Christmas Time

It is officially Christmas break!  I think we were the school still having to go today.  I am so glad we have a break.

We leave tomorrow to go to my  parents house and then Sunday we go see his family.  Leading up to this time, I really didn't expect us to be able to go home.  Last year we were going to get to be there the 22-24, but some guys got in trouble and we weren't able to go.  I spent my Christmas at our place, while Anthony was at work.  It was very hard, as it was the first Christmas to be away from our families.  This year, I knew he'd be off for Christmas day, but wasn't sure we'd have enough time to go home.  I was okay with that, if it's what we had to do.  But I am so excited that we will get to continue our previous traditions.  Although, I'm a little nervous about how our bags, the presents and 2 dogs are going to fit into my small car.

I hope you all have a great Christmas time, whethere you are with family and friends or creating your own tradition.  My prayers and love go out to all of those who are not able to be with your husbands during Christmas.

Time to Relax

I feel that sometimes, when you don't take care of yourself and get some extra rest, your body tells you to get that rest.  That was what my body was telling last week.  It started of subtle, and I didn't listen.  But eventually, I had to no choice. 

It started on Wednesday.  I became a bit stuffy, but kept on going.  Thursday, I was more stuffy and beginning to feel bad.  But I kept on going.  I worked and then went to our team Christmas party.  I came home and went to bed after that, but didn't sleep well because of the aches and pains and fluctuating body temperature.  I woke up Friday feeling awful, but I did what most every teacher does, I went to school.  Who was going to sub a week before Christmas?  The kids are crazy!  Friday night, I was done.  I was finally ready to listen to my body.  I put on my PJs and crawled into bed at 4:00.  I was running a low fever.  My whole body hurt.  I couldn't breathe.   Saturday was spent in my PJs on the couch ALL day and night.  I can't remember the last time I got to do this.  Today, I'm feeling somewhat better.  I spent the day on the couch until about 4:00 when I got up and ran a couple errands.  Now, I am completely exhausted.  It will be an early night in hopes of allowing my body to get enough rest to make it through the next 3 days of work and then through the holiday events. 

So, that was my weekend.  What'd you do this weekend?

Texas Weather

If you've ever lived in Texas, you know the weather is crazy. 

For those of you that aren't familiar with our weather, let me paint you a picture.

Last weekend...the high was in the 60s.  It was beautiful.
Today...it is in the 80s.
Friday...high in the 40s.
Sunday...back to 70.

Try teaching children about the seasons here.  It's near impossible!  And you definately don't put up your short sleeved shirts. 

I wonder what Christmas will be like. 

The Reason for the Season

My mood today...I'm over it. 

Over the hustle.  Over the having plans every night.  Over the pressure.  Over teaching.  Over trying to fit everyone and everything in.

I found myself in a very fowl mood today.  Tired of everything going on.  I just wanted to crawl into bed and stay.  Until December 23rd and then resume things. 

I sat here tonight after my faculty Christmas party and thought about my frustrations and why I was so frustrated.  That's when I realized it.  I've been so lost in everything going around me, that I have forgotten the true reason for this season.  It's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  And even though I might be extra busy, celebrating I will do.

My goal is to get back to enjoying all that is going on.  For the next 6 days of school, I strive to be a better teacher.  I left work today feeling like the worst teacher in the world.  And I do not like that feeling at all.  My kids do not deserve for me to take my exhaustion and frustration out on them.  They deserve my love and compassion.  They deserve to see the true reason for Christmas shining through me.

I say this, because I am sure I am not the only one feeling so frustrated.  Just remember the true reason for the busy time of the year.

Cookie Exchange

This weekend has been so busy, but so much fun.  Yesterday, we had a birthday party for a friend's daughter, then ran a bunch of errands, and then went to hang out with some friends to watch the fight.  The wives spent the evening hanging out in another room and visiting.

Today, I had lunch with my friend Priscilla and her son.  Then I did some shopping.  I have three gifts left to get and a few stocking stuffers to be completely done!  And best of all, they are all wrapped and under the tree.

Then, this afternoon, I went to a cookie exchange with some friends from work.  I had never been to one and was really looking forward to it.  We were to all bring 6 dozen cookies.  I chose cranberry white chocolate oatmeal cookies.  I blended together a few recipes I had and then made a few changes.  I was really impressed with how they turned out.  Thanks Kimmie for the idea!

There were lots of different cookies there.  This is what I came home with:

(I ran out of room in my first tub)

There's pumkin chip cookies, cake balls, chocolate chip cookies, rasberry bars, graham toffee, lemon cookies, Lottie Moon cookies, Texas Ranger fudge cups, 7 layer cookies, biscotti, cranberry nut cookies, and more!  I brought home atleast six of each of atleast 12 cookies.  I haven't tried any yet, but I can't wait to dig in.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them.  Some people use them as gifts.  Some people freeze them and serve them at Christmas, and some people just eat them now.  I'm leaning towards the last.  

This week is full of lots of parties and then a weekend to rest and unwind.  I can't Christmas is approaching so quickly!

Christmas Time

Wow, I'm totally stinking at remembering to blog.  I'm not sure if it's the fact I'm too busy to sit down and write or the fact that I really don't have anything exciting to write about.'

I can't believe how quickly Christmas is approaching.  Less than 3 weeks away.  My tree has been up for a while.  Presents are wrapped under the tree, and only 4 more to buy.  The Christmas scents are in the Scentsy and Wallflower.  And my calendary is full.  I have Christmas stories and cookies tomorrow evening at school, a Christmas cookie swap this weekend, two Christmas parties next week, our class Christmas party the following week.  And I have so much to do, address Christmas cards, decide on and bake cookies, finish buying and wrapping presents, and finalizing holiday plans.

Even with so much going on, I absolutely LOVE this time of year.  I love the hustle and bustle (whatever that means).  I love the smells: candles, cookies, and ever green.  I love the sounds.  And I love the excitement, both mine and the kids. 

What do you love about this time of year?

Holiday Shopping

This year, I've done all of my Christmas shopping online.  I really didn't plan to, but it ended up being easier and saving money.  On Black Friday, most retailers offered the same deals online as in the store, plus, I looked on RetailMeNot and was able to find coupon codes for free shipping, a discount, or both.  Additionally, I use Ebates when I order online (and remember) and get cash back.  Last Christmas, we got a check back for about $30.  And you can't beat getting paid to shop.  As you do your shopping, you should check these out!

So far, I've only had 2 small mishaps, but both were quickly resolved.  And out of about 20 holiday packages, 2 problems isn't bad.  One problem was with an order placed at Express.  The items ended up being out of stock after I placed the order and I was bummed because they were 40% off that day.  The customer service was AMAZING.  She told me what colors they had in the sizes I needed, gave me the 40% off, plus an extra 15% off for my troubles AND free overnight shipping.  She was so friendly and so willing to help.  The other problem was with the postal service.  The had a "substitute" carrier who placed my package in the wrong box.  After filing a claim, the package was quickly returned. 

And the best part, it's so fun to see what package will be waiting for me each day!