Saturday, December 31, 2011

Cheers to 2012


So, 2011 hasn't been that great to Cassie.  It wasn't all bad, but some not-so-good things happened that were pretty devastating.  Let's leave it at that for the moment.  I'm ready to move past it all and have a fresh start in 2012.


Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Undecorating

Didn't I just put up the Christmas tree and decorations?  Seems like yesterday, yet it's time to take it all down and put it away. 


I put up a small tree this year.  When I was getting ready to decorate it, I decided to put on all my red ornaments.  I used the same red bow that I made last year.  The all red tree worked for me this year.  Simple and easy. 

I also put up the wreath that I made a few years ago.  It's served me well the past three years.  Not to brag or anything, but I love this wreath!


How sad that it's time to put it all away!  Would it be so bad to leave it out a few more days weeks? 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas 2011

I'm home from an awesome Christmas in Lineville......and boy am I tired!  We crammed a lot into 4 days.  There was tons of food and fun.  We all got some good gifts and had fun playing with them.  I did get a couple of things from my list (perfume and nightgown). 

On Christmas Eve, we made gingerbread houses.  It was fun and messy and more work than I expected.  I had to work extra hard because I trash talked the whole time about my gingerbread house decorating skills.  I think it distracted everyone else and I did end up with the best house.  From left to right, the houses are Cassie, Noah, Brandi, Bryan, and Jonah.


The boys were more than happy to go to bed early that night.  Though at 5:30 am Christmas morning, I needed a little more sleep.  Seriously, 5:30 am.  There is not enough coffee in Clay County....Brandi and I had thought we would be in a big rush that morning to get everything done and get to church by 10:30.  Needless to say, we had plenty of time.  Presents, playing, monkey bread, showering/hair washing, etc.  Plenty of time.  The church service was nice and I enjoyed going to church actually on Christmas Day.  For lunch, I crashed the Amason family Christmas gathering.  They welcomed me with plenty of food and even a couple of gifts.  I should start crashing all of the Amason gatherings!

As is we hadn't done enough (eaten enough, opened enough presents), we had our family Christmas that night.  Everyone gathered at my parent's house.  We opened presents before dinner.  The boys got an Xbox Kinnect.  So exciting!  We played after dinner and more the next day.  There are pictures and videos - all of which I hope are never published! 

Today, we shopped and saw a movie.  The boys waited for me to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunk movie - Chipwrecked.  It was really cute.  We had lunch at Cracker Barrel, too.  It was pancakes and bacon all around (except Mema had a salad).  I am very proud of myself for only buying a few after-Christmas-sale items.  I needed a few more gift bags. 

All in all, it was a great Christmas.  I enjoyed spending time with my family.  They know how to make me feel loved and appreciated.  I wish I could have stayed with them longer.  Sadly, there is much work to be done and I have to get back to it. 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Angels

Since I shared my wish list, let's switch gears to see what some special little ones are getting for Christmas. 

Each year, my church participates in Angel Tree festivities with other local churches.  I picked up three angels this year.  One was a teenage girl who wanted a gift card to Justice.  Having once been a teenage girl, I can definitely appreciate that!  I did get to shop for the other two children and had so much fun selecting items for them. 

I had a little girl that is 3.  Her list had three toy wishes and no clothing needs - so I got to buy all toys.  I got her a Tinkerbell dress up outfit, a baby doll with stroller and pretend baby food, Dora the Explorer doll, and a couple other small things. 



I also had a five year old little boy.  He wanted a basketball goal.  You should have seen me in Toys R Us trying to get this thing in a cart/to the register/in my car/etc.  Whew!  He also got some cars and motorcycle toys.  


All of the churches joining together at a festival to give the gifts to the parents.  The kids have snacks and games, while the parents load up the goodies.  Last year at the festival, I helped with games.  This year, I worked at the table where all the parents checked in to get the gifts.  What a blessing to have been a part of that.  They were all so appreciative.  While checking in a lady, she gave me her ID numbers and I realized they were the kids that I shopped for.  I told her that and I think she almost hugged me.  She wanted me to meet the kids, but I wasn't able to leave the table.  I told that that I had enjoyed shopping for them and hope they enjoyed the gifts. 

This year, more than any other, I needed to be a part of this.  Even when I am not feeling like it, I am so blessed.  I need to take more time to thank God for what I have instead of questioning things.  I pray that I am able to accept God's plan for my life.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Friday's Five Faves - Christmas Wish List

I realize it's a little late to be publishing a Christmas wish list.  But, here it is anyway.  I *think* that I may be getting a couple of these items, but I know some of them are simply wishes.  If you are looking for any last minute gift ideas.....

1.  New perfume - Marc Jacobs Oh Lola.  I've been sampling this for a while at Sephora and am ready to take the plunge. 


2.  Keurig coffee maker - this has been on my wish list for several years. 


3.  Nightgown - requirements are knee-length and long-sleeved. 


4.  Lexus RX - I used to have this type of car and I miss it so much. 



5.  Clarisonic brush - imagine how clean my skin could be!!  It would be like getting a facial every day!




Really, though, I'm excited to spend some time with my family.  I love being with my nephews on Christmas morning.  It's always fun to see what Santa brought for them.  And, let's be honest, kids make everything more fun! 

Merry Christmas everyone!


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Cassie's Chronicle

Here it is.....my all new blog!  A chronicle (by definition) is a historical account of facts and events arranged in chronological order.  Typically, equal weight is given for historically important events and local events, the purpose being the recording of events that occurred, seen from the perspective of the chronicler.  I will be your chronicler, though I can't promise that things will always be in chronological order!  You will learn WAY too much about me and what's up with me at any given moment.  Some of it will be pretty uneventful, but I'll document it anyway.  Even the boring moments have their place in time. 

As I said, I can't promise chronological order.  I will promise to be honest, open, and myself.  I will also try my best to post regularly. 

Enjoy!