Edited Anticipation List

I asked my sister to edit a blog post for me so I left it open on the computer and went on a couple of errands. After remembering never to go shopping on the Saturday before Christmas I came home and found that a number of my family members had helped themselves to editing my post. Due to the fact their editing is far more entertaining than my original, I'm going to show it to you.
(to clarify, my brother Carter goes to Virginia Tech whose students are called "Hokies")

I'm looking forward to . . .

My delightfully scented perfume waiting for me under the Christmas tree.  

My grandparents coming to visit us next week

Carter visiting for Christmas break

Christmas morning excitement

Getting Carter lots of presents

Spending time with people who have come home from college (Carter)

Eating an abundance of cranberry relish at Christmas dinner

Eating an abundance of oyster stuffing at Christmas dinner (example of real food, more on that later)

Seeing the Les Miserables movie (not, it's a lame movie)

A possible big trip in February (more on that later) (Visiting Carter)

The highlight of the year for me, Carter's birthday in November. I am heartbroken since I'll be missing at this monumental event.

Finishing my nutrition course (and starting to serve real food) (secondary editor's note: you wish!)

Game nights with friends (By that I mean watching the Hokies!!!)

Jumping to Enter Sandman at all the VT home games (Go Hokies!!!!)

Speaking French (possibly...)(like that's gonna happen)

Getting married, it's about time (email me if interested)

Giving Charlotte a signed (by pro surfer) surf board

What exciting things God might put into my life in the next year (see above)

A time when peace reigns

A place of no wars, fighting or tears, also known as Heaven. 

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful

Signs of Christmas

One of my favorite parts about Christmas is the fact that we have traditions. Activities, smells, or tastes that happen every December that remind us of Christmas past. Here are some of my family's:

Pomegranites. You pretty much only see them at Christmas. Is it because they are red and Christmas-y looking, or because they grow this time of year? I don't know. 

Papa's shortbread. 

He uses an old family recipe and uses an antique scale to measure the ingredients. No measuring cups allowed!

To anyone who has tasted this shortbread, the reason it's so good is because it contains 2 pounds of butter.

This year I have been taking extra time with my Christmas wrapping. These are two of the gifts I've wrapped so far.  

For gift tags I used a free downloadable template and printed it on a Trader Joe's bag that I cut down to size. I love it when people take the time to make a practical item beautiful.

Over the years our Christmas tree has turned into a memory tree. Instead of color coordinating our ornaments we collect ornaments throughout the year signifying our accomplishments, trips, and memories. 

The wee sifter is for our love of baking, and the chicken is from our chicken slaughtering project. 

This whistle is the one my Papa used when he was in the Australian Navy in the 50's. The car is one my dad used to play with as a boy. 

Some of our trips have included Versaille, skiing in Vail, and China. Being a communist country, it was difficult to find Christmas tree ornaments, instead we settled for hanging some money.

Interesting Words

I just found this web page that lists all sorts of unique and creative words. I've written some of my favorites here. Some are English, others French or German. 

Other Wordly

I have a serious case of fernweh

I am a paralian, how interesting sounding is that? 

Some words have a creative meaning and a beautiful sound. 

Who knew there was a word for this?

Now if I could only remember these words and use them in my everyday conversations.