Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!!

What a wonderful time of the year this is! The celebration of our Lord's birth.  Happy birthday, Jesus!
Our church, Christ's Church Mandarin had Christmas Eve services yesterday, as they do every year. This year was particularly special because my husband's brother, his wife and daughter joined us. This was their first year doing so and it was a great service. I was moved to tears a few times listening to the beautiful music & singing. My favorite I think is "Oh Holy Night." Every time I hear the part of the song, "fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices..." it brings tears to my eyes and my heart just swells, I even get chills! I looked up at my husband while singing and he was a little misty eyed, too! (He is such a wonderful husband, and nothing pleases me more than knowing he also loves the Lord. I get to share my life with him and i wouldn't have it any other way!)  I guess it's the part of the song, the sounds and of course just imagining that wonderous night.  Our pastor was talking about the events before Christ's birth, pointing out that it all happened so perfectly.  And if you stop and think about it, its true. Joseph and Mary were just two regular people, obedient and faithful believers, not royalty. They were scared, but after both being visited by angels, took on the responsibilty of what would change their lives forever. Imagine if there had been room at the inn, if Jesus had been born in a plush room, and had fancy room service.  How do you think that would've changed things? The beauty of them having to camp in a barn, around animals and hay, laying in a wooden manger just exudes humility.  Jesus never boasted, never walked as though He was above anyone. He was beautifully humble and wonderfully made. His birth story is perfect, and all according to God's miraculous plan. "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!" Merry Christmas friends, and Happy Birthday Jesus!


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

To pick the perfect gift...

Hello friends! 
Can you believe it's almost Christmas?  Ya, it's like a week & a half away!  Oh my goodness... I cannot wait!  I've not done any shopping.  Well, a tad, but not enough to count.  This year will be a small year.  I don't want anything but maybe a keurig coffee maker.  I am making coffee, nailing it one day and then ruining it the next.  Of course I don't notice it always until I'm halfway to work, and I take that sip in the car.  Ew.  What a great way to ruin the yummy creamer I have gifted it with!  I tried to convince the Don last night that I needed one... but the least expensive one we found at Walmart was $99.  I don't know if I/we can justify spending that much on a coffee maker, when we have one already.  However, it would be perfect for me.  My cups would be right!  We'll see...  At least now I have a list of things that my husband does want/need for Christmas.  Why is it so difficult to buy for someone that you share your life with?!  I mean, I live with this guy, we've been together for 10 years, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what to get him for Christmas (and b-days, too).  I really want to get him a puppy, but I can't find one like he wants - a male, long hair, black & tan mini dachshund, to match our Coco.  Perhaps it is a sign that I should not get one. (It's pretty blatant that it's not right, huh?) I've picked up something for my mama, but have no idea what to get my mother-in-law (or fathers-in-law).  Is it bad to not get anything?  I don't expect anything, b/c like I said, I don't want anything.  Correction: I don't need anything.  I already said I want a keurig & I would love a laptop.  But these are things that I can save for and get myself.  That's what layaway is for!  haha But seriously, do y'all struggle w/what to get your loved ones?  One of my bff's makes things for her loved ones.  She's crafty.  I can totally do that for the ladies.  Matter of fact, I just figured out what to do for my mom-in-law.  Phew.  To top off the fun, we have an office Christmas party luncheon tomorrow, and I've got to get a gift for the white elephant gift exchange!  Time to get creative.  Last year I got a bottle of scotch and the Anchorman movie.  Our boss is just like Ron Burgandy.  He and I will constantly quote the movie as if in our own little world... Quite fun.  (Look out Walgreens!  I'm coming thru!!)
Update on the Pearl mission:
I'm doing well!  I have work them almost every day since my birthday, w/the exception of maybe 3 days (that I stayed home/didn't go anywhere.)  I picked up a super cute brooch from Pier 1 & love it! I didn't realize this little guy was an owl, but it's officially an owl.  Similar to Bubo, from Clash of the Titans, huh?  It's got pearls on it, and I've got to continue to be creative w/my pearls!  I think I'm into the brooches b/c I love scarves. They seem to go hand in hand.  Oh, and speaking of hand, I'm going to pick up a rose gold boyfriend watch from Stein Mart today.  It's only $14.99 and can serve for my Christmas gift!  ;)  I got one that's yellow gold, and need a link taken out, but it's great for a big watch, just for fun.  Here's the rose gold watch - imagine w/out the pink crystals. 
Well, the fun for now must be paused, I've got to do my "real" job.  Let me know some of your fun ideas for gifts for in-laws, spouses, etc. 
xoxo