Simply Having a Wondeful Christmastime

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! I am ready. Are you?

All of my presents are bought and wrapped, but they aren't under the tree. Why? Because Knox is too interested in the tree skirt. Lately, he's been sniffing it, but yesterday he peed on it. Geez! Thankfully none of our gifts will smell like dog pee.

I want to make Puppy Chow, Hello Dollies, Popcorn Candy Balls and White Chocolate Cranberry cookies tonight. I am certainly not going to eat all of it, but I want it.

I showed you pictures of our Christmas past yesterday, but I love opening the mailbox to find handwritten Christmas cards. I especially love the ones with pictures in them. It just puts me in the holiday spirit.Fred and I watched "Julie & Julia" last night. It was surprisingly funny and good. Meryl Streep deserves an award for her role as Julia Child. It made me want to get up and start cooking. I think that's where all of the Christmas goodies came into play.

This past weekend, Fred's mom's side of the family had a little reunion in Booneville, MS. Here's our family picture...

I am getting roots done tonight and I cannot wait. I need some hairapy. Tomorrow starts all of our family celebrations; so, if I don't get to post before then...

I wish you and your family a very, Merry Christmas!

Photos of Christmas Past

Since Christmas is 3 days away, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at our Christmas card photos from the past three years. My, how we've changed. I wonder what next year will bring? :)

Christmas 2007Christmas 2008 Christmas 2009

Today is my "Thursday". I will be working tomorrow and then I'm off for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I wish everyone safe travels as you travel to your Christmas desitination(s). We'll be driving all over Memphis on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas!

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." - Elf

How Time Flies

It was one year ago today that we brought this little bundle of joy home...
And a year later, he's started doing tricks (only for food and not on command)...

I am so thankful for the joy he's brought to our lives.

Getting to Know Me - Christmas Style

With Christmas just ONE week away, I had to do something festive. I saw this questionnaire on Go East Memphis Mama's blog and I wanted to join in on the fun.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I wrap most of my gifts, but I'd much rather use gift bags.

2. Real tree or artificial?

I grew up with an artificial tree. To me, it's easier to put it up and drag it out each year rather than picking out a tree and watering it.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Usually the day after Thanksgiving or sometime that weekend.

4. Do you like eggnog?

I prefer hot chocolate.

5. Favorite gift received as a child?

Anything Barbie or Cabbage Patch dolls

6. Do you have a nativity scene?

I have several! I love them. Fred even bought me one in Mexico (it's this large Mexican woman with Jesus, Mary and Joseph in her belly).
7. Hardest person to buy for?

My entire family. They have EVERYTHING!

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Me. I know what I like. I give people options.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I mail my Christmas cards. I love receiving them too.

10. Favorite Christmas movie?

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Love Actually and Elf.
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I start in October.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Cranberry Sauce. Ha! I also love those green Christmas cookies and the Christmas Funfetti cake in the box.

13. Clear lights or colored lights on the tree?

I love colored lights on the tree. And white lights outside.

14. Favorite Christmas song?

"All I Want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey

15. Travel or stay home at Christmas?

We stay in Memphis, but we go between our two families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and RUDOLPH

17. Angel on tree top or star?

We have a silver star

18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Morning?

Both. We have several family functions.

19. The most annoying thing about this time of year?

Traffic and crime. So sad.

20. What I love most about Christmas?

I love that we're celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. He is the reason for the season. I also love giving gifts, looking at all of the lights and saying "Merry Christmas". It's so happy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Happy 101 Award

Mrs. Watts at Love is the Sweetest Thing gave me this award! Thank you! I love reading her blogs, especially on "Trainer Tip Tuesday". Check her out!!

So the rules are:

1. List 10 things that make you happy.

2. List the Top 10 bloggers/blogs that brighten your day.

10 things that make me happy: (in no particular order)

1. My husband

2. Knox

3. My family

4. Traveling

5. Reading while getting a tan (outside, of course)

6. Romantic Comedies/Stories

7. Pictures

8. Sunshine and summertime

9. Shopping

10.Traveling

And I am going to tag everyone. Join in on the fun!

Older, But With a Tan

Hello, all! Remember me? I've returned from the most wonderful vacation to Cancun another year older. I don't feel like I am 27.

