Merry Christmas

Christmas Traditions

Every year we have our traditions for the holidays. We spend many hours baking. We bake peanut butter kiss cookies and fudge. Baking for holidays is an event in our household.
On Christmas day, we are normally too busy to do everything at one time. So, after attending our church's Christmas Eve service, we sit around the living room and listen to my dad read the Christmas story aloud. We sometimes say something nice about everyone and we always manage to pray. Afterwards, we have our family gift opening time. It is fun and I love it. Every bit of it. When we were little, Santa came Christmas morning and those presents were obviously saved for then, but now we just open stocking stuffers that morning. In the past we have always gone to my Mawmaw's for Christmas lunch with the Steed family, but my Mawmaw is just unable to serve a meal for so many people. So we are having Christmas lunch at our house and it is served by my wonderful Mother. The tradition has been passed to another generation. That evening is always spent at my dads parents, opening gifts. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are wonderful. I love it. Christmas is an amazing time of year. Merry Christmas to all.

the true meaning

All too often we are stressed at Christmas, worrying about buying everyone a gift, going shopping to get a gift (even when things are tight.) So often we are so wrapped up in trees, Santa, decorations, lights, and worrying about how many presents are under the tree. Often we are worried about who gave what to whom, who didn't manage to give a gift, or send out a card. All too often we are wrapped up in getting rather than giving. We are wrapped up in the things that shouldn't matter as much as the true meaning of Christmas.

Gifts shouldn't be our focus, they should be a side item. The true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, and the fact that our Savior was born. It shouldn't be about us, but that is what it has turned into.

We went to Walmart tonight, and I've never seen so many people in the same place at one time. Cars everywhere, could barely find a parking spot. People going the wrong way, on the wrong aisles. And way too many people going IN the "EXIT" door. The store was picked. Things were picked over. And, the check out lines each had lines. One week before Christmas....amazing. It shouldn't be a hectic time of year, but that is what it has turned into.

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I love presents. I love buying gifts for everyone. I love receiving them (not going to lie). I wouldn't trade this time of year for anything.

While this crazy shopping, hectic season is all fine and dandy---we must recognize the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

I realize that YES, I will receive tons of presents. Yes, I have been wrapped up in all the silly stuff. But I also have taken the time to think about the true meaning of Christmas. So take a minute in your quiet time, and thank God that Jesus lived, died, and rose again. And he made that sacrifice for you and for me. Let's enjoy Christmas with family and love as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

ONE MORE DAY.

One more day of school. And then FREEDOM.

So excited. Cannot wait to begin this break.


Happy last day before break! :)

5 days to go...

Almost there. Christmas break is coming. Now, to just get through this week, with no headache and no stress. My aunt is coming tomorrow, bringing a CRICUT. Whoot. Gives me a little something to look forward to on a Monday of all days!
So ready for break. So ready for time with family. So ready for Christmas. So excited. 5 days to go... We can do it.

an unending migraine

I have had a migraine since Wednesday morning. 3 days worth of a throbbing head. I have tried tylenol, heating pad on the head, and sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. I am fine while sleeping and it gives me great relief, but as soon as I sit up, my head feels like its spinning. (Almost like something from Tom and Jerry.) I hate to feel dizzy, but lately that is how its been. After days of this, I am determined that this migraine will be GONE before the weekend is over! Now, I am off to sleep with a heating pad on my head. The joys of migraines....

7 school days to go...

Until I can...
Sleep in.
Enjoy time with good friends and good family.
Bake.
Get in the real Christmas spirit without school attached.
I'm so ready.

My God is REAL.

First off, I would like to begin by saying that my Grandmother aka Mawmaw has always been there for me in every single way possible. She has been a tremendous part of my life since day one. She babysat me when I was growing up. She is the nicest person I have ever met and has a heart of gold. She is my inspiration and my heart. She taught me to tie my shoes among other things. She taught me Sunday School songs, taught me bible verses, taught me to love one another and to love Jesus.

September 5th was a day of many emotions.
Fear.
Shock.
Worry.
Relief.


As my grandparents were leaving our house that day, we received a call several minutes later. My grandparents had been in a car accident. My mom is the one who got the call...and she remained calm and strong for us all. After hearing her "Oh no..." as she rushed up from her seat, and then hearing the words, "Mawmaw and Pawpaw were in a car accident....Mawmaw is hurt." I can honestly say that I have never been so worried, concerned, or scared in my entire life. The tears just kept coming and so many thoughts jumped into my head.


I was supposed to attend a concert with friends. No refunds. I had to go. After hearing this, all I wanted to do was give my grandparents a hug and hold my Mawmaw's hand. I remember the words "I can't go! I can't do it..." coming out of my mouth. I was a mess because something so terrible had happened to two of the people I hold so close to my heart.


