Christmas... the half time show....

Hope everyone had the Merriest of Christmas's!!!

We so did... & we're only half way through, which leads the way to the Halftime show.  We have Christmas tonight with our dear friends & then Julie & the grand-dudes are heading up for the weekend... lots of celebration still to come.

Tis the season!

Part 1 was Ricky's family Christmas that I talked about on Monday.  I'm so mad I didn't take my good camera with me over there & I just have cell phone picks.  After taking my camera to my brother's house, I'm determined not to rely on cell phone pictures as much anymore. I love the 'real' pictures & pictures need to be quality.  They are memories that last forever.

Christmas Eve, started off just depressing... why?  Because Ricky & I both had to work.  That is just so wrong in so many ways....

Look - I just got done talking about cell phone pictures & its the first one I use.
... hey, they totally are convenient & have their place for a blogger...

I was lucky enough to get off at noon, but Ricky still had to work so I headed out to Target to pick up a few last minute things.  I totally laughed in the store because it was so full of men wandering around looking totally lost.  These men are Ricky's people... the last minute shoppers. 

Ricky got off work, made it home just in time to clean up & we were right back out the door to meet his youngest daughter.  We haven't seen her in about 3 years & I just want to cry at how grown up she is.  She's 26 years old now & I told her, I don't care how old she gets, she'll always be the baby... even if she's almost 30!! My mind still can't wrap around that. 

We got to meet her boyfriend that traveled down with her & we both really liked him.  He was just really polite & easy going & just nice to talk with.  He even just won a photography contest with one of his pictures.  A TOTAL thumbs up for this photographer. 

A total DOWN for this photographer - I didn't take one freaking picture of Lindsay!  I am just a failure.  I think I was just too excited to see her face in person that I didn't think anything of it.  Plus, we got free pie at the restaurant, so I was too busy stuffing my face. 

We left there & headed to my families for our Wood Christmas.... 

 

 

This just felt so weird actually...

We normally have Christmas with my parents on Chrsitmas day.  Have always done that my whole life, but there was scheduling conflicts with my sister in laws family so we went with what would be the less hectic.  It wasn't a big deal, except for Ricky & I making my family wait until 9:00 to start opening presents.  I never have seen so many people yawn in my life...

Even the dogs were like, can you all hurry up & leave?  Santa is on his way

My mom & dad have always been so good at remembering Ricky's birthday on Christmas Eve so they had a cake for him ready to go...

No one had the stomach to eat it though.  Us just coming from free pie & then everyone had full bellies of my sister in laws White Chocolate Peanut butter balls.  DEAR SUGAR FAIRIES... these things are AMAZING!  Just the words, Peanut butter & white chocolate alone gives me a cavity.

No worries, the cake went home with Ricky & I & it will be demolished.

 

Ricky always has 2 buddies when he goes to my brother's house.

It wasn't long before we got the show on the road...
PRESENT TIME!!!

I always say its the looks on kids faces that makes the whole season worthwhile

 I just can't believe these two girls are 10 years old now.

Where does the time go?

The idea of them going into middle school & being teenagers soon?  I want to put them into a bubble & just protect them from everything that comes with that.

Doesn't Sophia already look like a teenager here?

 

We had so much fun ... lots of gifts given.  Everyone just spoiling Ricky & I.
My bro & SIL were so smart - they gave me a subscription to Birchbox!! (Why don't I ever think of things like that) & a local coffee shop gift card.  #yum
My parents spoiled me as well with pj's, a beautiful sweater, a comfy robe I will be wearing all winter long & a Taylor Swift CD.

Yes... a Taylor Swift CD.

I actually asked for it.  I know... I know... the apocalypse should be near now.
I never ever liked Taylor Swift in all the years she's been out... but I really do like her new songs.  I'm coming out of the Taylor Swift Closet

 

 

  

 

It was time to get home & get ready for Santa to visit everyone....

Christmas Eve Night 2014

Ricky & I woke up Christmas morning early... even though we both said we were going to sleep in... but Christmas spirit energy still exists no matter how old you are.

I got up & made breakfast & we let our fur babies begin the celebration of getting treats.

Then it was time to break into our gifts for each other.

As tradition, Ricky & I always sit in the middle of the floor in our living room & exchange gifts.  We have the best time together. 

