Christmas 2012

We had a lovely, lovely Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Hunter and I went to his parents' house.  His brother cooked dinner and it was AMAZING. We also exchanged gifts with his family.  It was a great time!

I worked a 12 hour overnight shift on Christmas Eve, but it was a very calm night.  In some ways it can be fun to work on a holiday; it's a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

When I got home Tuesday morning, I did some prep for the dishes I was making for Christmas dinner, then took a nap for about 3 hours.  When I got up I finished the two dishes and then Hunter and I loaded up and went to my parents' house.

This is one of the dishes I made. Very simple, very good.

Garlic Butter Potatoes

My sister, niece, niece's husband, and their daughter Hayleigh were there.  We had another delicious meal and then exchanged gifts with them.

This is the main gift we got Hayleigh for Christmas.
It lights up & plays music.
She LOVES it!

all those gifts and all this girl wanted was car keys!
it's like she's a teenager already!

Then it was time to pick up my kids from their dad.  We came home and they opened their gifts.  Tim's friend came over and hung out too.  The kids loved their gifts (except the ring I got Elayna is too small.  I was bummed.  I'll just exchange it though!).
I took zero pics.  Just didn't even think about it.  I was operating on very little sleep, in my defense.  I was OUT by 9pm!

I was off Christmas Night.  Then on the day after Christmas, we went to my parents' house so they could give the kids their Christmas gifts.  I was scheduled to work Wednesday night, but I ended up getting called off due to having a low patient count.  I am SO totally okay with that!  More time to relax at home with my loves!
Made this for dinner:

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Very VERY yummy!!!!

It's been nice and warm, the kids were wearing shorts today.  I love Florida!  

Now I'm off to enjoy my unexpected night off by SLEEPING. 

I hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas 

and were able to relax and enjoy it!  

Holiday Fragments

Had a very, very good week.

I worked Sunday Monday and Tuesday, 12 hour shifts, and feel more confident in my job every day.  The patients that other techs tell me will be my "problem child", I look at as a challenge and have them purring like kittens by mid-shift.  What can I say - I am accustomed to dealing with difficult men!

As of Wednesday morning I was off until Sunday evening.  I love the shifts that I work!

On Wednesday night, Hunter and I had both sets of parents over for dinner.  It was my mom's first time meeting Hunter's parents; my Dad met them at Thanksgiving but my Mom was visiting her sick sister (who is much better now!!!).  Anyway, the dinner went VERY well.  Our parents have so much in common and know so many of them same people.  I made lasagna and a green salad.  Hunter's mom brought texas toast and sweet tea.  My mom brought coconut cake (my request) and surprised me with her homemade fudge and a box of my favorite chocolate covered cherries!  I was feeling the love.  It was a very good night.

Thursday night was Elayna's first band concert.  She plays the flute and she did a GREAT job.  We really enjoyed it.  I wish I had pics to share, but we were far enough away that our pictures were just blurs.

Friday night we had another family dinner - at the last minute I invited my niece, her husband, and their daughter over for dinner.  Tim was here too and we all had a GREAT time!  I made chicken parmesan and spinach.  It was a big hit!  And we had a BLAST with Hayleigh.  Our home is pretty roomy and she crawled all over the place! She got a little bored and I couldn't resist giving her one of her Christmas presents early.  I shouldn't be allowed to shop until Christmas Eve- I'm so bad about not wanting to wait until Christmas!!  (I may or may not have also given Shelbie an early birthday present today. Sigh.)

she loved it! it plays music, lights up, etc. 

she loves her cousins and gave LOTS of kisses!

Tim ADORES Hayleigh and I love seeing him playing with her.  They had crawling races. She won every time!  She had a blast.

Right now Elayna is playing with my hair, trying out styles she's seen on YouTube.  I am tender headed and this is KILLING me.  The things you do for love!

We have a low-key but fun weekend planned.  Hope y'all have a good one too!
Don't forget to visit Mrs 4444 for more Friday Fragments!

Ramblings

I really am sorry for my lack of blogging lately. I know that there are some of you who truly care and don't just visit for the return comments! ;-)

I am fine, I promise. Just so busy! My friend recently moved to an apartment just down the road from me, so I spend a lot of time at her house. Between that and work, and then Christmas and birthdays....it's madness! I feel like I'm never home.

Our Christmas was very nice. It was just me and the kids for Christmas Eve, and we drove around looking at Christmas lights. On Sunday, we went to my parents' house for Christmas Dinner. We all had a good time. Then the kids all went to their dad's on Sunday evening to spend time with that side of the family. The girls will be gone all week; Tim may be home some due to his work schedule but so far he's still at his dad's.

My life is full. I'm very content with the way things are right now. I'm at peace, and I'm excited about the future. I never imagined my late 30's being this awesome!

And that's the news from here. I'm probably going to be working on New Year's weekend, so now wild parties for me! I hope y'all had a great Christmas and have a wonderful New Year!

