Christmas Morning

The girls had a good Christmas morning and we enjoyed our time as a family, even though the holiday was different for us since we didn't have any of our decorations this year.  I did have the girls stockings, but that was it.  We are already looking forward to Christmas in our new house next year!

Isabella 

Brook 

The movie "A Christmas Story" was playing in the background on the tv. 

Avery posed with all of his new clothes....new t-shirts, new pullover, new pajama pants, and new slipper shoes. 

I wasn't feeling so great, but Avery and Isabella cooked dinner, spaghetti, and we had Colombian hot chocolate, treats, and watched our traditional movie, "The Nativity Story".

If I did have a tree up this year, it would come down the day after Christmas.  Until next year.......

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Our Christmas Eve was spent this year with family at a cousins house.  We all had a nice time and enjoyed the laughter together.

My girls 

Wilson/Vinson/Bridges cousins

Girl cousins 

And with their 5th cousin, Ivan

When I was in NYC, I bought my sister this Live with Kelly shirt because she is a big fan of the show.

Isabella opening a gift card she was excited to receive.

Brook getting a purse and make up she requested.

My parents opening their gifts

Avery with his new hat and new cigar.  Merry Christmas y'all!

Family  photo

After the family event, we came back to the place where we are house sitting and the girls opened their Christmas pajamas gifts. We then went to a Christmas Eve service then had dinner with Ashley and her kids, which has become a Christmas Eve tradition.

Brook and Maylen

Pearce opening his gift 

Love this sweet boy!  

They decorated this house.  Then we rode to see the Griswold house in Germantown.

Pre-Christmas Family Fun

This year our extended family went to the Memphis Zoo Lights.  I had not been in 12 years and it was fun to walk with the family and see all the lights.  It was cold though, but not unbearable!

Reindeer :)

My brother and mother in a candid laughing photo.

Cousins

The whole gang...minus Nicole, Tyler & Campbell

All of this and even a little fake snow which was a nice touch.

Whats Up Wednesday ~ December Edition

Since it is Christmas, we are doing this a week early instead of the last Wednesday of the month.
 ( And because of the crazy, I skipped my November post)
This has been a fun monthly post for me this year and I hope to keep it up for next year too!

What we're eating this week......

Monday was dinner with friends at Huey's, Tuesday was a Christmas party, Wednesday...not sure yet, Thursday will be Chick Fil A nugget tray and other goodies with the family, Friday...not sure yet, Saturday is Christmas Eve meal with the family, so it should be delicious!

What I'm reminiscing about..........

Having our own Christmas tree with our decorations....I do miss those this season.

What I'm loving..........

being in the USA

What we've been up to,,,,,,,,,,,,

Christmas shopping

What I'm dreading.........

not so much dreading, but I will be relieved when we get all paperwork behind us for getting a house

What I'm working on..........

starting my own business with Rodan and Fields!

https://marilynbridges.myrandf.biz/

What I'm excited about.........

moving into our own house the end of January

What I'm watching/reading...........

We hope to watch Elf tonight

What I'm listening to...........

Christmas music

What I'm wearing...........

anything comfortable!

What I'm doing this weekend...........

house sitting and Christmas with the family!

What I'm looking forward to next month.........

new car and new house!

What else is new............

Avery has a new job and I am a Rodan and Fields consultant!

Show and Tell Tuesday ~ Christmas Tradition

Today's show and tell is about Christmas traditions and recipes.  I highlighted Christmas recipes last week so today I am sharing a Christmas tradition.  We have a few traditions we have done in the past, but the one we try to do every year is as a family, we watch this movie on Christmas Day night.

The Nativity Story 

I love so much about this movie.  Obviously, it brings us back to the meaning of Christmas and the meaning of living...the birth of Jesus.  I love the reminder of how Jesus came into the world in such a lowly way, how He came for all mankind, how he came to be a man who lived on earth, how God revealed His plan to Joseph and Mary at different times, how Joseph and Mary were obedient to that call and how they grew to love one another.  

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "O Holy Night".  Yesterday, I googled the song on you tube by Josh Groban and pushed play.  I was just listening to it, but half way through the song, I looked at the screen and saw they were playing scenes from this movie as the background.  It was a little moment of perfection seeing this movie and hearing this song at the same time.  I will leave you with that clip....

Random Monday Catch-Up

Needless to say, this holiday season has been a different for us.  There is so much transition going on and all of a sudden, we are 6 days from Christmas.  We have been able to attend a few Christmas parties and have one more to go, which has been fun.  We've been able to spend some time with family and a few opportunities to see friends, but have been slow on the social front compared to past visits.  Here are some random photos from the last few weeks.........

I have loved catching up on my share of chips and guacamole from Las Delicias.

Family breakfast at Waffle House....what else says America??

(also, Isabella intentionally wanted to not be shown in this photo)

Central BBQ 

Brook and I donating at Make a Wish at a red light :)

Christmas party centerpiece

Famous Sun Studio in Memphis

Avery, Isabella and I attended the Hernando, MS Christmas parade

Happy Monday!