12 Days of Christmas - Day 11: New Years Resolutions

My 2011 New Years Resoultion[s]
Pay off, Pay off, Pay off
Shop LESS
Get Healthy

....


If I could have just ONE wish in 2011...


 



12 Days of Christmas - Day 10: Christmas Songs/Carols

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Carols


Merry Christmas, Happy Hoilday
[voted best song to sing in your car on the way to work]
My Grown up Christmas List
 The Drummer Boy

 O Holy Night
Christmas Shoes
Baby it's cold outside
Breath of Heaven
Santa Claus is coming to town

Have you ever heard these songs...

Lady Gaga - CHRISTMAS TREE
[haha, I don't even know what to think about that]
&
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
This song is the CUTEST song I've ever heard!
I found it last year for my girlfriends Dance Studio...
The three year old little ones danced to it at our Hometown Christmas Parade!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9 Favorite Holiday Recipe

"Mama's Cranberry Bread"

Christmas is NOT the same, without Mama's Cranberry Bread!

 

INGREDIENTS
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/2 cups Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts



DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf (16 slices).

True story:
Every year my Mom makes this marvelous Cranberry Bread! She always said she got the recipe from my Grandmother. [Better known as Ganny]
It's so yummy to my tummy! She makes each family of all my family members one, plus family friends. She wraps a tiny Philadelphia Cream Cheese package to the outside and tags it From Our Home to Yours!
It's really out of this world! Everyone fights over them!
In conversation with my Daddy [who lives in NY] on Thanksgiving Day, he was telling me he was making Cranberry Bread. I instantly got excited. Then he said "You do know the story, right?" Confused! He began to tell me that years ago, Ganny met this lady who gave her Cranberry bread & was out of this world. The lady gave her "her" recipe & from that day on Ganny started baking it. One day Ganny was baking with Ocean Spray Cranberries and noticed a recipe for Cranberry Bread! It was the exact same one the lady gave her years prior too. Cheater! :)
This story may not be all that great to you [my bad] but I couldn't believe it when Daddy told me that. I always thought she got it from Ganny. Of course when I asked my Mom, she simply stated "Yes, you didn't know that?" Even though it's Ocean Spray [bagged] recipe. It will always be called "Mama's Cranberry Bread" to me, and it's not the same without the Cream Cheese!

On the 8th Day of Christmas ....

I've sat & thought over and over again on ONE reason why I don't like the holidays

and seriously it's been tough!

I REALLY don't like when people say...

I'm ready for Christmas to come and go & for it to be over with ....

[Secretly, I think to myself]

It erks my soul, because this is happy time.

[via google]

However, because I've put my mind to this topic I began to think about the people out there

who don't have families to smile & open gifts with or lay cookies out for Santa or food for the reindeer.

 There are people out there who have no home to light a Christmas tree or get excited about garland on

their mantle, let alone a place to feel warm and safe.

There are children out there who are neglected & abused in so many ways. They don't even know what it's like to receive any gift. And we [speaking for myself] stress about getting the 48' flat screen on black friday, & are pissed if we don't get it.

There are people out there who are spending these holidays with someone they once had, who is now gone.

There are single parents out there struggling to make mends meet & put dinner on the table and they have to worry if their kid is going to get picked on when the other classmates ask what they got from Santa, and they have to say nothing.

[via google]

It makes me very sad for these people, but it reminds me of how grateful I am at the same time. Every year, we adopt a family [kids] from our home town elementary school. And it's so great. It's probably my favorite part. I don't usually share that with anyone, but since I am on this... I figured it was okay.

We don't meet them or actually know who they are, but I do know their names, ages, and what they like. It's amazing! But I can't do that for everyone, and knowing that really sucks!

I'm sitting here... it's 11:19PM. My Christmas shopping is completely done [28 people, 3 Christmas Party gifts, & 2 dirty Santa Gifts] My tree is up. My house is ALMOST ready. I wrapped more than half of my presents tonight and placed them under my tree and now I'm sad.

