The Surprisingly Perfect Christmas

Children
Hershey's
Rambling
Ideal
Stockings
True family
Magic
Always
Snow

:)

No more Christmas Countdown; Christmas is now.

Wow. You know that feeling--that warm, glow-y feeling--when you can't think of anything that would make something better?

When you clean your room well, and it just feels perfect.
When you see a blanket of snow without any footprints.
When you hear a beautiful song.
When you taste the perfect batch of cookies.

When you have the best Christmas ever.

I hope y'all's Christmases were as good as mine. I got lots of good stuff--stuff that I'm happy about--but when I stop and think, I can honestly say that the best part of today has been the people.

I was really starting to worry that this Christmas was gonna be another personal flop. Last night I was freaking out again, over-analyzing and basically ruining Christmas for myself. Then, I remembered the original problem and mentally slapped myself: "Kendra. This was the entire point of your thoughts this Christmas. I mean, it wasn't even a month ago that you figured out your problem was trying too hard. And what do you call this??"

I decided right then and there that this year would be the best Christmas ever. And you know what?

I think it was.

I woke up, and found Baby Jesus lying in his manger on the table in the big room downstairs. Taking him up in my arms, Lizzy and I climbed the stairs with our parents, giddy with the idea that this is the day we've all been waiting for.

Through the hall, across the living room, to the hearth in front of the fire.
My "stocking" on the left, Lizzy's on the right.
I see an iHome!! Lizzy squeals at a new scooter--one actually big enough for someone over the age of six.
My eyes fall on a calender reading: "1,000 Places To Visit Before You Die", and I love it right away.
I take in a memory card for the digital camera I opened last night, and I see a tiny glass bunny waiting for me to smile at it.
There's lots of candy, too, and a puzzle that's a sphere.
A Santa for my collection, and the Lover of Learning statue-doll I've been wanting.
Out of the stocking I pull candy, Bath&Body Works stuff, and more.

Everything is wonderful, and we watch my parents open their "stockings", too.

A little later, my grandma shows up with her bags of pre-picked-out gifts for us. I unwrap all the clothes I picked out and loved. I still love them.

Soon Mr. Keith-from-church comes to enjoy Christmas morning with us.

Not long after, as I'm putting the finishing pieces into my Jacob Black sphere puzzle, our neighbors come over for Christmas brunch.

Minutes behind are Matt and Katie.

Breakfast is huge: grits, two dozen eggs, biscuits, bacon, ham and orange juice.

I will discontinue the picturesque, poetry-like talk for a while because I hate writing in present tense and just realized I'd been doing it. *dreamy feeling vanishes rudely*

So, Matt (little brother) drank, like, half a bottle of orange by himself ;) while he and Cody thought of all the different angles of cannibalism (inspired by Cavender's cannibal peeps theme. Ask him for more details XD).

Examples the Two Came Up With:

- feeding a pig bacon
- feeding a chicken eggs
- feeding cheese to cheese...thanks for pointing that out, Cody...LOL.
- feeding a cow milk. (To this I said, "Well, that's not really cannibalism seeing how calves DO drink milk." Cody replied, "Oh, but it's probably goat's milk." >incredulous silence on my part< Then I was like, "From the cow's udders?" Cody: "...ohh, yeah..."
- feeding your nose a booger (Thank you, MATT.)

After eating a lot of good food, we kids went downstairs and played Outburst Junior. That was pretty awesome :) Matt and Katie found their presents under the tree, but I wouldn't let them touch them. (Well, sort of. Matt touched them anyway. *grumbles*)

Cue cross opening.

Yay, Lizzy! What a cute idea!! So great for the first Christmas in the new house. Perfect. You'll have to wait and see it when I post pictures ;)

After the neighbors left, everyone (AKA, my mom and Mrs. Martha) decided to point out the fact that Matt is getting bigger than I am. *glare* Thank you, I really would like everyone to just take a moment and notice that. *grumble* Just kidding...mostly. But it is irritating to say the least not to be able to actually hold him back when he tries to steal my last cookie, etc.

The funniest part was the feet thing. Matt got really nice new boots for Christmas, and

They.

Are.

MASSIVE. Truly MASSIVE.

I wear a size 11 in women's shoes, which is nearly unheard-of-ly big. I put my foot next to Matt's boots, and HOLY JEEZ THEY LOOK SMALLISH. I put his boots on, too (don't tell him, okay?) and they were roomy to say the least XD

Lizzy's getting taller than me, too. Well, not yet, but her legs are like two inches longer than mine, easy. She's gettin' there. But I don't really mind that much. It doesn't bother me that she's getting taller than I am like it does that Matt is. Weird, huh?

