Category Archives: Holiday

Just a Girl and Her Christmas Tree

Christmas time is the best time. I love it. One of my favorite things is decorating the Christmas tree. Growing up, we would always have a real tree. We would either go out back onto our land and cut one down or my dad and/or brother would find one elsewhere.

Down here in Texas, things are a little different. Christmas tree farms are scarce. I actually have no idea where there is a Christmas tree farm. My “Texas Christmas Tree Farm” – well, I refer to it as Lowe’s. My experience is a little different.

My selection are those which are already pre-cut…

I pick the lucky tree and place it on my “Texas Sleigh”….

A nice employee bounds my tree and loads it into my car (just another reason why I love my Subaru)…

I arrive home. Lug this tree up the stairs (this girl has muscles), attempts to put the tree into the tree stand only to find the bottom branches need to be trimmed. Good thing I’m a country girl and have a hand saw handy. Took care of that!

Finally, tree is decorated, my apartment smells BEYOND fantastic and Christmas is officially here! And as far as ornaments go, I’m a random, throw everything on there kind of decorator. Each ornament represents something so it’s really nice to be able to reminisce on the years and events past!

What’s your preference? Real or fake?

Tagged For Christmas!

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Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year! I was recently tagged by Heather from Terrell Family Fun to participate in this great activity to get to know some of us bloggers a little better. Here we go!

What is your first Christmas memory?
I have no idea. That’s probably pretty bad. I always remember snow days and winter vacations consisting of sledding until we were forced to go inside, building snow caves and snowmen. If I could only go back to all that it would be amazing!
What is the #1 item on your kid’s wish list?
Not applicable. My niece on the other hand is 1 1/2 and I’m pretty sure she is all about baby dolls right now! (The newest niece is about a month and a half and I’m pretty sure she is content with naps and food that I can’t provide.)
Were you scared / nervous of Santa as a kid or did you run right up to him?
I don’t know… I’m going to have to ask my mom. I’m sure I was a little nervous. I’ve never been one to go stand somewhere where it draws attention in front of a crowd.
Does Santa wrap his gifts or are they unwrapped and set up Christmas morning?
Santa wraps all his gifts. I’ve only heard about this unwrapped business recently!
Gift Bag or Wrapped Gifts?
Wrapped for sure all with a note saying “From Santa”.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Charlie Brown Christmas & The Family Stone
Does your family have an Elf on the Shelf?
Nope. We’re good all year long so we don’t have to worry about that!
What is your Christmas Eve tradition?
I’m going to be completely honest… I still leave “Santa” a beer or beverage of choice and some cookies. Yes, I’m 29. (My dad loves it.)
Do you stay home for Christmas or do have Christmas morning somewhere else?
I go to my parents and my brother and his family come over.
What is on your Christmas list this year?
This was pretty hard. A new camera lens, lift tickets to the local mountain, some good ole VT microbrews, yoga towel. I enjoy surprises. Really, I just want to see some lifelong friends and hang out with the family and meet my newest niece. The best gifts are the ones you can’t buy.

RULES:
* Answer the 10 questions the blogger who tagged you asked
* Ask 10 questions to the 5-10 bloggers you tag
* Go tag your 5-10 people
* Include a fun Christmas Photo
* Be sure to the link to your tag post to the blogger who tagged you’s comments {if I tagged you, leave the link in the comments of this post~if someone else tagged you, leave you link here, too and I’ll stop by}
* Have fun!

MY 10 QUESTIONS TO YOU:
1. Favorite Christmas memory.
2. Favorite Christmas baking item?
3. Real or fake tree?
4. Do you travel anywhere for Christmas?
5. Turkey or ham for dinner (or other)?
6. Favorite Christmas movie.
7. Any quirky traditions?
8. Stockings or no stockings?
9. Any particular gifts you are most excited about giving this year?
10. Do you have any special or favorite ornaments for the tree?

Tagging: Emily @ Dashboard Diary, Alyssa @ Ten Feet Off Beale, Sarah @ The Wanderblogger, Crystal @ Mason’s Mama and Becky @ The Java Mama!

2013 Giving Thanks

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Everyday, I try to look back on the things that I am thankful. We lived in an extraordinary world and it’s easy to forget how blessed we truly are. Today, I’d like to take a moment to look back over the last year on what I am thankful for…

My health. I am able to run, enjoy yoga and continue to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

My family, which I was lucky enough to have add a new member earlier this year – Miss Audrey, my niece. They are an incredible support system, build me up when I’m feeling low, and always have a way of bringing happy tears. I’m blessed to have an amazing Memere, who I miss daily and has taught me many things in life.

Friends. Near and Far. When we get together it’s like a beat was never missed. Let’s talk about an incredible support system. Wow. Honesty, craziness, laughing until there’s tears and comfort. To new friends, connections and experiences. Forever thankful.

Opportunities. Where to start. An extremely large company purchased the use of a photo, shadowing and pursuing a photography “hobby”, trips to incredible places, randomly coming across beautiful places, doors open when you least expect them. Walk with one foot in front of the other, keep going no matter how difficult the road is. Keep going.

Music. Yes, you get your own category. I can never put into words what music does for me, nor the feeling of coming across musicians that completely blow me away. I’ve had the opportunity to attend many shows this year and it’s really helped to bring me to where I am. Nothing can replace the feeling.

My job, my car, my home. Never should these be overlooked, even if the job can be difficult at times. I am thankful.

Life events. Wow. 29 really surrounds you with life events. Marriages. Babies – my niece among many others who have brought a new beautiful life into this world and those who are on their way. We really are growing up folks.

Parts of the past twelve months have been pretty difficult. I know I’ve been pretty difficult. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support, laughs, new friendships, honesty, experiences, opportunities and everything that goes with it. I will never be able to repay those who have been my constant support. I love you all from the very bottom of my heart.

Let’s all make a little toast, raise your glass to the trains that we’ve missed, the ones that we’ll make and to remember to be thankful for those around us daily. We never know when they may not be here. Don’t let moments pass.

What are you thankful for this season?