Gratitude Project, Day 13

Today I'm thankful for Christmas music on the radio!! (Yes, I'm one of THOSE people.) In high school I sang in a show choir. (I'm one of THOSE people, too.) And to tell you the truth, to this day it was still one of the best things I've ever done. I honestly loved every single minute of it. And the very best part (for me) was the Christmas season. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we usually had 40+ performances--yes, that's often several in one day--and we performed all over at Christmas parties, school assemblies, public gatherings, you name it. It was a blast. But starting right after Thanksgiving meant we usually started learning Christmas music in October in order to have all the songs and choreography down in time. That's why it's funny to me when people are freaking out about listening to Christmas music in mid-November--I just don't see the problem (thank you HiLites)! In fact, this seems late to start if you ask me! Plus, I love Christmas music. I always have. So why should I only get to listen to it for a month? I think at least two months of the year is perfectly acceptable. So if you are a "strictly after Thanksgiving" person, I totally understand and support that, but as for me, I'm rocking Portland's Christmas music station in my car, and I'm so happy it's back!

I'm also thankful for the ADORABLE kiddos who were around me at church this morning. There was this BEAUTIFUL little Asian baby girl in front of me--so sweet! And a cute little boy sat next to me. When I was in college, we had Masses that were specifically done by the University, catering to college students, but sometimes I really loved going to the Family Mass at the church--it's so awesome to see families with grandparents and little kids all worshipping together. I love the church I've been going to by my house. The priest is AWESOME, his sermons are always totally amazing, and the music is INCREDIBLE. I feel really blessed that this just happens to be the closest church to my house. :) Plus, at the end, they had all the veterans stand up today and the whole church clapped for a long time. It was really sweet. It's a wonderful place.

My neck and back are still tweaked, so after church and a quick stop at the grocery store, naptime was in order. Since my apartment was a little chilly, I curled up on the couch with a big, heavy quilt and Allee crawled under and curled up next to me. She is definitely my personal hot water bottle. :) She never lets me get more than a few feet away from her, and she loves it when we have naptime together. I'm so thankful for long Sunday naps!

And finally, I made a great big pot of delicious vegetable soup tonight. It is my new favorite thing--super easy, healthy, cheap, and so, so delicious. I will be thankful for that all week!

What are you thankful for today?

My First Very Own Christmas Tree!

This is the first time I've ever had my very own Christmas tree! My folks helped Amy and I get our trees with our dad's truck when they were up for Thanksgiving. Considering most of my ornaments are packed in a box at my parents' house, I thought it turned out well. Isn't it cute?!

On the First Day of Christmas...

Remember how I told you I was doing Sami's "12 Days of Christmas" swap? Well, I did, and it was so fun! I got a super fun package from Susan, who is obviously an amazing, thoughtful woman with really fun taste! :)

I had the best of intentions to take a photo every day of each item, but the truth is, the last six weeks or so my life has gotten away from me (more on that in an upcoming post). So I managed to take a photo on the 1st day...and then not again 'til the last! Oops. And then I realized I should have kept track of the order she sent them in so I could tell you about them...and I didn't. But the point is, Susan was a fabulous swap buddy and opening her little gifts each day after work was a treat! She was so thoughtful and sweet, and I really enjoyed her gifts. I hope she enjoyed the things I sent, too! (Thanks, Susan!)

So, without further adieu...

On the first day of Christmas, Susan sent me:

This beautiful, yummy-smelling kitchen soap! It's awesome! :)

The next four days (in no particular order), made up a little pedicure kit: a buffer, file, toe separators, and some gorgeous deep blue OPI nail polish (LOVE it!).

Next (I think) came a cute little bag, brown with sweet little white polka dots, with a variety of different scent samples (and they are heavenly!).

This was followed by a beautiful gold and black necklace (I can't wait until I have something fancy to dress up for and wear it!), and then super cozy socks (I love soft fuzzy things, particularly warm socks!). Then a book called, "Go Green, Live Rich," that I can't wait to read.

Next up, in homage to our mutual love of cooking and baking, she sent a Betty Crocker Holiday Cookie Recipe Book (these little books are my favorite!) and two adorable, old-fashioned Christmas cookie cutters, just like my mom used to have (these brought back such wonderful memories!).

The final gift she sent, for Day 12, was a GORGEOUS glass Christmas ball. It is a beautiful ornament and it will always be a lovely reminder of this lovely woman and our fun swap!

If you get a chance, you should totally check out her blog--she is a lovely, faithful woman (who rides her own Harley! Seriously, how awesome is that?!?), and she's always got wise things to say! :)

Thanks again, Susan, for being my swap buddy, and thanks to Sami (and Evelyn) for hosting this fun swap! It was a blast to participate in!