Lizzy got a scooter for Christmas, an iHome, cute clothes (that she said she'll let me wear!!!), a scooter, and assorted other cutenesses and candy.

I got lots of awesome stuff that I mostly already mentioned, but I got a cool journal, too. I wanted to mention the journal individually, haha!

Katie did not get a dog for Christmas. NO, REALLY? *SHOCK* :P Luckily we had gotten it through to her that she REALLY WASN'T GETTING A DOG, so she wasn't disappointed. *whew* But she got really cute stuff anyway. An awesome outfit that made me "jealous", a swing that will attach to your CEILING, and bunches else.

Matt got coats, boots, a camcorder (:O), a PS3 (um, I *think* that's what it is...), and more. Yay!

After everyone left, we watched my present to Lizzy: the Wizards of Waverly Place Movie. Complete with extended scenes, a rock that changes colors, special features, and, of course, wonderful older-brother-little-sister moments. *sniff sniff*

I really can't tell you how awesome today has been. I mean, if there was ever a You-Had-To-Be-There moment, this is it. I feel sorry for anyone who didn't share Christmas with us, because when you share it with friends like this, it just doesn't get any better.

Merry Christmas, bloggers. Let's always remember the reason for the season: the pregnant teenage girl, the confused (of course) guy, and the little baby that would save us all.

(Just one more time: don't you love God's sense of irony???)

~Kendra (the signature isn't working correctly, sorry!)

P.S. Pictures taken with my VERY OWN NEW CAMERA THAT I LOVE (even though it's purple XD) coming soon!

Two in One...Sorry!!

First of all, WHOA. Thanks for following, Hannah Ross, Miss Zara and LaSara! Y'all rock :) Sorry I couldn't find links for Hannah and Miss Zara, though :'(

Sorry I didn't post yesterday! Gosh, I had the post all ready, really, I just wanted to put some finishing touches on it and never got around to it. Here it is, all finished:
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We finished the first season of Alias. Amazing episode, but the worst cliff hanger I've ever seen. Imagine having to wait an entire summer to see the next season!!!!!!

So, Will got tortured, though, and he cried. *hyperventilatingshudder* Y'all know I'm not good with that, but be proud of me; I was okay. I felt like bawling or going into shock (LOL), but I watched it all. I hate how I suck at taking guys' screaming, so I'm working on the whole toughen-up-and-deal-with-it part XD

So, other than that, I went to a Christmas party today! It was kind of awkward, because I don't have mutual friends to talk about with these people, though. They kept talking about people that I didn't know. And they're all masters of innuendos and twisting things. It was pretty okay, though, I'm definitely glad I went. I just hope they don't all think I'm a total dork XD I got a really cute journal and a Hershey bar as a Christmas present, though :)

I've also been doing a lot of serious thinking about lots of people. I should go into more detail so you don't feel like you've bee gypped, but I don't think I will ;P But I could use prayer, and so could one of my friends, if you don't mind? That'd be great :-/

Okay, there are only three days until Christmas. Three.

Tres.

Trois.

Tria.

THREE.

So, what do we do when there are only three days until Christmas?

Christmas Jokes, how about?

1. What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? It's Christmas, Eve. (WOW, that was lame.)

2. What do you get if you eat your Christmas decorations? Tinselitus.

3. Why did the elf push his bed into the fireplace? He wanted to sleep like a log.

MERRY THREE-DAYS-UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!
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So, now there are only--get ready for this--TWO DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!! But we'll get to that in a minute.

Today, my family hung out with another family (descriptive, right?). I've mentioned these guys before: Daniel (14, but awesome), Emily (12?), and Caleb (...10?). We went and saw the movie The Blind Side.

Now, no offense to those of you who like them, but I hate inspirational movies. I hate them. To me, they are all the same: the underdog with a bad past gets someone who finally believes in him. They help him out, something bad happens, someone dies, he stops trusting them, and then it ends happily. The entire point of those movies is to make you happy, but to give you the illusion of happiness, they must first make you sad as crap so they can then lift your spirits back up with inspiration.

-.-

Yeah, I hate inspirational movies. Guess what?

I LOVED THE BLIND SIDE.

I mean, WOW. This is an amazing movie. Shockingly *amazing*. I recommend it to anyone. Everything about it was really good. Just see it. It's truly awesome.

Then, my dad dropped Lizzy and me off at good ol' Barnes & Noble, where Cavender and I "happened" to bump into each other XD Yay for texting!

Then, we went to get Matt (little brother) a Christmas present. He had showed me this remote control car he wanted when we were out before. He's very good at subtle hinting. NOT. LOL, his exact words: "Kendra, come 'ere." *drags me over* "This is what you want to get me for Christmas. That one." *points* "See it? That one, right th--No, wait, THIS one...Ooh..."

