After the holiday rush I'm finally getting a chance to look through my December memories! Steve had a full two weeks off and we loved being able to go visit family during Christmastime.
Our New Jersey visit was a little bittersweet because we're pretty sure that it will be our last Christmas there for a few years. While I'm excited to start building holiday memories in our own home I'll be nostalgic, and probably a little bit weepy, the first Christmas Eve I spend without pierogies, mushroom soup, and Meg's famous chocolate chip cookies. I'll miss sitting next to the fire watching the Christmas lights dance on the ceiling, chatting with my daddy late into the night. The amazing Christmas Eve service at my home church will be sorely missed. Plus, Fenwick's (Wayyyy before Elf on a Shelf was cool- I had Fenwick) trail of chocolates leading from our door to the tree will now have to be laid down by ME! And Christmas with my cousins, aunts, gram... all my side of the family. Oh, yes- I'm going to miss it.
But I'm also SO excited to think about waking up in OUR house, with OUR tree, starting OUR traditions. :) Those of you who know me know that I am hands down the worst at transitions. But I'm always transitioning... :)
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This was the first birthday that I really felt like an adult (27- yikes, kind of took me a while there!) Maybe it's because I spent the afternoon cleaning my son's throw up out of the van. Or maybe it's because it was my first year without a birthday cake. (Don't get me wrong- I had fun too! I went out for lunch with my honey, got to see a movie, and (most exciting of all.... ) slept in until 9:00!) But for whatever reason- this year just made me feel a little old!
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We spent New Years Eve celebrating 'Metzger Christmas'. It was so great to get everyone all together! We played games, ate wonderful food, and just got to catch up on life! My favorite moment was probably watching Clark and Evan sledding :)
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After the Christmas dash we still had a few days to complete some projects at home (that was technically January... so you'll have to wait for those photos ;) But we had a wonderful two weeks of family time. It was very much needed <3 <3
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And if you're wondering what the best gift I got was- my parents set up Clark's crib in their room so Steve and I got - get this- A WHOLE WEEK of sleeping in *together* until 8:00 (or later!)!! And did I mention Clark was sick through all of this??
Most.Amazing.Gift.Ever. ;)
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My in-law's stunning Christmas tree. I was kind of obsessed with it <3
Clark kept ripping the WWII books of the shelf and asking Poppi to read them. Apparently the aviation one was the winner.
Praying during Christmas Eve service
I had such high hopes of Clark looking at me and smiling lol. But, when the entire church is staring at you it can be a bit distracting!
Evie opening presents at 'Metzger Christmas'!
"Keep the gift. Just give me the bag!"
Pretty much sums up our Christmas. That and chocolate. The boy is obsessed.
Magnadoodle with Daddy
Stories by the Christmas tree
I look forward to this service all year. So beautiful <3 <3
Stockings hung by the chimney with care ;)
Wellllll this is the only photo I took Christmas morning. The only one.
Clark staring at the mountain of presents. Which I didn't even photograph. :-/
I swear- Next year I'm on it!
And I forgot to be in a picture this month. (Seriously- i need to get it together! lol)
But here's a photo of one of the two games where I destroyed the boys. It's early on but I'm on my way ;) 20 minutes was my record! PS this was at like 1:00 in the morning. Which is the latest I've willingly stayed up since... college?? It was worth it ;)
Wishing you SO MUCH joy in 2015.
Praying this year will see me draw nearer to my Savior, grow as a wife and mama, and improve as a photographer. I'm working on each of those goals :)
Lots of Love,
Jessi
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