Merry Christmas!!!

Yes, I know it's the day after Christmas, but better late than never!

So, Merry Christmas!!

My Christmas was wonderful. Christmas Eve my parents and I did the gift exchange (sometimes it so pays to be an only child!) and I probably raked in more than I deserved. I finally (hopefully!) gave my dad a gift that he found interesting and will actually use. My mom was pleasantly delighted with this yarntainer thing I got her. All in all...the gifts were great and everyone was happy.

We also took some family Christmas pictures that night. My mom's digital camera has a self-timer so after four or seven takes we finally ended up with a family picture that makes everyone happy.

The best part of Christmas is family. Christmas is my favorite holiday (barely squeezing past my birthday...though technically that isn't a holiday) for a lot of reasons, but family is right up there at the top. Now that I'm living so far away from home, I really enjoy and appreciate the time I get to spend with my parents. It was great to sit in front of our beautiful Christmas tree and watch each other open presents and be together.

Christmas morning brought stockings (and boy was I a good girl this year...thanks Santa!) for mine was loaded. I raked in some really cool stocking stuffers! My aunt was able to come over for Christmas Day so again...a great time spent with family. Lifetime had an all day Christmas movie marathon going so we got sucked into that. Has anyone else survived the movie Noel? It has some big name stars...Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, Penelope Cruz. Anyway, did anyone else get that movie? Talk about convoluted and strange! We kept waiting for the end to make everything clear and well...the ending (and frankly the whole movie) sucked. Thankfully, the movie that came on after it was pretty good.

Today was spent shopping. I found a few good deals and some things that I just couldn't live without. Walmart the day after Christmas isn't how anyone should have to spend their day. It was a mad house in there. Of course, perhaps the fact that I willing went there says something about me. I'm not sure, but it's kind of late at night for too deep of a look into my shopping habits.

Tomorrow, we're leaving to head to my grandparents and do this all over again with all the extended family. I can't wait!

To everyone that wanders by...Merry Christmas (a little late) and Happy New Year's (a little early)!

Wrapping Paper Snob

Hours left till Christmas: Less than 12 (better get going if you're a last minute shopper!)
Presents that still need to be wrapped: 4

Christmas isn't about the presents, but admit it...who doesn't enjoy a beautifully wrapped gift under the tree with her name on it? There is just something about gifts under the tree that have been wrapped, ribboned, and bowed with love just for you! And in that is my confession...I'm a wrapping paper snob.

Yes, me. I'm of the opinion that gifts should look pretty. I like for the paper to all match or be of the same color or design variety. I enjoy ribbons and bows. And don't forget the to/from label. These are all important elements to a beautifully wrapped gift.

Now, before people start turning the cold shoulder I should point out that just because I like pretty wrapping doesn't mean that I don't understand that it's the thought that counts. And besides...if you're giving me a present I'm going to like it no matter what. I just happen to like having an attractive present to look at.

I remember the days when I got to help my mom wrap my dad's presents and vise versa. At that point the finer points of folding and taping were beyond me. I had this squish and bend technique that looked like some blind and handless person did the wrapping. Oh...and a love of tape. That unfortunately hasn't changed. Without careful attention I could easily make a present impossible to get into without some sort of cutting device. Anyway, somewhere along the way (thanks to my mom no doubt) I learned how to fold the paper to have a smooth edge. I perfected the folding of the corners for that wrapped up tight look on the ends. I learned to tie the perfect bow and how to get my ribbon to curl just so.

It wasn't until I started buying my own wrapping paper did I start coordinating the papers. Last year I had a blue, green, silver, snowflake thing going on. All my paper matched and worked together beautifully. The to/from labels were glittery snowflake cutouts and all the ribbons and bows matched the color theme. I was very proud of those gifts. I enjoyed the wrapping and perfecting and I think it showed. This year...I went for a more country look. I had debated about brown paper and raffia decorations, but there were just so many beautiful papers to choose from!

I'm sitting in the family room looking at our tree this year. My gifts are all wrapped in boxes with straight edges with bows and ribbons. My parents have a more eclectic mix going on. And while I still like the idea of all the presents having the same feel and look...this hodge podge of wrapping is quite beautiful. Maybe there is hope for this wrapping snob after all...lol.

