Christmas time [was] here...

I'm a big fan of the Christmas season;

I looove that Christmas lasts a whole month.

The shopping and such does stress me out,

but I do love that it's socially acceptable to sing Christmas songs every day,

and everyone seems to be a bit friendlier for the month December.

I also love the excuse to go to concerts and throw parties.

Me and sweet miss Livvy 

got to attend Emma's choir Christmas concert;

I loved when they sang "Santa is the Man".

And then Livvy Lou gave me this Christmas present--

because she knows how much I love Paris!

It was so sweet!! 

And thennn, I went to a lovely little Christmas party,

where apparently a group of us subconsciously decided 

that we wanted to show the Christmas spirit

with the color of our pants.

I ended up making way too many presents

I didn't mean to, but I spent a whole lot of hours

(that I should have been sleeping, mind you)

making, remaking, and perfecting Christmas presents...

and loved every moment of it.

My sweet roomie gave me a super wonderful gift.

And left it in my stocking before she left to go home; so cute!!

My family even came over to my apartment for treats, and coco

and the "Polar Express"

We wore Christmas sweaters 

(and snowflake headbands)

and everything.

Such cuties!

"The first gift of Christmas!"

We love the Polar Express.

And then we donned footie pajamas...

And also party hats while we were eating our Christmas Eve soup...

...we made CC and Papa wear some hats too--they were great sports.

It was an extra special Christmas because these guys were there.

They are some of the most wonderful people I know.

And we all sure love them.

...

(and then came this big, lovely trip my family took to NYC; 

just imagine a group of nine people shuffling on and off of subways,

and in and out of tiny NY restaurants and stores...

It was simply fantastic.  I love that place.)

...

It's been an exceptional Christmas!

Grateful for:

my Papa serenading us on Christmas Eve,

my sweet Grandma and friend CC,

gluten free NY pizza,

the Manhattan Temple,

my faithful, soon-to-be missionary sister,

getting to go to the temple with my parents and brother and sister,

a whole new year ahead of me,

a nice, neatly organized list of resolutions

and the blessing of forgiveness

Quote for 2013:

"It's never too late to become what you might have been."

Gluten Free Birthday Cake.

Yes it's true.  I'm now 24.  I've been telling people that this qualifies as old.

Or at least old-ER.

Finally.

And I just had the best Birthday EVER.

Friday night: Birthday present from my boss was the night/weekend off, and so I went and had some Chuy's Birthday dinner with my favorites... or at least most of them... Jelly Man, Maxy and Emmacita and, Mom and Dad.  Side note: Emma did not wear this halo specifically for my Birthday, she'd just worn it to school that day.  She wears something similar EVERY DAY.  That's why we love her.

My Dad.  I just love him. A whole lot.

And my mom.... goodness gracious.  She bought me GLUTEN FREE CUPCAKES.  And made me a cake topper.  With Paris stuff on it.  Ummm, not that we ever doubted it, but isn't she just the BEST present giver in the world??  I keep telling her she should make it her profession.

. . .

And then after opening a few more cards/packages waiting for me at my apartment, on the morning of my Birthday (Saturday) I go to go to the temple with my awesome roommie and dear friend Amanda (and no, I'm not referring to myself in 3rd person).  It might have been the greatest Birthday ever.  I mean, can you think of a better place to celebrate the beginning of the next year of your life??  I can't!

And here's one of those packages I had found waiting for me: Birthday Puzzle from my favorite Sophie... from the Salt Lake City Childrens Museum... she knows me so well!!! (and yes, my pose is slightly ridiculous; I was trying to pop my foot to also show off my cute new shoes from my mom, but it didn't quite work out)

A huge thanks to all the people who posted on my facebook wall, texted me, called me, sent me cards, sent me packages, took me out to eat, drove me to the temple, and just sent me some general Birthday goodness!! Thank you dearest family and friends!  My whole Birthday weekend has been fuuuull of lovin'.  My life is so full and blessed because of YOU!!!!  Thank you!!