this time last year

This time last year I was:
Not married, nor engaged
Celebrating the Christmas season with my boyfriend and family
Constantly hinting and hoping to open a small box with a shiny diamond for my left hand
Participating in the annual tradition of shopping on Christmas eve with my boyfriend
Oblivious to the idea of what a Christmas without my boyfriend would be like
Sharing every memory with my Mikey

This time this year I am:
Giving thanks for all this last year brought
Smiling because I am a wife
Excited to know I am an “in-law”
Praying my husband finds joy in the season no matter how different it is
Reminded about perspective in life
Enjoying the company of many family and friends

I am a blessed wife, daughter, sister and friend. I thank each of you for standing beside, behind or in front of me. Every hand outstretched to me is the best gift to open. We, as a couple, thank every one of you for your continued thoughts, prayers and gifts. Thank you and be sure to snuggle a little closer with your loved ones and kids.

tata for now and Merry Christmas to all!

Annie

Reality check...from a 3 year old...ouch

I promised a funny story...so Tyndale (my nearly 3 year old niece) provided me with this:

It was a relaxing Saturday morning at my sister's house. It was midway through the morning so I decided to finally get ready.

After my shower I was walking down the stairs with wet curly hair, no makeup and my clothes for the day. Tyndie turned her head, gave me a "hmmm" look and said, "Auntie Annie?" I quickly assured her it was me, just with curly hair. As I am hitting the last step she realizes I have a make-up bag in my hand and asks if she can watch me put it on. "Of course!"
...she's totally excited and grinning from ear to ear at this point...

She knelt on the toilet seat and leaned in towards me putting her hands on the counter. Asking "what's that?" every time I pulled something new out of my bag. Then, when I was done I thought who better to ask than Tyndie for a final product review.

I turn, look at her and ask 'how do I look?" To which she quickly responds.........
"Not so good Auntie Annie."

I am pretty sure my jaw dropped. Then, with a half grin on my face (still trying not to laugh) I said, well is there anything I can do to fix it. Tyndie then gets down from the toilet, looks up at me as she is at the door of the bathroom and right before exiting shrugs her shoulders, puts her hands up in the air and says "ummm...no."

Yep, there she was, shrugging me off as a lost cause. Guess I'll be sure to ask her to apply my makeup next time!

thanks Tyndie for keeping my self-esteem in check!

tata for now...

Annie