Sunday, December 08, 2013

An Early Christmas


We were some of the first people to put up our Christmas lights (thank you, Curtis) and some of the last to do our tree (thank you, Amanda). A few days ago it was 80 degrees outside and there was such little motivation. I'm so glad we waited because a massive cold front hit us and it's in the 30's now. (Some of you reading this are probably iced in and just grateful to have electricity! Poor Dallas-Fort Worth.)

Yesterday after school we turned on the fire, put some Christmas music on, made hot chocolate from Annalee's famous mix, and finally got to work. The kids are an old 7 and 4 now and they were so helpful! The tree decorating went by really fast and, amazingly, no ornaments were broken in the process.

 



Our tree is pretty but I hate that it's fake. The only reason we have it is that it keeps me from getting miserably sick. I've had a horrible time with allergies this year. Over the summer I kept getting pink-eye (four times, I think) and I was finally diagnosed with a bad case of stress-induced allergic pink-eye. Um, what? Apparently stress can make your allergies worse, so awesome.

Let's talk about Christmas music. My wonderful husband has a record player and a few records to go along with it. He was excited to play them while we decorated the tree. I could only take it for so long. I am not a hipster, y'all. Not even close. The records were scratchy, not very loud and it wasn't exciting. And I'm super lame. I don't have a very open mind about Christmas music. I like my old favorites.

Well, I had six really good days after my last blog post. Thank you for all the love and kind words. I felt strong and good and then yesterday I spun out and crashed emotionally. I knew my sister was having a sleepover at my parents' house and Curtis was very generous to let me crash the party.  He has a good sense of when I just need my mother.

When I walked in the door, my parents were setting up their Christmas tree. Are you kidding me? It was so perfect. I hadn't been there for decorating mom's tree for at least 6 years. Melissa and I snuggled on the couch like bums and let mom do most of the work. But after she shamed us enough we got to work. I had to make sure my "Baby's First Christmas" ornament was hung higher than my sister's because I'm older. Most of our kiddie ornaments are gone now but the precious few brought great joy.

Today we had an early Christmas celebration with my daddy's family. Since it wasn't actually Christmas, it was just easy and a little less pressure and so much fun. I have a beautiful young cousin named Hannah who is 13 and Annabeth is enthralled with her. Hannah's family gave her a ballerina costume and she danced for all of us to some Nutcracker music. I also loved getting to be with my cousin Joe's new bride, Chauntell. She is sweet and beautiful and has a great sense of humor.

The boys were given camo hats equipped with head lights. 


The kids were really into this massive hourglass that my grandparents have had since I was a kid. They sat there forever staring at it. 


My Papaw had all the grown-up grandkids gathered around the kitchen island, demonstrating his very detailed process for making egg nog.


Aunt Mary gave the girls these fun gloves that keep your hands warm but still let you use your smart phone. Aunt Tina gave everyone really pretty sparkly rings. Here are all the ladies sporting both.


Here's Annabeth being sweet.

It's nearing the midnight hour and I'd better wrap this up! The last time I blogged it was at midnight and I couldn't fall asleep until 3 AM. I'm hoping for a different outcome tonight.




17 comments:

Dawn said...

Thanks for sharing and for all the pics. I loved the gloves. I wonder where she got them! Dawn Edgell

Regan said...

Amanda, I'm the oldest of four and despite the fact that I'm drawing ever closer to 30 I still have to be sure that my baby's first Christmas ornament is always nearest the top of the tree! Thank you for being so open with your joys and struggles and for giving us the honor of praying for your sweet family.

Unknown said...

Glad you're blogging again. Missed you.

Colleen said...

Good morning from Buffalo! I'm praying for your church plant. My bff, who moved to Cypress, is planning on being there! Yippppeeeee!

Sunni said...

Yes! Sometimes you just need your mama and your baby sister. It's true. :)

I'm glad it was a better week.

I'm still slacking on the outdoor Christmas decor because it's too stinking cold!

Mica said...

Amanda, I am so happy to read your blog again. You are one funny girl and I absolutely love how down to earth you are. I am so sorry for all your heartache and pain you have gone through this year. You are truly loved. Thank you for letting us have a peep into your life, it is inspiring and yet so truly "normal". God Bless You and Your Family.

Tara G. said...

Rejoicing with you for sweet times with loved ones!! I grew up in WI; the ice has kept AR shut down....I think their emergency preparedness is to wait for the sun to come out to melt everything. This is not helping my cabin fever and truly, I can play Racko just so many times!! :)

beckyjomama said...

A - SO happy that you are blogging again!!!

B - everytime I see a picture of your red furniture, I break a commandment. You are not technically my "neighbor" but, MAN, do I covet.

Maryellen said...

The photo of Annabeth pointing to your tree is so lovely. It would make a beautiful Christmas card - looks like a
Hallmark card . . .

Sincerely Anna said...

The pic with the hats makes me laugh. Glad you had a fun night with family.

This Is The Day said...

Amanda it's so nice to read your blog again. Your kiddos are getting so big. Such a sweet picture of them looking at the tree. So sorry to hear of the sadness of the past year, but thank you for sharing. Prayers for you and your family.

Dionna said...

I love those gloves too! So darling.

I think it's only human nature to have good days and then crash. You feel things deeply and it will take time for your heart to mend. But at least you're having good days in the mix. :)

Joyce said...

I'm sorry for the heartache you have lived with this past year. I'm glad to see you writing and appreciate your honesty and humor.

I am the same age as your mom, and sometimes I still need my momma too! I have two daughters in their early 20's and they like to cozy up side by side on the couch in their jammies whenever they can. We all live several states apart, so it doesn't happen often enough.

Wishing you and your sweet family a wonderful Christmas and blessings in the new year!

Jennifer said...

We made Annalee's hot chocolate this weekend too. I haven't found one that tasted better!

Jeannie said...

I am glad you are blogging again! You are a gifted writer and also just plain ole funny! I am sorry for all the pain you've been through this year. I have been praying for you since your previous post. Your tree and decorations look amazing and your kids looks so happy and content! Glad you are nearing the end of this hard year and get a fresh start soon!

Anonymous said...

Been thinking about you, Amanda! Praying for your sweet soul to heal. Your sister from St. Louis, Kim

Tara said...

I think your tree looks beautiful! So glad that you decorated and can enjoy it all a bit before Christmas.

Loved that you got to have a sleepover with the original Moore family... And loved seeing the pictures from your daddy's side of the family... Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your sweet family!

Been continuing to think and pray for you!