1. I will give up my crazy wintergreen lifesaver mint addiction
2. I will not purchase a handbag until my birthday (this is going to be hard, but let’s see if I can do it)
3. I will start Photo-A-Day again, I loved this project and never finished the final month last time and I think documentation of the year I get married will be interesting
Bring on 2010!
This year was no different than any other, we had a total of nine christmases (one we couldn’t make), so we ended up going to eight. Usually when I tell someone about our multiple christmases they sigh and usually can’t fathom more than two. I admit it gets tricky, the planning, the organization, oh the organization, but secretly I love it. I mean I don’t know a quiet Christmas and that’s ok. I came to the realization that Christmas for me means noise, laughter, craziness and lots of love. And how lucky are we that so many love us?! So here we are 2009 and we survived the tricky weather, the constant baking and bed bugs (don’t ask). I’ll break down a few highlights of a truly marvelous Christmas.
#1 Alcantar/Sutherland Christmas celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A great time, with a crazy secret santa game. We were only missing three from the clan which is kind of crazy. It was so nice to get everyone together.
#2 Sutherland/McNear Christmas celebrated at Dad and Brenda’s house. Dad made a Mexican feast, it was delicious. We sat around and talked, did a little arguing, opened gifts and had a great time. The sad part is I only had my Sony camera (which everyone knows I hate) so unfortunately I mainly only took video, hence the lack of photos from this celebration.
#3 Smith Family Christmas celebrated at Deb’s complex. Unfortunately due to the weather a lot of family were unable to make it in, but we had a nice time with those who could.
#4 Verdon Tacky Christmas (dubbed my mother). As tradition we had an amazing brunch (a little later than usual, Chad had to work until noon). We opened stockings (which is one of my favorite things), opened too many gifts, which included a unique piece of artwork, some peace and an iPod.
#5 Cox Christmas celebrated at the Holiday Inn on Fleur. Because our family is so large it is hard to have Christmas at a house, so for many years we have gone to this hotel which offers plenty of space and entertainment for the kids in games and swimming. Kids opened their gifts. The adults did a recipe exchange for the gals and guys which was always fun. However, the weather started to get shaky, so many peeps left early…that was a little sad.
#6 Leeper Christmas celebrated in their hotel suite. It was so nice that whole family got to come down for Christmas and stay a few days. We got to spend a lot of time with them, other than we had to cancel on the Andersen Christmas because of snow. Stupid snow.
#7 Smith, Leeper, Parker, Horton Christmas celebrated at debs. We ended up being over an hour late due to snowplowing issues on our road and people getting stuck, but once we finally got there we had a great lunch. We did a movie/book exchange. Lexie got the gag gift “Submarine X-1” (2008 Bruce, 2007 Nick). Then we watched The Hangover and I played with cutie Emerson (Lex’s new doggie).
#8 Leeper Christmas celebrated at Paul & Wanda’s. We hot to hang out with the whole Leeper clan which was nice, unwrapped some gifts and played some games, well, I watched. Had a real nice time catching up with everyone.
#8.5 Leeperland Christmas celebrated at the House Of Leeperland. This year we held back a little due to the debacle that Nick calls our wedding. However, I did get some amazingly dorky things: The Tudors, The Sims 3 game, a vinyl sticker for my computer, Clue game made out of chocolate and a cloverleaf necklace. I got Nick a fancy universal remote, some fancy Calvin Klein undies (eat your heart out Marty McFly) and some candies.
if you haven’t seen this already it adorable. merry-day-before-christmas everyone!
Good lord it is almost Christmas and that means, my annual wish list appears for Santa to ponder over. This year I brought back the Camaro, apparently the big guy didn’t see it a few years ago and since I’m turning 30 this year I think it is time the Saturns move over and this baby moves in. Also, this list is heavy on the fashion, seven ModCloth dresses! I threw in two items from Tiffanys, a emerald ring costing as much as the Camaro and a “dream a little dream” bracelet that reminds me of grandpa.
And I can’t believe I’m doing this list already, I can’t believe Christmas is almost here, um, I haven’t even got my cards out yet (which is super awful for me). I even have some gifts I still need to buy. Yikes! I’ll stop babbling…here is this year’s list, enjoy!
And if you want to view the previous years
Feel free to purchase any or all items for me 
Merry Christmas!
