A Successful Christmas

Christmas was a success... it's always nice to have the time off with family and friends, but always so jam packed.

Christmas Eve morning was spent at the in laws exchanging gifts with my sister in law and nephew... at almost 3 he is so funny to watch open presents. I being the smart aunt, let him open up all of the boring gifts first... you know, clothes and books and such. Which was even funnier when he opened them and just looked at me and said, "open another?" But, when he opened up the car set from none other then his favorite movie Cars, well that was a "OOOHHHHH!" And it was hard to get him away from it to open the rest of his gifts.

Christmas morning is always so relaxing and nice... we wake up and have some breakfast and sit and drink our coffee while listening to Christmas music... waited until my brother finally arrived then dished out all of the Christmas gifts. This is an almost 2 hour gift opening session.. for 5 of us. I can't imagine how it will be when we have kids... oh boy.

I got some great gifts... mostly household items for the hubby and I to use when we finally move out. So even when I told people that I got a handheld vacuum for Christmas and they chuckled, I was indeed VERY happy with my present. Guess that can only mean one thing... I'm getting old. Although, I did notice that I think my mother favors my husband more then me. Not that I care he totally got more gifts (more expensive ones too) Nope... not at all.... but seriously, I think she does. Does make me chuckle a little.

I am also super grateful for all that I get for Christmas... and I just love the look on my families face as they open my gifts. Ryan did tell me the night before that he was, and I quote.."scared to see what I got him." WHAT, REALLY? I told him don't you worry, and as he opened up all my gifts with a grin from ear to ear.. I told him.."Don't ever doubt my gifting skills" He totally agreed.

Afterwards, we head back to Ryans parents, do our thing there... see his grandparents, and then it's back to my parents for dinner.

Unfortunately, my mom caught a bug and I was left to finish dinner by myself to make sure I fed the drooling, hungry boys.. it was a success, so no one was left hungry.

It goes all too fast though... I wish Christmas day would last forever, although I might get sick of it after awhile.. it just hits you after Christmas that another year is almost already gone, and I always ask myself, "Where has the time gone?"

I hope everyone else had a very merry and successful Christmas!

Now... it feels like Christmas

Last night my Mom and I decorated the house for Christmas, finally. Even though it was only like 3 days past due, it felt like forever, and I felt like I was failing the Christmas joy. But, we got it done, and the house looks great, and I just feel so ready for Christmas craziness to begin. Like others, it really is one of my favorite times of the year.

I've said it before that I just love giving gifts, I love the joy in peoples eyes as they open my gifts and seeing them so happy to get something I knew they wanted, or something they didn't know they wanted until they opened it up. I like to think I am a pretty good gift giver, because I truly think about it all year long, getting ideas and jotting them down.. and boy do I plan. (see this past Black Fridays post for more details on that)

This weekend it packed with some good fun.... that includes Christmas shopping... and a Christmas gift that has to take a little work... so wish I could post pics of the day (lets just say it is a handmade gift)

By the way, saw this ad and thought these were great ideas for Christmas gifts - personalized ornaments and a great deal on Holiday cards (if you haven't got yours out yet) I love Personalization Mall, I got a few gifts from there for my wedding party, and they were beautifully done - and SUPER quick shipping.

I also updated the Sweet Deals page with some news coupons, so take advantage of the savings, especially this time of the year!

I can see the weekend.... its peaking around the corner, halfway there!

Amber lee

SunDay Funday - SURPRISE!

I had a very BIG surprise today! Today I was thrown my bridal shower!

(Insert Smile Here) Because that is what I was doing ALL day. =D

I am so grateful for all the wonderful people in my life that came out and are supporting Ryan and I. I couldn't ask for more. It was a wonderful feeling showing up and seeing everyone there.

the gifts were pretty awesome too.

We received so many great things, that I can't wait until we move out so that we can use them! It will be hard putting them away for a few months, and only being able to look at them. But, I guess it will be like Christmas all over when we do move out and can finally play with our "toys."

What a great day.... from the great food, to the fun games, it was something I will never forget!!

Thanks again to everyone who made this happen, especially my mom, future mother-in-law, and great bridesmaids! I love you all!

Busy Busy

Yesterday night was super busy for me... busy for my wallet that is.

I went shopping... wedding shopping. Got some great deals and some good stuff! I really have been putting it into high gear with this wedding slowly but fastly approaching. Can't wait for some of it to come in. This shopping spree included gifts for our wedding party, flowergirl gifts and baskets, some gifts for my parents and in-laws... fun accessories and decorations.. and so much more.

We also finally booked our excursions for the cruise... hellooo snorkeling, kayaking, and stingray adventure. Cant.not.wait. superduperexcited!!!!

This weekend = more wedding stuff. We are going to check out possibly where I will be getting my cake and ordering it.. woohoo! Then of course doing some more shopping... and more shopping. It's a good thing that my mom and maid of honor (aka best friend) will be there to help me control all the emotions I will be having and my insanity... wait, what am I kidding? They will be just as bad! It will definitely be a good time.

Usually when Thursday rolls around, all I can think about it.. weekend, weekend, weekend.

Why does the weekend always seem so far away.. ugh.


I decided I need to start taking more pictures to share on here. All the blogs I follow have such great pictures on there... sometimes I wonder if my life is interesting enough to take pictures? I guess I can start trying =)

Tonight.. I am going to bed as early as possible.. this lady here needs some sleep.

amberlee