December baby

Last night, as Jonathan and I were watching a movie in our mini-den, I was gazing at my 2-foot, artifical Christmas Tree and I started thinking that this is our first year of marriage and we aren't getting a real Christmas Tree. We have some decorations but because we are somewhat of a "guest" in the rental house, I don't feel comfortable decorating like we normally would. I blame my Date of Birth for the unusual Christmas obsession that I have; being a Christmas baby makes me different...seriously. Growing up, I have established unwritten Christmas rules that I will share with you:

1. Artificial trees are NOT acceptable

2. You must use white lights; color lights are for Halloween

3. You must start decorating at Thanksgiving

4. The weather should be cold

5. Decorating is a family affair

6. Picking out a tree is a family affair

7. Christmas music is the only music acceptable during the end of November and all of December

8. Christmas is not complete without a wood-burning fireplace in the house

9. Stockings are one of the most important details

10. Your house should smell of Cinnamon

11. You should wrap presents with Christmas music playing, while sipping on hot cocoa

12. Watching lots of movies (in your pjs) is also an important part of getting in the spirit

I may be leaving a few rules out, but you get the gist. I am flexible and learning to be open to new traditions but thankfully, I married a December baby and he loves Christmas as much as I do! God knows exactly what he's doing.

I hope everyone is enjoying the season...we will definitely enjoy being able to share these things with you all when we're back in Alabama.

Holidays are here!

Thanksgiving 2010 was definitely a holiday to remember. For all of our family, it was quite different for us not being at home, traveling and changing traditions. With Lacy and Eric in China and us in Florida, Jonathan and I wanted to stay closer to our home since the trek to Birmingham is a a long one. Jonathan's parents decided we could meet about half way and we went to Savannah, GA. Beautiful! Such a beautiful place to be at Thanksgiving, and unknown to us, a popular Thanksgiving destination. We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at our hotel on the River, waited in line for 2 hours to make a reservation for Paula Deen's Restaurant, walked, toured via the Savannah Trolley, wined and dined, celebrated John & Susan's anniversary and watched the Iron Bowl. Among many other blessings, we were thankful to spend the holiday with the Nevins.

Jonathan & I atop the Bohemian Hotel :)

View from our Hotel Room

The Church that is in the movie, Forrest Gump

This is a beautiful bridge in Jacksonville

John, Susan & Jessica atop the Bohemian Hotel

Paula Deen's Restaurant

Waiting in line at 8:00am to make our reservation for dinner

Fish drain pipes, very cute!

My favorite store, Paris Market. They had gorgeous decor!

Jonathan and I in Jacksonville, stopping for lunch at Zoës Kitchen!

We had a wonderful time & talked about the many blessings God has given us. We got in the Christmas spirit early this year because we did our shopping mostly before Thanksgiving. Since were are flying home, we won't be able to carry the gifts so we played Santa and had John and Susan take them back in their car. That was fun!! I can't wait to deliver them to everyone when we get home. We are looking forward to Christmas and visiting. In the meantime, we're celebrating both our Birthdays! Time is flying by...