Biggest Loser Alumni Holiday Edition: past, present and future participants welcome!

[tigger813]

No reindeer on the way home tonight. We left as soon as we had communion. Church was jam packed! Some even had to sit in the choir pews. We had a baptism which made it even more crowded!

The Christmas pudding contains: raisin, golden raisins, currants, bread crumbs, molasses, eggs and suet and brandy! Not exactly healthy but we only have it once a year. We serve it with vanilla ice cream.

DH made ham for supper. We had a few nice drinks and then played a new version of LIFE with the kids. Really confusing now! Kids are in bed. DD2 is already asleep! DD1 is trying. Somebody nearby was just shooting off fireworks which is keeping DD1 awake. She had a rash on her arms and face earlier today. I think it was from some peppermint body wash that I have. We gave her benadryl which has helped. We also gave her some night time meds. Poor thing is miserable. Hoping she gets to sleep soon so DH and I can do what we have to do tonight and get to bed at a reasonable hour. She wants to get us up at 6:30 but we're hoping for at least 7. I told her that if she didn't go to sleep that she could only open the presents from Santa in the morning and NOTHING else until DSIL gets here! Hoping that did the trick. She looks tired and says she is really tired.

DH and I are watching It's a Wonderful Life. We've been tracking Santa most of the day on line. I can't wait until I can go to bed! Santa's cookies are out and the Reindeer food has been set out so hopefully he can come before it gets too late!

Wishing everyone the best holiday ever! Enjoy some time for yourself and with your loved ones! God Bless us EVERYONE!

I'll have some holiday weight to get rid of at the beginning of the challenge but hoping I get some workout stuff to help with that. I have 3 clients next week so that should help me! I just need to increase my water intake!

TTFN

 

[flipflopmom]

Taryn- We're doing podcast 3.0 in June 2012! All 4 of us are going! Can't wait! Last year on the way home from church the girls and I saw 3 reindeer along the side of the road near the church. That was special! Hoping they are there tonight too!!!Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! We need to have the kids worn out or DD1 will never go to sleep. DD2 is easy to get to sleep!

That's really cool, I have never laid eyes on a reindeer! The cruise sounds like lots of fun!

I MADE IT!!!Got through the Christmas shopping season without threatening to murder anyone. BUT.....I didn't make it through without yelling at 1 of my co-workers. We can get away with that this time of year

Glad you made it! Enjoy your time off, you deserve it!

:Ok so the list is getting smaller. Pizza is in the oven, boys are in the tub, church clothes are ready to go, I got my run in and took a shower and my hair is done. I still have to wrap dh's presents which is my next to do after I am done on here. Addition to our plans tonight....my cousin is having a xmas eve gathering and initially we were not going to go because church doesnt get over until after 8 and we like for the boys to try to get a good nights sleep but we decided we may stop in for a little while....she was practically begging me to so I feel bad saying no.

I hope you got it all done! Sorry about the surprise gathering, but hope you enjoy it. It's all about the family time!

No reindeer on the way home tonight. We left as soon as we had communion. Church was jam packed! Some even had to sit in the choir pews. We had a baptism which made it even more crowded! Kids are in bed. DD2 is already asleep! DD1 is trying.

WOW! Hope you got to at least enjoy the time you had a church!

Well, Sophie crashed on the way home from MIL and FIL, and AK has been out of the bed 2 times since we got home. The last time, she heard noises and couldn't sleep. Reminds me of the year we had to promise her that Santa would leave the presents on the front porch and not come in the house, she was scared to death of someone coming in while she was asleep. At this rate, Santa will never get here!!!!!!!!

Had fun w/ MIL and FIL. Ate too much! But the girls were excited over their gifts, and so was I - money and another Belk card! NEW CLOTHES and fun at HHI! Girls both got cowboy boots, sheez. Don't know where that came from, plus other fun stuff that they loved. MIL pulled her usual - all that time shopping and thinking and wrapping and now it's over - whine after we were done, but we're used to it by now.

While I am waiting for the dogs and kid to calm down so we can go to bed, just wanted to stop in and say Merry Christmas! I hope I can pop on tomorrow, but don't know if I will be able to or not. Very thankful for all of you!!! I hope you all enjoy your family time!

