Tis the Season, almost!

At this time every year it takes all I have to leave all the Christmas stuff packed up and Pandora off of the Christmas stations.

I made a vow (to myself) to wait until we get home, the Monday after Thanksgiving to decorate in all things merry and bright

AND… (sigh) to keep the buzzing of Christmas carols only in my head, even though Dish Network has already added the holiday music channels to our lineup.

In all honesty I am happy to do it because I really do dislike that Thanksgiving gets trampled on by all the bru-haha that comes with “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Thanksgiving is usually by far my favorite holiday but I normally forget that fact until after Christmas.

And still this year I am clinging to the way things were all of my years living with my parents. I so badly wish we were headed over the mountain Wednesday and were able to stay til “classes resumed” Monday, but I know this is another part of growing up.

Right now at 7:00pm on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we still don’t have a clue what our plans are. AHHH!

My inner control freak is going nuts!

But, I am trying trying trying to be the quiet, understanding wife, who doesn’t nag about making plans.

Which includes pinning all kinds of Christmas “to-dos” on my Pinterest boards and cleaning.

Cleaning because there might be a chance we are going to spend Christmas here in Alamosa with both our families, and there is this little voice inside my head that thinks getting a head start on preparations will make a difference.

But let me get realistic with you for a minute,

1.   we have a 4 month old puppy who LOVES to shred paper, thanks to me, at the end of the election I got real sick of all the ads in our mailbox and started handing them over to Trip as soon as I walked in the door. Now that we have a paper box to start fires filled with junk mail we also have shards of news print everywhere.

2.  My husband is a WONDERFUL cook, and after the time change, he either beats me home or is right on my tail when I hit the driveway. So, he has been making dinner about 50% of the time or at least cooking the meat. Even though his meals are always so so tasty, the kitchen is such a disaster and a pain in my rear to clean. I love you Jeb & your cooking is the BEST!

3.  We live on a dirt road surrounded by hay fields, that are all dry and prepped for the freezing winter season, and at the back of our casa, (where we both park and where the door we primarily use is) the ground is so soft and stirs up dust flurries every time we pull in to our house.

4.  Last but not least, I hate laundry. (enough said.)

So cleaning now doesn’t change the fact that I will be doing it all again twice more before our parents come for Christmas.

Jeb finally caved in and helped me put up outside Christmas lights on our deck today; I think I hooked him by suggesting that today might be the last free day we have that is actually going to be warm.

He did make me promise not to turn them on until after Thanksgiving.

Once again I am so eager to go home. I and hoping that this time there will be more than enough time to spend with everyone. Realistically I know it’s not the case but I’ll take every minute I can get! 

Jeb's Family

Jeb and I flew out to PA on the 24th to spend Christmas with his family. I absolutely loved it. I dearly missed my family; I only broke down once though, in my room with only Jeb present.

But we had the best time.

Besides the fact that I sent an elbow through the kitchen door window at Jeb’s grandparents’ house.

His Grandpa is the sweetest, most comforting man. I felt so stupid, but! Kept my tears in, until he kissed the top of my head. Then the water works started.

As soon as we got back to Jeb’s grandparents’ house (Gail’s parents) we started peeling shrimp & breading oysters, shrimp & mushrooms for a BIG Christmas Eve feast!

We had the 3 fried items listed above, shrimp scampi, crab stuffed mushrooms, steaks, & sautéed veggies, with peppermint ice cream for dessert. I was stuffed!

After dinner Gail gave me 2 packages for Jeb and me from my mom. (Every Christmas Eve my mom and dad let us open one present, new pajamas and a children’s book.) I insisted to Jeb that we open them in my room alone (I balled the whole time) Gail came in and read the book I was given to each of us, just like my mom would have done & I continued to ball. I’m pretty sure I have never been so home sick in my whole life. But it was short lived.

The next morning we all woke up and had long-johns topped with rich frosting and coffee, and we all just sat around the kitchen table to talk before presents were even mentioned. I loved that.

