It's the Holiday Season!

Alex and I are coming up on our second Christmas as a married love birds. We've found that we're enjoying this Christmas much more than last... particularly because last year we were just so excited to be married, we kind-of skipped over the "savoring Christmas" thing. Also we are both SO bad at surprises that we inevitably spoiled almost all of our gifts for eachother. We're not proud of it.. but we both grew from that experience, and this year we're doing much better!


We've been watching Christmas movies and enjoying the cold weather. (Yep, I said enjoying.) :) It makes the holiday season much more Christmas-y when there's snow on the ground. Agree? I love everything about this time of year.


Due to budget cuts and unable to work around work... this will be year #2 spent away from Oklahoma. Sigh. It's hard but I know that it will make the year we get to go back even more special. I'm crossing my fingers for next year, but if for some reason it doesn't work out- we're definitely going the year after. My brother will be home from the mish that year and hopefully the whole fam will be able to get together. You really learn to cherish the moments spent together when you don't see your family whenever you want.


Anyway, to update on our lives- our callings are going well. I'm gradually becoming more comfortable on the piano and I'm trying to help Alex get into his calling a little more. (On my day off this week, I spent 2 and a half hours cutting, coloring, pasting and creating little activities that went with his lesson. I also bought candy canes and taped a sign saying Merry Christmas on each little one. Alex was more than thrilled when he came home and even went as far as calling me a "life saver". Best wife? I think so!) I think after having a solid game plan, he gained more confidence and hopefully this Sunday he won't be over-run by little maniacs. Time will tell.


I want to post pictures of my decorated apartment, so that will come in a latter post. I also just realized that I haven't posted pictures of our new apartment (we've only been here since what, March!?)


Hello. My name is Rachel.. and I'm a procrastinator.


BUT on a much happier note, I have ideas for each and every one of my names on my little gift list, and I'm very proud of myself for the choices I've made. I pride myself on finding a thoughtful and personable gift, so I was stressing for a while about it. Not to fear, I prevailed and I'm so excited to give them out!

Don't you love this season? Mm..mm..mm.