Although it's been said, many times, many ways, Merry Christmas (and other December holidays) to you! Love you all!
Taryn

 

[SettinSail]

Merry Christmas everyone

Boy, we stuffed ourselves today I had my normal breakfast of cereal, started chugging water and walked for 50 minutes. Later we headed out to our friends house to spend the afternoon. We thought the plan was for us to arrive around 2:00 and we had to leave at 6:00. We understood that food would be served around 4:00 when everyone else was arriving. We planned to eat light since we would be eating again at my Mom's. So at 1:30 we ate cheeseurgers for lunch and headed over there. We were served a huge plate of Mexican food right away. Our friend is from San Diego and he takes days to prepare all this food, homemade tamales, special meats, homemade guacamole, homemade salsa, etc. We should have said something but we all just ate up. It was soooooo good but we were stuffed! Could hardly enjoy our Christmas feast tonight we were so stuffed but somehow we choked it down It was probably the least I've eaten at our Christmas party ever but I still ate THOUSANDS of calories today Tomorrow I will do better

We had so much fun opening our gifts. We gave DS a flipfold and he loved it. He demonstrated a t shirt, long sleeve shirt and a towel for everyone. We'll see how long he uses it DH and I do not normally exchange gifts but he let me know he had something for me so I gave him the PC batter bowl (he always makes our pancakes) and a personalized stocking from LL Bean. He gave me a Kindle, I love it! I already downloaded 4 free books!
We have a rule that we only give to the kids but my sis gave me the Sound of Music DVD and a huge bag of M&Ms. Why would you give that to someone trying to lose weight And what about the rule

I did run out this morning and get some more gifts for our friends who are taking us to the mountains Sunday. Just added some Trader Joe's GCs and Itunes GC. They are always so generous to us, esp taking us with them for a few days and providing all the food and lodging and I recall them giving DS a very nice gift last year. I only had a some German chocolate for them so I feel better now

Tracey we have a ton of deer in my Mom's n'hood. DH & DS saw 8 in Mom's backyard this morning. I almost ran into one once when I was running at night!

Octoberbride, I'm so glad it's over for you Enjoy the time off

Kathy, of course it was my younger sister!!! Those baby sisters can drive you crazy! for all your memories today

LisaH, I have really enjoyed your 12 Days of Christmas!

Tayrn, I hope your evening ended an a reasonable hour. That's a lot to ask for people to wait that long to eat, esp young kids. I guess you figured out that it was my DS who has to sleep beside our bed if he got scared, not DH oops to you and your Mom

Merry Christmas to all! Tomorrow we are headed to my in-laws if the weather is OK, we are expecting rare Christmas Day snow here. Then we will be in the mountains until we come back home Weds. I will not have computer access until next Weds Even scarier, I will not have access to a scale again until I get back. I'll weigh in Thursday morning and see what the damage is. Enjoy the weekend with your familys

Shawn

 

[donac]

Just wanted to come on and wish everyone a Merry Christmas

Last night was fun. Got some nice pictures of the kids and the grandparents. I didn't over eatso I was pretty happy. My bil got me some bread from a bakery by him and we forgot it. Luckily my brother near me so he brought it down and ds's went and got it.

I am off to make meatball and sausage in the crockpot and put the turkey breast in a crockpot so I don't have to think about it. I still have to make some pies. My sister gave me a tin of cookies and with the cookies one of my students gave me I don't think I have to make any more.

Have a hapy and healthy day everyone.

 

[flipflopmom]

Merry Christmas everyone: We were served a huge plate of Mexican food right away. Our friend is from San Diego and he takes days to prepare all this food, homemade tamales, special meats, homemade guacamole, homemade salsa, etc. We had so much fun opening our gifts. We gave DS a flipfold and he loved it. He demonstrated a t shirt, long sleeve shirt and a towel for everyone. We'll see how long he uses it DH and I do not normally exchange gifts but he let me know he had something for me so I gave him the PC batter bowl (he always makes our pancakes) and a personalized stocking from LL Bean. He gave me a Kindle, I love it! I already downloaded 4 free books!Tayrn, I hope your evening ended an a reasonable hour. That's a lot to ask for people to wait that long to eat, esp young kids. Merry Christmas to all! Tomorrow we are headed to my in-laws if the weather is OK, we are expecting rare Christmas Day snow here. Then we will be in the mountains until we come back home Weds. I will not have computer access until next Weds

Have a safe trip today. We are under a winter storm watch for 3-5 inches, but right now, it looks like there is a hole over PC with no precip while the rest of the area is getting it. Maybe my friends' prayers to have her DH home today are working! We're leaving Thurs for HHI, so if I don't talk to you Wednesday, Happy New Year! Homemade Mexican sounds yummy!

