2013: Merry Christmas 2014: Happy New Year

Merry Christmas (just a little late)! The family had a great Christmas; lots of presents and lots of smiles. We took the time this year to take time and serve at The Road Home. Although a somewhat cliche gesture during the holiday season, it was very enjoyable and we felt extremely blessed and honored to do it. Service will alway bring you blessings. No matter how big or small those blessings are, it will be just what you need at that moment in time.

 ^These are the Christmas lights that are hanging around my apartment bedroom. Mary and I decided that in order to get into the holiday spirit, we needed some sign that it actually was Christmas in our bedroom. They're very nice lights and they give a warm glow to our room at night. Honestly, I don't think I'll be taking them down for a while; I've grown used to drifting off to their soft glow

This was the haul "under" the Christmas tree this year. I wanted to recreate what Alex and I have done for the past few Christmas holidays, even though he isn't here to celebrate with us this year. We did get to skype him, though (picture below)! It was so nice to be able to talk with him and see how happy he is on his mission. They weren't expensive gifts, but everyone got more than one gift from me. 

 Santa's elves weren't very pleased with Mary this year ;)

 Mary's "white elephant" gift from me. She loved it!

 The family just being, well, the family. 

 Dad and his new lifeproof case for his iphone; needless to say he was pretty happy about this gift.

Mom's gift from Jordan; a brand new purse. A larger one, too. She was pretty happy about her gifts, too. One of which consisted of a kitchen aid, complete with recipe book and all the little tools it can come with.

Now, on to NEW YEARS! We met up with the family later for the Barrio 5o Nuevo Ano Fiesta ;).

James and Jordan were more than a little excited for the new year, and honestly, so was I. New Year means somewhat of a fresh start. Last year was a tough one and there are a lot of things that I wish could have been easier, but this year will be better because I'm going to make it that way. My goals are to earn my Associates degree, move out and away, possibly out of state and work hard. This year is going to be a good one, no matter what.

The family just after the New Year mark, minus Alex of course.

 Jordan hung out me for the last little bit of the party; he's such an awesome kid!

 James, when I catch him off guard, has some of the most normal looks ever. (please excuse the upside down picture and Jordan being weird in the background)

Jordan tried to soak James in carbonated water; lucky for James, he moved just in time. Jordan was still under the impression that he had succeeded in this picture.

Here's to a brand New Year and creating many more memories to cherish!