Holiday Limbo Week

I was at work today looking at our "Holiday" card we sent out and started thinking about Christmas and New Years. This week, post-Christmas and pre-New Years reminds me of a holiday limbo: everyone goes back to work and gets in the swing of things, but only for a few days before the New Years holiday; Christmas music is still being played on the radio (and I know we're still listening to it); shopping malls and stores are still every bit as crowded with shoppers; then there's the issue of Christmas lights and decorations... some people leave them up and some go ahead and take them down.

Even with all that being said, I really enjoy this week. For me work is really slow, and I usually only work one or two days, which means I have lots of free time on my hands. Not only that but I also think this week is an exciting time to reflect on the current year and look forward to what the year to come holds. Being the "Type A" personality that I am, this week is a great time for me to check things off of my "To-Do" list so I can start a new list in 2011! This year that includes cleaning out a closet or two, returning things that have been sitting in the back of my car, taking down Christmas decorations (only because if I didn't now they would be up until July), hopefully finishing our wedding thank you notes, and a few other random things.

I'm sure another post will follow shortly with thoughts from 2010 and resolutions for 2011! Happy Holiday Limbo week!

Christmas with the Kotschi's

This year might be my favorite Christmas yet. I feel like Nate and I have been celebrating for the last three weeks. Last week we took  my sister, April, to the Gaylord Texan to see "ICE". If you haven't ever been, we highly recommend it... two million pounds of ice with a Charlie Brown theme... it was awesome!

  

 

One of my favorite things about "ICE" was the life-size nativity they had at the end. They played the Christmas story on audio and ended the showcase with a spotlight on baby Jesus. It was amazing that they shared the true meaning of Christmas and used that venue as a ministry opportunity! 

My brother, Wade, also came into town and the next night April made the four of us a wonderful Christmas dinner and afterwards we exchanged Christmas gifts! Over the weekend, I went to Houston to have another little family Christmas with my parents, and last night Nate's parents came over to see our Christmas decorations and we got to have dinner and hang out with them. I love celebrating Christmas all through December. It reminds me that the most important part of the holiday is sharing it with friends and family!

MERRY (ALMOST) CHRISTMAS!!

Goodbye to the Liggitts

I know that Brittany and William aren't moving tomorrow, but Friday was their going away party and I wanted to take this chance to honor their friendship. William and Brittany Liggitt have been some of my best friends for the last seven years. Brittany was my big sis in Chi O, roommate for a year at Baylor, private school work lunch buddies, and for the last three years, we have lived within 15 minutes of each other. Brittany and William are the kind of people that everyone regards as best friends. They are loyal, godly, kind, compassionate, and fun friends. Whether it's hanging out chatting, eating Mexican food, or playing games, they're always a joy to be around. I know so many other friends have been blessed by them individually and as a couple, and I'm so thankful to have had them in Dallas for the last three years!

Because I know Brittany and William and I know their heart to serve the Lord, there's no doubt in my mind that this is God's will for them, and He has some amazing plans for them in North Carolina! As sad as it is to see them go, I'm so excited for their opportunity to try something new.

Brittany and William, thank you for blessing Nate and I and being such faithful friends! We're thinking about you guys and praying for you during this move... we can't wait to come see you in North Carolina!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

I really do believe Christmas is the best time of the year. I love everything about this season... christmas songs being played everywhere, festive decorations, looking at Christmas lights, drinking hot chocolate, holiday cookies and treats, secret santa and white elephant gift exchanges, all the fun parties and Christmas activities, and being with family and friends. This is also the time of the year when I feel so lucky to work at a school. Kids have such tangible excitement and energy, and there's so many Christmas concerts, plays, and parties to celebrate with them. The beautiful tree, poinsettas, and homeade ornaments around the school are almost enough in themselves to make me want to come to the office every day.

Last night, while Nate was on the roof working hard to put up our Christmas lights and I was inside listening to Christmas music and setting up our nativity, I realized how much we have to give and share with those around us. Not simply gifts and time, we have joy and hope that doesn't end when the tree comes down. The gifts that we give to those we love are uncomparable to the gift God gave us when He sent His son to the earth. As corny as it seems, I would be remiss if I didn't say it... "He's the reason for the season."

Happy Holidays everyone!