Christmas and we were blessed

This Christmas, my little family, was extra blessed both worldly and spiritually with gifts, good food, friends and family. I don't know how Santa did it...but everyones wants (plus unknown ones) were delivered.

I did not take a lot of pictures (as I am not real happy with my camera)....but the pictures that I do have each contain a story or memory.

Every year since I have been married, my mom has given me a yearly ornament. Here is  the one for 2010

Nathaniel and Trent have been friends since our first or second day in Texas. We have spent almost every Christmas Eve with the Thomas Family

Santa still comes to our teenager and this year delivered a new television

Steve and I after present unwrapping. Steve got dressed on this Christmas morning and Nathan teased him

Underneath the tree was full again after the whole family arrived

Pamela spent the day with the family and was kind enough to snap this photo for us

Merry Christmas and may the memories be remembered forever!

Cookie making day

Today was cookie making day with Axel, Diego, Hunter and Nathan here to taste test. It has become an annual tradition that Hunter and I have (and I like having the nephews involved too).

Hunter took charge and helped the boys make these cookies

the taster

the picture says it all

yuuuummmm

You can't see it here..but this one was covered in flour

The final and tasty outcome

December thus far...

I had such grand hopes and desires for this years Christmas season. This year was supposed to be extra special since it is Nathaniel's official last year of having to live in my nest. With that being said....I hope he continues to come home when not away at school....another worry for another day.

We do not have any real traditions that I have passed on and that he will pass on. I mean, I start listening to Christmas tunes the day after Thanksgiving and torture him for the month. I have a tree up and kindly make him feel guilty if he doesn't help me decorate it. I usually decorate the house...but I don't think my guys really care? And I usually make sugar cookies and other treats to eat and share. We do usually get a new yearly ornament....and well....I can not remember if we picked one up in 2010....{tear tear}

This year, I am not sure what has happened. And the month has flown by more quickly than I would have liked. AND lets not mention how stressed and high strung I am....argh.

Is it that I am now working days and more than I am used to. Or is it that I am so worried about making everything perfect in an attempt to have fond memories for Nathan? Or my worries about the future...lack or funds....or.....

So with this being said....here is some of the things to which has been accomplished this holiday season.

We had our girl party with an amazing turn out

Potty training....and at first it was the adults against the three year old

Pam helped Nathan and I decorate the tree

an actual picture of me even if it is a bad quality

I put on a swim team dinner (sorry turnout) but all those who came are great!

We went to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra

Many of the gifts still in store bags begging to be wrapped and placed under the tree

My simply decorated mantel with Larry's (father-in-law) stocking now replaced with a "P" for Pamela

What I haven't done that I always like to do.....go see Christmas lights, bake with a kid or two, have my dinner already fully planned, way more holiday decorating done in the house, shopping finished with  gifts wrapped and many more bad holiday shows watched.

Crafty with Peppermint

I Made This!

For mine and moms annual girl christmas party this year, we had a gift basket/bag exchange. I had decorated my box with peppermints(didn't think to take a picture) and found that I had A LOT left over. One evening I decided that I wanted a new festive,decorative item and came up with this. This project with cheap (already had glass jar and peppermints were $2 at store), easy and very festive.

cute towel apron

I had seen a similar picture of this cute apron posted on my moms wall in her sewing room and knew that I wanted to make one. We did not have a pattern, but fortunately, I have a very talented mother who was able to help me create this project.  I am happy to say that I did about 98 percent of the sewing and crafting involved.

I hope that the recipient of this cheerful gift will enjoy it.

Finally....answers

Nathan decided this past spring which colleges he wanted to attend. We toured each campus and he was able to gain a good feel and the difference between the two. The school year started and he submitted his applications......and the waiting began.

And the asking every other day about the mail and if his letters arrived....and more waiting...

Until today when he received letter from college # 2 containing his letter of acceptance and the scholarship to which they are offering.

Now Nathan....and his parents....hopefully await good news in letter #2....to which we hope will arrive sometime this week.

Fingers crossed.