Just wanted to come on and wish everyone a Merry ChristmasI am off to make meatball and sausage in the crockpot and put the turkey breast in a crockpot so I don't have to think about it. I still have to make some pies. My sister gave me a tin of cookies and with the cookies one of my students gave me I don't think I have to make any more.

Merry Christmas Dona! You were up cooking early this AM!


SHORTEST/Longest night EVA! When I went up at 12:15 to put out Santa's milk and cookies, AK was crying and repeating "I have to go to sleep.I have to go to sleep". I sat in her floor until 12:40, and she had, indeed,dozed off. We finally got in the bed at 1:15 or so, only to have her come in my room at 1:45 crying saying "I can't do this. I can't sleep in my room." I told her to just lie down in my floor. AFTER Beamer was barking at her, Sophie sat up, and DH's CPAP machine that he had worked on was making horrible sounds. I remember looking at the clock at 2:30 still wide awake, and then woke up at 6 to the dogs licking me and wanting to go out, they are used to 4:30. Thought about napping, but afraid someone would get up and go into living room! I have to be the first one in to set up cameras, get out trash bag, etc!

Anyway!

Merry Christmas, again!
Taryn

 

[tea pot]

Just wanted to pop in and say
Merry Christmas and may we all have a Very Healthy New Year

 

[mikamah]

Good morning and a very merrry Christmas to all of you!!

I thought I'd have more time to post, but just had an overtired dominoes emergency. Santa was very good to michael, and he seems not to have a doubt in his mind today. Yay!! Went to bed at 11, and was up at 4, but after he opened a couple presents went back to sleep for about an hour.

We're going to watch miracle on 34th street. We're hanging home this morning except for church, and will stop by a friends and my sisters for dessert later.

I am sure my Christmas eve eating will catch up with me, but it was a wonderful day.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful day. xoxo

 

[lisah0711]

A very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all my WISH'ers! And a year filled with a lot of losing and maintaining!

I MADE IT!!!:

Glad you made it, Maureen!

Tracey, your girls had to be so excited to see reindeer on Christmas Eve!

I hope you all are enjoying your xmas eve. Its been very quiet today....everyone must be busy celebrating.

If I dont get back on later....MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to you, too, Lindsay and thanks for coaching today.

Your ticker made my heart skip a little this morning -- it says less than 2 months! Good motivation to be sure I do my 6 miles tomorrow or Monday.

Why would you give that to someone trying to lose weight And what about the rule

Sisters, you gotta love 'em!

Was your son surprised to see his Kinect?

Just wanted to come on and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you, too, Dona!

SHORTEST/Longest night EVA! When I went up at 12:15 to put out Santa's milk and cookies, AK was crying and repeating "I have to go to sleep.I have to go to sleep". I sat in her floor until 12:40, and she had, indeed,dozed off. We finally got in the bed at 1:15 or so, only to have her come in my room at 1:45 crying saying "I can't do this. I can't sleep in my room." I told her to just lie down in my floor. AFTER Beamer was barking at her, Sophie sat up, and DH's CPAP machine that he had worked on was making horrible sounds. I remember looking at the clock at 2:30 still wide awake, and then woke up at 6 to the dogs licking me and wanting to go out, they are used to 4:30. Thought about napping, but afraid someone would get up and go into living room! I have to be the first one in to set up cameras, get out trash bag, etc!

Hope you can take a nap today, Taryn. Those CPAP machines are the pits -- there is some chip in DH's that can only be adjusted by the tech. It's like sleeping with Darth Vader!

