Getting in the Spirit

Here it is almost Christmas again, and here I am not feeling much in the spirit.  I mean, I am excited for the kids, I am looking forward to Christmas Eve with my side of the family, and Christmas day with my husband's side, but I really want Christmas morning at our house to be something to look forward to.  We usually get up, open gifts, scarf down some food and we all need to be dressed and out the door to pick up my bonus kids and its off we go from there! So that is my plan this year, taking it slow and making Christmas morning our own special time.

I tend to feel a little down around the holidays and we usually don't have much money to put into it. I really don't care about the money and the gifts.  I'm feeling a much deeper appreciation this year for the little things.  As long as I can get some things for the kids, I'm good.

I am excited about a few last minute plans that I think will make the biggest impressions.  My kids will be spending some time with my mom and step dad tomorrow while my husband and I finish up shopping and having an anniversary dinner.  I'm bringing the dough ornaments the kids made so that they can decorate them with paint and glitter with the help of Grammy and Pappi.  Grammy's going to make sugar cookies and they will decorate those and I'm sure eat way more than enough.  THAT is what they will remember, not whatever toy they opened.  It will create excitement WITH memories, not just empty excitement.

I'm going to start making biscuits and gravy every Christmas morning (a favorite from my dad's side of the family) and have some time to just hang out in our jammies and enjoy each other as a family before our travels for the day.  We can create our own traditions as we go.  I want to have a fire in the fireplace, I want to watch my kids play with their new toys.  I want to relax and enjoy the moment.  I am not a fan of rushing around anymore.  I feel that is what I have done for years, I just want to slow down and smell the flowers (or maybe sip the hot chocolate).

I want the kids to grow up and have special traditions to remember or even carry on with their own families in later years.

Once I put some thought into this, I've felt a little more in the spirit of things.  I was really hoping for a tree this year and it didn't work out, I think that's what put a damper on my Christmas mood.  We didn't get to look through all the ornaments that hold their own meanings and make the tree all pretty, lighting it up every night. There's always next year for that, but I must say it bummed me out way more than I thought it would.

So here is looking forward to a relaxing, loving Christmas.

Liebster Award Nominee!

My blog was nominated by my wonderful new cousin Lili!  I need to answer her questions below, then I can  nominate 11 blogs as well, throwing them 11 questions to answer.

Check out her blog!  http://theverynewvegan.wordpress.com

My questions for my nominees:

1. What’s your favorite food?  Yikes!  I love food in general, but lately my favorite is homemade soups (mostly veggie) and roasted white sweet potatoes. I've recently fallen in love with quinoa.
2. What inspired you to start your blog?  I felt I needed an outlet. I have random things to write and share and had been encouraged by friends and family.
3. What’s on your Christmas list? I just want a new pair of slippers, the dog ate mine months ago.
4. What is the fear that stops or slows you down? Judgement
5. You just won an all expenses paid vacation anywhere in the USA, where are you going?  I want to see a pretty southern state...I'd head to NY
6. You just won an all expenses paid vacation anywhere in the world, where are you going? I'd have to see France.
7. What movie never fails to make you cry?  I seem to cry at everything these days.  I'd have to say Fried Green Tomatoes.
8. Have you ever considered going vegan? If you’re already vegan, tell us why. If you’re not, tell us why.  I have considered becoming vegatarian.  I don't eat much meat as it is and sometimes go without for periods of time when it tends to gross me out.  Vegan has crossed my mind. I sure would miss eggs and cheese.  I'm willing to look into it though.
9. Do you have any companion animals? Dolly, my red headed pit bull.  She is my sweet girl, my jogging partner, my body gaurd, my cuddle bug, and my love. She's a great dog, sweet demeanor, and is protective over the kids.  She is inside all day, hanging out on the couch, watching the kids play and following me around. 
10. Last really good laugh you had, what was so funny?  For some reason I can't remember, I remember it was recent, and between catching breaths I said "I think I just peed a little"....it was that funny, but its gone I guess.
11. Favorite soda?  I'm not a big fan of soda, but I would say a good cream soda.

Thanks Lili!

Just Jenny's questions to the next nominees:

1. What got you blogging?
2.  Tell us something about yourself that we probably don't know.
3.  What event in your life has changed you the most?
4.  What is your favorite meal?
5.  What position do you sleep in?
6.  What language are you interested in learning?
7.  If you were going to start a business, what would it be?
8.  If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
9.  What was your favorite field trip as a kid?
10.  If you were going to change your name, what would you choose?
11.  Do you snore?