My parents had asked if the kids could come and stay with them this weekend because they were having an annual Christmas party with all of the families we grew up with. It's a wonderful party. They have horse rides, hay rides, games, food, and the kids even got to be in a play. : ) Which Drew told me he really loved! Andy and I were unable to make it this year because his firm's Christmas party was this weekend, so we checked to make certain that my parents were sure they were up for it and then, before they could change their minds, told them absolutely!
When Andy left on Friday I ran out, more like walked really really slowly, to run a few Christmas errands. Of course I got side tracked, like usual, with window shopping for the new house. Isn't this rolling laundry cart cute?
When Andy got home we left for a date night. Our plan was dinner and a movie. We started with dinner, where we had sushi for two. Sushi is new for me, but I have discovered that I LOVE spicy tuna rolls. If you have never tried one, you should!
After dinner we were looking at the movies. We used to love going to the movies, but we just don't have as much time and we also just haven't found many movies that we are excited about watching. So we looked at our options and we weren't finding anything that we really wanted to watch, so I told Andy we could just go home. He told me that there was no way we were going home at 7:30 on a night where we don't have kids, so we finally settled on seeing the latest Hunger Games movie. I thought it was pretty good! It definitely entertained us. When we got home I was so tired because it's usually my bed time, but Andy asked me if I wanted to watch TV and I said "absolutely YES!" I wanted to stay up late since we could sleep in the next morning. By the time we finally went to bed I was soooooo tired! :)
The next morning we still woke up early because our internal clocks are set I guess, but instead of getting up we both read and then went back to sleep. It was wonderful!
We took our time and headed out to meet some good friends for brunch.
I didn't think to take a picture of the food before we ate it. Oops! But, trust me when I say it was delicious. I had gouda grits, berries, sausage, poached eggs, and some sort of delicious sconce. If you are local, I highly recommend you trying Paisely Cafe for brunch.
After this we headed out to check on our house. They've been painting walls this week and we wanted to check out the progress. You can't really tell from the picture, but our main color is a light grey. We also are using a medium grey, dark grey, and blue grey. Do you see a theme? ;)
Saturday night we had Andy's work Christmas party.
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We were one of the first ones to arrive, along with one of the partners. We walked in to this great surprise. They were twins! That was the beginning of the laughter. The night continued on in that same spirit. It was so much fun! :)
The decorations were done by one of the ladies in the office. They were so cute. She got old pictures from all of us, and used them in the centerpieces.
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Andy is holding this candle as a tribute to a fictional character that the founding partner made up in this long drawn out story that he told. I can't even begin to describe this story because it was so far fetched. He told all of us to please refrain from laughing because this was a very serious story. Us girls were crying because the story was SO unbelievable and we were all trying to keep from laughing. He then proceeded to present office awards that were named after this make believe child hood friend. What an imagination!!!
I really do love where Andy works. All of the people are so kind and caring and they really are like family. There may not be any other stay-at-home, homeschool moms, but I have never once had a hard time making conversation with any of them. So much of the night was spent laughing! It was great!
At the end of the night I was talking with one of the wives of Andy's co-workers. They are the ones whose wedding we attended a few weeks ago. We were comparing notes on who had the messiest house. She has wedding presents all over the place, and I told her we were in the middle of wrapping all of our Christmas gifts, so when we got home we exchanged pictures. What is it about having someone in your shoes that makes you feel better? All I know is that when I got her picture I felt better knowing we weren't the only ones with a mess. :)
This morning I woke a little earlier and had some really precious time in the bible. I must say these last few weeks since I haven't been getting up as early, and have been spending most of my day having Christmas fun with the kiddos, I haven't had my quiet time. I've really missed it. I would always intend to find time to do it, but the day would pass and I never did.
This morning it was so peaceful in our home. I knew no one would be running down the stairs or coming out of their rooms, so I knew I could have as much time as I wanted.
I'm currently in Galatians and especially loved these 2 verses I read this morning.
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
~Galatians 6:9-10
This is my favorite time of the year! But it's also a time when I can grow weary, and instead of the joy I desire to have, I am worn down and don't always share love.
I told someone the other day that I need to do a post on the many things I have been learning through my injury.
One of my favorites is that I am being forced to slow down. I am always in a hurry, even if I don't have to be. The first day I was able to walk without crutches I ventured out to Target. I am wearing a straight leg brace that causes me to walk with a peg leg. Let's just say, old people were passing me left and right. I love Target, but that was the longest I had ever been there.
Most days if the kids and I get out we are limiting it to once a day. I also can't go upstairs (so if you come over and go upstairs, please don't tell me what it looks like up there!) I can't really do much cleaning, so I'm not constantly thinking about things I "should be doing". It's forced us to take this season to relax and be together and not feel like we are missing out on something.
I even busted out crafts this week. It was so much fun! We have laughed, played, snuggled and slowed down. (I just need to make a side note before you think it's all rainbows and butterflies. There are still normal fussy moments for all of us.) But, I have genuinely enjoyed this time leading up to Christmas with the kids. I hope when I can walk normally again I will remember to stop and smell the flowers. :)
After quiet time, I got ready because we had plans to "brunch" again. We met up with part of my work out crew. They have been so sweet to check in with me to see how I'm feeling and recovering, and they brought us delicious Christmas goodies. So basically this weekend I have eaten brunch food and sugar. (and sushi!) :)
We finished wrapping presents today and then Andy left to meet my parents to get the kids.
Our reunion was so sweet! The kids rushed in and began telling me about all of the fun they had and then discovered the presents around the tree. They loved it, and I loved hearing the excitement in their voices.
I am praying for you all to have a wonderful week leading up to Christmas day. May joy fill your homes and I pray that in the midst of the last minute things that may be on your "to do" list that you won't grow weary, but will seize opportunities to do good to all.
May your love abound more and more during this, the most wonderful time of the year. :)
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