We wish you a merry christmas

This year, I felt so fortunate. I got to spend time with both my family and Mike's family. We shared delicious food, (cannolis, beer bread and dip, butternut squash,lasagna, etc.) we had lots of laughs playing Apples to Apples, and gave and received beautiful gifts.

My favorite gift was from Mike- a Kindle Fire.

All I plan to do on this vacation is read read read!

My mom gave me new pots and pans to cook with. What I was using was awful! It was so not on the Anti-Cancer list, so these should be much better and healthier for cooking. The only non-stick item is the top one and my mom said it came free with the other purchase.

My aunt's house looked lovely, as always. She had a gorgeous, full tree, which I chose not to have this year. :( I'm blaming that on Tom's wedding.

Happy Holidays!!!

My first picture

Mike and I got each other cameras for Christmas. Both of us wanted different types of cameras, so I now have a nice tiny one and he has a huge one with 2 different lenses. I thought the pictures that I took at my brother's wedding weren't as clear as I would have liked. That camera is great, but I'm hoping this will be fantastic!

Christmas Eve

Last night, we went to visit Mike's family and then my mom, Mike, and I went to the 10pm church service. If I look a little tired in these pictures, I am! I'm usually in bed around 8:30pm- no later than 9pm! Mike and I got to light the Christ candle during the service. This was Mike's first time doing this. When we got up to the advent wreath, the parson asked us to switch places with him. As we passed each other in the tight space, he handed the candle to Mike which began to fumble between the 3 of us. THANKFULLY- the parson caught it.

God was watching over us. :)

Going to the chapel...

This weekend, my little brother got married. I believe they have been together for about 10 years and they are 26. Pretty amazing! Here was my date:

Well, I wish he was invited, but he wasn't. So, I went with my dad and handsome husband.

The church and the reception hall were all decorated for the holidays. For you wedding planners, maybe a holiday wedding is a good idea to cut down on decorating costs? Anyway, the church was the most beautiful part of the entire wedding. I loved it!

The reception was fantastic! Great music and great food. Surf 'n' turf! What a great idea!

Mommy and me.

Mike and his favorite police officer.

The first dance.

Tom and Nicole made the best man and maid of honor come out dressed in elf costumes! It was so funny! When Tom was in Alan's wedding, he had to come out as one of the village people, so this was payback!

Congratulations Tom and Nicole!

Where did fall go?

When I wrote the date on the chalkboard at school (I can't believe I still use a chalkboard!) I was shocked that December was already here! Where was I for the month of November?

Since I missed that month, I figured I should just get started with Christmas. I bought a BEAUTIFUL wreath to hang above my mantle. I wanted something a little different and I love the purple color instead of the traditional red.

As we were hanging it up, Mike said "You wish there was a beam to finish the mantle, don't you?" Well, it's true. I do. Maybe one of these days he will get the beam up there. He is a perfectionist about his work, so I keep that in mind when things take a long time.

I like the wreath so much, I might not even do a Christmas tree. Is that bad? I just don't have room for one. However, I am looking for a creative way to hang some of my favorite ornaments, so if you have a good idea, please let me know.

On another note, this innocent looking creature jumped on that ottoman like a diving board to launch himself into that chair he is sitting on. He sent the ottoman flying across the room down the stairs to the basement and put a hole in the basement door. He is getting coal in his stocking.