We spent Christmas day at Jeb’s Aunt and Uncle’s house (which is BEAUTIFUL) with a mound of delicious food!  I enjoyed watching this side of the family interact so much.

Sam (Jeb’s Dad), was raised Amish, but never joined the church. Sam’s parents (Mommy & Dautie) {Grandma & Grandpa} are still Amish as is Sam’s older brother Levi and his wonderful wife Anna. They have 3 kids 2 of which are married with kids and are no longer Amish. Sadie Lynn is their youngest (my age and has already joined the church & is dating a gym who will join the church this summer. (Suspicions are that they will be married in the Amish church soon after.) Lorraine and her Husband joined the Amish church and then left, they have 3 kids all older than me, the youngest Kerry is Jeb’s age. Also, Aunt Mary was present during all the festivities; she is Mommy’s younger sister who never married.

There is so much love in that family. I just loved being there. EVERYONE was at Christmas dinner & stayed at Ike and Lorraine’s house until after all the kiddo’s bed times.

 The next day Gail and I went into Lancaster City with Lorraine and Kerry. I had a lot of fun that day as well.

Tuesday we went to Central Market with Gail’s parents, it was quite a sight

In the afternoon Jeb took me to the restaurant where his parents met to split a burger and then drove me all over to take pictures of the rainy day.

Tuesday night we went over to Levi and Anna’s house for some yummy soup and sandwiches. I also enjoyed that night, lots of catching up, storytelling and laughter. I love just sitting and listening to all the “remember when…” stories.

Wednesday, Gail and I went to this little shopping place called Kitchen & Kettle with Lorraine, it was fun seeing different stores, most with some Amish influence. We stopped by Mommy and Dautie’s house to visit with them for a little while, then we met up with Gail’s dad to do some last minute shopping for the 50^th Wedding anniversary party we were putting together for Gail’s parents on Thursday night.

Thursday we got up and started working on the party right away. Gail and her brother Kurt made all the food for 60 plus people, and were trying to do it all by themselves as a gift to their parents.

We had gotten up early the day after Christmas to snag all the good deals on Christmas décor (Gold ball ornaments for the centerpieces)

Jeb and I spent Thursday decorating the dining room. I must say that my cowboy does have an eye for decorating. He had lots of great ideas.

By 6:00p.m. All the seats were filled and we were serving salads, prime rib, canned chicken, oven roasted potatoes and fresh green beans.

Kurt did an excellent job cooking; he sure has a gift in the kitchen.

Grandma Miller had make 3 cakes for dessert which we served with THE BEST store bought ice cream I have ever had.

I love the fact that both Jeb and my parents are still married. The even crazier thing is that 2 sets of our grandparents were married on September 2^nd and both celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this year.

Later we found out that Mommy and Dautie have been married for 60 years!

Friday we had breakfast with Grandpa Miller’s brothers and sisters at a local buffet, later just the 5 of us drove around Gail, Sam, Jeb, Tyler and me. It was fun sight-seeing all the places that they remembered from living there. Sam every once in a while would say something like: “Me, Dad, and Levi built that… and that’s where Levi taught me how to chew!” We also visited Steve and Linda’s beautiful home; I was ready to move to PA right then and there if she would have said we could have her house.

For dinner we met all Grandpa Millers family again at a Pizza Hut and then headed over to Levi and Anna’s to say goodbye to Ike and Lorraine and Levi and Anna. The night ended too soon, but we had to pack because Sam wanted to be on the road pretty early the next morning.

We drove straight through and ended up back in Westcliffe about 10:30am New Year’s Day.

I was tired, dirty and cramped from sitting in the middle back seat too long, but I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about that trip.

Birthday Part(ies)

Due to all of this holiday madness, my birthday celebration was a bit scattered, which only meant more than one!

