I'm running behind on getting my post up, but I didn't want to skip participating today since we'll miss next week due to Christmas. If you want to play along, simply answer the questions on your own blog and link up.
1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem? I'm kind of drawing a blank on this one, so I'll go from a bit of a different angle. Well, for many years, we've had the tradition of having Christmas Eve and Christmas Day just the four of us at home. I, of course, wanted to carry on that tradition this year, especially after the kind of Christmas we had last year with Abby still at Austin's and coming over only as a visitor. It was very strained, as you can imagine. Well, Chris has been asking for his mom and brother to join us, but I've been reluctant. We, originally, decided that they'd come here on the 26th and we'd celebrate Christmas with them then. So, I opted for a compromise, instead. I contacted my MIL without Chris knowing and asked if they'd consider coming here on Christmas Day at 4 PM. That would allow us ample time to do our own thing on Christmas morning before they arrive and they agreed. So, it will be a surprise for Chris when they arrive on Christmas Day. I'm curious...how do you handle Christmas and your extended family? Do you have everyone together on Christmas Day or do you reserve the day for just your own family?
2. Each year, Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? I'm going to remain neutral regarding the selection, to be honest. I'm just glad that Caitlyn Jenner wasn't awarded the honor or one of the Kardashians. Personally, I've had enough of them all.
3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so, share its history and how you display its pieces. Yes, I do have a nativity set that Chris gave me when we were first married back in 1989. I put it on a table we have in our family room...
4. Do you make an extra effort to give back during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year? Yes, I do try very hard. I try to be extra kind to others and helpful, as well. I was in Wal-Mart the other day and a lady had a little child in her cart. She was looking at wrapping paper and knocked the entire display off the shelf, causing paper rolls to fall everywhere. So, I stopped and helped her gather them all up and put them back in the box. She was most appreciative. It's all about the little things.
5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why? Definitely my girls because I know what they like and I love surprising them.
6. What's the last delicious thing you ate? Taco salad from our favorite Mexican restaurant.
7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is___________________. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to be kind, forgiving, and gracious.
8. Insert your own random thought here. Wishing all of my blog friends a BLESSED Christmas! I just want to reiterate how much God has blessed my family this past year. He held our family together during a most difficult time. He enabled Abby to graduate from high school, get a job, and to have the courage to break free from Austin. She is on such a good path now and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have my daughter home and to have our relationship restored. I think she knows now more than ever that she has a mom and a dad who will never give up on her and will be here to love and support her. Your prayers have definitely made all the difference in the world and, for that, I will be forever grateful.
Love to you all!
1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem? I'm kind of drawing a blank on this one, so I'll go from a bit of a different angle. Well, for many years, we've had the tradition of having Christmas Eve and Christmas Day just the four of us at home. I, of course, wanted to carry on that tradition this year, especially after the kind of Christmas we had last year with Abby still at Austin's and coming over only as a visitor. It was very strained, as you can imagine. Well, Chris has been asking for his mom and brother to join us, but I've been reluctant. We, originally, decided that they'd come here on the 26th and we'd celebrate Christmas with them then. So, I opted for a compromise, instead. I contacted my MIL without Chris knowing and asked if they'd consider coming here on Christmas Day at 4 PM. That would allow us ample time to do our own thing on Christmas morning before they arrive and they agreed. So, it will be a surprise for Chris when they arrive on Christmas Day. I'm curious...how do you handle Christmas and your extended family? Do you have everyone together on Christmas Day or do you reserve the day for just your own family?
2. Each year, Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? I'm going to remain neutral regarding the selection, to be honest. I'm just glad that Caitlyn Jenner wasn't awarded the honor or one of the Kardashians. Personally, I've had enough of them all.
3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so, share its history and how you display its pieces. Yes, I do have a nativity set that Chris gave me when we were first married back in 1989. I put it on a table we have in our family room...
4. Do you make an extra effort to give back during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year? Yes, I do try very hard. I try to be extra kind to others and helpful, as well. I was in Wal-Mart the other day and a lady had a little child in her cart. She was looking at wrapping paper and knocked the entire display off the shelf, causing paper rolls to fall everywhere. So, I stopped and helped her gather them all up and put them back in the box. She was most appreciative. It's all about the little things.
5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why? Definitely my girls because I know what they like and I love surprising them.
6. What's the last delicious thing you ate? Taco salad from our favorite Mexican restaurant.
7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is___________________. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to be kind, forgiving, and gracious.
8. Insert your own random thought here. Wishing all of my blog friends a BLESSED Christmas! I just want to reiterate how much God has blessed my family this past year. He held our family together during a most difficult time. He enabled Abby to graduate from high school, get a job, and to have the courage to break free from Austin. She is on such a good path now and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have my daughter home and to have our relationship restored. I think she knows now more than ever that she has a mom and a dad who will never give up on her and will be here to love and support her. Your prayers have definitely made all the difference in the world and, for that, I will be forever grateful.
Love to you all!