Mr. Harvey Dent always wants to be in the center of everything so he forgot his bone for awhile & literally squeezed his way in the middle of the action.  To him, being with us is better then chewing on a massive bone.




I try to spoil Ricky & he definitely spoils me...

I mean, a new Nikon camera?  This girl can never get enough Nikon - that's for sure. 
But he also got me a Coach wristlet that I've been wanting & he totally surprised me with getting me the knit loom I wanted. As soon as he pulled out the wrapped package, I knew what it was & I just started crying my eyes out.  Yes, I take knitting that seriously.

He also found me a Belle cup that I got teary eyed over.  It's always the little things that get me. 

He said when he saw the cup he had to double take because he said, "What is my wife's picture doing on that cup?"... does he know me well or what? :)
#ihavethebesthusband

just a few of my Christmas goodies

My love in his UK snuggie I got him :)

 

The day was just lazy from there...

It felt so bizarre not having Christmas with my family, but I was thankful that I talked to my parents more then a few times on the phone... & text my brother to check on my nieces

I never even got out of my PJ's all day long.  That's not a bad thing.

 

 

Even got my new knit loom to good use

Ricky & I played with our new 'toys' all day... watched the Disney parade... I got caught up in the Downton marathon that was on & we even watched a few episodes of The Flash...

 

 

 

 

It really was a nice Christmas...

... & its still going...

More people to see & visit with & enjoy the fun of giving...

 

 Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas Day!!!!

I can't wait to visit around & see all your pictures & hear your stories!

 

Harvey may... just MAY ... have his bone eaten by next Christmas

 __________________

(If you made it through this whole post... I applaud you... this was long!!! )

20 yrs ago, I said Yes.... on my hubs birthday....

Today is Christmas Eve... but it's also the love of my life's birthday... & today, it's also the anniversary of when I said yes to becoming a wife... 20 years ago today, Ricky proposed to me.

I remember it like yesterday.

I got off half a day of work & Ricky was off for the day.  Ricky & I had been dating for 2 years at this point.  We met up for lunch & in Ricky fashion of waiting to the last minute of getting gifts (Did anyone remember that post I did about Ricky waiting to the last minute for shopping... here's proof) Ricky took me out to find me something for Christmas. 

He actually took me to a jewelry store & told me I could pick out a piece of jewelry.  No - not to pick out an engagement ring, but anything else I wanted.  So yeah, if you're going to wait to the last minute to get a gift, then guys, I suggest a stop to a jewelry store like this.  It takes the focus off of you waiting till the last minute pick out a gift.

I found the most beautiful gold ring that I instantly fell in love with.  He bought it for me.  I was so excited.  I mean, when do you get the chance to go pick out a piece of jewelry?

We left the jewelry store & headed over to the movies, went & saw "The Santa Clause" with Tim Allen.  Yes, I remember seeing the original in the movie theaters.

Talk about a movie putting you in the Christmas spirit.

We left there & went out to dinner for Ricky's birthday & then went to his house to get it ready for friends that would come over that evening after we went to a late church service.

The day was just full of fun & just felt perfect....

I didn't know how perfect it was going to be.

We had gone to my church for the 11:00 service ... sat in the back row.  The service was beautiful.  The church was gorgeous. 

&at the end of the service, as we started to light candles, they start on the person on the end & pass down the flame.  My friend lit my candle & as I turned to light Ricky's candle, he was standing there with an engagement ring & he put it on my finger & asked if I would marry him... with shaking hands & a trembling voice...

YES! YES! YES!!!!

It's a wonder I didn't burn the church down with my lit candle.

What a special way & place to propose.  I instantly turned around to show my friends the ring on my hand & I think I walked out like a Super Bowl champ with my hand in the air...

We headed home with our friends to celebrate Christmas... but I had to call my parents & tell them the news...

... who were excited for us, but reminded me that I may be 22 yrs old, but I still had a curfew :)

Side note - I kept my curfew until the day I was married.  12:30am ... you should always respect your parents ...

So here we are now... 2014... that was in 1994.

It was the day I got to start on the road of being Mrs. Vincent....

How time flies.

..... & yes, it is my hubby's birthday today.  I've got to spend 22 birthdays with him.