So, what drives a person to this kind of obsessive snobbery? Frankly, I don't know. I find wrapping a little therapeutic. I used to ask to wrap all the family gifts and my mom gladly turned the job over to me. I had the whole present section of the tree wrapped up tight and shiny with bows and curling ribbons. As a matter of fact, those four gifts that still need wrapping...their presents that they saved for me to wrap. Maybe I need some therapy for this condition, but for now I enjoy it.

So, to all you out there...happy wrappings!

Kan U Spel?

Whew...it's the holiday!!!! The grades are in, the kids are gone, and it's two weeks of rest and relaxation for me. Today was the Christmas party and it went really well. Crazy...but really good. I got a lot of sweet gifts from my kids. My personal favorite...a $20 gift certificate to my favorite nail salon! Anyway, I'm ready for the break for a lot of reasons and I fully intend to enjoy myself!

Last week our kids had to take the spelling bee pre-test to see if they qualified for the spelling bee that will take place in February. I am a terrible speller! I was a kid that memorized for the test, but I never learned how to spell. So, now when I'm teaching spelling I pay extra attention. Anyway, checking the pre-tests was a jolly good time. These kiddos invented spellings were pretty terrible! And the worst part...I could relate!

Just for kicks I'm going to post the kids' spellings and then tomorrow I'll post the actual word. See how many you can get!

1. garwrog.....gorodg
2. mamith......manith
3. caffitirea......cathertia
4. tamaha......tomuhok
5. harmanicka......hmoncker
6. nockleyis......nogleeass
7. mankeyore......menuqor
8. kampan......campain
9. adecet......edicket
10. morryachey......maryochy

The Curse Of The White Elephant

Number of Christmas cards received: 7
Number of gifts from the kids: 1
Shopping days left: 8

The faculty Christmas party was last night. It wasn't mandatory that we go, but since it was my first Christmas party with HISD and I'm always up for a party I went. We had to come hungry (yes, that was written on the invite) and bring a white elephant gift to exchange.

Well, a few of the girls decided that the Christmas party would be even better if we went to a happy hour before going to the party. I know how this sounds. It wasn't that bad. No one showed up drunk but I do think a pleasant buzz was felt by a few. No names to protect the intoxicated!

The Christmas party was originally supposed to be held at this gorgeous lake house, but apparently a lot of people RSVPed so they changed our location to the La Quinta Inn banquet room. Now, I know you may be asking just what kind of fun a group of educators can have at a motel...well let me tell you...the Christmasy kind of fun.

As promised, the dinner was good. We had steak, potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, and some sort of cobbler crisp thing. We played a few party games. I was nominated as the person at my table with the most Christmas spirit, so I had to go up and stand in a line. Each person was supposed to sing a few lines from a Christmas carol. No carol could be repeated. I did great the first few rounds (Santa Baby, O Christmas Tree, and Go Tell It On The Mountain) but then I went blank. I can't believe I got up and sang in front of my co-workers. At least it wasn't on the table!

The white elephant Christmas gift exchange was next on the agenda. I found something from around my house to give. It was this black monstrosity of a candle holder thing-a-ma-bob. My mom had gotten it at some point and it didn't match her decor so off it was handed. Anyway, I packed it up, wrapped it, and stuck a pretty bow on it. It was a huge box so I thought that might draw people in. Apparently big gifts are avoided at these elephant things. Well, I was second in line for the drawing. Second in line is a horrible place to be! My first gift was this neat photo box thing. I was happy with that. About six people later it was stolen. My next pick wasn't so good. I got these two red and white heart glass ornaments. They are UGLY. Actually UGLY doesn't really do them justice. They are pretty darn terrible. But I suppose nothing says Merry Christmas like some Valentine's Day hearts! At least I'm set for next year's gift.

