Christmas has come and gone without a visit to this little neglected place. I think about it often, blogging that is. There was a time when my camera was never far from reach, when blog posts were constantly being composed in my head. Time marches on and life brings changes. I don't want to give up this space, but I also tire of hearing myself apologize for my absence. I have to stop staying away for so long, jumping back in is so awkward.
Oh well, I've been doing awkward most of my life, it's nothing new. I'll just jump right in with my awkward self.
Since we last chatted, Casey came home from a nine month deployment.
A little explanation of the sign- Any time anyone enters my house, the dogs go bananas, barking like mad. Casey thinks it's funny to bust through the door loudly, so as to really get them wound up and then shout "shut the front door" in his deepest, loudest Marine voice. Bayleigh thinks its hysterical, so I knew I wanted to incorporate that in her welcome home sign. She loved it!
Having him home was the best Christmas gift any of us could wish for.
I didn't make any of my gifts this year, and it was nice not to have that extra added pressure. I did most of my shopping online. I did get a little creative with my gift wrapping thanks to pinterest.
I had pinned this image (above) from Callaoo Soup, then pretty much copied her lovely idea.
I cut the "monograms" out of wrapping paper from years past and the little name tags using my Silhouette.
We had a lovely, laid back Christmas, everyone under one roof. We all spent Christmas Eve at Alyssa's apartment so that we could watch Bayleigh open her Santa gifts. I have to say, it was really nice to open gifts and spend quality time with family, then go home for a nap. All the paper and boxes were for someone else to worry about. There are perks to this empty nest thing. For Christmas, I got Lowe's gift cards, a new jig saw, and a table saw. Isn't that funny? I'm terrified of the table saw, but also thrilled to have it. As soon as it warms up a little I'm going to work up the courage to use it. Pray I keep all my fingers and toes. Yes toes, I told you I'm awkward.
So tell me, what was the highlight of your holiday season?
Don't feel like you have to apologize - we all understand that life gets in the way. I am so glad you're entire family was able to be together for the holiday.
Posted by: Kristyn | January 03, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Yipee -- Casey made it hope for the holidays. Just a little warning -- wanting to see small children open Santa is how traditions start! ;-D When our boys were little, the rest of the family wanted to be there Christmas morning, so they all slept over. We had so much fun we kept doing it, rotating among houses. We've been "sleeping over" for 25 years! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 04, 2013 at 01:00 AM
I love the traveling sleep over tradition!!
Happy New Year Anna : )
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | January 04, 2013 at 08:44 AM
Happy New Year Kristyn!
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | January 04, 2013 at 08:50 AM
Yay! I'm so glad that Casey is home safe & sound. You must be one happy & proud Mama!
Posted by: Kim Fleming | January 04, 2013 at 04:04 PM
Hmmmm highlight? Our Christmas was really quiet, no stressing out, no running around to various relative's houses. It was pretty awesome :-)
Fantastic that Casey was home for Christmas, I can't even imagine how hard it is on a mom!
xoxo Happy New Year!
Posted by: Katie | January 05, 2013 at 10:43 AM