I am so blessed. There are so many people & families out there that have so much more than Aaron & I....

 && that's okay. I'm very happy. I am in love with my life.

 But so many people have .... emptiness.

&& That would really stink to have emptiness during the holidays.

So, the thought of people struggling to makes mends meet, or the loss of family members, or Child having no Christmas is a very good reason why I do not like the Holidays.

Never thought I'd say that... But no one has ever asked me that before!

[via google]

On the 6th day of Christmas - DIY project

I've had so much fun this year in our new house

making a ton of Christmas arrangements and decorations!

However, I am not finished with any of them, except my garland for my mantel!

Here's the story:

I love the store Hobby Lobby! I'm in there everyday getting something, the employees think I'm insane!

I saw the garland one day that was absoultely beautiful! I wanted it so bad UNTIL I read the price tag!

$129.99! NO WAY!

So, I bought a plain one and then things to go one it. I had coupons so I got a lot of pretty stuff for great pricces! Mine still doens't look like the original one, but it's beautiful and I love it!

On the Sixth day of Christmas, I gave my Christmas List....

My Christmas List

Hmmm...

 Ya know, I could write a pile of random things to put on a wish list!

But, really... there isn't anything i'm asking for.

I think this is the first year I've never had a list.

Although, FRIDAY... black friday & it was my first time ....

[Got 19 out of 26 gifts... heck yes!!!!]

But did find something I'd love to buy myself for christmas!

It's pretty pricey, so I don't want to write it down or ask for it

 but it's something I could eventually get for myself

a Cricut Machine!

Other than that, I don't really have a list!

I could always use:

Shoes

Clothes [Daily & work]

Victoria Secret goodies

Home Goods

Kitchen Ware



Day FIVE - 12 Days of Christmas

Favorite Christmas Movie

Definitely would be the movie ELF with Will Ferrel!

This movie makes me laugh throughout!

Aaron & I make it a tradition to watch it on Christmas Eve together,

althought, we watch it year round!

Here are some of my FAVORITE scenes

On the Third Day of Christmas....

One the THIRD day of Christmas my true love [Grandmother] gave to me.... A Scarf & a Purse!

My grandmother, Ganny is truly an amazing women.
Who doesn't think their grandmother isn't amazing???
To read about her, and understand her a little better... Read GANNY!

Ganny never was a rich woman, she didn't need to be!

She showed everyone in her family what love was and how to give!

Ganny had 17 grand children & 3 great grand children when she left for heaven 5 years ago.

She had many many talents. Sewing, Crocheting, & knitting were one of them!

She crocheted me this beautiful scarf & purse!

I don't really use the purse, but you will never find it tucked away!

It's always hanging in my closet, there with the scarf through all seasons!

I see to always wear the scarf when something happens and I need to feel close to her!

Even during Georgia's hot, humid, summer!

On everything she has ever made... which a whole bunch of stuff,

You will aways find this label inside...

Made Especially for you

Ganny

It's definitely the greatest gift ever!

It was made with her hands, & made with her love!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs

...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

12 Days of Christmas - Day TWO

 On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me....His Christmas Bonus (haha), seriously he did!Now I'm ready to be apart of....

I've NEVER participated in Black Friday!  I'm not the shopper who likes lines or looking through a pile of mess. I'm a run in, run out, I want what the manikin is wearing kinda shopper! But... My boss gave me the day off [it's a working day for the company I work for], so I figured I'd try it out. I don't see myself shopping ALL day, because I'm sure I'll get overwhelmed. But, who knows...

I've never been! I don't know the tricks or deals.. yet! I was just told to wear comfy clothes and shoes.

I've already looked up a few places I want to go; We are starting off at Bass Pro Shop.

They open at 6:00AM so we are leaving the house [30 minute drive] at 5:00AM.

I don't really know where to go from there... We will see!

Here's my Christmas [check] List -

Maybe I'll get lucky and get everyone out of the way... HA!

