houses until Christmas eve. Below is our rushed job. I made a church this year- Matt made the house.

Christmas morning Tucker opened his stocking first...

And when he opened his gift- he found a stuffed lobster dinner. He's been carrying around the squeaky baked potato non-stop ever since.

I scored some pretty unique items that I've had my eye on for quite a while this year. First was a jalapeño corer so that those pesky juices stop burning my hands for days on end.

Second were these days of the week pillowcases that my mom embroidered for me. For some reason- I sleep much better knowing my pillowcase is fresh each night.

And finally I scored a sa-weet metal spork! Phở will never be the same with this puppy!

Matt got some fun items too, we just didn't request his picture be taken with each of them like I did.

And of course, no year is complete without a few exotic presents from Matt's parents.

Below is Tucker's reaction to the rugs they sent this year.

Thanksgiving - January Catch Up Through Pictures

2009 was a long and hard year.

I'd probably go as far as to say it was one of the worst years of my life. But nonetheless, we're still alive and embarking on 2010.

Thanksgiving came and went without any pictures except for this one of us eating giant Uncle Buck pancakes and commencing the start of watching John Candy movies throughout the rest of the year.

RIP John Candy....RIP....the holidays just wouldn't be holidays without your movies.

Soon after Thanksgiving, Matt and I passed a middle eastern grocery store while on our way to meet up with his family. We stopped in to the Raja Bazaar and got some interesting soda pop, cookies, and star of david pasta for our Hanukkah celebration. Sadly, none of it was anything to write home about. I guess you win some and you lose some.

We decorated for Christmas earlier than ever this year.I think it was due to the fact that I finally got my Playmobil nativity that I've had my eye on for years and years. It's so hilarious.We followed tradition and decorated gingerbread houses a mom's house.But I spent a lot of time hula hooping like Alvin the Chipmunk while Matt decorated. We spent the night at my parent's house on Christmas eve and opened all our presents.Tucker was really into the whole wrapping paper ripping.A Crème brulée torch!
T&Co! Matt got me a necklace with a little pretzel charm on it because my favorite place and best memory of a place we've been has been in Germany where I got a pretzel the size of my head. After opening gifts, we played all night...
Matt and his wii...Me in my snuggie.For my work Christmas lunch we went to the Petroleum Club in Downtown Dallas for lunch. It was schmancy....so schmancy that I made my co-workers pose with these caroler statues because I was too shy.

In January, my nephew Will got in touch with his feminine side and wore a headband to mine and my niece's birthday party.

Kennedy wanted a princess castle cake, so Grammy came through and did a great job!

At work, Matt sent me flowers and I got a sweet David Hasselhoff card from my friend Jamea.My boss got me this BIG balloon that I'm still really confused about....I'm pretty sure I don't act like a princess at work...AND she put a giant inflatable cake in my office. You'd think it was a milestone birthday, but it was just a boring 26th birthday. I'm not complaining though.

There is much, much more that has happened- some good, some bad, but we rarely photograph those times in our lives.

We are glad though that everyone else is doing well and although it's a little late, we wish the best to you all this 2010.

And So This Is Christmas...

In all, this year was a pretty good Christmas for Matt and I.

We began Christmas Eve at my sister Kristi's house where we enjoyed the company of the Sister Missionaries, ate delicious Mexican food that was catered in, had yummy desserts, and were overwhelmed with an awesome gift basket from the Dickinson's that included all the things Matt and I love and needed.

(Sadly, we apparently didn't take pictures of this fun night besides this one below.)

Christmas morning we woke up early and opened the few presents that were under our tree. Posed for a picture in our matching pajamas.

Gave Tucker his stocking.And then quickly headed out the door to enjoy Christmas breakfast and open some gifts with Mom and Dad in Rowlett. Matt got a whole bunch of presents he loved, wanted and needed including every tool he could ever need, electronic Monopoly (His favorite), A to Z game (another huge hit), brain puzzlers, candy galore, and a bunch of movies.

I received cake decorating supplies that I've been wanting and needing in order to fulfil my creative urges (and Matt's cravings), some super cute pajamas, and box of 600+ hand written I Love Yous (one for every day we've been married) from Matt. :o)


After an hour at Mom and Dad's we headed to Tyler to visit Matt's family and for some reason there we no pictures taken there either. However, we had an enjoyable time watching "The Office", playing "The Office" game, and Matt made good use of his "A to Z" game with all of his family.

We now have taken down our tree and are enjoying the rest from all the Christmas rush. We're so grateful to everyone who made this such an enjoyable Christmas for us and look forward to the day that someday we can reciprocate the kindness and generosity that was shown to us.

Our Humble Animal Themed Tree

I just wanted to post a picture of Matt and my 1st Christmas tree together and our 1st Stockings. Matt wanted a big one...I think this one did the trick.

Our Tree doesn't have garland yet, but that is coming in the mail. I wanted wooden bead garland and finally found some for dirt cheap. Yay for World Market again!
Now all it needs are gifts under it....maybe next year.

Tucker's Christmas

Tucker got his Christmas present early this year. A gingerbread house with 3 squeaky toys hidden inside! He's in heaven.

Christmas Tagged!

I was tagged by the lovely Sonia!

5 Favorite Christmas Movies:
Home Alone
Surviving Christmas
Family Man
Elf
A Charlie Brown Christmas

5 Things that Happened Yesterday:
I stayed in bed all day long
I watched an E! Special on Cults, Religions, and Mind Control (It was spooky!)
Matt made me dinner
I didn't go to sleep at night
I chatted with my mother for an hour

5 Things to Look Forward To:
A vacation
Matt finishing school on Thursday
Matt getting a new job
Paying off debt
Christmas being over, lol

5 Things on my Wish List:
A safari in Africa
Some cozy pajamas
New earrings
A new wardrobe with lots of little embellishments, pearl buttons, and sparkly things on all the clothing. :o)
A posh urban loft in London.

5 Things I Love About Winter/Christmas:
Sweaters
Winter Coats and Scarves
Fleece Pajamas
Having a few extra days off of work
Getting pomegranates at the grocery store

People to Tag:
Lisa, Kristi, Amber, and Janeen

Time to Count Down!

Today Matt and I hung our advent calendar!

I'm so excited about it because I think it's so cute! I can't wait to begin the countdown to Matt's favorite holiday!

Each day is a little stocking, hat or mitten! Now I must go fill them with candy!

Lindor Truffles, Airheads, and little German airplanes! I love World Market!