:)

So, we went to get it. But, it turns out it's a slot car. In the words of Kyle and Cavender, "FAIL." So we ended up getting him a trick kite.

*blink*

I really hope Matt doesn't read this blog secretly...Nah, LOL.

Then, we came home, ate dinner, and decorated a friend's neighbor's house for Christmas. He's having a rough time with his family, lonely for Christmas, so we decided to surprise him with Christmas cheer, LOL :)

I'm freezing and my stomach hurts. But it is all good, my friend(s).

So, anyway, Christmas Countdown!!! Two days :D TWO DAYS. Here we go...

TWO FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS (as suggested by Cavender and approved by Kyle, LOL):

1. The Cross Collection. Every year, someone in my family makes a small cross. Usually, the cross will represent something or be made of something you've done throughout the year. Something that's defined you, or something that you've been interested in lately. The first year my mom taught eighth grade, she made a cross with Greek letters on it, because she had to learn and teach Greek. My dad has made a lot of stuff with woodworking. When Lizzy was little, it was her turn and Daddy helped her make a little cross out of Play-Doh :) Last year, I wrote a cross. It's a poem about the cross, but it's not cross-shaped. I thought it was a cool idea, haha :) This year it's Lizzy's turn again. Wonder what she'll do...?

2. Christmas dollhouse :) I won't go into this more because I've been talking about it a lot lately, but yeah. I love that.

Also, COMING TOMORROW:

AWARDS!!!! :)

MERRY TWO-DAYS-UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!

On the 17th Day of Christmas...

First: Thanks, Emma, for following! Hope you're enjoying the Christmas Countdown :)

Okay, so it's really just seventeen days till :) SEVENTEEN DAYS!!

I love counting down to Christmas, but in a way it's sad :( I almost don't WANT Christmas to come because I love everything about the season!

Alright, now for the Christmas Countdown, a Christmas tag with seventeen questions!

1. Do you believe Jesus is the reason for the season?
Of course!

2. What is your favorite Christmas beverage?
Hot chocolate with peppermint in it :)

3. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Yes. Every year someone in my family makes a cross. Last year was my mom's turn and she made a cross out of all the different materials that went into the new house! This year is Lizzy's turn. Wonder what she'll do...?

4. What do you do on Christmas Eve?
We got to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at my church and then we each get to open one present :)

5. What do you do on Christmas Day?
We wake up and find Baby Jesus in the manger! We have a real wooden manger and a doll that's been "Baby Jesus" for as long as I can remember. All leading up to Christmas we get to see the waiting manger...and then on Christmas Day, HE IS COME! :)

6. What is your favorite Christmas song?
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

7. Do you usually have a white Christmas?
No, sadly.

8. How long did you believe in Santa?
I never did. My mom sort of wanted me and Lizzy to, but my dad said he felt betrayed and lied to when he found out the truth and didn't want that to happen to us. Looking back, I probably would have felt the same way.

9. Who’s your favorite reindeer?
Well, it's a tie between Dancer and Blitzen. Why? I'm a Dancer myself, of course, but Blitzen's is German for "lightning"! Did you know that? And Donner (originally Donder) means "thunder"!

10. What’s the best thing about Christmas to you?
The feeling of love and cheer leading up to the special day.

11. When do you put up your Christmas tree?
Usually the first week in December

12. Do you hang mistletoe?
Nope ;)

13. Does Santa wrap the presents or just stick them under the tree?
Just stick 'em under the tree. The elves do the wrapping!

14. Do you prefer giving or receiving?
Well, both are special, obviously. I don't want to see stuck up and perfect, but I really love giving. I love that anticipation when someone you love is opening your gift!

15. What do you want most for Christmas out of everything in the world, material and nonmaterial?
An older brother, duh ;)

16. Do you go to lots of parties, parades, etc. during the Christmas season?
YES! We have an Open House every year where my mom makes tons of Christmas goodies and people come eat them with us :) My little town also always has a big parade. There are always plenty of festivities this time of year.

17. Describe Santa.
Oh boy! Well, Santa is not like other grown-ups. Santa never gets angry, though sometimes he's disappointed, and he manages to understand all children. He never tells them they should be more like someone else, he always appreciates them for who they are and where they are. He looks for the good in everything and everyone. He's a master of jokes, and his laugh is the most contagious you'll ever hear! His beard is fluffy and white, his belly round, his cheeks rosy and his laugh jolly. Always gentle and definitely wise, Santa is the essence of all things wonderful: laughter, kindness, generosity, wit, humor, fun, joy, wisdom and honor. Yay, Santa!

Now I tag...EVERYONE!! But be sure to tell me you're doing the tag so I can go read your answers!