Christmas Pictures 2014

I have always loved sending out Christmas cards and knew that this year would be no different! As soon as the fabulous Jennifer Bartlett of Three Loves Photography sent information out about Christmas sessions I knew we had to snag one. Jennifer blew us away yet again with the great shots she took of our little family! Here are a few of our favorites. . .

Veggies and Cheese Egg Casserole

I knew that I wanted to make something special for us to enjoy on Christmas morning. My mom always had lots of stuff to choose from, but with just the two of us eating I knew I only needed to make one thing, but to make it good. I found this recipe and tailored it to our tastebuds. In the week since I first made it we've already made it again. This is a great, healthy meal tat can be warmed up and snacked on throughout the week. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

1 cup mushrooms, chopped

1 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped

1 cup tomatoes, diced

12 eggs

2 cups mozzarella cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Crack eggs in bowl and whisk.

Stir in veggies and cheese.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes in a greased 9x13 pan.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Christmas Crazy 2014

I love the hub hub and crazy of the Christmas season, and this year was certainly crazy-at one point there were four dogs running around my parents' house. We felt like the Bumpus family from A Christmas Story! But I'm jumping ahead of myself. . .

We started our celebration the weekend before Christmas with the Mobley side of the family. David's parents and brother were headed to Florida for the NC State Bitcoin Bowl Game (which they won! GO PACK!) so they wouldn't be around to celebrate Christmas Day. We had a great time relaxing and enjoying each other's company while also sneaking in a few round of Mexican Train Dominoes! It was the perfect way to kick start the celebrating and fun:-)

How many adults does it take to make a baby smile?

Figuring out this Christmas thing. . .

We then hung around and spent a few days relaxing and visiting with various friends before the big day. We usually spend the days surrounding Christmas traveling in every which direction (and there was definitely some of that!), but we made a point to wake up at our house Christmas morning so we could celebrate just the three of us. I don't know if it was the excitement of the special day or the prednisone insomnia kicking in, but I woke up at 2:30am on Christmas Day and despite all my best efforts could not fall back asleep! So you better believe I was jumping out of my skin with excitement waiting for David and Amelia Grace to wake up. Ironic that the baby slept most of the night, but the momma couldn't. . .

Well, hey there!

Family selfie waiting for Christmas Eve church to start

With some of her loot!

After we exchanged presents and got oodles of pictures of the bebita we hit the road to Winston Salem to see my branch of the family tree. With five kids (three of whom are married) it was a bit of a challenge to coordinate everyone's schedules, but we managed to get seven out of eight of us together for a couple hours! My brother, TJ, had duty at Camp Lejeune, but will be joining us for New Year's! After presents and visiting we snuck in a few rounds of the favorite family game, Catch Phrase, before turning in for the night. The celebrating continued with brunch the next day with more of our wonderful extended family.

FaceTiming with TJ at Camp Lejeune!

Things got cuckoo at times, but it was cuckoo in the best kind of way! We are so blessed to have so many people come around us with love and generosity in this beautiful season. Adding Amelia Grace to the mix this year made it that much more special and we can't wait for her to get even more involved next year!

Traditions

Just about every family has some sort of tradition. Whether it's to go to this person's house on Christmas Eve or to wait until all the kids are awake to go bounding down the stairs-there is some sort of custom that is followed. As we approach our first Christmas with a wee one we are much more aware of the traditions we want to keep!

One of our favorite traditions is the three gifts. David and I have always exchanged three gifts at Christmas. This helps remind us of the three gifts that were brought to baby Jesus, as well as to not go overboard on useless things! We give a "want", a "need", and something faith-based. Some times it's bigger things like a new coat that you "need" and sometimes it's new cookie sheets. Some years you "want" something to add to the garage gym and some years it's a movie. It's fun to see how things change every year! 

This is a tradition we want to keep up with Amelia Grace. Being the first bebita on both sides has some advantages and one of them is all the goodies! With that blessing we are able to focus on specific things she may "want" (as much as a baby can want that is!), "need", and show her Jesus. Between our house and that of our family's, I have a feeling this Christmas will be very good to her ;-)

Another tradition that is important to us is waking up at our house Christmas morning. I can't remember a time not waking up at our house and racing downstairs (after everyone was awake of course!) to see what Santa brought us. In fact this year will be a bittersweet because it's the first Christmas I won't be doing it at my parent's house will all my siblings, but instead we will be doing it at our house with our baby girl! I remember how much time and work my parents putting into setting up the presents and even creating obstacle courses to block us from getting downstairs too early, and I can't wait to do that for Amelia Grace! 

