So
much to catch up on! I had a super relaxing Christmas break. I didn’t
think about blogging or anything really “work” related, but now I feel
so behind. Here’s a messy recap of my Christmas
2013.
I
truly enjoy having a Christmas break. A big blessing in working for
corporate America is the last 2 weeks of the year the office is pretty
vacant. So I’ve made that my new normal since working
for this sales group. I love it, and really enjoy all my time off. My
last day in the office was Friday 12/20.
Saturday
12/21 was nice and leisurely, packing, and cleaning up the house
getting ready to depart for Albuquerque. My cousin Cheryl
coincidentally booked the same flight, so she met us at our
house, and we took the bus to the airport. We were on a later flight
out, so the airport wasn’t too crazy, and made it to the gate with
plenty of time.
Our week in Albuquerque was sorta a blur, but some strong highlights definitely stand out.
The
first is Chris’ relationship with my parents. Specifically my dad.
Chris and my dad have this amazing son-in-law/father-in-law relationship
that seems to be out of a fairy tale! Something
I never thought would happen. To see their relationship grow since
that first Christmas we were home as an engaged couple two years ago is
such a blessing. Chris and my dad can just hang out and enjoy each
other’s company. It’s a difficult dynamic to describe
especially if you don’t know my dad, but I’m so thankful for their
relationship. With various outings scheduled and Chris getting sick
during our stay, Chris stayed behind at my parents house a lot without
me there and it was so nice feeling comfortable leaving
him with my parents!
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| Melting Pot dessert |
I enjoyed a nice leisurely dinner with my girl cousins, at our 8th Annual (can’t believe it’s been 8 years since we’ve been doing this!) Girl Cousin dinner at the Melting Pot. Nikki wasn’t in attendance this year, as she’s a new Mom taking care of her baby boy in Nashville, but she was sorely missed. The dinner of course, was fantastic, and catching up with Kari and Cheryl was a blast.
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| the Christmas tree in Old Town. |
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| This is my favorite nativity. It's beautiful frosted glass, or something like that. Heavenly. |
Christmas
Eve and Christmas Day was so enjoyable and relaxing. My mom has a
stationary bike, so throughout our stay I was able to get in a few
workouts. Christmas Eve we just hung out, and mom
and I cooked our sides to bring over for Christmas Eve dinner at my
Aunt Patti’s. That afternoon we opened up presents, and I truly got
spoiled. Chris gave me a beautiful cross bracelet, and a necklace and
earrings set with white and black diamonds. A huge
surprise! I’ve never felt so spoiled. My parents got me a “fancy” new
camera (we have lots to document in the new year!) and a long sleeve
Bronco’s shirt.
After
the presents were opened we went over to my Aunt Patti’s and had a
wonderful dinner. It was great to see so much of my family. We had an
Ugly Christmas Sweater contest that my mom won!!!
We had a gift exchange that ended just in time to head to church.
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| the Cross Chris gave me |
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| River of Lights |
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| River of Lights |
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| Mom's Ugly Sweater! |
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| The Ugly Sweater parade - Uncle Jeff.... |
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| ...Chris (Kyle's new bride)... |
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| ...my Mom.... |
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| ...Aunt Kathleen. |
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| Baby Sweat's first official Christmas book |
Christmas
morning we woke up and opened gifts from Santa Claus, and took our time
getting ready, before heading to breakfast at my Aunt Michelle’s.
One
of the biggest blessings of this trip was feeling baby Sweat move. I
had been anticipating this moment, and was hopeful it would happen in
Albuquerque during Christmas. And that’s exactly
what happened!
We had a fantastic breakfast and lots more family time.
I
can’t remember when, but at some point we went to go see “American
Hustle”. It was just ok. There are lots more movies out that I want to
go see.
My parents were welcomed to the 21st century with a tablet and smart phone. Both of which we tried to teach them how to use.
We did some shopping and of course lots of eating.
I
had a nice long leisurely lunch at Dion’s with Michelle, Emily, Jess,
and Jill. All High School friends. It was a great time.
My
friend Michelle had a get together at her house, with both her and her
brother as host. We had a great time, and hung out with a sweet 8 week
old little girl!
We got to Skype with Nikki and her little boy Luke on Christmas Day, which was a fantastic touch to the day!
My mom and I spent an evening walking around the River of Lights at the Botanic Gardens.
Baby
Sweat got his/her first Christmas gifts. A beautiful stork from
somewhere in Europe (courtesy of my Aunt Patti) and a beautiful cross to
hang in Baby Sweat’s room from Grandmasita (what
my mom has decided to call herself).
My
mom also bought a couple of baby books to read to the baby. We read
“The Night Before Christmas” …the night before Christmas, along with
“Santa is coming to Albuquerque”. Honestly, the baby
really enjoyed being read to. Each time my mom would read to the baby
he or she would definitely respond with some movement. It was a joy!
It truly was a wonderful Christmas week.
I
spent a lot of time this Christmas Season reflecting. Thinking a lot
about past Christmas’, and what’s to come in future Christmas’. But I
also tried to stay present for this Christmas. Be
thankful for my family and for my husband. To treasure this time as we
get ready to become a family of three.
1 comment:
I love Christmas at home! It sounds like you had a really great break, I'm so happy for you. It was so nice to see and talk to you in person, it's been too long! I wish I could have gone to Michelle's the next day, I haven't seen Greg since high school.
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