Just wanted to pop in and say
Merry Christmas and may we all have a Very Healthy New Year

Same to you, tea pot!

Good morning and a very merrry Christmas to all of you!!

I thought I'd have more time to post, but just had an overtired dominoes emergency. Santa was very good to michael, and he seems not to have a doubt in his mind today. Yay!! Went to bed at 11, and was up at 4, but after he opened a couple presents went back to sleep for about an hour.

We're going to watch miracle on 34th street. We're hanging home this morning except for church, and will stop by a friends and my sisters for dessert later.

I am sure my Christmas eve eating will catch up with me, but it was a wonderful day.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful day. xoxo

Glad the dominoes crisis was averted! You and Michael have a very, wonderful Christmas today.

We had a nice day yesterday. Went to the neighbors for a drink. Other new neighbors who are coming to Christmas dinner came a day early -- they were very embarrassed. We've never met them so we had a nice visit. Came home and listened to Christmas music and DS lined in presents up in the order that he wants to open them. DH has the sunroom door sealed with a giant gold bow that he found at Target -- I used to sneak out in the middle of the night to see what Santa brought but alas DS does not have that opportunity.

A very, Merry Christmas to you all!

 

[tigger813]

Merry Christmas!!!!

SO excited!!! I got the EA Sports Active 2 from DH! Cant wait to try it out this weekend. I also got several movies. My mom and dad got me a Tigger sweatshirt and Mickey pajamas!!!! Wearing the jammies now. Girls are playing with the DSi games! They both got 4 or 5 gmaes. We have a ton of movies and games to try out over the next week!

Just made TS Cinnamon Meltaway Muffins! YUMMY!!!!! The quiche didnt taste right to me this morning.

Going to call my parents in a few minutes. We just put Christmas Story on for DD1. DH and I personally hate the movie but DD1 has been asking to watch it.

I think everyone is happy! Just waiting for DSIL to arrive! She wants a drink ready when she arrives! She works full time in an office and also works part time at Marshalls in retail so she has earned it!

TTFN

 

[flipflopmom]

Lisa - Brad fixed his CPAP himself. Hence the noise! Love the big bow seal!!!!

Tracey - very cool gifts!

It was a very Disney Christmas - stockings were stuffed w/ Disney gift card for me! Also got a winter WDW tapestry throw! Girls had Minnie polish, lip gloss, kooky pens, rice krispie treats, vinylmation, both girls got WDW sweatshirts, DH got a WDW t-shirt, Sophie LOVES the My Princess Ariel doll, and Ariel hair dryer/makeup/etc. set, Tiana blanket, and princess figurines. (Santa must have hit some great deals at the Disney Store all year. ) Sophie got a Princess and Frog wii game, Ak got a Disney think fast wii game, kinda like Scene it I think. Right now she's playing her Shawn Johnson wii game, and Sophie is playig with her princesses!!!!!!

We'll head to mom's in a bit!

Kathy- sounds like you'll need a nap, too!

Love you guys! Merry Christmas, again!
Taryn

 

[50sjayne]

Just stopping in to say hi--it's fun reading about your fun... It's easy to forget what it was like when the kids were little. Have had a very laid back christmas this year--which is fine, almost as good as a few years ago doing the whole holiday on very good back pain meds.
I got some good stuff too so far-- my Mom has caught on to anything Disney will make me happy, got a Mickey Robe and a sleeping beauty castle bag that's really pretty. Worked till 7 last night-- I think that's a first for me but I didn't mind. Some of the people I'm closest too are people I work with-- most of my family is in Illinois-- and we just had a late dinner at my Moms. We'll go to Mom in laws today.
I gained 2 pounds (a good thing) and am doing pretty good. Don't really feel like I deserve to but the alternate abject misery doesn't appeal either.
We've had some nice sunny days and I got out on the bike path twice. The candles turned out good! We made soy candles. Saw Tangled-- liked it, will go to see Tron this week. Got a 3 month membership to the pool which I hope they can turn into a 6 month for me as husband won't use his which will be good-- I miss swimming. I could get into some of the machines there too. And the jacuzzi.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Cupcaker]

Merry christmas everyone! I hope you are having a great time with your loved ones. I spent yesterday with my grandma for a while and then we went to DFs family for the night. My MIL gave me a pillow pet! She got a kick out of me singing the song from the commercial one day so she gave me a pillow pet. My DF had to work today so Im home alone. Im going to relax a little with the dogs and then go visit family again.

