Merry Me

I was inspired by Kasey, as well as by the fact that I had to take pictures in order for Doug's grandmother to see, to do a very un-Emily thing and show you pics of my house decorated for Christmas.  I hosted my work Christmas party, so this was just the motivation I needed to kick in some extra decorating.

Living room:

 Last year my project was to frame old pics of Doug and me from Christmases past to include with Elliott's Santa Claus pics and our annual cards on display.  It turned out great, and it's a huge hit.

 Dining room:

Kitchen:

Breakfast room:

Doug's den:

Bathroom (yep, even in there):

My goal next year is to achieve more outside than just a wreath.

!Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!

Life Lesson

Remember to never overindulge.

30-Day Blog Challenge: Days 16-I'm Done

Ok, so it turns out I got really bored with the 30-Day Blog Challenge; who knew?  So here is my lame attempt at finishing so as not to be a quitter.

Day 16: My dream house

I don't have a 100% picture painted here.  Of course, everyone always wants bigger.  I guess I want things I have yet to have in a house:

• Carport or garage
• Patio
• Front porch
• Master bedroom SUITE with walk-in closets and our own bathroom
• A room for every need
• TONS of storage

Day 17: Something I look forward to

In the short term, of course the holidays.  In the bigger, more meaningful picture, I look forward to having a second child, and seeing how Elliott interacts with a sibling.  I pray this waiting to even begin will not drag out for too much longer.


Day 18: Something I regret

I regret - some days, not all - staying at MSU.  I feel like that choice has driven a lot of my frustration with life.  Then again, if we had moved, we wouldn't have the support network we do.  And that network is amazing.


Day 19: Something I miss

This is so dreadfully vain, but I miss being thin.  I miss how I felt about myself, and how others treated me. 


Day 20: Nicknames

My paternal grandmother termed me Nosy Rosy when I was a tiny tyke because I had the terrible habit of going through peoples' cabinets because I was naturally curious.  In high school I was Elliott because there were so many Emilys on the BB team.  I have a few people in my life who call me Em; you have to be special to get away with this.  But my favorite is Mim, originated by my first niece. 


Day 21: A picture of me

Day 22: My favorite place

Does this not feel like a repeat of earlier days?  I think this is why I got annoyed with this challenge.  But instead of talking about cities, I'm going to say...MY COUCH!  I love being at home, cuddled up with my boy.


Day 23: My favorite vacation

Hello, PCB!  Again, didn't I already cover this?


It is at this point that I have no faith in the list I have being accurate.  So, I call this mission complete!

The Line in the Sand

How is it that nearly half the people in my life think I'm cheap and frugal, while nearly another half think I'm throwing bills out the window?

How is it that I held out this long to get a smart phone, shunning paying $10 a month to add texting until I could get a smartphone, and no one said, "Good job, Emily.  Way to be frugal."  How come, other than our current society, this was only a target for mocking?

You know what?  I've been married for 10 years; a mother for six years; a professional staff member - paying into the state retirement system - at a major university for 8 years; a homeowner for 8 years.  I've financed an international adoption.  I got my master's virtually for FREE.  I don't buy designer clothes; I shop sales.  I buy boring so as to wear items longer.  I try to put money back into my home when I can, and I usually choose this over anything for myself.  I don't overindulge my child with things.

Just so you know.

Editor's note: In an effort at full disclosure, I do concede that I eat out too much.