I’ve officially been off work for a week & one day, & it has been glorious. At first I thought A week and a half off work is going to feel like forever! Well, it hasn’t felt like forever. Shuffling between family last week & finally coming home Monday night, this week has flown by. It seriously couldn’t have gone by more quickly if it sprouted wings and possibly an engine. But it’s been filled with wonderful things, like spending time with Michael, drinking lots of tea, reading from my new Kindle {!!}, making big plans for the new year, & doing minimal housework. Every time I sat down in front of the computer it felt a little too familiar, a little too much like work, so I vetoed blogging in favor of more tea drinking and reading. I’m on my third book since last Wednesday! I have lots of thoughts & feelings about my new Kindle, but I’ll save those for another time.
Right now I wanted to emerge from my staycation coma, wish everyone a happy new year, & share a few photos. I had intended to do this before Christmas and, well, time got away from me, with its wings & engine & what have you. My mom is of the belief that it is perfectly acceptable to keep your Christmas decorations up until at LEAST the 1st of the year, & while mine have already been taken down, a little late Christmas card never hurt anyone. If we had sent out Christmas cards this year (which we didn’t, because a) I ran out of time, & b) have you SEEN the price of stamps?!), this is probably what they would have looked like:
These photos were taken on the front porch of our little brown house, & I love them. Every year I like to take a photo of us holding the number representing how long we’ve been married. I think one day, it will be fun to make a scrapbook & look back at all the photos. Thanks to my friend Melanie for snapping these.
Christmas this year was really special for both sides of our family. The gifts are always fun, & we did get some lovely ones, but what will stick with me is remembering the little things. My dad reading a story to us while we sat around the fireplace. Michael’s brother and his wife announcing that another baby will be entering the family this summer. My mom teaching me how to sew on my new sewing machine. Our family’s inside joke about green bean casserole. Having all my family together in one place, & knowing that the older we get, every time that happens is nothing short of a small miracle. Playing Apples to Apples with my other side of the family, and realizing that I’m getting closer to them with every year that passes. Snuggling up with my husband who never ceases to make me feel warm and loved. These are the things I will carry with me from this Christmas. I hope you made some wonderful memories, too.
Also, Happy Holidays from Santa Pancho & his less-than-enthusiastic reindeer, Leia. If only you knew what I had to go through to get these photos. IF ONLY YOU KNEW.
Desi says:
I love your pictures and your hair. I have told you before, but it looks awesome. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Cio says:
these photos make me miss you guys so much!
Your hair looks FABBBBBBBBBulous.
I’m so glad you had a wonderful Christmas!
as it should be! ( i did too, *see dearkay for details)
Santa Pancho and reindeer. I LAUGHED SO HARD, a maintenance guy came to see what happened. lol
I can just IMAGINE what happened in order for these photos to appear. hahahaha!
Happy New Year Owen! xoxo
Clare says:
You’re gorgeous, Lauren! I love the numbers idea. When a family friend got married, all of the tables at the reception had a photo of the bride and groom holding up the number for that table- they had done a photoshoot especially for it. Very creative!
Kayleigh says:
I’d like to interject & possibly stop this comment string (board? section?) from revisiting the events of the “big news” hoopla from a few weeks back.
“3″ means Three Years of Marriage.
Amy --- Just A Titch says:
So, I wasn’t being a careful reader (I know, I’m an ENGLISH TEACHER for goodness sakes) and I saw the 3 and I was ready to shriek with joy. But then I did.
What a lovely Christmas post—glad it was wonderful. Happy New Year!
jimaiemarie says:
Your hair looks so beautiful that shade of red! i love it! I’m sad we didn’t send out a Christmas card this year but I’m guessing every other year is what I should probably go with due to the cost of the whole production (aye yi yi!) But I love the idea of a digital one! Why didn’t I think of that? You’re so smart Lauren :) you two are adorable as always and I hope you have an amazing time ringing in the New Year together!
Liz says:
I’m so happy to have *met* you in this crazy blogging world because you’re slowly turned into one of my dearest friends who I can talk to about most anything. Love you! {and this post}. <3
Jill says:
Doesn’t the time off work just make you wish for like…an entire summer vacation or Christmas vacation, like in college? ugh, those were the days.
Tara says:
You guys are such a cute couple! also, your dogs are ridiculously adorable! I’m glad you’re enjoying your time off
Jess@StraightTalk says:
Sounds like an amazingly wonderful holiday. Happy New Year to a super cute couple.
Thea says:
I am in love with Pancho in his sweater! I have two chihuahuas and neither of them is big on apparel, but it doesn’t stop me from trying ;) Milo will put up with me, but Libby just goes stiff and falls over on her side refusing to move.
Claire says:
Coffee soon? :]
Kathleen says:
Lauren, I absolutely love being your friend! Happy new year, and I can’t wait to hang out with you again. :)
Reen says:
Perhaps you & Myke get the Cutest Couple Ever award. PERHAPS! Loves you guys.
Melanie says:
Sean is making fun of me right now because im laughing my head off at leia’s photo. Im so glad you have had such a lovely break! It is much deserved!
Stephany says:
My heart stopped when I saw that “3″, even though I knew it didn’t mean “A baby makes 3!” ;)
I wish nothing but the best for you in 2011, Lauren! It’s been so much fun getting to know you this year!
MelissaOklahoma says:
Your Christmas card would have looked terrific! :) I didn’t send a card out either…
Also, lovin’ Santa and his reindeer! Such cute close ups! By the way – what kind of dogs are they? I’m sure you’ve said before.
Nora says:
awww, adorable photos. I was with you on the staycation thing; less computer, more enjoying! I hardly touched my computer the whole time I was on vacation and it was glorious :)
And kudos on three years of marriage!
Happy New Year!
Pene says:
You two really make a very handsome couple!