Anyway, today is my baking day. Yep, you read that right. Even though I normally set off the smoke detector and not everything that comes out of my oven looks good, I'm making some banana nut bread to give as gifts. Don't you wish you were on my Christmas list!? I bought some really pretty material and I'm going to do a little cloth wrap with ribbon. It'll look pretty on the outside at least. I also have a few cheese balls to make. That is one thing that I do make well...it's always a hit. And of course, there is another party tonight.

Inside the house it looks and feels like Christmas. I plugged in my tree (pictures coming very soon!), wrapping paper and gifts are scattered about, and I'm doing holiday baking. Outside the house it looks and feels like summer. It's bright, sunny, and a balmy 77 degrees out today. Despite that I'm excited....Christmas is almost here!!!

Conversation Piece

I finally got around to setting up and playing with my digital camera software. It's been a rough go of it...I'm NOT technically savvy so this was torture. I'm sure there is some easy way to get my pictures to the right places and make sure that they are cropped and edited to my liking, but as of yet I've not discovered this way.

This is my conversation piece. It sits in the far corner of my living room on the hope chest next to the entertainment center. My mom and I came up with the idea while we were unpacking things and I was getting settled into my new home. I love it and I think it's beautiful!

The suitcase belonged to my great grandmother (who passed away this year). It's hard sided and the address tag still bares the address of a long ago place. The suitcase reminds me of my love for travel and adventure.

The picture inside is a cross-stitched saying that my mom did for me a few years ago. It also has suitcases on it and says "Life is a journey." I put it in the suitcase because life for me is always a journey and an adventure.

The mask is something I fell in love with in New Orleans. This picture does it NO justice. It's baby pink, the feathers are soft to the touch, and the mask is made completely of sequins. It's beautiful. I was in New Orleans several years ago on a holiday trip with a friend. I look at that mask and I can still feel the nip in the air, the mighty Mississippi flowing along, the hustle of Jackson Square, hear the Christmas carols coming from the cathedral, taste the delicious pasteries and coffee. I love that feeling.

The gloves and handkerchiefs are also from my great grandmother. I look at them and think of times long ago when ladies wore gloves and hats to Sunday service and added a touch of style to a plain handkerchief with embroidery. They've been on a long journey themselves.

It sits in the corner reminding me of where I come from, where I've been, and all the dreams and places I still have to go.

A B Cs Of Me

It's a rainy Sunday here and I'm kind of in a lazy mood so I thought I'd take a lazy way out of posting. Here is some meaningless information about me! Happy reading :)


A - Available or single: Single at the moment. Or as one of my little second grade darlings said a few weeks back, "Ms. Stewart is singular!"

B - Best Friend: This is a hard question...I have tons of friends, but I'm not sure I could pin point just one to claim as a "best friend". I have so many friends that meet so many needs so I'm just saying all my friends are the best!

C - Cake or Pie: Cake...Italian cream cake...extra nuts

D - Drink of choice: non-alcoholic - Cream Soda, alcoholic - Smirnoff Green Apple

E- Essential Item(s) you use everyday: Clean&Clear foaming face wash, Mary Kay concealer, computer

F - Favorite color: Pink

G - Gummy Bears or worms: worms, the Troll kind that are sour. I like the way it makes my lips pucker.

H - Hometown: Abilene

I - Indulgence: trashy romance novels

J-January or February: I'll go with February...a lot of family birthdays that month

K - Kids: not at the moment. Perhaps in the future...

L - Life is Incomplete Without? family and friends

M - Marriage Date: I don't have one

N- Number of Siblings: I'm an only child...isn't it obvious!

O - Oranges or Apples: Mandarin oranges and Granny Smith apples

P - Phobias or Fears: I'm afraid of getting left. I have an unusual phobia of vomit which thanks to my darling second graders I'm recovering from rather quickly.

Q - Fave Quote: "Don't mistake breathing for living."

R- Reason to Smile: Mrs. Baird's trucks, Jake, scrapbook stores

S - Season: Winter...I love snow (though I don't live where it happens too often), wool sweaters, matching scarves, hats, and gloves, Christmas

T - TV Show: I watch too much TV as it is so it's hard to narrow it down to just one. How about my top three? 1. The West Wing 2. Grey's Anatomy 3. Project Runway (Tim Gunn reminds me of someone and well...they are both hot.)

