Christmas Festivies

We actually started decorating the house early enough this year, but definitely after Thanksgiving. Joel and I both refuse to start any earlier, because if you only get the “Christmas Experience” one month each year

(Jesus experience year-round not included) then you treasure the season that much more. Our weird 70’s fireplace leaves us without a mantel, so we hang the stockings that Grandma made us at the top. The open space in the main room is perfect for the tree, complete with outlets at the base of the columns. We went to Moore’s Tree Farm, where you can show up, pick a tree, cut down your tree, and stick your money in a box on the honor system. Though, we couldn’t find the money box this year, so Joel called the help number and the guy was there in one minute with his trusty golden retriever. Joel picked out the perfect size tree, and it barely fit all of our ornaments.





Chris & Carrie had a tacky sweater Christmas party, so Joel and Grandma puff-painted a sweatshirt for him and I found my old reindeer sweater in the closet at my parents. Considering I still had plenty of room in the fifteen year old sweatshirt, what does that tell you about fashion in the 90’s? There was tasty food and cute decorations, and we had a great time visiting. Joel, Terrence and Aubrie won the prizes for best sweater since theirs was homemade, but Carrie had an embroidered vest that was a close second!

Christmas at the Farm is an annual tradition at my parent’s house, just a group of friends that get together every year for a couple of hours. They all feel like family to me! I’d get in lots of trouble if I put pictures of the people who went, but I’ll include some that don’t mind!

Katie came down one night before Christmas and we drove around the area to look at Christmas lights. There is one guy who takes chicken wire and wraps lights around, making glowing ornament balls. His neighbors joined in and the whole street feels festive.

The night of Christmas Eve, after Joel and I lit the advent candle and played Joseph and Mary at church (with a doll for Jesus…yet I had two little old ladies come up to me afterwards and almost tell me how cute our baby was before they realized it was fake. Never mind I casually laid it on the pew with no blanket and ignored it the remainder of the service…) we headed to his parent’s house. On the way we drove past the gingerbread house, which had more going on than I thought possible. Fireworks, rides, lights, music, the works. Cars lined both sides of the highway for what seemed like miles.

When we walked in the door that night, the plastic pieces of a little yellow and red car lied strewn on the carpet of the no-no room.

It was definitely a group effort to pop that thing together! Christmas morning started off with a couple in their aprons, which turned into everyone with their aprons! Once Jaimee and Charlie brought Cole over, the plastic puzzle got some use, as well as the hopscotch rug that Grandma tried out. Presents and paper flew across the room, pickles abounded, and socks ended up on ears. No, we hadn’t started in on the eggnog yet.

Late Saturday night we headed back home to regroup, and started Sunday off with church (Joel earlier than I since he has to work at the 8:50 service). Afterwards we headed to Grandma’s for lunch and company with all three of her daughters and their families (excepting a certain someone & his fiancée in Texas). It was great to catch up and spend some time visiting. Monday was back to work, and then we had the McCullen crew and Grandma over for penne vodka. Delicious food, better company. Alexa made the cutest cupcakes, with initials for each of us!

Crayons

So I stole this idea from some random people on the internet, but it turned out great! First Joel asked the preschool at Centenary for their old, broken crayons. Then we peeled the paper wrappers and broke them into bits, sorted by color. I ordered some 500 degree, food safe molds off of amazon.com, washed, sprayed with Pam, and we stuck the bits down into the letters, being careful not to stack over the edge. For Cole’s name, we put purple and yellow to make ECU multi-colored ones. Then we put the molds onto a cookie sheet and sent them into the oven, about 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. It’s not a bad idea to turn the oven off and let them set for a few minutes before removing. Let cool (you can stick in the freezer, but if you wait too long they turn brittle. Trust us, we had to do three letters twice). Not that hard of a project (a couple hours) and awesome results.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I swore we wouldn't have a Halloween party again this year, since last year so many people either didn't RSVP or didn't show up...(this officially makes me a loser) but Chris and Carrie's request for round two was too tempting, and I gave in. Somehow Joel even got excited about a Wizard of Oz themed party. He made a darn cute munchkin. Thanks to everyone who helped! There was lots of food leftover, and again I'll say this is the last year.... next year no invitations, no decorations, no elaborate food...just whoever wants to come and we'll have a potluck. It's really for the people who want to just visit anyway! There's more pictures on Facebook, but the ones on here are self explanatory!

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Awesome, 100% of the people reading my blog want me to keep it up. All THREE of you.

Maybe if I actually keep it up to date it will be worth reading? I promise to put something interesting (maybe a photo or something else cool!) by the end of the week. Hold me to this.

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San Diego

Jaime has come to visit New Bern twice, so I more than owed her a trip to San Diego, and in God’s perfect timing, my ex-roomie Anna and her friend Neha came to visit at the same time. I may come back and edit an itinerary on here…once I sit down and look through all my photos. I took more photos than Blogspot will let me post, so follow this link to see them:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2270069&id=22211252

But in summary, we had a splendid time talking, catching up, taking pictures, and devouring delicious fare. (Can you tell my happiness revolves around tasty food?) Thank you Jaime for chauffeuring us around your beautiful area.

Graduate Sunday

Joel has spent many weeks trying to plan graduate Sunday at church to honor the students headed off. His message was good (as always) and I think he’s going to try to post the audio on Facebook. It starts…”Hi, my name is Joel, and I’m a practical atheist.” You’ll have to hear the rest before you come to any conclusions! He also asked for a reunion of Pirates of the Cross, which was great. They all came up with their lovely better halves and we got to visit—dinner and a pajama party, too! They led a first-rate worship service and the congregation enjoyed the variety. Lunch at Grandma’s was a nice way to round out the weekend, and we’ll get to see them all again soon at Mike and Danielle’s wedding!

Chris & Carrie's BBQ

Yet another Chris is getting married this summer, but this one we know from back in the day. The night Joel and I met Carrie we just knew she and Chris were perfect for one another. Any woman that can balance out the energy of Chris is a keeper—and Carrie is certainly that and much more. Joel and I wanted to do something to get all the “young people” together before the wedding, so we had a casual BBQ at the house. Some people brought drinks, others dessert (thank you Mom and Allison!) and Joel led the menfolk in grilling some delicious pulled pork. It was wonderful to see everyone, especially people we hadn’t seen since high school graduation—we had a mini reunion. I can’t wait to celebrate at their wedding!

Chris & Steph's Wedding

Joel met Steph, then Chris at Pfeiffer, so I was lucky enough to get to know them as well. They are now happily married and are about to move into their new house! The festivities beforehand were lots of fun, as we got to meet friends and family and visit together. Chris made a handsome groom and Steph a beautiful bride (especially in her hot pink heels)! Thank you both for letting us share in your day. Congratulations!

Jeremiah was a Bullfrog

We have a new pet. We don't feed him. We don't care for him. We don't give him baths. We do nothing for him, yet he is sticking around. His name is Jeremiah.