2012 Christmas Wrap Up

Well its been pretty quiet on here lately. 

I'm feeling a little guilty.

Don't worry I have plenty of pictures to make up for my absence.

Christmas has come and gone.

Literally in the blink of an eye December was over.

From baking cookies, to tree decorating, to family time, it was all good. 

The holidays were rough this year but I made it.

Old traditions continued and new traditions started.

Ones for which I am thankful for.

December began with a baking fest as mentioned before.

Sadly Peggy has since gone home to Seattle.

Sniffle. 

Rocky Road Cookies

Peppermint Oreo Truffles

Short Bread Cookies

Turtles

Teddy Bear Sugar Cookies..hehe

A little tree decorating.

The tree is always my favorite part but I never tend to participate.

My Mom always liked the tree a specific way and that was her way.

Typical Nancy.

But this year I got to help a little.

Well the Marchetti's made me and I really enjoyed it!

I also found that I absolutely love the smell of a live tree, I've always had an artificial one.

Nana and Papa's Tree

The Marchetti's LIVE Tree

My Dad came into Richmond on the 19th and spent the week at home. 

It was so good to have him here, but the visits are never long enough.

This is a hint to move closer, I know that you read this occasionally. 

Johnston family Christmas was celebrated a couple days early due to my Dad's early departure.

It was a great relaxed day full of family and food.

Just the way it should be.

We ate, chatted, and took our traditional walk after dinner.

Christmas Eve was spent with my Mom's side of the family.

Peggy and I cooked all day.

We attended Mass at five o'clock and then came home to feast.

Love them so much

Christmas day was spent with the Marchettis.

I had to take my Dad to the airport at a very early three a.m. 

It was literally the most perfect day.

While I missed my closest family members that I couldn't spend the day with for various reasons the Marchettis made it very special.

I mean I got my very own candy jar!

More to come on that later.

Miss A got the first present!

Skype 

Missed y'all!

Christmas evening with did the family rounds. 

Hitting up the Hanky and Marchetti sides.

It was a great holiday and I'm extremely thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life.

Plus I got pretty awesome presents!

Stay tuned!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

The lights are up outside.

The wreaths are hung.

The tree is up.

And wrapping of presents has begun. 

It is officially Christmas around here!

I have had the best couple of days.

And they were exactly what I needed

My favorite aunt is in town from Seattle and we have had a blast.

I had to get a tooth pulled on Tuesday and went straight to my Grandparents for some R&R.

Along with a couple days off from work.

Peggy and I got straight to work with my ice pack in hand. 

I think we baked a total of sixteen different things in three days.

My goal is to share most of them with you eventually.

The first things we made were Ooey Gooey Rocky Road Cookies.

We got most of our recipes from Pinterest, which we both love. 

We were pretty pleased with the outcome of these.

They definitely have a gooey/crunchy texture to them.

But the marshmallows make them.

I think we will be having these at future Christmas gatherings!

Insta Post

My week in pictures:

A rather large dog at Stoney Point

A horse showed up in my front yard for a visit

Life of a sick kid with Strep

Christmas at the Marchetti's

We made trash! Four batches!

Enjoyed my new VV pullover

Just a little lovely I will leave you with! These need to make their way into my closet! Size 8.5 in case anyone cares.

Random

1. I love Christmas but hate how fast December goes by each year.

Everyone puts so much effort into Christmas and its over before you know it.

2. I've recently become obsessed with Coco. I have a cup every morning.

I like mine with cinnamon in it and whip cream on top.

3. I can spend hours in Target.

If I get bored I drive up to Target and the problem is solved. They have everything

4. I'm so ready for the semester to be over.

I finish with ECU forever on Friday and it cannot come fast enough.

5. I'm really enjoying these 70 degree days lately.

That is my kind of winter.

6. I'm starting to really miss my camera and the inspiration it gives me.

There is something about having it around my neck and the lens in my hand.

I haven't had anything to capture lately and I'm thinking that needs to change.

7. We put our Christmas tree up the other day and every year it means more to me.

This year especially. Taking all of the ornaments out of the tissue brings back so many memories.

My Mom was so good at getting a new ornament every year to document.

8. I really want a Barbour jack.

A beautiful Beadnell in Green.

But I don't want to spend $365 on one.

9. I'm really enjoying working again.

I hate to say this but I am loving my job at the moment.

I find it fun! 

10. I'm getting antsy and am so ready for everyone to come home for the holidays!

I am ready to see my favorites!