U - Unknown Fact about Me: I stole a hot glue gun glue stick from Michael's when I was like 7 and my dad made me take it back and apologize. I've never stolen anything since. Kind of makes me wonder why I wanted a glue stick?!

V - Vegetable You Don't Like: Brussel sprouts...they stink!

W - Worst Habit: Not thinking before I speak.

X - Xrays: ankle, shoulder, teeth

Y- Your Fave Food: croissant rolls (Not the kind that come in the can, but the kind that come from the bakery and are layers thick!)

Z - Zodiac Sign: Libra

Amanda

Amanda,

Congrats, girl! I'm so proud of you and everything you've accomplished. Whenever the job comes and from wherever the job comes from you'll be the best teacher. I know that you're going to impact lives...and I'll wager that it won't just be students either. You're going to do big things...I just know it!

Seriously....love you!

Steff

Licking And Sealing...Sending

I'm up to my tongue in Christmas cards! I've spent the better part of tonight writing, licking, sealing, and thank goodness for self-adhesive stamps...stamping my Christmas cards.

I love snail mail anyway, but I really love to send out Christmas cards. Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy a little holiday joy in the form of a Christmas card?

It's funny because when I first started sending my own Christmas cards to people I only had about five to ten people. Easy enough...well apparently the older you get the more people you know.

Several days ago I set down and made out the list of everyone that deserved a Christmas card. A few snuck on that as I was getting writer's cramp tonight wondered how they made the short list...lol. Oh you know those people...the ones that never call you, never write you, probably will look at your name and have to think before it dawns on them who you are...those people. Thankfully, I've only found two so far. Still...it's Christmas and a card is the least I can do for someone who at some point meant enough to be put in my address book.

My living room looks like a card factory. I have a tv tray for the cards (seven different types to be exact) and then the aforementioned address book and my stamps. Last year the holiday stamps were ugly. Thankfully, this year they are super cute snowflakes! Anyway, I have the standard line down and then I add my own personal touch.

Don't get me wrong...I enjoy it, but goodness...night two and still about 15 cards to write and envelopes to address.

Shallow perhaps but...I hope I get a lot of Christmas cards this year.

Seriously...

Okay, seriously....

I hate laundry. I have no idea how it piles up so fast.

Seriously...I think my clothes are multiplying while I'm at school. How can I be out of undies and socks...again?

I'm debating about washing or going to Wal-Mart for a new pack.

Seriously...

Bittersweet

My first very own Christmas tree is up!

I had planned to work on it tomorrow afternoon, but the mood struck me tonight. And conveniently the Christmas boxes were still sitting in my living room so tonight it was.

I have to admit that I was fully expecting to be full of all these great holiday feelings when in reality I was torn between enjoying the Christmas spirit and having a serious case of homesickness. And that is funny because this is my home.

Putting up the tree was a big production when I lived at home. My mom sat in her recliner and directed my dad and me as we strung just shy of a million lights on our tree. She was of the opinion that the more lights the prettier the tree. I only have two strands on my tree and I guess I can kind of understand what she's talking about...it looks a little sparse. Mostly on the bottom, because I was doing a great wrapping job on the top. Oh well...I think it adds personality!

Anyway, she was the director. At the time it usually seemed almost too much trouble to bother with. My dad would ask her if she'd want to trade places...she never did. Well, by the time the lights were on, my dad was so full of holiday spirit that he would head outside. Putting the ornaments on the tree belonged to my mom and me. She'd unwrap them and I'd hang them.

We'd share funny stories about ornaments and she'd tell me the same stories that she's always told me about why such and such an ornament was special. I always liked that. After much work and a little more grumbling our tree was up and it was always beautiful.

Tonight I got a little sad. There was no grumbling about the lights. I unwrapped my ornaments without sharing laughs and stories. Oh, I remember the stories...word for word. I had to step back and judge my own handiwork. I missed my parents. I missed the grumbling about the lights.

Anyway, my tree is up and I think it's very pretty. Now it just needs some presents and my stocking and I'll be set!