Choose Joy

Decorating the Christmas tree at my in-laws. Every year the parents buy an ornament for each of their children because they want them to have ornaments when they are married and have a family. I thought that this was such a wonderful idea and so sweet... I bought PJ an ornament last year because I found one that had to do with ice skating. I took PJ ice skating for the first time and we had so much fun with our friends. This year, we started decorating the tree and we exchanged ornaments. PJ was a little sad because he didn't get an ornament from his parents and instead had to buy one for me. This was obviously a big change for him because he was so used to getting great ornaments and didn't want to be disappointed with mine. He was so nervous when it was time to exchange because I told him I saw one that I really wanted too. I found the joy in these little times that we can spend together because it is something we can not only do with our family but with each other. =) I got him a grinch ornament that is stealing presents from under the tree and he got me one of Lady and the Tramp. They were both sooooo cute and he loved his!!! It was a great time and even though it was just decorating a tree and seeing new ornaments, It filled my heart with joy because I know some people can't have this very moment and God has blessed me with such a wonderful life.

December... thoughts

So today is December 2nd and last night my DH and I were thinking about all the wonderful times we have gone through before our marriage. It was really fun remembering the days in college when we didn't really have to worry about anything... it was just work and school and then hanging out with friends when we could. It's crazy to think about how much could happen in one year... it is almost exciting!! Our favorite thing is doing something new for the first time together... This year we went shopping on Black Friday. I have never done that before and we both woke up at 3:30am thinking, are we really doing this?! As soon as the alarm went off PJ said, "it's so early!" So I replied with, "are you really going to complain right now?" and he confirmed, "no, but I really want to." It was the funniest thing because I wanted to complain too but we both knew it was something we had to do if we wanted to buy a new camera and video camera for our new addition to the family. Shopping at Walmart and Target at 5am was actually ok... we got everything we went there for and then some and no one got hurt... It's things like this that makes me think about how much fun we had together already and how much we have for the upcoming years. I am so happy with my new life and I can't wait to explore new things with my best friend!

I'm Thankful for...

my husband. I have been going through such a stressful week with my cheerleaders, my pregnancy, and my body hurting all over. My DH has been driving over 2 hours everyday to and from work just to come see me as soon as he can. I know this sounds weird because you would think your husband should be home everyday, but our situation is a little different. He lives over 2 hours away during the week because he works that far and we were trying to save on gas. Well now that gas prices have gone down, he has been driving his suburban back and forth all through the week and not just on the weekends anymore. This means he has to wake up at 4am to get to work on time up north and leaves around 4pm. He doesn't get home until around 6:30-8pm depending on traffic.
I drove up there to his place once and almost died because my butt hurt so bad from sitting for so long. He has been so helpful and has always been there to make me smile or laugh. Sometimes we take for granted the things we have so close to us because we don't realize what it would be like without that one thing. I am treasuring every moment I have with my DH and thank God everyday for guiding me on this path. He is truly amazing and I can't wait to spend our second Thanksgiving together.

Getting to know me... CHRISTmas Edition...

I got tagged by Sherry..read to the end to see if you've been tagged by me!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I like both, but gift bags are easiest for me unless I am shipping it to relatives... then, wrapping paper!
2. Real tree or Artificial? Dad says ALWAYS real trees... but at my in-laws, it's fake and at home, it's real!
3. When do you put up the tree? I wish it was ASAP after Thanksgiving, but my dad normally has time the day before Chirstmas Eve... lol hopefully when I get my own house it will be up on Thanksgiving! =) I love Christmas trees...
4. When do you take the tree down? I think it is best in January but I remember having it up until Easter one year... I love my daddy!
5. Do you like eggnog? I never tried it... too afraid because I hate milk... maybe this year-the one that is non-alcoholic... thanks sherry!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Super Nintendo!! It was so awesome! My dad tried to spoil us as much as he could... that's why he is the BEST dad in the whole world!
7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad... he will love anything I get him, but I wish I could get him something he really wanted, yes, like a facet machine!
8. Easiest person to buy for? DEBORAH-she takes anything cute and usable! That's why her gift is already done! =)
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, I wish... =(
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? It was at a Cheer Exchange my senior year... she bought a cheer charm and a silver charm bracelet that I saw at the $1 store right next to our school. The charm fell off the first day I put it on. =( I mean, at least try... I went all out with my gift!!!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf!!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In June from Bath and Body Works and then November and through December... hopefully!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, I either return it or use it some how.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's Candy Yams and my dad's Candy Corn. I like sweet things, what can I say!
16. Lights on the tree? Yes. I love lights.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells and the whole Michael W. Smith "Christmas" cd... when we traveled to California for Christmas my dad would have this cd in the player the WHOLE way there and never took it out. I know ever song in order!! My favorite part is listening to my daddy sing all the songs though!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? We have traveled at Christmas...very long drives to California, but anywhere with family is best for me no matter where it is! ;]
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers? oh great question... ummm, I just tried, maybe not all of them... there are 9 right? haha
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have had the same melted angel on our tree from Germany but about 10 years ago my mom brought a beautiful angel from her store so now we have both angels up there...
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We always try at least one present on Christmas Eve but everything else in the morning... after stockings of course and we can't touch anything until everyone is there... mom is usually the one who comes last just to make us wait longer...=)
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Cranky customers at the mall who treat you like crap because you won't give them some secret deal that no one seems to know about except for them... I don't like cheap people...especially when they are negative around this time of year.
23. What theme or color are you using? Christmas colors!!!!!!!
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Anything my mom and dad makes... dad loves making the turkey.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Probably gift cards to Babies R Us and Target to get some baby stuff... but for me, I am not quite sure... Gas cards so my DH can come home to me EVERY day. =)
Okay...I am going to tag: Deborah and Esther...they are the only people I know on here... besides Sherry and Hannah but they are tagged already!

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for my freedom of religion. I had such a good day at church today and I loved the message. Lamentations 3:22-23~ Great is Thy Faithfulness. It was such a blessing to hear about how God will always be faithful to us even when we are faithless. One thing that I thought was funny was a little thing said in church today...

"If all of our thoughts were recorded throughout the week and the played back in church on Sunday, would we change churches?!"

haha... I don't know how much of a reality check that is for some, but for my husband and I, that was a big one. So many times I think things like, "ahhhh this stupid person, get out of my way" when I am driving on the road... or when I get in a fight with a loved one... I am going to try and think about my thoughts and make sure that it is clear because the Pastor ended the story with...

"God hears and knows ALL our thoughts."

This is so true... so be faithful and have a steadfast heart for God... this was my lesson today and I am truly greatful to have the freedom to learn about my Heavenly Father.

Friday Fill-ins

1. The last band I saw live was Rascal Flatts with my DH!
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is being with both families and enjoying a great movie!
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is wishing I had more money to spend.
4. Thoughts of my DH coming home from a hard day's work fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear clothes that fit me.
6. Bagpipes are the weirdest instruments .
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my wonderful DH, tomorrow my plans include going to visit my parents and coaching cheer at Donkey Basketball and Sunday, I want to go to church, eat, and go straight to work!

Gas be Gone!

Thank goodness the gas is finally going down!!! I can't remember the time it was below $2.00!! Whoo hoo...