Aaron - Boot Warmers/Dryers, Clothes, Water Proof Camo BackPack, Grill Appliances

Portable Grill/Stove top, Stocking Stuffers

Mama - Clinique Gift Card,

Dad Aaron - ????

Daddy - ????

Diane - ????

Brian & Kerri- Stationary with their Animated Family

Kim & Tommy - Stationary with their Animated Family

Chloe-  Something Fun & Crafty

Austin- ???

Aaron- ???

Ashlyn- Something Fun. & Crafty

Angel- Fun & Crafty

Addyson- Fun & maybe Crafty

Emily Grace- Whatever is FUN for a 1 year old.

Reid -  Ride on Four Wheeler [Not a real one]

Mrs. Kandi (MIL) - ??? Perfume [Her Perfume], Baking PAns

Mr. Paul (FIL) - Callaway Golf Balls, [I forget what else he asked for]

Bridget - Fashion

Patrick - Bass Pro

Grammye & Da - Date Night Basket Full of Goodies

Uncle Gary - Golf Balls

Aunt Angel -????

Julie - Fashion

Garrett - Bullets [Aaron is getting him]

Mady - Fun & Entertaining

Yeah, so... There are a lot of question marks! Not good! Our parents & his Grand parents are the HARDEST people to buy for. They have everything they need.

I'm really excited!

It's not to late to link up!

If you would like to join the fun, go HERE!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs

...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

12 Days of Christmas - Day ONE

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

For Christmas, my family doesn't have any hugh "traditions".

Being together is what matters!

Since both Aaron and I have big families, it's a must we fit it all it.

No, Your family this year, my family next!

Christmas usually goes something like this...

The weekend before Christmas, usually on a Sunday, Mom & Aaron have

all my brothers & sisters [SIX of us] and spouses & their children

at their house so they can watch everyone open their gifts to them!

It's big, awesome, and noisy!

But I love it!

This picture doesn't even show everyone!

Last year, we decided with our group of friends to start having a Christmas Party!

Our newly weds, Brycelyn & Jeremy hosted it last year!

It was Tacky Sweater Christmas Party

I made both, Aaron & myself outfits! They were great!

This year, Aaron & I are hosting! I'm so excited & have many ideas!

We keeping it the same, well... kind of! It's still Tacky, but it's theme

is "Santa's Little Helpers". I'll share more later. I don't wanna ruin it!

On Christmas Eve, it's kinda quite... until around 4pm!

Aaron's grand parents host an oyster roast for all family & friends!

It's gives everyone a chance to celebrate Christmas together!

Aaron's Grandpa

Cousin, Mady & his Grandmother!

Aaron & his Mom

One thing Aaron and I have never done, is spend the night together

on Christmas Eve. No certain reason.

I usually go to my parents, & he goes to his!

Not this year! Aaron told my parents he would be joining us!

How exciting! I am really looking forward to it.

Aaron's family has a big tradition they've always done together.

They watch the Grinch [together] on Christmas Eve & then go to bed, only to get up really early in the morning. Last year, I did watch the Grinch, but then when to my parents! I'm sure we will do the same thing this year!

On Christmas Day, My parents & I make it a rule, to get up at 7am.

I start the coffee and we get situated for Santa!

After opening presents, we start on stockings [my favorite] and then we cook breakfast together! I usually met up with Aaron after that. By that time, his family has opened presents and went to his grand parents for breakfast. 

 Again, we will see how this year goes.

Either my parents, my Uncle John & Aunt Teresa, or Uncle Mike & Aunt Tammy usually

host Christmas Dinner! This year, it's Uncle John. Then we usually leave to go to Aaron's Christmas Dinner at 5pm! I

It's a busy day, but I love every.single.minute.of.it!

 Don't make fun, It's a tradition to wear Christmas Pj's!

Okay, that's it! That's how we spend out our Christmas!
Now, go link up!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions
Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks
Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received
Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season
Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special
Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs
...so let them know!)
Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)
Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays
Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe
Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles
Day 11: New Year Resolutions
Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)
Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe
Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?