Holiday Ramblings

So, I can barely find time to wrap a single present.  Therefore, uploading, editing, and downloading photos is next to impossible these days! So...no pictures.  Humor me anyway, by reading and pretending that you come to this blog more than to just stare at the holy cuteness that is Luke. 

I am so in love with the holidays this year!  We are settled and there is no move on the horizon.  What a feeling that is!!  Here are some holiday musings from the Tully matriarch:

1. Having a 3.5 year old at Christmas time is so fantastic!!!  He believes, he is in awe, and he is VERY excited. 
2. Opening the advent calendar door (thanks Mit!) is Luke's favorite part of the day.
3. Our neighborhood has carolers, like for real...people who carry candles and come to your door and sing to you while you and your sure to be barking dog stand behind the glass and listen and smile.  Caroling day is next monday.  Do you clap??
4. I am all for these Yankee swap Christmas gifts exchanges.  I always buy something that I would love because I am totally not above "stealing" my own gift back!!!
5. Luke's Christmas show was yesterday.  I could have died, it was so cute!!!  Luke was dressed in his corduroy khakis, and an argyle sweater (thanks Daney!), with a red t-shirt peaking out underneath.  All the kiddos were dressed as if there was a prize for the most festive.  They sang five or six songs.  Luke knew the words, refused to do any of the accompanying hand motions, and yawned 4 times. Hilarious.  It was the best 20 minutes of my life!!! 
6. I find myself nearly meeting the mail lady at the mailbox in hopes of a Christmas card influx. 
7. Speaking of Christmas cards, I was convinced that displaying them instead of stacking them was far more festive. 
8.  At this time of year I find myself reminiscing about all the places we have called home and all the people that have become a part of our lives.  We are blessed by each and every one of them and I have some friends that I miss terribly and  I would give anything to have an afternoon cup of hot chocolate with them.
9. Amie's blanket is on the couch.
10.  I can barely contain my excitement of the impending holiday reunion with my dear, sweet, pants were once truly on fire,  Melanie!  2 years is wayyyyyyyy too long. 
11.  "Treasure" (the Elf on the Shelf) has joined our holiday family.  What a genius idea that is!  We love it.  Luke seems to find him equal parts cute, fun, and creepy.
12. Riggs is wearing a Christmas bandana.  Luke has decided that Riggs would enjoy a squirrel for Christmas.  I am sure Luke is thinking stuffed....I am thinking he would rather have a real one. :)
13.  Our Christmas Eve plans make me smile from ear to ear.  I love Christmas Eve for it's silence, peace, anticipation, and sense of family.  This year we are spending it with our South Carolina family, our dear and beloved neighbors.  Dinner here, church, and hot chocolate and cookies there. Perfection.
14. Santa comes through our neighborhood on a fire truck and throws candy.  A little boy's dream.
15. Candles from Gram in the windows.
16.  We are hosting the Sunderlin crew for New Years!  CANNOT WAIT! 
17. We have a real tree
18. I promise that there will soon be pictures of cookie decorating, tree decorating, present opening, family gathering, gingerbread house constructing, and holiday goodness galore!  I just need to find some time....my Christmas wish...more time.