As for the QOTD, thats easy, an all expenses paid wedding at Disneyland! My parents called me last night from Mexico. My mom said my dad has been inviting all our family to my wedding. Its so cute to hear his excitement. I think that has kind of made me lean towards having the wedding at the cheaper venue so that all our family and friends can be invited. Its a hard compromise because I want everyone to go, but the venue isnt exactly what I have dreamed of. But its all about sharing this moment with everyone special that counts.

Tauwillow- I have always liked that clothing site, even when I couldn’t fit in them. Actually this is my first purchase from all the "window shopping" I have done. I like that the dresses are all from independent designers so its like youre getting a couture dress.

Shawn- Thanks for the info. October 1st is on a Saturday again this upcoming year. Sounds like a lot of fun you had yesterday. It’s the one time of the year that Im splurging on tamales too.

Taryn- I didn’t think you thought I had tacky stuff. It was after that I acquire it for nominating purposes, would I be thankful that you associate with me. Glad you had a good Christmas, even if you might be super sleepy right now.

Kathy- cute little poem. Yay for Michael still believing!

Lindsay- That’s great you get some time off! It is funny what kids come up with these days. My little brother came up with something similar, but you can tell it all comes from TV.

Tracey- what a sweet tradition you have with the bread pudding. I heard the wii active is a good workout.

Dona- Merry Christmas!

Lisa- Merry Christmas and may you lose and maintain this new year as well! That is so cute how DS lined up his presents. How excited he must have been.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hello and Merry Christmas!

Got some nice gifts from Santa and my relatives. My grandfather had someone else hand out our gifts from him . Dinner today was not simple and everyone was insisting that I continue to eat. Not my best Christmas. I did okay last night, but did end up eating more pasta than usual. Need to increase my water intake.

Santa brought some new gym clothes and the most expensive WW plan kit you can buy online in addition to various little things. I also got wrist/ankle weights. All five stockings cost less than $1 total-very pleased with myself for that! My grandparents gave us cash and my father's mother gave the familiy gift certificates to Wal-Mart. Good choice, but unusual they way she gave them to us. My uncle gave me a gift certificate to CVS. I'm going to keep my receipts and see how much I can buy with $25.

I could probably continue rambling for another hour or two , but I'm exhausted so I'm going to say good-night.

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hi everyone!

I got invited over here be lisah0711!!! Thanks my friend! It has been a while since I've been on here, but boy do I need it!

First Merry Christmas to everyone! Treasure this holiday. No matter the stress or anxiety it may give you, it is a blessed day!

I posted this on the CB, but I will post some of it here too, I just feel a need to share...
just have to post how thankful that I am that I am still alive. Some of you may remember that I ended up in the ICU after emergency surgery at the end of August, on the ventilator because of blood clots in my arm and massive clots in my lungs.

I joyously celebrate each and every day and I am especially thankful that I get to celebrate Christmas with my family this year - that my children didn't loose their mom, nor did my husband loose his wife. I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks because I am so completely happy and gloriously thankful for this very special time. It is my favorite holiday of the year.


We are home now from church and Christmas celebrations at my mom's. Church was so emotional for me. I cried so many times. Just happy to be here. They also had my favorite Christmas song, which doesn't happen very often, so I was very blessed and took it as a sign from God that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, to appreciate it.

After church we traditionaly go to the cemetary and place roses on FIL's gravesite. There I really lost it, just thinking that my precious family could have also had to visit my grave. Just writing that sentence makes me wince. It is so surreal almost. We left the cemetary crying, DH for missing his father so, and me for being so thankful.

So, I too, as many of you have posted, spent alot of time with family members at the celebration. Just talking with them, appreciating being in the moment, and giving my Mom and Dad an extra hug and kiss, as well as DH, and the kids.

LIFE IS GOOD! Literally!

