New Christmas Traditions and other Holiday Plans

TJ and I have had a routine for years on how/ where we celebrate Christmas and other holidays. We have so much family, and at times, it's hard pleasing everyone around the holidays. Here's our schedule that we have be doing for a while now... and at this point, it's not up for discussion. :)

Holidays:

New Years- Dayton (home).

Valentines- Dayton (home).

St. Patty's Day- Dayton (home).

Easter- West Virginia (Dad's house).

Mothers Day- Logan Co. (Roby/ Owen).

Father's Day- Logan Co. or West Virginia depending on the year.

Memorial Day- Logan Co. (Roby/ Owen).

4th of July- Tennessee (TJ's grandpa's house).

Thanksgiving- Lima (Roby),

Christmas Eve- Lima (Roby).

Christmas- Logan Co. (Roby/ Owen), Tennessee for a few days after.

With Emmy on the way, there will be a few changes being made. Nothing too serious though...

From now on, we will be staying the night at home on Christmas Eve (after the Roby's celebration). This is different because we used to stay the night at my parents house. Reason for the change... Well, it's simple. We want to have our own little family Christmas before going to visit the rest of the family. We want to spend quality time seeing what Santa brought for Emmy, and watching her open gifts from Mommy and Daddy. Also, we want to bake a birthday cake with her in our celebration for Jesus being born. It's absolutely crucial that she understands the true meaning of Christmas. 

As far as Santa.... let's talk about that one. I know that I can never predict the future, but this has been a topic that I have really thought about. What will we do the day she asks if Santa is real or not? Here is our response: "No, he is not real, but it is fun to believe he his." My reasoning for this is because I want her to be able to trust us when we tell her Jesus is real. If we say Santa is real, and she finds later in life that he isn't, how is she going to be able to believe anything that comes out of our mouths? Hmm... just my thoughts. To each, their own. 

Christmas 2015

Christmas was simply amazing. I honestly think the older I get, the more I focus on the things that really matter on Christmas. It's not about the gifts at all. It's about Jesus Christ being born unto this imperfect world and sacrificing himself for our sins. It's also about spending time with your family.

Here is TJ, the pups, and myself on Christmas morning. Gosh, I love my little family. 

Pics of our extended family on Christmas Eve and Christmas:

These pictures make me soooo freaking happy. I love my family with all my heart. I am SO very thankful for them and everything they do for me... especially my mom. She works so hard to make Christmas perfect each year, and she does a fabulous job!

PS- Pics of Christmas with TJ's family will be available as soon as I get them.

Update on my life.

Soooooo, I haven't posted anything on my blog for about 8 months... I honestly forgot that I even had this blog. 

Anyway, and update on my life:

1. Fall 2015 was a fantastic school semester. I went back with my prior CT at a school that I love, and I am set to do full time student teaching for the rest of the school year. PS- Cohort F is down below. It was our first day back. :)

2. August 19th, I had a student ask me if I was going to have a baby. I ignored her, but bought a test right after school anyway. It turns out....she was right. I AM PREGNANT!!!! <3

Here was our first ultrasound picture. Talk about love at first sight!!! <3

3. September 3rd, my friend Cierra had her baby. She named her Addalee Raye, and I love her to pieces! TJ and I were at the hospital when she was born, and it was a magical experience. Here are some pictures of TJ and I holding her: 

Anddddddd, here is a more recent picture of her and me. :)

4. On October 31st, TJ and I went to a 3D/4D early gender reveal ultrasound to find out if we were having a boy or girl.... The next day we announced to everyone that we are having a GIRL!!!! <3

3D Ultrasound was soooo cool!!! We absolutely LOVE our little thumb sucker!

5. December 8th, my friend Sarah had her baby! She named her princess Claire Isabelle and she is just precious. I went to visit her once they got home, and was so impressed with how good of a baby she was. Here is a picture of her:

Well.... thats it for now. Looks like I am at the age were its babies, babies, babies.... and I am soooooo excited that we are finally at this stage in our lives. Obviously, those who know me know that I am all about children. <3