Thankful to God for every year we get together. 

Thankful to grow old with my amazing husband.

Happy Birthday to my Love

 

 

The weekend that Christmas celebrations began....

Here we go... Christmas week

Everyone ready?

This weekend totally kicked off the busy for us.  Something every day & our calendar has something for every day this entire week.  Hang on everyone... its what Christmas week is about.

Here's just a quick glance back at this weekend

Friday

// Got my tooth back on! & it was a no hassle thing.  The only issue was I had to sit & bite down on a cotton for about 30 minutes because in just less then 24 hours, my gums had already shifted. Really?  It takes no time apparently.  So I had to put pressure back on my gums to get it where my cap would fit on top of it.  But they were able to just clean it up & put it back on.  No need cap needed ($) & no tooth needing pulled.  Thank you Jesus.

// Went to the grocery & I haven't really been in a few weeks. Holy cow.  I thought I was going to get dizzy when the total came up $246.00 ... oh my gosh.  Thank goodness I didn't need to buy a new cap for my tooth.  Between that & my grocery bill, I would have gone into a corner & cried.

// ELF!!! I will watch it every time its on... & laugh & laugh

Saturday

// Had my usual dream.  Can someone please tell me what it means?  I have dreamed since childhood about a HUGE King Kong monkey chasing me.  I have to hide under things.  I'm in buildings & can hear the shaking of the earth as it comes after me.  It's terrifying.  It's gotta mean something.  This time it was a tad different... the monkey had a baby with him.  The baby monkey kept finding me to play with him & I was trying to 'shooo' him away so the momma wouldn't find me.  So weird.  I'm not even joking when I tell you this monkey has been chasing me since I was a child....

// Shopping early!  I was exhausted - I guess from restless sleep from that dream - & told Ricky I needed to get an iced coffee.  I made him sit in line... he wasn't a happy camper with all we needed to do.  I kept reminding him, none of this would get done if we didn't get the coffee.  thankyouverymuch

// Still not done shopping

// I had to find an outfit for Ricky's Christmas party.  Always a dramatic event.  Clothes just don't fit me right so it takes work to find something.  It may have involved tears & throwing of clothes.  But I did end up coming out with an outfit I really liked.  #success

// We headed to Ricky's work Christmas party.  We were so proud because we're usually late & we were ahead of the game.... & then came up to the road 1 block away from the country club & it was totally shut down.... we had to get detoured into a place that had no signs, no clue how to get back to the area we needed.  We followed the traffic, but geez... the traffic.  We sat on one road for 30 minutes alone.  SO much for being early.  .... Sad note, we later found out a car was speeding, FLIPPED & hit a pedestrian.  That person passed away & I'm not sure how the person in the car ended up.  Just thankful we weren't too early... we could have been involved in that accident.

// WINNERS!  I only like going to Ricky's Christmas party because one of Ricky's co-workers, who used to work with him at his last job - I just love his wife.  We have the best time catching up & chatting.  Well, we're also some game players.  Every year, the party has a game & cash is given to divide at the tables.  Me & Bobbi are in it to win it.  Last year, we came in 2nd - getting to split $200 between 6 of us... this year, we ended up winning & got to split $400 between 5 of us... $80 a piece! YAHOO!!!    It was a game about new words of 2014 & their meaning... like Smize, or Glamma or Googlenosis or Tweeb... we are some cool ladies.

Sunday

// I had an text on Thursday saying I know its short notice, but could you do sign language to Silent Night.  I love that song... sure... Ricky video taped me on his phone doing it, but he's not set up to anything to transfer it to anything.  Oh well...

// I had the best seat of them all in church.  Got to sit next to our grandbuddy who looked like Princess Christmas in her red tutu & Christmas headband... she is just the cutest little girl.

// We headed to the Vincent Christmas.  I always love having the chance to hang out with my inlaws.  They are fantastic.  My SIL who hosts it every year - bless her heart - she has like everything torn in her knee, but had a brace on it & was still cooking & cleaning & doing everything to make it perfect.  This lady makes Martha Stewart look bad.