Soooo.... I actually started my "new lifestyle" today! LOL! Christmas day is the least likely day of the year I bet, but it is very meaningful to me. I didn't really eat the greatest, but I ate less than I normally would have, and DH got me a BL workout DVD and I popped it in and did it. I am so very happy right now!

 

[tigger813]

Welcome Princess Vija! So glad you are here with us! And God Bless You for getting through this year! SO glad to hear you are doing well!!!

DH and DSIL are battling it out playing Scene It 80s edition! DSIL won the first game so DH is doing a rematch. I played the first round.

Having the Christmas pudding in a bit. I've been very bad today but I don't care!!! I've had a couple of drinks today and we had chips and dips for lunch. Dinner was yummy! Prime rib was outstanding.

We are under a blizzard warning starting tomorrow afternoon!

DD1 is still breaking out off and on. The Benadryl helps but once it wears off her face and arms and legs break out. Unfortunately we wont be able to get to the doctors before at least Tuesday with the blizzard coming and I have to work. May have DH take her since hell be home that day. I may have to run over to CVS in the morning to stock up on more Benadryl before the storm hits.

We're having friends over tomorrow to watch Dr. Who and just have fun! I will work out with my new EA Sports Active on Monday. We have so many movies and games to enjoy, the week will go by really fast!

Enjoy the rest of your day! Having fun watching DH and DSIL battle it out!

TTFN

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Reminds me of the year we had to promise her that Santa would leave the presents on the front porch and not come in the house, she was scared to death of someone coming in while she was asleep. At this rate, Santa will never get here!!!!!!!!

Nick was having some insecurities last night too. He was a little freaked out but I think he felt safe in his room. Luckily they went to bed when we told them too and we didnt here from them until morning. Ryan told me today that he didnt sleep at all last night and kept turning all night. Poor kid.

Its sounds like you got alot of lovely gifts. Im glad you enjoyed your day and that the kids loved their gifts too.

SHORTEST/Longest night EVA!

aawww sorry for the rough evening. I hope you were able to catch some rest today.

I thought I'd have more time to post, but just had an overtired dominoes emergency. Santa was very good to michael, and he seems not to have a doubt in his mind today. Yay!! Went to bed at 11, and was up at 4, but after he opened a couple presents went back to sleep for about an hour.

Your day sounds great. Im glad santa was good to michael and for the moment he is believing....

[Your ticker made my heart skip a little this morning -- it says less than 2 months! Good motivation to be sure I do my 6 miles tomorrow or Monday.

I would have totally threw in the towel yesterday on my run if it was not for the vision of the princess in our near future. It took everything I had to get out there. I cant believe how quickly its coming. Gosh less than 2 months til we leave.

SO excited!!! I got the EA Sports Active 2 from DH! Cant wait to try it out this weekend.

thats great tracey. Sounds like santa was very good to you.
Glad you had a wonderful day.

It was a very Disney Christmas - stockings were stuffed w/ Disney gift card for me!

Sounds like you got some great stuff and the kiddos too. Gotta love all things disney, its the way to a girls heart. I hope you have a great time at your moms. Merry Christmas!!

my Mom has caught on to anything Disney will make me happy,

Glad you got the disney stuff you wanted and I hope you enjoy your pool membership. Merry christmas.

My parents called me last night from Mexico. My mom said my dad has been inviting all our family to my wedding. Its so cute to hear his excitement. I think that has kind of made me lean towards having the wedding at the cheaper venue so that all our family and friends can be invited. Its a hard compromise because I want everyone to go, but the venue isnt exactly what I have dreamed of. But its all about sharing this moment with everyone special that counts.

Thats great that your parents are so excited for you. It will be nice to have all of your family there with you to celebrate your wedding. Its a hard decision to make but with time you will make the right one.

Santa brought some new gym clothes and the most expensive WW plan kit you can buy online in addition to various little things. I also got wrist/ankle weights. All five stockings cost less than $1 total-very pleased with myself for that! My grandparents gave us cash and my father's mother gave the familiy gift certificates to Wal-Mart. Good choice, but unusual they way she gave them to us. My uncle gave me a gift certificate to CVS. I'm going to keep my receipts and see how much I can buy with $25.

sounds like you have all the tools now to get fit and healthy. Glad santa was good to you.

