Something new!

Well hello!

I've started reading Jenni's blog, Story of My Life and I've really fallen in love with her writing. It's like we're sitting there having a girl chat. Love that!

*Jenni, if you're reading: thank you for starting your billionth blog. If you didn't I wouldn't be inspired to finally keep up with mine. Oh, and I'm totally going to keep up with the List of Ten Tuesday. ;]

So here we go, lovelies! My first List of Ten Tuesday!
And yes, I'm aware it's almost Wednesday. It's the effort and actually making the darn list that counts!

Ten Things I'm Looking Forward to This Holiday Season!
(and in no particular order)

1) The Christmas Music
As a former band nerd and lover of all music, I have to say Christmas music is in my top 3 genres. 103.7 started being the "100% Christmas Station" last week, and I crank the tunes in my car and sing at the top of my lungs. I'm positive the car next to me at the stop light can hear my horrid singing, but I could care less.

2) Shopping
What's tragic here is I LOVE shopping during the Holidays, but I don't have enough funds. One of the downfalls of working in childcare, unfortunately. I love buying someone a gift and watching them open it! If only I my wrapping skills were better than stuffing it into a bag and sticking tissue on top...

3) The Atmosphere
How can you not feel the joy and love in the air?! And the smell of Christmas?! I can't even describe it, but it's amazing.

4) Starbucks Holiday Drinks
Need I say more?
Psst! I found out they have the peppermint flavoring all year round! Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, anyone?!

5) Decorations
Totally wished my family wore Santa hats while decorating...
My parents bought a new tree last year (pre-lit, woohoo!) and Mom said she would no longer decorate the tree with our "hodge-podge" ornaments. This kinda broke my heart, but I understand. Me and my sisters aren't little kids anymore. So instead of looking at The Rescuers and other various Disney and baby picture ornaments, it is candy cane themed. Lots of red, white and silver! Mom even made a big bow for the top with long curly tails to go down the tree. Now if only I could convince Mom and Dad to start decorating OUTSIDE again...

6) The Weather
Okay, let's be honest: winter rarely EVER looks like that in North Texas. Although we did have a white Christmas last year! Am I hoping for another one? Yes. Will it really happen two years in a row? Doubtful. Because Texas is unbearably hot during the summer months, I count down the days to fall and winter. I thrive in the colder months, and my cutest clothes are meant to be worn then. I paid my dues by dealing with the heat on a slanted parking lot during marching practice for four years in high school. You will NEVER hear me say, "I can't wait for summer!" If I could, I'd migrate North for the summer (or just stay there all year round).

7) Being Unabashed About Hint Dropping
As Christmas draws closer, do you find yourself pointing out things at the store or in a catalog while casually saying, "Ooooh I'd LOVE to have that!" Yeah, me too. If you said no, you're a big fat liar!

8) Family
(Me and my sisters two years ago. Aren't we precious?)
I love my family. We have our moments where we bicker and argue, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Family is what should be most important during the holidays. Not the material things-FAMILY. Which leads me to...

9) Traditions
On Christmas Eve my family has two traditions: we open one small gift, and instead of a formal dinner, we eat snacky-finger-type-foods. I know the first one isn't too uncommon, but I feel the second one is really my family's. Mom has tried several times to let go of the finger-foods tradition, but me and my sisters fight it everytime! Mom makes meatballs, fudge and other baked goods, and we'll have chips and dip, QUESO (LOVE my Mom's queso!) and cheese and crackers. Why fix it if it ain't broke? It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without the finger foods!

and finally

10) Charity
I don't always get to participate in charity, but when I can, I love to adopt a tree angel. I feel every child deserves a decent Christmas (one gift from Santa is better than none). They set up an angel tree at the school I work at every year. I think me and my co-worker are going to adopt one together. I've been telling my kiddos that helping our fellow man during the holidays is important, and I love how well they respond to it. Our center is gathering items for a children's grief support center, and they are SO excited to participate! I'm lucky to have such a great group of kids to work with! :]


How'd I do?! I think Thankful Thursdays are only during November, so I'll do my first and only one for this year in a few days! For now, I need some sleep! I'm off tomorrow and seeing Harry Potter for the second time! I won't wear eye makeup this time, I learned my lesson from the midnight showing :'[

Later Days!
Dani