This past week has been full of fun and relaxation.
I spent some time on the 23rd wrapping presents, only for them to be demolished less than 24 hours later. I love wrapping presents. I think it’s part of my genetics, as my mom has always enjoyed making each package beautiful. I wish I had taken a picture of the tree with the pieces of art underneath. I’ll add it to my 2009 goals list.
Christmas Eve was spent with both sides of the family. Most of the day was spent with my mom’s side. I loved playing with my cousins Abi and Bre for a good part of the afternoon and eating a ton of special holiday goodies. Abi helped me pass out all the presents. She is 3 years old, so it was the first Christmas where she was 100% into opening everyone’s presents. Here are some pictures of us together:
Abi is super-duper cute with a bubbly personality! I’m thinking about getting some pants to match hers:
It was Bre’s first Christmas!
We’re still working on getting most of the food IN the mouth:
Me and my parents. We’re all smiling big because there was some tickling going on:
That night we headed to my grandmother’s house for the Rucker gathering. There were 6 kids 8 years old and younger – complete madness, but a yearly tradition nonetheless. Our group was slightly smaller this year, as 2 families were away from Middle Tennessee. I wish I had taken more pictures that night, but I didn’t, so I don’t have any fun ones to post.
Christmas Day was spent lounging around my parents’ house after a yummy homemade breakfast. Then we gathered with my dad’s fam again for a dinner before I headed to Huntsville to see Andy. After opening presents, we settled down for our last Christmas movie of the season, It’s A Wonderful Life.
I got some great gifts that I will put to good use in the coming months – a baking stone, Origins stuff, serving dishes, lotion, running shirt and socks, books, pj pants, gift cards, and cash. I am thankful for it all!
Over the weekend, Andy and I hung out with a couple of his friends, redeemed some gift cards, read a lot, took a little road trip to Tuscaloosa, ate some famous Dreamland BBQ, shopped some more, and had dinner with his parents.
Once again, it was a great week, and I know this week will be too! Even though I am working until 4pm on Tuesday, this week is filled with my birthday (Tuesday), New Years celebration stuff, setting goals for the coming year, bowl games, road trips, and seeing some old college friends. Have a good week, everyone!
Tuscan Mushrooms – Over the past few years, I make stuffed mushrooms for my family to eat. I tried these this year, and they were very pretty and tasty.