Hi everyone!
I joyously celebrate each and every day and I am especially thankful that I get to celebrate Christmas with my family this year -

wow your story brought me to tears. I am so glad you are able to be here to spend the day with your dh and children. I love the attitude of getting started today on your healthy lifestyle.


Merry Christmas to all my friends....you are all wonderful and I love you all.
We had a lovely xmas eve last night. we went to church and my mom and dad came too. I havent gone to church with them in years since our kids were born we only ever go to sunday school....getting through the service with two young kids was just more work than what it was worth. Well during the first hymn Oh come all ye faithful I had the overcoming feeling of emotions hit me. I started crying and couldnt stop myself just thinking about how lucky I was to be standing there with my husband and wonderful boys and my parents. God is good. I never got like that in church before and it really took me by surprise. I think hearing about all your loses and the difficulty you have had just really makes me want to cherish every day with my family because you never know when things will change.

We skipped my cousins party and came right home. Did all our xmas eve rituals and got the kids to bed. They woke up at 715 which I was thankful for..geez as a kid I would have been up at 5.

The kids loved their gifts and were so excited and happy. My dh got a little money when his nana passed away and he surprised me with some really nice gifts. a nike sports band, a nike running shirt for the cold weather, running pants, a running vest, 2 disney shirts, 2 eagles shirts, and a stocking full of goodies. I was so surprised and felt so blessed. I cant wait to run tomorrow.
My parents also got me some running clothes and gloves that are moisture wicking. I feel like I am now fully prepared to take on the cold. My mom and dad also made me a daughter quilt. My dad cut out the pieces and my mom sewed. The have patches that has quotes about a daughter or a family. I once again was brought to tears. It will be something I will cherish forever.

I did eat entirely toooooooo much today. I am looking forward to getting back to my healthy lifestyle tomorrow. I feel gross. I am now off to bed...completely exhausted. Talk to you all in the morning.

I hope you all enjoy your day and had a very merry christmas.

 

[my3princes]

 

[my3princes]

We had a fabulous Christmas. The kids were thrilled with their gifts and I think they got everything they wanted. Nick loved his ipod, Hunter loved his netbook and Colby was crazy happy with his mini bike. He couldn't wait to go out to ride it. He only lasted a couple of minutes as it was freezing cold out Husband loved the PS3 game and surround sound system. I was totally blown away that DH had gone shopping on his own and bought me a pair of earrings, tinkerbell throw, tinkerbell christmas decoration, tinkerbell animated statue, purple pjs, a coffee mug, purple scarf...he did very very well. He never ever goes shopping so this is amazing. Colby also made me several gifts at school so there were lots of surprises for me

We invited my parents, Chris' mother and sister, my great aunt and uncle and my uncle over for dinner. These people would have all been home alone. My brother, neice and nephew joined us later in the evening and it was nice overall. My mother in law always makes me feel guilty for all the things we have, but we work out butts off so I shouldn't feel guilty.

 

[Octoberbride03]

It is officially a White Christmas here in Chesapeake. 8-12 inches are expected out of this and the word "Blizzard" has been bandied about This may cancel my work for tomorrow, but no way I can decide tonight as there is nobody there to call anyway

Not much to tell here otherwise. We agreed not to give gifts this year because it was just me and Dh at home, but I wound up getting him gloves anyway, which he desperately needed to begin with and BOY did i turn out to be psychic Nothing from him to me, but I wasn't expecting anything anyhow. I'm fine with that.

Glad everybody is having a nice holiday. We went to Mass last night and walked the dog and relaxed today.

And now that the Christmas rush is over all i have to put up with is the Remodel crap that is suppossed to start tomorrow night after we close. 3 months of that unless I find something new sooner. Sure hope so.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Welcome Princess Vija! So glad you are here with us! And God Bless You for getting through this year! SO glad to hear you are doing well!!!

DH and DSIL are battling it out playing Scene It 80s edition! DSIL won the first game so DH is doing a rematch. I played the first round.

Thanks!

How is Scene it 80's edition? I almost had it in my cart, but I figured I'm the only 80's nut. DH would play with me a couple of times, but not sure if it would be worth the $?