I was excited because I got to see my nephew that I had never officially met.  Let me tell you - I have a new little buddy.  He was my little shadow the whole night & I think I may have gotten a minimum of 200 hugs.  Nothing makes a day better then 2 yr old hugs.  & I was so impressed on how well he spoke.  So clear & proper.. with a little country twang :) ... Rebecca isn't an easy word for a 2 yr old.  This little dude totally pulls it off.

I got to hang out with my 'grown up' nephew & 13 yr old niece. I just love these two.  They are just so fun to talk to & I just am amazed at how grown up they are.

The night just went way too fast.


We got home around 8:30 & I just looked at the chaos that is my house... & I just didn't care.  I just settled in bed & finished watching Sound of Music ... & of course had to sing along....

So everyone -we're off... heading into the fun & busy & celebration of Christmas....

Did you do have Christmas fun this weekend?

 

Are you ready for Christmas?

Five on Friday

ONE // Never eat licorice ... EVER

Last night, I got my Influenster box in & was excited to see a bag of Red Vines licorice in it. I haven't had licorice forever... & now I remember why.  I ate a couple of pieces.  Yummy.  Grabbed another piece & ate it & then... what's that?  That doesn't feel right.
Yeah... my cap on my tooth came off.  Are you freaking kidding me?    Yeah, that's why I don't eat licorice.
Luckily - its on a root canal tooth so I don't have pain.  But you know when you have something wrong with your teeth how your whole mouth feels 'off'?  I literally just took a shower & went to bed so I didn't have to deal with anything the rest of the night.

PS - if y'all can lift a prayer about this.  I have the crown so I'm hoping they can just glue it back on & all be well & done.  I'm afraid they'll want to make a new one (hello Mr. No Cash with the holidays anyways) or I'm afraid there is a problem because this is the 3rd time this crown has come off.  My biggest fear is needing a tooth pulled.  & with the little tiny crown piece left, that would mean they would have to cut it out. ... I just got woozy... so just pray that they glue it on & I'm on my merry way this afternoon.


TWO // Clorax Disinfecting Wipes

The thing is, I don't carry the travel 9 pack
I carry the full on 34 pack :)

 

Cold & Flu season... I have taken my germaphobe to a new level.  I am carrying these in my purse now.  When we go out to a restaurant, I pull one out, wipe down the table & especially wipe down the salt & pepper shakers.  Do you know that's one of the germiest places in a restaurant?  Think how many hands are on that? ... Ricky & I laugh because when I use it, our table smells so fresh & clean.  The only problem is now, I'll never be able to go back to a small purse.  Next thing you know, I'll be carrying a back pack with all the round containers of wipes... (don't give me ideas)...


THREE // The Sisterhood

Did anyone else watch that show on Lifetime?  It was about 5 girls who were discerning about becoming nuns.  It was quite interesting to me.  I don't quite understand the Catholic lifestyle & why they do some of the things they do, but I just loved every Sister that was on the show.  The one in the picture above was by far my favorite.  You could totally tell which one of these girls were going to stick with the idea of becoming a nun from the first episode too... but this show had me coming back every week.  I loved that they went to a convent in Kentucky & all the girls were like, "Kentucky?  Nothing is in Kentucky..." & they were scared to death.  Ends up, one of them loved it so much, they are starting the process of joining that convent.  I think there is going to be another season next year on this... I'll be setting my DVR.


FOUR // The Interview

Man, this whole movie has turned into a big deal...
All I can think is, is it really that big of a loss that this movie didn't make it in the theaters? ... I think we're all better off for it :)
I will say, when I heard threats of theaters that were showing it, I told my husband, "We're not going to the movies to see anything"... people are crazy anymore.  Turn on the news.  See the crazy.  I wasn't taking chances.  So I kind of respect Sony for pulling the movie.  What if something DID happen?
... but I also get the uproar about it.  I think it hit me even more when Jimmy Kimmel said, "Don't people in our country die for the right of our freedom to watch what we want?"... ouch.  That's truth right there.
I think this is more attention then Seth Rogen & James Franco would have ever gotten if this movie just came out with no big hubbub...


FIVE // Survivor

STICK WITH THE PLAN!!!!

