Designing a Holiday

A couple of weeks ago, I had my very talented friend, Cristal, take some pictures of my family and I.  Love. My intent was to get something presentable for a holiday card.  I'd never done Christmas card pictures before, so of course I was over prepared, complete with potential outfit changes.  They weren't needed because Cristal is a complete professional.  In addition, she's crazy busy between taking and editing photos and wrangling her kids, who are four and one (and stunningly beautiful and sweet). 

(I have a point, I promise).

So, instead of making more work for Cristal, I went in search of someone else to make my holiday cards sing.  Through google reader and links, I came across freshly squeezed designs.  Jill happily accomodated my request for a card with one of her delicious designs and she was so patient with me while I made miniscule changes to an otherwise darling card.  A few hours and several drafts later, I had the finished product in my inbox.  Though, if I didn't live in the boonies, she would've uploaded them to Costco so all I had to do was go pick them up- how convenient!  I quickly ordered my cards for printing and am now stalking the UPS man (like his truck isn't on auto-pilot straight to my house, anyway).  I can't begin to tell you how much I love the internet on a normal day, but especially when it makes my life easier. Below is one of my favorite designs, which I would've chosen for our cards but my husband is a fuddy dud.

Thanks, Jill!

Christmas Treats

I know, it's not even Halloween yet and here I'm posting about Christmas. That's because I'm already buying for Christmas. And while I'm at it, I thought I'd share just in case it filled a void in your list.

Labels. The idea first started with my little niece. I thought she's like to have some waterproof labels with her name on them so she could stick them everywhere. I remember being her age and getting some address labels on a roll from that insert in the Sunday paper, you know the one? Anyway, I stuck them everywhere. And to this day, my alarm clock still has my name and address on it. Yes, it's old. Several websites have really cute designs, but I went with Cherry Hill Designs. They did Carter's bottle labels and they've held up very well, plus I love that it's a mom-run business. She's very quick too! In addition, I ordered a set of monogram return address labels for my mom, sister, sister in-law and mother in-law. Who doesn't like a good monogram?

Jewelry. Speaking of monograms, I'm on a major kick. So, at least three people are getting something from sTuckintheCoop, my favorite Etsy store. I recently looked at her shop and my goodness, it is stuffed with beautiful things!!! So many, I can't find recipiants for it all! I do know that Carter's great-grandmother (MeMe) is getting this bracelet, with the initials of all her great-grandchildren (8) and their birthstones.

My other niece (on C's side) is getting a cute necklace with her initial on it, too. One thing is for certain, no one will be forgetting who they are this year.

And just because, look at the adorable Christmas ornament I'm adding to our tree this year. Every year, I add a "family" ornament so in a few more years we'll have a tree that means something. This year's came from Lisa Leonard.

The Night's Just Right

I thought, for once in the recent past, I'd actually write without having a doctor's appointment prompting me with news. Not counting today or the day of, my son will be here in 13 days. Lucky number 13, forever yo. My coworker said, "But what if his birthday ever falls on a Friday?!" Eh, it'll make him tough.

Lately my response to people telling me not to do something has been, "What's it going to do- make him come out?" At this point, it would be emergency surgery, but what I wouldn't give to have my hips back. It almost ticks me off that I'm going through all this "natural" childbirth pain- the normal stuff that happens to everyone- for naught. I've been lamenting to C about not being able to hold a 27 hour labor over his head, but I guess having a scar is just about as good. If "good" is even the right word.

The only part I'm anxious about is the surgery- just because it is major abdominal surgery and let's face it. I haven't been admitted to a hospital since I was five years old. My mother the health nazi will have me doing sit ups and walking several miles as soon as she possibly can, so I'm not too worried about the recovery. I'm a little worried about the possible harm I may do her, but that's the risk she runs.

Here's something I haven't told anyone-- we have a semi-complete nursery! We bought a crib and dresser and my beautiful bedding is all ready for my baby boy! C bought me a glider for Christmas that will be perfect for mid-night feedings and we replaced the ceiling fan. I'll take some pictures after I get the valances hung. Nothing is on the walls yet, but I'm working on it. Well, I will work on it at some point.

In all appearances, we're ready for the baby. A place for him to lay his noggin, a place to rock him, a place to change his stinky hiney, a place to swing him and a seat for him in the car. (My sister and mom bought us the carseat/stroller combo for Christmas.) And clothes- lots of precious little clothes, thanks to my dear friends. I've washed and folded just about everything I need, so now we wait.

All this talk inspired me to buy some Todd Snider. I've had some difficulty downloading it, but hopefully Amazon will be snappy in remedying my problem. I also bought Rodney Crowell's Sex and Gasoline. I guess I was feeling a little militant or something. So far, I highly approve of S&G.

I'm not doing a darn thing today and I almost feel guilty for it. I reckon it'll be ok, right? We have NO plans for NYE and I'm pretty ok with that. We'll probably buy some fireworks and try to light the world on fire. Yeehaw.

Whatever your plans are, please be safe. My hope is that all of my angels will have a kiss on NYE and a smile. Happy 2009... I'm positive it will not be boring.

Reality

I finally have time to post and I'm feeling very uninspired. It's FREEZING (literally) outside, there's nothing on tv and I'm not in a good mood.

We made a mad dash to Ft. Worth for NYE and saw Josh Grider and Walt Wilkins. C, of all people, ran into people he knew there. I found Heather her future husband, too... maybe I can get them together soon.

I've got Jury Duty in a week or so. I hope it gets cancelled, but at the same time, it's a day off work. I got a traffic light ticket in the mail a couple of weeks ago. My picture was taken "running a red light" on the day before I left Dallas. Yippee. Watch those cameras, people.

I got very spoiled to only having to work half a day between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. Niiiice. Speaking of Christmas, it was a good one, but I'm equally as glad that it's over. It's the first time I've really felt that way, but I was so glad when the last present was opened! C & I got to spend a LOT of time together, too. He and I were both off at the same time and it spoiled me into thinking what it might be like someday. Iffin'

I wish life was as easy as it appears on tv. Or, maybe there should actually be a show based on real life. Real problems. Real fights. Real make up. Real desire. Real love. Really real.

May your days be merry and bright...

Spend time with your family- even if you don't like 'em.
Remember the soldiers- both near and far.
Remember those less fortunate than us. And believe me, if you're reading this, you ARE blessed.
Eat your mother's stuffing, even if it's awful.
Be gracious.
Be kind.
Be thankful.
Be happy.
Be peaceful.
Be merry.