Festive Fragging

Here I am again, apologizing for dropping off of the face of the blogosphere!

I'm fine, we're all fine. Just busy, busy, busy! I'm glad it's Friday and Fragging time - just what I needed.

On Monday, my Shelbie girl turned 16 years old. I am still a little bit in disbelief over that! She spent time with her dad & family on his side during the day, and with us that evening. I think she had a great birthday.

On Thursday, we had dinner with my whole family. My kids, my parents, my sister and her family, my brother and his family. This is a rare and fun thing! Afterwards we all went to my parents' house to celebrate the December birthdays and of course, Christmas. The December birthdays in my family: my sister-in-law, Shelbie, my sister, my mother, AND my nephew.



Today after work I get to finish Christmas shopping. Shelbie has agreed to wrap all gifts except for her own - I HATE wrapping! I dread it every year. So I'm happy to have that task delegated.

The weekend will be filled with more of the same stuff - time with friends & family, Christmas-light-looking, shopping, and fun.

Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday!!

Go visit Mrs 4444 for some Festive Fragments.

Santa Baby

Today I'm reposting my version of Santa Baby, which I first posted in 2009. It's fun and back then, it won a prize! WOOT! Hope you enjoy!

Dear Santa,
I've been a really good girl all year. I did not kill, choke, or stab anyone, despite being seriously tried and tempted. Not even one person! Are you proud of me? Because I'm quite proud of myself.
I haven't asked for much, Santa Claus. I am really a low-maintenance girl, and quite easy to please.
So here's a song for you.
Love,
Cyndy

Santa baby, just slip a Netbook under the tree, for me
Been an awful good girl,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight!

Santa baby, a Mustang convertible too, or TWO,
Son's a Mustang fan too,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight!

Think of all the revenge I've missed,
Think of all the butts that I haven't kicked!
Next year I could be just as good
If you check off my Christmas list...

Santa baby, what good's a Netbook without Wifi? Oh my.
Been an angel all year,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight!

Santa honey, one little thing that I really need, some cash,
Just a nice little stash,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight!

Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a nice cruise, and booze,
Sign your x on the line
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight!

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some cute stuff that I don't even need!
I really do believe in you,
Let's see if you believe in me...

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring,
And yes I do mean a phone,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight!

Linking up with Tuesday's Gone Blog Hop at Life. Music. Laughter.

This...right here...is my....Frags.

I'm in love, y'all. I know it's a little soon, but don't judge me. I just had to share with you about this new relationship in my life. After having a less than satisfactory one for quite some time, I am truly in awe of this amazing new....

....cell phone. It's a droid, and we're going to get married and have little android babies.

Every year during the holiday season, Shannon from Welcome to the Nuthouse does "Cans for Comments". What is that, you ask? For every comment she gets on this post, she donates a canned good to her local food bank. And I think that is just awesome! So get over there and comment, please!

Speaking of the holiday season: let the hate mail begin....I don't understand why so many Christians have an issue with NOT saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone. I'm a Christian, although I certainly don't present myself as a perfect one.....but seriously. Do we go around telling people "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" when it's not their birthday? Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and that's their business. If it's that damned difficult to say "Happy Holidays", then...*gasp*....just don't say anything. Doesn't Freedom of Religion ring any bells?

Speaking of the holidays AND religion: it's December now, so I guess I'll get out the Christmas decorations. It's against my religion to decorate for Christmas before December. My own personal religion that I make up in my head, that is.

Speaking of...um, a whole different topic: I have two wonderful clients that I take care of (I was recently told that when I call them clients it makes me sound like a hooker, but what am I supposed to call them? Old ladies? Anyway...). I love them both, truly. But the oldest one, 93 years old, keeps me in stitches. Just as I was about to leave her house the other day she remarked, "You sure do look good for having a grown ASS son!"And I died. She also tells me she loves me every time I take care of her and hugs me when I leave. I have the best job EVER!

I think I'm a better commenter than blogger. I'm funnier in real life than I am on the blog, and I'm funnier in comments too. Just recently two of my favorite bloggers sent me awesome comment replies....one said "Best comment ever!" and another said I made her laugh so hard she choked at work! And these are like, rock star bloggers whom I idolize! I think I'm going to quit this blogging gig and become a full-time commenter.

I have another funny country song for you! This time it's NOT Brad Paisley, it's Billy Currington. You gotta listen to this, it's great!

Alright. I'm fresh outta fragments. Have a great weekend and don't forget to visit Half Past Kissin Time for more Friday Fragments!

.....and so it begins.

2011, that is.

We toasted in the New Year.....

....with sparkling apple-peach juice. (YUM!)

Andrew (FINALLY) came home from his Grandmother's house, and opened his Christmas gifts. Which means Christmas is officially over for our family.

