all is calm, all is bright

I have been trying to think of ways to encorperate the "real meaning" of Christmas into my daily life as I celebrate this glorious holiday.

David came up with the idea to share e-mails with each other encompassing "What I would give Christ for His Birthday" each day in December. As we read the Christmas Story out of the the Bible on Sunday, I think the story of Christ's birth had new meaning, more meaning to both of us because we had already been focusing on the Savior for the past few weeks. I am so grateful for such an incredible man in my life who inspires me and encourages me to focus on what is important this time of year. David you are the BEST!

Speaking of David, aside from spoiling me with umteen gifts...today the delivery truck arrived with one last gift, Red Converse Shoes! Ladies, if you don't have a man who listens to you enough to first, know you've wanted converse shoes for years...second, to know your favorite color is red...and third to be insightful enough to e-mail your friend and find out your shoe size and then have them delivered...I suggest you get one! I'm keeping David around for sure, but not because he sends me gifts...because he is Amazing!

WISHING YOU A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AND FANTASTIC NEW YEAR! HAPPY EVERYTHING!

city sidewalks, pretty sidewalks

There is no more exciting place to be at Christmas time than in the heart of New York City! From the window display's on fifth avenue, to the tree in Rockerfellar Center I totally fall in love with Manhattan each December.

This year however, I had some special visitors (wink). The first being Aunt Janene and Uncle Warren, who I don't have many pictures of but...we went to dinner for meat loaf at a local restaurant and then to see Billie Elliot on Broadway. BEST BROADWAY AROUND right now in my opinion. Aunt Janene and Uncle Warren are a hoot and I am so lucky to have such awesome family who come all the way from Texas to Enjoy Manhattan.

To make the season particularly special, my boyfriend David (yes family and friends...I did say boyfriend) came to New York for a visit this past weekend. It was his first time in this part of the country. Although nearly all of our plans fell through to do a gigantic snowstorm, we had a delightful time and loved just being together. It was *Magical*

Here's a few pics to capture our wonderful time in the city!

holiday frosting

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving is the day I put up my Christmas Tree. I anticipate this day every year. This year my tree is small, but it smells like pine and gingerbread and is perfect for my little cottage here in New England. I wanted the children I nanny to help me decorate it. All three of them helped me make the ornaments out of gingerbread cookies and yarn. We dressed the tree with lights and ribbons and Madeline drew and cut out a star. Because the children are Jewish and aren't accustomed to trees in thier home this time of year, this was a fun activity for them...just as lighting the Manorah will be for me in a couple of weeks at Hanukkah time.

I completed my decorating with a Christmas Blanket and pillow and I have to say I am loving every minute I get to spend retreating and wrapping presents while listening to my holiday playlist on iTUNES in this room.





Tonight I helped the kids I nanny decorate Gingerbread Houses, also a holiday tradition for me. It's been so fun to see the wonder in thier eyes and the creativity each of them possess. I heart these kids, I heart my job and I especially heart Christmas and all that comes with it.




Hope your season has been as Merry and Bright as mine so far!