Seven Swans a-Swimming

Topic: A Moment for Grace

A moment of grace as we remember and continue to heal from our very own loss not so long ago. A moment of grace for those who have lost a friend or family member this year. A moment of grace remembering my grandparents and missing them as another year and season passes without them. A moment of grace for those struggling or persevering through divorce or separation. These are all things I or my family have personally experienced this year. 

A moment of grace for our precious little baby on the way. A moment of grace for those in new relationships both friendships and more. A moment of grace for new changes and beginnings for all of us. A moment of grace to good, lasting health. A moment of grace being thankful for what's to come as we have nothing, but a big bright future ahead of us.

 

Six Geese a-Laying

Topic: Gifts Galore

I love buying gifts for people, but especially Nicole. I will never forget one year, the first year we were together, I bought her a gift for every day leading up to and through Christmas. It was So Much Fun! She just reminded me "yeah, and you said it won't happen again", but I don't know about all that! I just might have to get a little more creative and not spend so much $. That year obviously scarred me financially LOL jk, it wasn't really that bad, mostly time consuming, but boy was it fun! 

One of the daily gifts

It definitely seems that the Christmas times are changing and I'm okay with that. Seems more like people are cutting back on the spending, buying less, more practical things and focusing more on spending quality family time. This year I thought my family was going to not do presents except for the kids, but no one could commit to that. So we drew names, we buy one gift for the person we got for no more than $25. I think it's a nice compromise, but if we removed it altogether, like I said, I wouldn't be disappointed. Nicole's family does something similar, buy one gift for each person no more than $25. It is fun opening presents while the tree is lit, the laughter and joy is in full-force and the Christmas spirit is all around.  

I must admit knowing we have a baby on the way is really helping me stay practical this year. I'm only at 275ish for Nicole. She is well over that for me, but for once I don't feel like I need to go buy more. Sucks for her, ha! She will be just fine, in fact, I'm really happy with the gifts I got her. Just have to finish her stocking! 

I really think the best gift I could have ever wished, hoped and prayed for will be gracing us with his\her presence around June. :)

Five Golden Rings

Topic: Decor and Baubles

Re: Title - Hard to believe we will be a family of 5 here shortly. Our little bun will be the deciding factor on the gender dominance in our household, crazy! But so exciting!

Here are some pics of our decor thanks to Danielle:

This year Nicole really wanted new decorations as ours were more knickknacky and needed to be updated. So we splurged a little to get us some new decorations and we're glad we did. I think after Christmas this year we'll go shopping and take advantage of the sales for more!

Four calling birds

Topic: Holiday cards

Getting Christmas cards is literally one of my favorite things about the Christmas season! I was just telling this to Nicole as we checked the mail the other day and were fighting over who would open which ones! ;)
I also like sending them because I feel like it's our little way of saying hi to each and every person we send them too even though we may not see them very often. It also let's them know they're in our hearts.

Side note: I love receiving cards just in general, be my guest! Doesn't everyone love getting something in the mail other than a bill or junk!?! I do! I do wish I was better at sending them out though.

Three French Hens

Topic: Travel Tales

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday we traveled to Maui with Nicole's whole family. I really think traveling together is the way to go! We have also traveled with them for a Mexican Riviera cruise and also traveled with my family to Donner Lake, that was a first for my family! It was tons of fun!

Personally, traveling stresses-me-the-heck-out until we're at our final destination. Thank goodness my lovely wife is a good traveler! 

I really miss traveling to So Cal to visit my Father, Sister and her family (1 niece, 3 nephews (one I haven't met)). Unfortunately, the dynamic has changed. Not by my choice, but my sisters. That doesn't mean I don't miss them, love them any less or hurt because they choose to not allow us in their lives because it "is just easier for them".. boy I wish I had that switch to turn on\off at the drop of a hat. And as for my Father, he struggles with addiction so unfortunately he is in\out of our lives from time to time. I'm hopeful that one day he will be freed from addiction and able to enjoy life with those who love and support him most.