I think it's safe to say Christmas 2012 was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. As I get older, I've noticed that I cherish those little moments and memories more than the year before. The traditions mean more to me, I hug my family a little tighter, and I pray for a pause button more and more. Wouldn't that be great if we could just push pause and live in those moments for a little longer?
My nurse manager gave me the best gift ever and told me to not worry about coming in on Christmas Day, since I'm still in orientation for L&D and I don't count towards staffing anyway. I literally almost cried--I got to be home with my family for FOUR whole days. Hallelujah and pass the wine!!!
We did lots of eating, a little bit of drinking, lots of family time...tons of laughs, a few arguments, but lots of love. It was fabulous.
We started off with some holiday baking...one of my favorite parts!
The finished product of the Dillard family Christmas card!
We got to spend time with some sweet little girls!
Christmas Eve is always spent at my dad's parent's house--I love our traditions. It's been that way for as long as I can remember!
This is my grandfather, Wissy--the most spirited, hilarious man you'll ever meet.
Wissy and all of his girls!
Katie got an updated Polaroid camera, called an Instax...it's so cool! Here's a snapshot of Mama and me. It actually takes really great pics!
Christmas morning at our house...we were up at the crack of dawn to see what all Santa brought us...
I must have been a GOOD GIRL this year, because I got a new, fabulous camera!!!
Now who wants to help me figure out how to use it?!
My cute boyfriend got to come visit the Dillards!
Sister with her new last name initial!
Sister's ornament...Hotty Toddy!
We got T some personalized Nike gear with his team colors and his number!
The Dillard bunch--using my new camera and tripod for the first time!
Little Rachel. This ornament should be an antique.
After opening presents from Santa at our house, we spend Christmas lunch and afternoon at Mammaw and Pappaw's! It's always a big bunch and I love being surrounded by family!
Santa's little helper
All the craziness at Mammaw and Pappaw's...opening presents with all 18 of us!
Mammaw's gorgeous tablescape
I always love her tree...so festive!
Our second Christmas together
Me and Sister. SO thankful for her!
The future Buschings!
All of the Givens side...my mom's mom and stepdad, two sisters and brother, their spouses and children! I am a blessed girl!
I am SO BLESSED it's ridiculous. What in the world did I do to deserve this wonderful life that I have? I hope I can hold onto this feeling through 2013. God is so good!
18 comments:
What a sweet Christmas.... Sounds like the perfect one!!!!! :)
Sounds like you had a fantastic Christmas! How amazing that your boss let you off, that was sweet and meant alot I'm sure. Also I must say your mom is gorgeous! Now I see where you guys get it from:)
I want to put Mary Jo in my pocket! Love that lady....and you too of course!
love all the pictures! looks like you guys had a wonderful Christmas :):)
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I just adore the family Christmas card! You guys are such a gorgeous family :) Glad you had such a wonderful time with everyone. I can't wait for your new camera to document our girls trip in 2013 bc we've gotta make that happen ;)
such an awesome Christmas!
glad you guys all got to be together and spend time together:):) and no work on Christmas day, PERFECT!
LOVE all the pics!!! You look beautiful, those pretzels look devine and bless that boss for letting you stay home with the family :) Can your Maw Maw come decorate my table?! WOWZA! Happy Thursday pretty lady!
Great pics! And what an awesome boss you have! I'm sure enjoyed every second out of those 4 days ;)
It was not until recently that I realized you were Mrs Givens' granddaughter ! She is a good friend of my mother's and SO SWEET! Looks like a wonderful Christmas !!
The older I get the less the presents matter. Of course I LOVE opening presents, but I would much rather spend time with family and celebrate the REAL reason for the season.
So glad you had a wonderful Christmas!
Looks like a wonderful Christmas-- and yay for a new camera!! :)
So much fun! :)
I just love Christmas time!
Oh, you are blessed, what a wonderful, large family. When we are all together there are only 11 of us. But, it's still fun, just not many of us and then we only have one of our parents left.
Your Grandpa looks like a fun guy, so cute!
Blessings for the year ahead!
How awesome that you got to spend 4 days with your family :) I'm SO glad! And your family is adorable! I can barely handle the Christmas cards...love them!
So glad you enjoyed your Christmas, girl!
There is something special about Christmas mamaw's house for sure!! You and your sister are beautiful!!
Look at your beautiful family!! What a great Christmas:) I love that Polaroid camera and you will have so much fun with your fabulous DSLR. Did I know you were a nurse?! Love that!!--I was too (before my babies arrived:)
Aww that's so cute!! So glad you had such a great Christmas!! :)
What a fabulous Christmas!!! I love all the pics. Wissy is adorable, and you and your mama are practically twins!
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