The last Monday night dinner I had with my cousin and her family before Christmas break she made me a home-made delicious pepperoni pizza with some yummy birthday pudding for dessert. (The pudding has a very classy name… but I can never remember it.)

I enjoyed the evening so much. Full of laughter, playing “ring around the rosy” and singing our “ABC’s” My cousin made me feel very special, along with the home-made meal she made me a wash cloth and two oven mitts, with some hot chocolate and two Christmas mugs. It was great!

Then, the following Wednesday Gail came over to have dinner with my family before we all were split for the next two weeks, and I opened the gifts from my family after.

My dad finished the big chest that I had started over 2 years ago in his woodshop class for me. I was so surprised and I love that it is finished! I am so lucky to have a dad that makes (and finishes) such beautiful furniture and workings out of wood. My mom made me a door hanging that will be on our front door, wherever Jeb and I decide to call home. Lacy got me a set of make-up brushes (which I needed badly) Karly got me a cute crossing pistols ring, (I’ve worn it almost every outing since then.) I was also given a Taste of Home cookbook with 4 versions of each recipe 1. For light cooking 2. Fast cooking 3. Cooking for two 4. And a regular recipe. My mom also got me a gift card and a new stamp set (I’m so excited for it!)

On Friday Jeb and I came up to Greeley to visit my cousin Kait and her family. We had a wedding that Jeb was a part of on Saturday, and we met his brother Tyler and his girlfriend Robyn for dinner and a movie, where I was serenated an awkward “Happy Birthday” but wasn’t given my free birthday dessert (?!?) We saw Sherlock Holmes, well; Jeb, Tyler, & Robyn saw it… I slept through 3/4ths of it only waking up during the loud gun matches.

On Monday (my actual birthday) My cousin Kati invited her mom my Aunt Chris over for a Papa John’s pizza night. It was so yummy! Kati and I spent the day dyeing and cutting each other’s hair, pizza and an ice cream cake for dessert was a perfect way to end the day. My cousin got me a cute martini glass that says “if the shoe fits, buy one in every color.” & a travel size yummy smelling set from Victoria Secret My Aunt gave me the dish cloths, towels and oven mitts off our wedding registry. I am so excited to be getting things for our future home, I am so excited for what is yet to come! It was for sure a fun day.

Tuesday I went and made Christmas candy with my Grandma who gave me the rest of my cowboy towels that she started last year, with a big glass Tupperware bowl (also an item off our registry!)  My cousin took me out to dinner and some dancing, we had a great time! Maybe a little too much fun because I was useless all day Wednesday, but hey, you only live once & I knew I was in good care with Kait!

My family is so important to me; I am so blessed to be surrounded by people that love me. Now if the snow will stop I could actually see them!

Soon enough Jeb and I will be on our way to see Jeb’s extended family, and as sad as I am to not spend my last “Childhood” Christmas with my family, I am beyond excited to meet all the people who love and care about my Jeb.

Everyone out there in the www. world, Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday is filled with all the love and joy that has been a part of mine this far.

Don’t forget the true meaning of this holiday. More than ever am I thankful for the love and forgiveness that has been given to me from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WEDDING NEWS!!!!

My Grandma finished the “pre wedding dress” dress, and she told me that we need to find the lace for my ACTUAL dress very soon!

Random Overload

This weekend was full of wonderful happenings.

Jeb was given the weekend off and was able to spend some extra time with his parents, brother & his brother’s girlfriend.

We were able to go to the Springs on Saturday and found everything I needed! (That rarely happens to me!)

My two sisters and Jeb’s brother & girlfriend met us for Breaking Dawn Part 1 Saturday night. I enjoyed looking down our half a row at some of the most important people in my life, all sitting & enjoying a movie together. That rarely happens to us anymore.

Sunday we visited both wedding locations and were able to brainstorm, plan and dream with each other and both of our parents. (This also rarely happens!)

We ended the weekend with a steak dinner and watching the Eagles win!

