Christmas 2012

Being able to FaceTime with my niece, Riley is one of my most favorite things about 2012. The way that she lights up when she sees me could melt even the iciest of hearts. Even though it's doubtful that she will remember our chats which consist mainly of me just making funny faces and speaking in a language only recognizable by Riley I still treasure these moments. I spent most of this week entertaining both of my nieces so my heart is content. I was sick the week before, I mean laryngitis, bronchitis, diagnosed with walking pneumonia sick, and was worried I wouldn't get the quality time I desperately wanted with little Anna and precious Riley; but God is so good all of the time and helped heal me right on Christmas Eve, just in time for church. Wonderful how He works that way. 

We did send out a Christmas card, it didn't include any of the above photos, so the best way to share these is on this blog and my instagram of course! (follow me @hohodryden)

My beautiful sisters, both older and one younger. 

One last FaceTime capture with Riley, well a picture of Riley, but I did talk to her, Claire was just showing me her school picture and I thought it was adorable.

My wish tonight is that you had a magical Christmas and are preparing for a blessed New Year.

It's the End of the World as We Know It

The Mayans were wrong and the world didn't end. Shocking!

 There are far too many things that I wouldn't have experienced. So, now that it is in fact confirmed that we aren't going out in a fiery blaze today I can continue living my life. I spent this entire week coughing, sneezing, and sleeping. Yes, I have bronchitis. Yuck! Things could be worse and I am on the road to recovery, thank you Jesus. Today is the last day of school and at twelve o'clock it is the beginning of my Christmas vacation! Wa-hoo!

I plan on dedicating the next few weeks to my health. That means more gym time, more fluids, and sleeping longer. I forgot to mention that last week when I made my way back to the gym, you know, after my two year hiatus that I felt like a superhero, the endorphins coursing through my body were invigorating. However, the very next day I was reminded a superhero I am not. My calves hurt, my jaw hurt, everything ached, but in a good way. I have missed this feeling and welcome it back into my life. You have my word that if for some reason I stop working out again you can accuse me of murder, thanks to Miss. Elle Woods.

Back to the Gym & Other Randoms

   Yesterday on my 5 for five post I made one of my goals to not plop down on the bed to watch t.v. when I get home but to instead get my body moving. Imagine my surprise when I came home from work to find the Mister there, he gets home around six and it was 3:15, to take me to get an early Christmas gift; a gym membership for the two of us! The Mister chose a gym in Boerne that is open 24/7 which is perfect for us, especially me because I don't even want to be seen in spandex at the moment. But, I will get my body back, maybe not as quickly as I hope, but I will get there. My new goal for this week is to get the the gym at least four times before Monday.

And a hair before & after photo:

These two babies have my heart.

 

Monday 5 for Five

I am loving this concept and decided today was the perfect day to begin setting my goals in which I hope plan to accomplish this week.

1. Wrap and give out all of my secret Santa gifts each day this week, and keep my identity a secret.

2. Begin taking care of myself, this means NOT coming home after work and plopping in bed to catch up on t.v., it means getting outside and going for a walk at least four times this week.

3. Finish the bulletin board outside of my classroom. It's an adorable gingerbread house that only has a door and windows at the moment.

4. Wrap the presents that I have and place them under our tree.

5. See the beauty in Him in all of the things around me, this includes remembering the true meaning of Christmas. 



Dear Santa...

                   

   It's the most wonderful time of the year, as many would say. For some reason this year I completely agree. I know I have mentioned before that I am the biggest fan of Halloween, (trust me I still am), but for whatever reason Christmas just feels different this year. Different in a good way. Many of my students have begun asking me what I want for Christmas and it's hard to not blurt out what I truly hope and pray for...a baby. So, instead I smile and say things like "Cold weather", "A snow day", "Candles", and usually I get a giggle or two out of them. This is probably the first year where Santa can not give me what I want, only God can. I believe what has helped make this season a good one is my faith in Him, I trust Him completely and know that he will give me the desires of my heart. I believe that. I've been spending my first fifteen minutes each morning focusing only on Him, whether it's pray, scripture, or a devotional my mind is on Him. My days are much better because of this. I want to encourage anyone reading this to try and do the same each morning. Cast all of your worries to the Lord, and pray about everything. Christ is the reason for the season, it's NOT about wants, and presents. As a society we definitely get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. Please don't get me wrong and think I don't give gifts because of course I do, I am just suggesting we all remember why we are here and who gave us this wonderful life.

It's Ok:11/29/2012

I'm happy to say that this week has flown by and I hope the remaining weeks leading up to Christmas break continue to do the same.

It's ok...

...that Halloween is my favorite holiday but this year Christmas seems to be getting all of my attention

...to pray for Teen Mom 2 Janelle (Ke$ha?!?! seriously?)

...to have already finished all of my BSF lessons for this week

...to buy Christmas presents for yourself and wrap them for your husband

...to really want an ipad mini even though you have both an iPhone & an ipad

...to want a pair of wedge sneakers from target (for real)

...that my husband truly is my best friend

...that I hate keeping gifts a secret, when I wrap one I want to immediately give it to the recipient

...that one of my students invented "hipster day" and today I am participating

Photo Booth Fun

 Um, how adorable are these pictures? The day after Thanksgiving my amazing older sister Elizabeth threw a ridiculously spectacular soiree for my younger sister, Caroline. The celebrated occasion was that of her wedding! I spent most of my night drinking taking pictures in this photo booth. I am a sucker for photo booths. I especially love the ones with my niece, Riley. My favorite memory from the break has to be spending time with both of my nieces. I can't believe how quickly they have already become! I hope you had as nice of a break as I did.

It's Ok, Thursdays! 11/8/2012



   Now that the election is over I can breathe a sigh of relief. No more political facebook status's, no more commercials bashing opposing candidates, and no more debates! Television can get back to it's regularly scheduled programs and I can relax. This week has gone by rather quickly and I am not complaining. However, I realized that Thanksgiving is merely two weeks away which means the husbands birthday is also two weeks away. Eek!

It's Ok...

To secretly want to put up Christmas decorations.

To be happy about holiday cups at Starbucks.

To only want a miracle for Christmas (a healthy pregnancy).

To be excited that young adult author R.L. Stein is now writing books for adults. (yay!)

To still watch Gossip Girl and 90210.

To fall in love with my husband more and more everyday.

To do a few days worth of BSF lessons in one day, I am loving the Genesis lessons!

To LOVE Wednesday night t.v.



It's Ok...10/4/2012

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Yay for October. It's my anniversary month and the beginning of my favorite season!

It's Ok...

that I have been absent twice this week because of doctor appointments

to take naps in the afternoons

to be annoyed with all the political hoopla

to keep calm and make it to Christmas break

that I still haven't finished all of the laundry

to be approaching thirty and enjoy MTV's Battle of the Seasons

to get excited about a new blog follower

What's OK with you today?

Fill in the blank Friday: 12/16/2011

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1) My most favorite 'little thing' is: writing notes back and forth to my husband on our dry erase picture.

2) I'd give anything to talk to loved ones who have passed & cuddle with my beloved Tinkerbell.

3) I can't believe today is the beginning of my Christmas break, wa-hoo!

4) The one thing I'd like to achieve today is spreading some Christmas cheer.

5) The last thing I want to do today is clean my house.

6) If I were writing my own blank today it would say the best Christmas I ever had was...

7) My favorite candle scent is vanilla.

oh how pinteresting 12/7/2011

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here are my favorite pins of the week.

Things sure are busy down here in Texas. Trying to prepare for the Holiday break.... Updates soon!