Anyway, we had a great time. Here are just a few of the pictures we took:

Hammocks over the pool

Hot tub in our roomOur room
Bed on our balcony
My favorite statue

Pool view from our room

PoolBeach and lounge
Another statue
The infamous feet and the beach picture
My wonderful dad, mom, and husband
I loved the poinsettias
And the Christmas trees were beautiful
My hubby and I on my birthday!
My family at Chichen Itza (a must see)

We have SOOOOO many others, but it would take to long to post and I don't want to bore you. We went on a bike tour, toured the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Fred and my dad played basketball, archery and horse shoes, and we relaxed mainly. My mom and I enjoyed a massage at the spa. They actually used hydrotherapy on you before your massage leaving you completely relaxed. Our hotel was AMAZING! If you're ever considering going to Cancun, but you don't want the "party-animal" Cancun, I suggest you look at Excellence Playa Mujeres. It was located 25 miles north of Cancun. It's an adults only, all-inclusive with great food and a super friendly staff. I was very impressed and would definitely visit there again (soon, I hope).

We missed Knox dearly. He would have loved the beach and the sun. We left him at home with our good friend, Mason. Knox was super excited to see us when we got home last night. It even looked like he grew. I missed him.

So, how have you all been? I've missed blogging, but it was a nice break.

Some of you would be proud of me, I started reading the "Twilight series. I'm enjoying them. I am already on "Breaking Dawn". They are easy to read especially when you're relaxing on the beach all day. I am now actually excited for the "Eclipse" movie to come out. :)

Now that the "Twelve Days of Caroline" and the trip are over, I need to get my booty in gear and finish Christmas shopping. Can you believe Christmas is one week from today? Where did the time go?

So, tell me, what did I miss?

I Can't Get Out of Town Quick Enough

It's officially that time of the year. Our Christmas cards have been mailed. I just have to deliver some to my neighbors and then I am done (or until someone who I didn't anticipate receiving a card from sends me one). Sometimes those are good and sometimes those are bad. Do you guys send out Christmas cards?

I believe all of my Christmas presents are bought or ordered except for one. And all of my Christmas paintings have shipped. Just a few of the things on my "To Do" list before we leave.

Ok, my brain is fried now. All I can think about is Mexico! I hate to rub it in, but I can't wait. I just checked in for the flight and I am ready to go. Our weather in Memphis is cold and rainy; so, this trip couldn't have come at a better time. I still haven't finished packing, but it'll get done plus I have to watch "The Biggest Loser" finale tonight.

I think Danny will win, but I like Amanda. Who do you think will win? I can't wait to see the at-home people. And I wonder if they'll address Daniel and Rebecca's romance as well as Amanda and Bob's rumored romance (although I think Bob likes men).

I am going to Jazzercise tonight to get my last chance workout before hitting the beach. Or at least that's what I am calling it. I will also hit 150 classes tonight. Jazzercise encourages all of it's participants to reach 150 classes in one calendar year. And I did it! The first time in five years. Now, that is going to be a New Year's Resolution of mine for 2010. Ugh, it's already time to start thinking about those...

I hope Knox doesn't miss us too much while we're gone. He'll be in good hands with our friend, Mason, who's staying with him. Yes, we have a dog sitter. I wish Knox could go. He'd be good and he loves the beach.

I haven't decided if I'll update or not, but if you don't hear from me, I'll be back next week (another year older). :)

Winner, Winner

I am a Giveaway Winner! I won this super cute calendar from Jessica at Chasing After Fireflies. I've never won and I am so excited!! Thank you, Jessica!

Cheese and Whine

The Smithwick's Christmas Family Portrait (Too bad Knox wasn't looking. He was too busy looking at Willie)
My Family

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I am so excited about going to Cancun in TWO days! And my birthday in 5 days!!! So, if I don't get a chance to write for a week, I apologize.

I am stressing over packing. Do any of you do this? I have swimsuits and clothes packed, but I am not sure I like what I've packed. Ugh. I hate this and I do it every single time. I think I will re-read the dress attire for the restaurants seven million more times. Do you have any tips for me?

And I am so proud of my USF Bulls for making it to another bowl game. Too bad it's in Toronto. Who has a bowl in Toronto in January? Not cool!!!

Starry Nights

Wow! I can't believe that Christmas is three weeks away. Even with our decorations up and the cooler temps, I just can't believe it's here.

Last night, Fred and I took Knox, his niece, nephew and mother for a ride through Starry Nights. Now, if you're from Memphis, then I am sure you've been through Starry Nights at some point in your life. It's been gone for 10 years, but now it's back.

For those of you who are not familiar with this, Starry Nights is a holiday light show that you drive through. The drive is a mile and a half long.

The kids really enjoyed it and so did Fred, his mom and I. I felt like a kid again and it really got me in the spirit. Sometimes it's just the little things in life that make you smile!

And this year, more than ever, I love the phrase, "Merry Christmas". It just sounds so joyful!