Lately I have been constantly reminded of how blessed I am.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner things are about to get real hectic around my parents’ house, lots of creating, cleaning, & cooking.

As I have said before I love it all.

I have made myself a vow to take every bit of it in and enjoy as much as possible.

The next few days already have full schedules and none of which include tackling the 10 or so Christmas presents I need to have done by Saturday.

But, I’m not the least bit worried. I have found that I work best in the wee hours of the morning… usually under pressure (aka: Friday night, after spending the majority of the day shopping probably starting out wayyy to early.)

Bring it on!

The past few days I have had a cute little student council camp chant stuck in my head.

“I’m a nut”

-snap snap-

“I’m a nut”

-snap snap-

“I’m crrrazzzy”

It pretty much sums up these last few days and the next month or so to come.

Most days I catch myself thinking about what I want to be doing, instead of focusing on what I need to get done.

Most days I feel like my emotions are about to run out all over me in all forms.

Tears

Laughing

Pure excitement

Frustration

Anticipation

Fear

The list would drag on forever if I let it.

I keep thinking about Bernice in Hope Floats saying: “My cup runneth over”

My Pandora stations have consisted of a mix between 60’s, Christmas and Disney.

I’ll just remind you that I am in fact 20 years old.

… I just realized I will be 21 in less than a month.

I’m blaming this holiday for bringing my “inner child” out of me.

Or maybe, this is just the effect of less than 7 hours of sleep a night for the last month.

I’m hoping my “crash” doesn’t happen until my mile long to-do list is done.

Gosh.

I haven’t visited Pinterest in over a week by the way. That is one site that could get me into a lot of trouble this next month…

I’m sort-of, kind-of half-heartedly thinking about not visiting the site until my presents are all made… too bad the patterns and guidelines I need for every single one can be found only, on that site.

Countdown to Christmas

You know those people who listen to Christmas music starting November 1^st? The same ones who watch every Christmas movie on TV starting… well, November 1^st.

I have to be honest here…

I’m one of those people.

My sisters and I last Christmas

I absolutely LOVE the heck outta Thanksgiving to January 1^st.

CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT

The Santas my grandpa has carved

My grandma's Christmas candy recipies

I love the whole dang process of getting ready for Christmas too.

I personally enjoy thinking about what to get my loved ones, shopping for them and wrapping the gifts.

I love making yummy foods that we save for just this time of year.

I love decorating. I think it is such a shame that lighting up your house isn’t as popular as it once was, kindof like hanging the American Flag… but that’s another story.

All the hustle and bustle, I LOVE it. Last year was the first year we ever ventured out early black Friday morning, and I must say I will be doing it again, and hopefully again and again and again.

I honestly think that this blog is not doing my excitement justice. Seriously.

Every year my family goes and purchases a permit to go cut down our own Christmas tree and decorate it together hot chocolate, soup, and carols included. Our tree is filled with memories, Santa brought my sister’s and me a new ornament each year, it usually had something to do with a memory or trip we took the year before.

Cutting down Christmas trees one year with my cousin and her husband

When we went to Disneyland one summer, that Christmas each of us got an ornament of our favorite Disney character.

The year we were baptized we received a wooden lamb that my grandfather carved for us, signifying we were children of God.

One tradition that my mom started when we were just little girls was tying red, white, and purple ribbons on our tree. Red is for God’s love for us & White represents our sins being washed white as snow when we ask God for forgiveness.

Purple, is still to this day my favorite. Each one of us only ever puts one purple ribbon on, and you have to do it yourself. So when I was away at college, my ribbon waited for me to be hung when I got home.

Those ribbons are a reminder. Before the purple ribbons are put on the tree each one of us has to think of something, or someone we want to pray for during the holiday season. Then, every time you look at the tree or a purple ribbon catches your eye, you pray your prayer.

