Ten on Tuesday

1. Everyone in my family is still very excited about our little Cole. Although I didn't make it to the hospital to see everyone today, I will be going tomorrow. I actually talked to Emily earlier and she reported that everyone had a pretty good day, and that Cole had been sleeping well for the better part of the evening. He had his hearing test and a few other tests this evening, which I was told that he did well on. Tomorrow is the big day that they come home...I'm sure that they are all ready to come home and get settled. Also, thanks to everyone for all of the well wishes, prayers, and congratulations; everyone is most grateful!

2. Yesterday was quite the day for everyone, as last night was Wyatt's Christmas program. Although the drive up there left much to be desired, what with the pouring rain, howling winds, and reckless drivers, the program itself was cute! I also happened to see some of Tevis's cousins who go to school at Garber, so I talked to them for a while. On a high note, it stopped raining during the course of the program, so the drive home was ten times better!

3. I think I am coming down from my baby high from yesterday, as I had no energy to accomplish anything today. The weather did not help at all; in fact, it was conducive for being lazy. Also, I don't think I ate enough yesterday, in the midst of the excitement, so I was feeling a little off kilter for a while.

4. My biggest accomplishment for the day was getting three of my five aprons sewed. Thank heavens that they go together quickly, and that they were already cut out, otherwise I wouldn't be as far as I am now. I also got some embroidery work done on my dad's apron this weekend, as a fun touch. Gina's mother-in-law, Mary, has an embroidery machine, and she is gracious enough to let us use it if we need something embroidered. I decided to have the phrase "Real Men Don't Use Recipes" embroidered on the front pocket of the apron. I can't wait to see it all put together!

5. I can't believe that Christmas is in five, almost four days. Sheesh, where has the time gone?

6. I have yet to wrap any of my presents. I should probably get on that in the next couple of days, but with everything else that has been happening, that kind of thing really isn't at the front of my mind like it usually is. It makes me wish that we could postpone Christmas for another week, but I know that everything will be just fine in the end, and these little details really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. I have to remember to stay in the spirit of the season, and to remember to slow down and enjoy it for what it is; the details take care of themselves eventually.

7. I love listening to Mannheim Steamroller CDs. They have beautiful renditions of my favorite Christmas songs, with my favorites being Carol of the Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Silent Night. I recommend them if you are looking for some nice instrumental music during the Christmas season.

8. Our family Christmas tree is finally up! With Cody & Kyle's help, I got it decorated. Now it just needs some presents beneath it to look complete! On a related note, I think that we will have Mimi over on Christmas Eve before Mass, which is at 5:00 this year. (I wish it was a little later, to be perfectly honest, but no one asked for my opinion.) Our Christmas day plans are to have everyone over for lunch (I think?). Tevis is supposed to be coming over at some point on Christmas Eve, although I have no clue as to what time yet. All of our plans are slowly falling into place.

9. I am excited to make my newest cheesecake recipe, the Red Velvet Cheesecake! I have high hopes for it, and I hope that it doesn't disappoint!

10. I have said it before, but I'll say it again: I love being an aunt to my five nephews. My nephews are undoubtedly one of the best things that have ever happened to me. Honestly, they teach me more than I could ever possibly teach them, and I am eternally grateful for this fact. They humble me, and they help me to remember to look at the world through the rose-colored glasses of a child. They help me to keep a positive outlook on life and not get caught up in the cynicism of adulthood. Although I am not always the fun aunt who buys them frivolous things (I am aunt practical who is perpetually buying clothes and books for them.), I hope that the memories I make with them are more valuable than anything money can buy. I cherish all of the time I spend with them, as I know that a day might come when it isn't "cool" to hang out with crazy old Aunt Amanda.

A good night to everyone, and good tidings to all for a good Christmas celebration!
(PS-My computer/Internet are still not cooperating; one day I WILL get pictures of Cole on here.)