I had a very good Christmas.
Woke up early and had the traditional cup of coffee with my parents while we unwrapped presents. I got my parents a picnic basket with plastic flatware, placemats, napkins and a bottle of sparkling grape juice. Instant picnic, just add food. This last year has been so hard on them that I wanted to give them something that looked to the future, to dates and weekends for just the two of them. They loved it. Especially the basket, which was my favorite part, too. Luckily, it was 25% off, or I would've had a hard time sticking to my budget.
Mom got me some nice tops. I've lost a lot of weight--nearly 25 pounds--and my tops were beginning to get baggy. These new ones should do me for a while, and they really are beautiful. My favorite is a long-sleeved peacock green top with a beautifully-detailed neckline. Everything's from Coldwater Creek, which means it's good quality, too. My sister Erin sent me a necklace and earrings that I absolutely love. She said they reminded her of me when she saw them. They have beads that pick up the color of whatever you're wearing, so I can wear them with literally everything in my wardrobe, too.
Dad made us breakfast--eggs, sausage, bacon, toast--and, afterward, I went for a jog in the rain. I really needed some exercise, and I'm beginning to enjoy jogging. It's meditative. After my jog, I got dressed and made up (peacock top and the jewelry Erin gave me) and helped Mom and Dad get the house ready.
My brother and Sis M and their families, a cozy seven, came over, and we had BIL 2's famous ham with spiced molasses glaze, which is really the only ham you ever need to have, garlic mashed potatoes that would've been at home in any restaurant, SIL's pear salad, Mom's cabbage salad, rolls and steamed broccoli. Dessert was cookies and fudge.
Bro and I finished the traditional jigsaw puzzle (hey, it was sometimes the only way to keep us kids sane on Christmas Eve when we were little), and we chatted and played a game afterward.
After they all left, I watched the DW Christmas special, which left me thoughtful, and Mom and Dad watched yet another sappy Christmas movie. It's been a different one every night for the past couple of weeks. I love my parents, but the movies were starting to drive me insane. I just hope Lifetime or whatever channel has the kindness to stop airing them.
Tomorrow, I have to work for a couple of hours, and then we're all going to see Les Miz (except the kids), and, later, we'll go to the Oregon Zoo to see the lights. It should be a fun one.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Mom got me some nice tops. I've lost a lot of weight--nearly 25 pounds--and my tops were beginning to get baggy. These new ones should do me for a while, and they really are beautiful. My favorite is a long-sleeved peacock green top with a beautifully-detailed neckline. Everything's from Coldwater Creek, which means it's good quality, too. My sister Erin sent me a necklace and earrings that I absolutely love. She said they reminded her of me when she saw them. They have beads that pick up the color of whatever you're wearing, so I can wear them with literally everything in my wardrobe, too.
Dad made us breakfast--eggs, sausage, bacon, toast--and, afterward, I went for a jog in the rain. I really needed some exercise, and I'm beginning to enjoy jogging. It's meditative. After my jog, I got dressed and made up (peacock top and the jewelry Erin gave me) and helped Mom and Dad get the house ready.
My brother and Sis M and their families, a cozy seven, came over, and we had BIL 2's famous ham with spiced molasses glaze, which is really the only ham you ever need to have, garlic mashed potatoes that would've been at home in any restaurant, SIL's pear salad, Mom's cabbage salad, rolls and steamed broccoli. Dessert was cookies and fudge.
Bro and I finished the traditional jigsaw puzzle (hey, it was sometimes the only way to keep us kids sane on Christmas Eve when we were little), and we chatted and played a game afterward.
After they all left, I watched the DW Christmas special, which left me thoughtful, and Mom and Dad watched yet another sappy Christmas movie. It's been a different one every night for the past couple of weeks. I love my parents, but the movies were starting to drive me insane. I just hope Lifetime or whatever channel has the kindness to stop airing them.
Tomorrow, I have to work for a couple of hours, and then we're all going to see Les Miz (except the kids), and, later, we'll go to the Oregon Zoo to see the lights. It should be a fun one.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!