53..

...more days until Christmas!

Yes, I'm one of those people who do NOT wait until after Thanksgiving to start listening to Christmas music or watching movies, am guilty of sometimes listening to music BEFORE Halloween/watching Elf in July, and am accused of going holiday-crazy.

It's my favorite time of the year. Right now, I'm listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album. Let me tell you. It's heaven.

This year, the week before Christmas, I will be in Guaymas, Mexico with a service group from school. I will be serving in soup kitchens, helping in orphanages, and falling in love with the people there (I'm sure). I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. I can't wait to serve. And I can't wait to see my family after the trip.

Christmas, I love you.

and to all a good night!

Lately I've been pretty sleepy! I could barely stay awake on Christmas Eve past 9:30. Once I get my "second wind", I'm fine, but before then...man, it gets pretty tough to stay awake. Anyway, it's been a wonderful Christmas full of laughter, gift-giving (and receiving), video chats with family, great food, movies that never get old (While You Were Sleeping & You've Got Mail), games (Taboo and Mad Gab),and amazing company. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas as well! I took some pictures, but this one is my favorite from the day.



{i love these awesome girls -- my mom and sister. I'm so happy we spent Christmas together!}

Hmm...time for bed?

Christmas Eve Eve

I can't believe tomorrow is CHRISTMAS EVE. Where has this month gone? Where has the year gone?! It's been a wonderful break here at home. I'm excited for this next semester, but also sad to be leaving so soon! Here are some things I've noticed in the few weeks I've been home:

1. I'm so grateful that my pre-college job lets me work on breaks! I've worked everyday this week and even though I'm not necessarily excited for my next shift (my feet hurt SO bad cause I'm not used to standing so long!), I know I'll be grateful when I get my paycheck :)
2. Making spontaneous snow angels (even when you have somewhere to go and you might be wet) is still worth it.
3. I love, love, love Christmas lights!
4. I can't wait to see all my family in a few weeks at my brother's wedding.
5. I miss watching Gilmore Girls with Sam at 12 and/or 6 p.m. on ABC Family. Luckily we've still talked on the phone and told LOTS of stories!
6. My mom is a funny lady. :) I love her.
7. I love my mom's Christmas decorations. They make me v. v. happy!
8. Can't wait for the "Allen Family Party" on Sunday!!!! Holy cow.
9. Natalie is an amazing friend and mother. I'm so lucky to know her! Last night I helped her with some Christmas shopping for less-fortunate families and then we got back and wrapped some together. She's funny, thoughtful, and awesome!
10. I kinda really love listening to this song(it's very catchy! I heard it for the first time yesterday), this song (which is a funny music video cause the singer is 15, was discovered on Youtube, and is talking about love..), and this song(also LOVE the show!). Also, listen to songs and buy them cheaper than iTunes here, which I found on my gorgeous sister, Jen's blog. Thanks Jen!

Have a fabulous Christmas eve eve!!

Cheri

Christmas kickoff

First, I wanted to copy my sisters and do this survey. Secondly, I had been doing this survey for like ten minutes when it disappeared off my screen. I don't know what button I pushed, but I'm kinda ticked off.


1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper
2. Real tree or artificial?
real trees are better with all their imperfections, but we have a beautiful artificial tree and an evergreen candle.
3. When do you put up the tree?
generally the day after thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down?
first week in January
5. Do you like eggnog?
I used to hate it, but I don't mind it now.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A teddy bear that I got in first grade. I still sleep with it!
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
yes, quite a few. I even have one in my bedroom.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
JEN! Hint, hint- a christmas list would be nice.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
my mom
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I'm not sure...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I LOVE christmsa movies. I even have a "12-Days Of Christmas-movies" schedule. I love: Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, Mr.Kruegars Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life, Merry Christmas Charlie Brown, The Santa Claus...ok i WILL STOP!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
no specific time
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
peppermint icecream. it's so good, especially with Oreos (thanks Shanna, now I'm hooked!).
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear, with red and silver bulbs. Yay i'm excited to decorate our tree!!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
I have too many, once again. Baby It's Cold Outside has been a favorite for years, and All I Want For Christmas Is You....a softer song would probably be O Holy Night.
18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home?
home, haven't you ever heard the song, "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays..."
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yes, you know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall...the most famous reindeer of all?? Rudolph...

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Feeling like you won't be able to find somethign "good enough" for some people.
23. What I love most about Christmas?
the lights, the smells, the brisk winter air!