windshield diaries

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas 2011, pt. 2, 3, AND 4

Christmas part two started for us around 11:30am when we arrived at my parents' house with Emmett in tow.

Santa even left a present for Emmett with my parents!

He was such a good helper getting it unwrapped.

My parents gave M some of their sweet snap-shut tupperware that he's admired in the past.

Curious about all the paper crinkling sounds.

A ceramic chicken whose tail is made of ceramic measuring spoons!

M got a collection of Peanuts coffee mugs!

I totally scored in what was honestly a total surprise gift that I hadn't even HINTED at wanting, but totally wanted: A KITCHEN AID MIXER!

Our third Christmas stop took us to my brother and sister-in-law's house to give gifts to my almost two year old nephew. He is in LOVE with Emmett.

Such a good boy.

My nephew had a great time trying on my bulldog hat.

Our fourth Christmas took us to M's Aunt's house where his mother's family was Christmasing.

M & I made this Harry Potter logo ornament for his cousin, it was a big hit!

And being with us every step of the way really wore this guy out!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas 2011, pt. 1

This Christmas we decided that instead of getting each other lots of little gifts that we could buy one big gift that would also be an improvement to our new house. This gift was a flat screen TV and stand to replace the ancient 32" box TV and giant, ugly, young bachelor style entertainment stand that M housed the TV in. Downsizing while upgrading has totally made our small space feel much more open and homey. We're so glad we decided to do this!

Emmett wanted to help open presents, while Styles lurked and photobombed in the background.

M got a new pair of Cons.

Emmett and Miyagi bonded a little bit.

I got a sweet pair of faux fur lined moccasins.

M's reaction to his "main" gift

I don't know if you can make it out by the picture, but the spoon says "Cereal Killer" and also has his initials stamped on the handle. This man loves his kid cereal.

I've been saying since it started getting colder that I really needed a good winter hat, and M came through with this!

...and also surprised me with THIS.

A BULLDOG hat!!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

merry christmas

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

hot chocolate, with peppermint!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

He just drops them off, his elves do all of the work.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?

I like white on the house, but colored on the tree because it reminds me of my childhood.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

No. We never did when I was a kid, so I never think to now in my own house.

5. When do you put your decorations up?

The day after Thanksgiving, if we have time!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?

When I was a kid, it used to be a chocolate pudding pie that my aunt would make only on Christmas. These days, I really like sweet potatoes and canned cranberry sauce!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

Waking up Christmas morning and coming downstairs before the sun even came up to see the tree lit up and the bottom of the tree overflowing with presents for my brother, sister, and I.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I don't remember, really. I just remember that one year I just kinda knew and it wasn't a big soul crushing deal.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

When I was little we used to go to my Grandma's house and open only presents from her. But in our immediate family, we only opened them Christmas morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

I have M take it out of the box and put the lights on it. Then we add our saved special ornaments from our childhoods, and the few we've collected together the past few Christmases.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?

I love fresh snow in December. If there could be no snow after January 1, I would love snow. But when it lingers on into March and sometimes April...I'm so over snow.

12. Can you ice skate?

My dad taught us how to ice skate when I was little, and I LOVED it. I haven't skated in years, but I think I still could if I tried.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

I don't remember one specifically. I was always pretty fortunate that Santa was good to our family.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Giving gifts to others and spending time with family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

Pie.... Pecan Pie.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Listening to A Charlie Brown Christmas on vinyl with M all December long.

17. What tops your tree?

Patrick from Sponge Bob dressed as a spartan. M won him for me from one of those claw machines a few years ago.