When I was in late elementary school, my best friend had a Christmas tree that was decorated right out of a catalog with wrapping paper to match. I remember it was just beautiful, and thinking, “I wish we would do a tree like this.” I know I went home that night and told my mom exactly what I thought about our tree versus my friends. She told me that those trees are very beautiful and classy looking, but our tree has meaning and memories.

I cannot wait to start a tree with Jeb, & to build traditions with each other and our future children.

This year, has been sort-of bittersweet.

This year will be the last year that my childhood traditions will be the same.

Don’t get me wrong I can’t wait to go cut down our own tree and light up the outside of our residence (tastefully not tacky!)

But, I won’t get the infamous socks and underwear bag next year, and I won’t have to clean my room spick and span next year, because all of my belongings won’t be in that room anymore.

Jeb and I made plans months ago to fly out December 24^th to Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with his family.

Secretly, I don’t want to.

I am so excited to spend Christmas with Jeb and meet all of his family. To learn their traditions and become a part of his family, but there is a selfish part of me that wants Christmas like it has always been.

Christmas Eve with my Dad’s parents with my Grandma dressed from head to toe in Christmas and my Grandpa shaking his sleigh bells telling us that Santa is on his way. Going to bed in our new pj’s after each of us reading the new children’s book we were just given.

Lacy reading her new Christmas Book

Notice my dad is asleep in both pictures!



Christmas morning at our house with my Dad’s parents again opening our stockings from Santa and enjoying home-made cinnamon rolls and fruit salad. Then the afternoon and next few days with my Mom’s family.

one of the last christmas mornings at my grandparents house

Opening presents, snacking on home-made foods and goodies all day, playing games with my cousins, aunts and uncles; Just enjoying one another.

But, those traditions have not happened for a few years now & I know that this year is just another year getting used to the changes.

Spending time with the Stoltzfus's (this was a tradition before we started daiting!)

This year I have made the conscious effort to hand make almost every present.

Crazy I know, completing the many DIY wedding projects that are still waiting to be started isn’t enough. No, not at all. Why not throw in 10 to 15 presents to make into the mix. Ha! Honestly, I have been trying to start the presents since Halloween, but with all the recent car trouble I have had lately and the frustration that comes with not being able to find the supplies I want and need, has been a real set back.

Last week during one of our nightly phone calls I expressed my frustrations to Jeb through tears and sniffs, he calmly replied with the best plan.

This weekend he is taking me and my sisters to see the new Twilight the second night it is theaters. Then, on Sunday he is taking me to the Springs to gather the numerous supplies I need for my gifts AND fronting the bill because thanks to the automobiles in my life I have slim to no money these days.

Personally, I think any guy who is brave enough to take not only his girlfriend on a date but her two sisters as well is most definitely a keeper. Top it off with taking them to Twilight on the second night it is out, oh yeah he isn’t going anywhere!

Dang I love that boy.

Dang I love this time of year.

Dang I love that after November there are only 7 months until I become Mrs. Stoltzfus

Dang.

Wedding update: Things are getting done! I had to ask the two girls I wanted to join my sisters as brides maids earlier than I though and without the creative idea I had, because my grandma said its TIME TO START DRESSES!!!!  I’m so excited, if you couldn’t tell.

I made an appointment with the place we are going to use for flowers.

We have pretty much finalized the finger food menu for our reception!

I talked to the wonderful lady we want to make our cake, turns out when you ask your “vendors” 10 months in advance in Westcliffe, usually they are wide open!

I am 4 months behind on my list of DIY projects, and strangely very okay with that. Although I know I need to get my butt into gear!

Early Christmas

While we were in Greeley visiting my grandparents we spent some time making a bunch of goodies with my Grandma.  I loved every bit of it.  It made me realize how much I miss spending time with my grandma.  When my sisters and I were in elementary school she used to come and pick us up every Wednesday and we would spend the afternoon sewing, baking and cooking dinner.  It was fun baking with her again.  We made...

Fudge

 

 Divinity (sp?)

 

 

Peanut Brittle

 

 

Snow Balls