Santa Clause came EARLY!

After wading through our entirely way to packed holiday schedule, Rachel and I decided today was the day. We were getting together for our GIRLS ONLY Christmas party. The plan: to meet at MommaBo's house and head east to heaven, I mean THE LAKE!! It had been a while since Rachel had seen the progress and who doesn't love to get out of town?!? So we did. We loaded up all three kids and the miles of baggage that goes with them and we were off! Of course, the first thing sweet Addison yelled was TV!!!!!!!!!!!!! haha! She's precious! She was right, we had Baby Songs playing on the DVD player in the car. As a side note, whoever invented DVD players along with whoever decided to put them in automobiles are forever on my list of people to love. In fact, if I ever meet you I may just plant a big, fat, wet one smack dab on your lips. It makes me so happy I just can't contain myself. You are pure GENIUS!! Anyway, back to us girls... We made the 40 minute drive to Guntersville and toured MommaBo and Papa's lake house. The progress they are making is fantastic and the house is UNREAL! I'm certain it will (or should) be in the next issue of Better Homes and Garden, or Southern Living magazine!!! After that we went to Mt.Fuji for lunch. And yes, you read correctly. I willingly went to eat lunch at a Japanese restaurant. However, my meal was very American. It consisted of salad with ranch dressing instead of ginger, and fried shrimp. I mean, who doesn't like fried shrimp?!? No rice and no soy sauce. Yuck! Plus, at this place they don't cook in front of you so it doesn't have that awful smell that usually turns my stomach. After lunch, we piled back in and headed home FOR PRESENTS!!! No matter how old I get, I still LOVE getting presents. And I tell you what, sister did NOT disappoint! For Taylor, the most adorable t-shirt. It says Miss Auburn written in rhinestones!!!! For me, season 2 of Gossip Girl, the cutest gold bangle bracelets, and the most perfect scarf. I can't wait to sport them both! Rachel, you know us so well! Thanks for a wonderful day MommaBo, RayRay, and all you sweet baby girls!

LOTS of love to you!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!

ATTENTION PEOPLE: Christmas is THIS Saturday!!!

For some reason it seems like Christmas has snuck up on me this year and although I'm done with my shopping, I still feel very unprepared!

Christmas has always been a VERY busy time of year for me. Growing up, I lived in Orlando, Fl so I can remember many many Christmas's making the super duper long 10 hour drive to Cullman. I loved coming here to see my family. The drive?? Well, not so much!! Now that I'm married I've got double the places to be. Which means double the meals to eat. Which means break out the elastic waste pants and enjoy! Which then makes me want to stick my finger down my throat and barf :)

Since Christmas falls on a Saturday this year we've certainly got one jam packed weekend ahead of us...

Friday, Christmas Eve- Lunch with my mother in law's family, Supper with my father in law's family, and then headed to my parent's house for some chili and hanging out with the fam.

Saturday, Christmas Day- wake up and do Christmas with Robbie and Taylor, lunch with my in law's, then supper with my family

Sunday, Day after Chirstmas- Lunch with my dads family

Whew!! That's a lot of stuff. I get pretty exhausted just thinking about it! That still leaves Christmas with my mom's side of the family, but that date is still to be determined!

I love this time of year and getting to spend time with my family. So, even though I will feel like I've been run over by a reindeer come Monday, I'm still going to try to relax and enjoy.

Merry Christmas, friends!

Lets call a spade a spade!!

So, a few posts ago I tossed around the idea of running in the Disney half marathon with my best friend, Rachel, in February. She pitches a very enticing story when it comes to running and this so called "runners high" that goes along with it... Now, I'm not saying it doesn't exist. I'm just saying I ran with her probably three or four times? It wasn't godawful, but it certainly didn't give me that "Lucy in the sky with diamonds" feeling either. Super sad day because a) it was awesome exercise that I desperately need, b) it was about 30 minutes that I could reflect and recharge, and c) it was awesome to spend time on a regular basis with my dear, sweet friend!!! I wish I had the drive and determination to have made it last, but in the end, I'm not one bit surprised it didn't. The fact is, I'm not a runner. I don't love it or even like it. So, in case you were wondering, I'm still the same ole gal that will only run if someone is chasing me :) And I'm ok with that.