Adorable

These photos are from a few weeks ago, but I'll post them now anyhow.

Christmas Time is Here

I have finally exited my end of semester hibernation.  I just turned in my last final and can re-enter the blogging world!  There has been much elving going on.  I set up the tree and my table display (nativity, flowers, and candles) the day after Thanksgiving.  I am at peace with the fact that half of one strand of tree light burned out three days after I put the tree up.  It's ok, new lights next year.  We finished up our Christmas shopping on Wednesday, buying the final three gifts.  It will be kind of a small Christmas this year, but that is ok.  This morning, before finishing my final, I boxed up all the presents, and am on my way to the Post Office to mail them to Indiana.  We will be there, but have found it simpler to travel without presents when dealing with airport security.  There are a few handmades that need to be finished and will travel with us in the suitcase.  We are ready to enjoy this holiday.

Our tree is all decked out, but looks sad at the moment, sans presents.  I'll put the rest of our cards over there.  It's the only place for the fruit bowl, but oranges are festive.  On the lower right you see a glimpse of our stockings.  I need to get some real stocking hangers on sale after Christmas to put on the edge of the table next year.  We have a few new ornaments this year, commemorating trips and events of the year.  I'll give them a post next week.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here

Psst... Mom, make sure you read this one, there are pictures at the end of the post :)

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent.  It is also the day that our Christmas decorations are up.  As I sit here I am grateful for the Chrismas station on Pandora as I look at my tree, the candles are lit, and I am drinking hot chocolate and planning my Christmas cards.

It's been a few years since we've sent out cards.  In 2007, when Rob and I were dating we sent out a letter with pictures.  In 2008 I had just finished sending out what seemed like a million thank you notes from our wedding.  And last year, 2009, I really have no excuse, I just didn't do it.  This year I wanted to send out a photo card.  My favorite cards are the ones with pictures, and I just don't have the time for a letter this year...  There is a good chance I would have let it go again, I didn't know where to look to start with the photo card.  Then I found out about Shutterfly, and this awesome deal they have for bloggers to get 50 free cards.  What could be better.

While this will be my first experience using Shutterfly, I do have a couple of their photo books that were given to me as gifts.  I think these photobooks are a product we will be making in coming years.  But this time of year it is all about the cards.  As we celebrate Christmas and Santa and all that good stuff this time of year, the Christmas Cards are where I looked.  But there are cards for all holidays and occasions.  I've even received invitations.

The hardest part of creating a card was finding a decent picture of Rob and I to use.  One would think that we had more good pictures of the two of us.  Unfortunately, most of the pictures I have are the self-portraits, and while these make for fun facebook photos, they aren't really what I had in mind for a Christmas card photo.  I searched through the last 12 months of photos and found a few good ones.

So here is a preview.  Three of my favorite card designs.  But you'll have to look in the mail to see the card and photo we picked.  Can you handle the suspense?

Starlight Star Bright Christmas

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Frosted Glass Monogram Christmas Card

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Joyeux Noel Ornament Christmas Card

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So much to be Thankful for

Every year at this time I like to take a few minutes and count my blessings.  And really we have so much to be thankful for.  Rob and I have had a great year and have grown closer together as we have traveled the world and enjoyed being married.  I am thankful that we were able to take a couple of really great vacations.  I am thankful that we have a comfortable place to live, and jobs that we like.  I am thankful for the new friends we have made through going to a church in our neighborhood.  It's nice to feel connected to our neighbors.

I am looking forward to tomorrow when we celebrate here at our home with some family.  We will miss the folks in Indiana.  But will have a feast of our own to enjoy!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all the cooking goes well.

Pics to come.

Take some time to think about what you are thankful for.

What did we do with all of those apples?

Yum!