Thursday, December 24

The stockings were hung

This past week off work has been a blur; non stop errand running, visits with friends, early Christmas with my grandpa, haircuts, baking and cleaning!


Our Christmas tradition has always been a big Christmas Eve dinner and then a relaxed Christmas day brunch in your pj's. This year, we are trying out something a little different for Christmas Eve dinner- my mom, sister and I decided that we are sort of over the turkey and sides (had it already twice in the past two weeks), so we are doing homemade Chinese! I couldn't be more excited! I am in charge of the dumplings, friend rice (making from scratch eeee), edamame, and crab rangoon. My sister (the culinary school graduate) is in charge of the homemade egg rolls or spring rolls or something and that delicious ginger salad like shogun. Mom is in charge of the main dishes (beef broccoli, sweet/sour chicken), and matt's bringing the saki of course! He may not get to partake as the road scenario with the so called snow should arrive around dinner time, hurrying him on to Fort Smith. But I sure will!!


I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with family or friends. I am ready for all the hub bub to start, then on to Matt's 30th Birthday next week!! So much to celebrate!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

Tuesday, December 8

These are the days

This is my favorite time of the year,
because of the people that I get to spend it with.

So thankful for...


Dress up reunions




Welcome home parties





Cheers and laughter




Singin' and Dancin'




Sweet family time




Homegrown beauties




Lifelong friends





Hugs after such a long span of time





The one by my side





Wishin' you a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Wednesday, December 2

Homeward Bound


I still haven't pulled pictures off my camera from Thanksgiving, so my posts will be slightly out of order, but I COULD NOT wait to welcome home Joanna and Richy stateside! The long journey of foreign approvals are finally behind them, and they will be arriving in Fayetteville this Thursday. I know life in Dublin was more than an adventure, and I can't wait to hear Joanna rehash everything. As for Richy, I know he will be experiencing a lot of the "newness" that Joanna lived through in Ireland, hopefully we can all help him with his transition!

Hugs to you both, see you SOON!