I went to the concert and God was the one assuring me that everything would turn out okay in the end. I remember rushing home from the concert....begging my dad to take me to the hospital to visit my Mawmaw. I stayed with her all weekend determined not to leave her side. I was at that hospital room everyday. Afterschool until late in the evening. Most all of my weekends. Every moment I could. Why? Because I love my Mawmaw. I would do anything for her.


My family is my world. My Mawmaw is my 'buddy,' friend, and the sweetest person I have ever met in my life and I am so thankful for her. God has blessed me with two wonderful grandparents. They are amazing.


The words 'accident' and 'hurt' scare me... and make my heart want to sink. If I could have skipped ahead to know that everything turned out okay, I would have liked to. But at the same time, the weeks she was in the hospital, the days I helped her, the days I watched people help her... the days after the accident changed my life forever. Because it really made me come to know that every single day is a gift from God. And God is a God who answers prayers. He lead my family through a very difficult time. My Mawmaw's condition has improved since the accident. My God is a healer: a healer of hearts and of bodies. And YES, My God is REAL. He is very real.




Thank you God.

Thanksgiving Rewind.

My Thanksgiving was incredible.

Tuesday evening, I saw my cousins Cody and Luke for the first time in 3 years. The first thing I did was hug their necks. We spent that night catching up, goofing off, pranking my Grandma, Thresea, and doing all things silly. It was grand. After begging, Luke and Cody got to spend the night at our house. The boys all played xbox, and I watched, but yet still had fun-- because we all were together. We fell asleep around 12:30 that night.


Wednesday, we woke up at 7:30, because Cody and Luke had to be back at my grandparents at 8:30 to do other misc. things that day... (long story..) My aunt arrived during the day, around lunch time, and all the girls began making cookies. We had a blast baking, laughing, talking... it was so much fun. We went to Wal Mart for a few things, then ended up going to Food Lion, Dollar Tree, and BiLo. It was a fun day. Then that evening, I drove my Dad to his parents' house-- we spent time with my cousins. Played Guesstures, Monopoly, and laughed at many more pranks. :)

Thursday (Thanksgiving day), I woke up to the smell of delicious food cooking. I got ready and soon after, my Mom's side of the family arrived. Mawmaw, Pawpaw, Terri, Sister, Barry, Roger, and Donna. With the 5 of us, that made 12 people. The food was soooo good. This was a first for Thanksgiving at our house. We ate lots, sang while Barry played the piano, the athletic people played football, and we all enjoyed time together. After everyone left, we met Terri at Michaels to get some specials on Cricut cartridges. Got some great deals! Then she dropped us off at the Currie grandparents' house and we enjoyed time there with Luker & Cody.... the food was not that great, to be honest, but everything else was awesome! After we ate, we made smores by the fire. It was great fun. After all festivities were over, the cousins slept over at our house. Matt and Luke played video games, Cody and I watched Mr. Deeds and ate popcorn. Around 1 am, we finally went to bed.

Friday, we woke up, ate PIE for breakfast, and then took Buddy for a walk around the neighborhood. The boys played football, and xbox. Cody hung out with me for the most part....we watched Christmas With The Kranks. And later that afternoon we met David (Cody and Luke's dad, my uncle) and his wife, Arceli and daughter, Claudia, and my grandparents at the Billy Graham Library. That was their first time at the library. It was fun. We then rode to a cemetary to visit Thresea's dead relatives. I stayed in the car. Ha. Afterwards, we went to a nasty fish camp (well, nasty to me because I hate fish.) I had a salad, french fries, and hush puppies. Haha. They all came to our house to finish watching a Bobcat game, then I went with my cousins to my grandparents' house to spend the night. It was fun, we played BINGO and then were told to go to bed. (Because my grandma thinks that we are babies, you know?)


Saturday, got woken up, went to BoJangles. Then went to the "park." Well, my uncle TOLD us we were going to the park. But instead we went on a hike. A supposed 30 MINUTE hike that turned into a 2 HOUR hike. Me + HIKE = JOKE. It was awful. Just awful. We were all tired. My grandpa went, and definitely isn't the right age for such a hike, and that turned into a DISASTER. But that is all I will say, you don't need to know anymore than that.

After the horrible hike, and a smelly ride home (don't even ask...) we finally made it to the grandparents! My Dad came and picked me, and my cousins up....stopped at Wendy's and headed home for some great fun. That evening we ALL jumped in our cars and headed to Texas Roadhouse. Yummy appetizer, meal, and dessert. So much fun. Enjoyed our last night together with my cousins. It was a sad goodbye.... but the time we had together was amazing. And I will cherish the memories forever. Why was it so sad? Because I never know when I will see them again...nothing is set in stone. But I look forward to the next trip! :)

Sunday, I slept in and recovered from a week of festivities. The week was amazing. Just amazing. I loved it. Every. Single. Moment.