 

I still love this stinkin' show!!!  Hasn't it been on for like 50 years now?  ....I love when people are sneaking & make big moves.  I was so rooting for Keith this year & he was one stupid immunity away from making it to the finals.  He would have won too if he made it.  Poor guy. When they talked to him at the reunion & he got teary eyed, it made me teary eyed!  I wasn't thrilled with the winner this year, but she did deserve it.  I can't wait for next year!  They are putting Blue Collar vs White Collar vs No Collar people.  Business men against hard workers against free spirits.  I still am trying to figure what category I would fit in.  Is there a Pink Collar? 

 

Hope you all have a great Friday!!!

#ChristmasConfessions

Time to do a brain dump about Christmas... which is a week away....

I know!! ... me too!

... our work doesn't have a Christmas party anymore. We used to have a big banquet sort of thing that even involved awards & a year end sort of hurrah.  Then it went down to a cook out type thing at work where there was a tent & food all day & giveaways... & then it went down to a few people bringing in food for lunch.  Now, its nothing.  I'll put gifts in a few coworkers bins, but that's it.  #bahhumbug

... even though I am 42 yrs old & know there are no gifts magically appearing under my tree on Christmas morning, I still wake up early in my bed with that excited feeling.  #nevertooold

... I keep seeing post after post after post of people in my area that has the flu, or their kids are throwing up & the flu is taking over their homes... I'm freaking out.  2 years ago, my brother & the twins had the flu & I was sitting in the corner of my mom's house with my face covered 90% of the time. I'm scared the flu is going to hit again.  Can't the flu wait until after the holidays?  #badtimingflu

... I am still not finished shopping #tillthelastminute

... I want to bake cookies.  Or do some sort of cute Pinterest food thing.  But who am I kidding?  Give me the cookies you slice & bake... #aintnobodygottimeforthat

... I don't understand how some of you get that really beautiful icing that is perfect on the edges. #iamnotmarthastewart

... I'm trying to find a church for a Christmas Eve service.  Ours used to have a late night service & we always loved going to it. It was so beautiful with candles & sweet Christmas songs.  They don't do it anymore.  So I'm trying to find one that fits our work schedule & last minute shopping.  #celebratebabyjesus

... I need to order my Happy Birthday Jesus birthday cake.  It's one of my favorite Christmas traditions #alwayscake

...This is a shocking confession... I've never seen The Polar Express... I know!  I know!  Everyone says how good it is.  We just never watched it.  Something about those sort of animated computer cartoons freak me out.   #creepytomhanks

... It goes without saying that Elf is my favorite Christmas movie, but one of my old time favorite Christmas movies that Ricky & I both love... Scrooged with Bill Murray.  We haven't watched that in awhile.  We just bought the DVD & I have it sitting on my entertainment center.  It's going to be a must to watch on Christmas.  #putalittleloveinyourheart

... Ricky & I have been trying to find a good Christmas tradition for us to do on Christmas morning since we don't have kids rummaging through packages.  The past few years, we've worked puzzles together watching Christmas movies.  This year?  We bought a new Xbox Kinect game to play... get ready for this one.  It's a country dancing game.  We got it solely for the joke in it.  Country music.  Us?  I may even put on cowgirl boots & a hat & have a ho-down-Christmas.  #mydadwillbeproud

... they're saying we may actually have a chance for snow on Christmas Eve.  I don't care for snow, but on Christmas?  I don't mind #whitechristmas

... I think it should be against the law that anyone has to work the day after Christmas.  Especially ESPECIALLY when its on a Friday.  #depressingworkday

... I got some of those Christmas PJ's from Target that you are seeing everywhere - those Elf looking ones... I have put off wearing them until Christmas Eve.  I keep seeing everyone taking pictures wearing them.  I'm thinking that everyone is ruining it... new Christmas PJ's are for Christmas Eve people!  Don't you know the Christmas PJ Rule? #freshforsanta

... we have Harvey Dent one of those HUGE rawhide bones for Christmas.  It's hidden in a room & he goes to the area & smells it every day.  I think Ricky & I are more excited about giving that to him then any gift we have for anyone else.  Ricky says it will take him at least a few weeks to eat it all... I give him 2, maybe 3 days #dogslovechristmastoo

We bet that Zoe will try to take the big bone away from Harvey
... & it will look something like this...

... I saw McDonalds is open on Christmas.  At least I know where I can go get my iced coffee if I need to. #christmascoffee

So what's on your mind about Christmas?