December was a busy little month! It's always fun to decorate and get ready to celebrate Christmas, but this year was very different. It was mine and Eric's first year away from our families. But we were going to make the best of it! We put up our beautiful tree, hung stockings for us and our fur babies, baked delicious desserts and prepared to celebrate Jesus' birth!
Eric's office had a cocktail party at the Air and Space Museum in DC. I love all things girly, so this was the perfect opportunity to buy a new dress and get all dolled up!
The beginning of the month also brought a visit from my dad!!! He was in DC on business, so it was great to have him spend a few days at our house with us. We went to see the National Christmas Tree and spent some time walking around DC. We spent more time stuck in traffic, but that's a stressful event we are trying to forget :P
While Dad was here I took him to see our new house! I was so proud to show off where we would be living......And then we got a phone call.
Three weeks before our scheduled closing we got a call from our Mortgage company to let us know that our new financial papers had been processed and we make TOO MUCH money to qualify for the loan we were initially anticipating. WHAT?!?!? Our only other loan option would have wiped out out savings, and that is something we just weren't ready to do. So much to our disappointment, we had to back out of the sale. Looking back now, if that wasn't a flashing neon sign from God, I don't know what is. So we will just keep waiting and praying. But what a sucker punch. I'm still disappointed, but know that God has another plan.
So we move on. After that disappointment, I just wanted to get back home to mama. But I had to work Christmas day! Talk about a life change. Christmas was always a day of fun, family, presents, food, and happiness. But this was not going to be the case this year. Christmas Eve Eric and I went to church for a beautiful candlelight service. I really do love our new church. After church we came home and Skyped with my family. Every year we all sit down and ready the Christmas Story as told by the Gospel of Luke. Over the past few years, when Dad discovered the camera self-timer, it has become a pretty humorous event. Dad will set his camera, run across the room, then look completely enthralled in the story. And it was no different this year.
Christmas Day, Eric and I got up early to exchange presents and have breakfast. This was a fun time with just our little family. 
Then full of Christmas spirit, off to work I went. There I was met with my awesome co-workers, and some of the meanest patients and families...IT'S CHRISTMAS PEOPLE!!! STAY HOME!!! I have no problem taking care of people who actually need to be in the ER, but, come on, your cough you have had for a month couldn't wait one more day when your doctor's office is open? Then you yell at me for it taking "too long." Guess you forgot that we didn't come to your house and drag you to the ER. Ugh. *steps off soapbox*But December 26th (after work) our 2 week Christmas vacation began!!! Eric and I drove all night to his parents. It is so great to spend time with his sweet family. I am so lucky to have such great in-laws. Along with Eric's aunt, I threw a baby shower for my beautiful sister-in-law and nephew! We had a great time playing games and showering her with gifts! Now we just need Will to arrive (preferably on January 23rd so I win the baby pool!)
New Years Eve brought the wedding of the century! Miss Lauren Smith married Mr. Justin Stiles! I met Lauren in nursing school and we became fast friends. I cannot imagine two people who love each other more and are perfect for each other! Best Wishes y'all!!! Plus, it was another CFSF reunion!
Now we head to Madison to my parents! I love being home! The food is delicious. The company is like none other. And it's just plain southern! We went to my grandparent's house to celebrate Christmas (a few days late). Nothing beats Grandma's holiday dinner. Turkey, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, fruit salad, mashed potatoes and gravy...I can't go on or I will start chewing on the computer wishing I was at grandma's! Let's just say it was a well-worth 5lb weight gain! One of my favorite memories from this trip was making pecan divinity with my grandpa. He is all kinds of awesome. We laughed and laughed, enjoying just being together.
All in all this was just the vacation I needed! I cannot wait until the day we can all live near each other, but for now we will always have skype!
So that was December and the beginning of January! Thanks for hanging in there!
