Jo Malone's Orange Blossom ~ Day 21

We had our annual gathering at our friend’s home for Christmas. This has become a tradition for us over the past few years and I look forward every year it draws near.

My friend and I both have three girls, all very close in age. They are more like family than friends, and each Christmas we gather together to exchange gifts and have our own Christmas celebration. We had another wonderful evening with great food and great friends. Sarah is my friend who understands me and often seems to spoil me too. She will go out of her way to do things to just make me smile or feel special, not just with a gift, but with her actions and her words. If I ever need to talk or to laugh she is there, she is truely one of a kind. Tonight she surprised me with something she knew I really, really, wanted. I mean I really, really, wanted it bad. Her first question Christmas morning was "Did you get that perfume you are dying for?" I answered "No, but I did get a lot of things I am super happy about." Little did I know she had already gotten it for me.

My new thing for the day was the most wonderful scent of Orange Blossom by Jo Malone. If it isn't something you haven't smelled, you need to, it is heavenly.

Christmas Blessings ~ Day 20

Christmas was amazing. The girls woke up at 7 am ready to rip it up, literally. Watching their faces and my husband’s face while opening presents, was the best feeling on earth. The excitement and joy they receive from even the littlest things brings such joy to my heart. It makes all the madness of shopping, traffic and late nights of wrapping worth it.

This year I received a few new things that I have never owned before, or had since a child. First was a sleeping bag, my very own. I haven't had one since elementary school, that one was red with a giant Garfield on it. My new one is green, no Garfield this time. I am officially ready for camping this summer.

Next was a blue tooth. Yes, you probably can't believe I haven't gotten one already but I always hated it when people walked around with one it their ear. I could never tell if they were talking to me or were on the phone. It drove me crazy. My husband thought it was about time I got one, and I think he is right. I tried it on yesterday and I kept tripping out because I felt like I needed something in my hand, so I grabbed a cloth and started to clean the counter. I am sure it will take time to get use to.

I also got a mp3 player, all I can say is I am stoked. I can't believe how small those things are. The last player I had required a tape, and when you went for a jog or walk, the deck was so heavy it would start to pull down your pants. I was blessed this year, my family really took time to look for things they thought I would love, it was very much appreciated. I feel very lucky.

Our whole family had a new thing this year. We had Christmas dinner with a very good friend on our street. It is hard not living close to family, especially around the holidays but sometimes great friends become like family, and they really help make the holidays something special. So off we went with our ham over to our neighbors. Not only is she an amazing cook, but an amazing friend. We all had a wonderful time and left with a FULL belly. I had to include pictures of the beautiful meal she made.




I feel so blessed in life. Today included so many new and fun things, but the best parts are the family and friends we share it with.