So I have all of my children under one roof......until tomorrow, when my son goes back to his Dad's house. *sigh*

And now....before I can even catch my breath from Christmas....I have to start planning Elayna's birthday party!

A Mommy's work is never done!

Christmas Crashing

It's a real thing.

Christmas Crashing: Used to describe the after-effect of Christmas, or the Holidays in general: 12 Days of Hanukkah/Christmas, etc. is usually a busy time, very exciting, and enjoyable. By the end of the celebrations (The night of Christmas Day/Dec. 26th) you feel exhausted and overwhelmed. People are usually groggy, lethargic, and almost depressed from exhaustion. (from Urban Dictionary)

That's me! Except for the depression. Because I am very happy.....but so darned tired!

On Christmas Eve, we visited my parents and then went to the Christmas Eve service at our church. The service was amazing; I can't even describe it. It was extremely moving. We have grown so close with our church family this past year, and one couple in particular who we are just so blessed to be friends with. They are wonderful.

John and I spent Christmas Day at home, just the two of us. We had our lasagna and brownies, and it was delicious. We exchanged a few gifts and just enjoyed the day.

On Sunday afternoon, my kids came home from their dad's house (Andrew is still at his grandma's) and we had our Christmas with them. Then Tim had to go to work, and we took the girls out for dinner.

Today the kids have been spending their Christmas money & gift cards. They were burning holes in their pockets. We found some great after Christmas sales. They absolutely wore me out!

Now Shelbie is spending the night with a friend, and Tim has a friend here spending the night with him.

The stressful stuff is still out there looming over us, but the good far outweighs it all. I know we'll be okay. And it's all brought us closer to each other, and the ones we love, and who love us.

(and I'm sorry for being so vague, but there are unwanted people reading this blog, so I have no choice. In fact I'm seriously considering shutting down this blog and starting over and hoping not to be found this time.......but I'll figure that out later.)

But right now.....I am ready to Christmas Crash!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday.

*ETA* OMG, I forgot to tell you it SNOWED here on Sunday morning! For real! We took the dog out and this white stuff was falling on us and this Florida native was all, "What the crap is this stuff on me???" and John thought I had major dandruff but finally we realized it was SNOW! The newspaper confirmed it - Gainesville Sun

Merry Christmas

From our zoo to your home -

Festive Fragments

I am officially a die-hard Fragmenter! I'm joining in yet again, as I do almost every week, for Mrs 4444's Friday Fragments.

I'm like the Postal Service; neither rain nor snow nor dark of night nor Christmas Eve

will keep me from my Fragging!

(also, I may or may not have been known to go Postal once or twice. But that's really irrelevant.)





I seriously feel as if I've been on a roller coaster this past week. Many very good things have happened. Some other quite bad things have happened. Some of it I've mentioned here, some I haven't, but may later. Right now, I'm focusing on the good things. I'm determined not to let any of it get me down, or ruin our Christmas!

Tomorrow night is the Candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church. John is off work (YAY!!) and I am so looking forward to this service. I need it. And our church family has been just amazing lately through this trying time, and I can't wait to see them and spend time with them.

John and I are having lasagna for Christmas. We decided to forgo the traditional dinner and instead have one of our favorite meals. I can't wait!

This is totally off-subject, but hey, it's Friday Fragments and that's what it's all about!

Last week I found out that my cousin's husband, who is a 50 year old man, recently texted my cousin, a 40 year old woman, and told her he wanted a divorce.

He asked her for a divorce via text message.

Seriously.

I thought high school kids breaking up via text was bad.....we're talking about a 16 year marriage here with ADULTS! They have a child as well. He met another woman, at a bar, while he was away on 'business'.

(puke)

Un.freaking.believable.

I'm not at all ready for Christmas.

It's Christmas Eve.

No stress.....

Have I mentioned lately that I have the best husband I could ever have asked for? He has been so wonderful through the tough times lately. He is getting very close with some of the men from church and I am seeing a change in him that is subtle but very admirable. I'm in awe. And in love. Life is Good.

I hope you're all ready for Santa to come tonight! I hope you're on the Good list (unlike me, although most of my commenters agreed that the Naughty list is more fun ;-P ).

Other than my Christmas greeting tomorrow, I probably wont be on much from now till New Year's, so I wish you the very best!

And as always, visit Mrs 4444s for more Festive Friday Fragments!

I'm thinking I'm on the Naughty List.....

As I mentioned in Monday's post, at our church Christmas party on Sunday, we had a mug exchange. It wasn't just a simple "here's a mug" deal; we played a game in which the mugs all got passed back and forth in a circle and you kept the mug you ended up with.

When the pastor's wife first arrived at the party, she held up the bag with her mug in it, pointed at me, and said "You're getting this one."

And I giggled.

And sure enough, at the end of the game, I was holding the pastor's wife's bag.

Guess I'm on the naughty list AGAIN!

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