YAY!!!!! On the 25th of December 2010, Tim and I celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple. All month I've enjoyed decorating our apartment in preparation. We even bought a six and a half foot fake tree (pre-lit). My mom was very sweet and let me have some of her collection of ornaments and decorations. Her contribution really helped our home to feel more "Christmasy". Thanks Mom!
Patrick came up two weeks before Christmas. He'd just had surgery on his ankle and, since he had to take time off anyways, he figured that healing while hanging out with us was an awesome idea. We all agreed with him (and still do). Plus, Ireland was a package deal. She is adorable! It was nice to have time to get to know her again. I was there the week she was born and saw her two other times (one being my wedding). It's crazy how much she changes every time we get to see her. She can sign like 30+ words which makes communication a piece of cake. She's also the toughest, happiest, most social little girl I've ever seen. Watching her and Gabe interact was entertaining to say the least. Oh my goodness, I
love having a niece and nephew. In about a month Robyn and Ryan will bless our family with one more little baby girl. I'm very excited to meet the newest member of our family--Lorelei Lott.
Tim was scheduled to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but he managed to get Christmas off. No complaints....None at all.
Right after he got home from Basic Training, Citi Bank hired him on as a telemarketer/customer service person. He is required to work a full eight hour shift and in order to fit school into the mix, his shift starts at 2:00pm and ends at 10:30pm.--school in the morning and work the rest of the day. I don't envy him, that is for sure. I know he doesn't enjoy working all the time, but I'm grateful for his effort in supporting us.
Unlike Tim, I didn't work much this Christmas. I'm a private music teacher and most of my students go on vacation during the holidays. We had a recital on December 10th, right before the break, which went really well. I'm proud of my students and love to see them improve and perform.
Anyways, Christine flew in on Friday which was a shock to everyone. We all thought she would be arriving the next day at noon. Talk about a good surprise! The poor thing spent most of her time in Boise cutting hair. We all donated money for our new dos and I think I heard that she ended up with more than $300. :)
Christmas Eve dinner was held at Grandma and Grandpa Browers' house. We had ham, funeral potatoes, Grandma's famous orange jello, and (mmmm) lots of delicious food. After stuffing ourselves, we watched
It's a Wonderful Life. Oh, how I love that movie! If you haven't seen it you should go rent it right now or, even better, go buy it. I'm not kidding. This movie is a keeper!
Tim got off work at 10:30, as usual, got to my parent's house about 11:00, and then we went over to his parents' place and played poker until 2:15am. I don't like gambling or playing cards for money, but I sure do enjoy a good poker game (Texas Hold 'Em, to be exact). We then opened presents (which is also fun).
We stayed the night at my parents' and spent the day with my family since Patrick and Christine came to visit, this year. Next year, I think we'll spend most of the time with Tim's family. I guess we'll start the tradition of switching families every year--just like we switch spending time with our families every Sunday.
Christmas morning at my mom and dad's house consists of eating panettone (a mouth-watering, sweet Italian bread), drinking egg nog, opening gifts from Santa and family in our pajamas, and playing with our new "toys". This year, because everyone was together, we took a family picture including Jane (our psuedo-adopted brother from Thailand (he's been going to school here for three years and we've come to love him as if he is one of the family)).
Anyways, it was a wonderful day full of fun and family. I think Tim and I will remember our first Christmas fondly throughout the years to come.
Happy holidays!!!!
