This Unfamiliar Road

December 27, 2010

Our Christmas Home

One of the most exciting things about this Christmas is that we have our own home to decorate. As I mentioned in a previous post, we had to start from scratch! I was able to use some stuff from my Mom (which actually turns out to be my favorite pieces because they are parts of my childhood). After raiding my parents' attic, visiting Michael's, Target, and The Dollar Store- I created a pretty festive home. It still seems a little scarce, but I know it will take years to acquire all the goodies that I am accustomed to (especially growing up with Clark Griswold)

Ben's Gingerbread House:

That's right...he is using a drill. men

It's drying...and didn't really move from this stage.

Our mantle. I have my eye on a piece of art for that big blank space

Our Tennessee Christmas!

Love my baker's rack

Mother Nature is the best decorator = )

Look how thick it is- and still snowing!

Ben had to point out my obsession with things that are horizontal & green. hmmm
1) Our Save the Dates 2) Our Wedding Invitations 3) Our Christmas Cards

# Christmas

My First White Christmas

Andrea 11:00 PM 0 Comments

Seriously, I've never had a white Christmas! I've always lived in the south, where it typically doesn't snow (if at all) until January or February. This year was the first of many things for me, including snow, being married, and waking up in a different home.
Ben and I really enjoyed learning about each other's family traditions, and creating new ones! In particular, we learned about the tradition of The German Pickle (received as a wedding gift from Uncle Don & Aunt Sandy). The tag reads:

"The pickle is a German symbol of good luck.

Traditionally, German parents decorated the tree on

Christmas Eve, hiding the pickle ornament last. On Christmas

morning, the first child to locate the pickle was rewarded

with an extra gift from St. Nicholas."

Until kids come along, we decided that we would switch off "playing Santa" each year. So, in addition to our gifts to each other, "Santa" gets an extra gift for the family!

I learned of Ben's tradition to get up at 4:30am. He actually let me sleep an extra 15 minutes, so our Christmas Day started bright and early! We opened gifts, then Ben cooked an awesome breakfast. Of course, a nap was in order after that!

We woke up to beautiful snow, and went over to my parents' house. I *love* being around kids on Christmas. My sisters were so full of excitement. We enjoyed a delish brunch: Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Egg Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Deviled Eggs...and probably more. Afterwards, we opened gifts, and Mom gave Ben a guitar lesson.

Then it was off to Ben's house, where we ate even more delicious food (...how? I don't know). There was tons of family there, and my new favorite little cousin, Emersen! We called it an early night because the snow was still coming down, and the roads were starting to ice over. WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!

And, of course...a visual journal:

Tree on Christmas morning

Ben played Santa this year-The Beatles Rockband!

This is how I wrapped Ben's guitar-a tiny replica!

The real thing-he's always wanted one!

"One of these things is not like the other..."

I found the pickle!

Pickle=Kindle! (And please notice the movie on in the background)

Typical "child" playing with box instead of the toy!

A White Christmas!

My gorgeous sister and Harry Potter Wii game

For Christmas, Laurel wanted "a hot, relaxing bath" Such a girl!

Clearly, my Mom saw my post about this treasure-The Snazzy Napper!

A guitar lesson

Suri's first Christmas!

Emersen's first Christmas!

Nightstand from my Mama (plastic drawers=old nightstand)

Extra drawer on the inside-perfect for nighttime necessities (lotion, glasses, chapstick)

Overall, I feel incredibly blessed this Christmas. One of the most amazing things about getting married is immediately acquiring a bigger family! I have always felt like part of Ben's family, but now I truly feel more connected to everyone (good or bad, haha!). Family is the most important part of the Holidays and I'm so fortunate to come from one that values that. My parents taught me to cherish every moment. And I certainly do.

# Christmas

Monte Cristo

Andrea 10:36 PM 0 Comments

Ben made a fabulous Christmas breakfast. He has been wanting to make Monte Cristo's for a while, and finally saw an opportunity! I have never looked up the actual recipe, but basically:

Make a ham & cheese sandwich, cut diagonally

Dip in prepared pancake batter (Bisquick is just fine!)

Place in hot oil (be careful!)

Serve with your favorite side items

# Christmas # Food

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas from Us : )

Andrea 12:56 AM 0 Comments

What an amazing gift I got tonight...cancelled from work!
I was able to spend time with my hubby at his Momma's house, where we helped her make some food for the crew she has to feed tomorrow. Then we watched A Christmas Story and sipped on some hot chocolate. Amazing. I can't imagine missing that for work.
Ben and I discussed what time we wanted to get started in the morning (we have 3 destinations!) and I was thinking maybe 8am. He immediately rejected that idea. "To early?" I ask.. "We have a lot to do tomorrow!" Nope, "I was thinking more like 5am. It's Christmas!!" I thought only 4-year-old kids got up that early on Christmas morning.
So, on that note...I should probably get to bed soon.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 22, 2010

A Knight to Remember

Andrea 1:54 PM 1 Comments

Hmmm, pardon the pun...but this whole post will be a bit cheesy, so why not start out that way?
Last Sunday: Christa, David, Ben and I went to Medieval Times as our Christmas gift to each other. Christa and I decided a few years ago that instead of buying each other gifts (there are only so many "BFF" necklaces out there...), we would go to a show, concert, etc. I found (2) buy one get one free admission coupons, so we figured...Why not?
In order to enjoy yourself at Medieval Times, you CANNOT be self-conscious. You definitely get out of it what you put into it-if you are just relaxed and not worried about other people, you will have a much better time. Booze helps too.
Anyway, we were cheering for the Yellow Knight. (Who defeated the bad knight and won the big battle at the end-he was awesome.)

Our "Bill of Fare"

Garlic Bread

Tomato Bisque Soup

Oven Roasted Chicken (1/2!)

Spare Rib

Herb Roasted Potato

Pastry

Utensils=hands!

Yellow Knight in the Arena

Our "Serf"- Dimitri (isn't he adorable?)

Christa & David

I think Ben is attempting a "knightly" stand

All four of us (courtesy of Dimitri)

Christa and Me with the Yellow Knight!

What a great (k)night! (Sorry..I had to)

December 20, 2010

Happy Graduation!

Andrea 11:19 AM 1 Comments

Ben graduated from Kennesaw State University on Tuesday, December 14th. I think the day is so funny, because I graduated from nursing school exactly a year to the day before (same time, too!)

Mom & Robert

Ken & Amanda

YEAH! Bachelor of Arts in History

Grandma & Dad

Lori & Dad

Hubby & Wife!

So...what now? Well, Ben will continue to work at the country club as an F&B Manager while pursuing his Master's degree. Eventually, he would like to teach, but he is keeping options open!

# Milestones

This Unfamiliar Road

December 27, 2010

Our Christmas Home

My First White Christmas

Monte Cristo

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas from Us : )

December 22, 2010

A Knight to Remember

December 20, 2010

Happy Graduation!

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