Something else that we started this year with our Community Group is participating in Operation Christmas Child. This is something David always did growing up and something we want to keep up with our kiddos. We want her to know that the Christmas season is not all about the presents, music, and treats, but instead about continuing to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all and that includes giving back at every opportunity!

And a tradition that I'm not too fond of, but the hubby loves-guessing gifts! I love the surprise of opening it and not knowing, but my beloved adores guessing the gifts. Anyone else do that??

I'd love to hear some Christmas traditions that you follow, or suggestions you have to add to our list! We right at the beginning so there's room for many more;-)

via

Helloooooooo, David Mobley!

Friday's Letters [12.21]

Happy Friday, folks!

Dear Mayans, What's up with all this crazy talk? If I had to hear one more student mention the world ending this past week, I probably would have lost my mind. You couldn't have kept it going for another few hundred years or so? I mean, how hard can it really be. . .

Dear students, We made it! I hope y'all are enjoying every minute of your first day of break. Be sure to thank your parents for all that you do for you on a regular basis, but especially this time of year!

Dear Davido, You'd think that after you do the Alabama thing for 6 months I'd be used to you leaving. Not so much. Your girls are very happy to have you home. I hope you don't have another trip planned for any time soon because we're not letting go;-)

Dear Pinterest, Thank you for all the FABULOUS ideas of things to make for Emerson and to do with her once she arrives. I'm not sure my hubby appreciates all the extras projects or tutus on my wishlist, but I'm excited:-)

Dear Apple, I am super impressed with your stellar customer service. From the moment I walked into the store I felt like royalty. You were able to fix my problem in a timely manner and not even charge me for it. Now, that is awesome. Want to pass on some of that knowledge to other stores (*cough*Pandora*cough*). 

The Spirit of the Season

To be perfectly honest, I've had a hard time getting into the spirit of things this season. Maybe it's the fact that it was seventy degrees here last week, maybe it's the fact that I was practically done shopping in October, perhaps it's the fact that I haven't had the energy (or time) to do any baking this year, or maybe it has something to do with the fact that we'll be at school until December 21. Oof. Whatever the reason, I've been feeling a bit Scrooge-ish this season.

I've tried to fight it by blasting Christmas music whenever we're home (and even when we're not. The princess listens to it while we're at work. Pathetic, I know). We light up the Christmas tree as soon as it gets dark. We've even started watching Christmas movies, though that's more for my benefit than my sweet hubby's. Needless to say, I'm still struggling.

I think all I really need is some downtime. A little R&R with David and Daisy by the fire and I'll be back into the groove. Until I can get that I'll be blasting Christmas music in my classroom, eating candy canes, and giggling at these ecards to get into the mood!

This is my husband. . .

Friday's Letters [11.30]

Happy Friday one and all! Today I am linking up with Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters.

Dear December, Thank you for finally arriving! I was beginning to think you would never get here and we would be stuck in the depths of November forever. I am excited for you and all your Christmas joy.

Dear Davido, You are a rock star. The end.

Dear massage, I am stoked for you tomorrow. The opportunity to rest and relax will be stellar after this long week back at school.

Dear Crossfit Competition, Please do not kill my husband tomorrow. I really enjoy him and would like to keep him around a bit longer.

Dear peppermint, If it were not for your superb flavoring I probably would have lost a few breakfasts along the way. Thank you for settling my tummy every single morning while this sweet baby does her thing in there!

Happy Friday!!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

I'm a BIG fan of anything minty and chocolately, and the fact that it surrounds us this time of year makes me a very happy girl! Here is a recipe I found in a magazine and thought I'd give a try this past Christmas season.

1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4-1/2 tsp. mint extract

8 drops green food coloring

1 egg

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350°F. 

In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms.

Stir in chocolate chunks. 

Drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes.

Enjoy! 

 

Cookie dough all mixed together.

Waiting patiently to be baked!

Do we really have to wait for them to cool??

Christmas Break in Pictures

I mentioned yesterday how cuckoo things were at the tail-end of break, but I didn't have the opportunity to share any pictures. I was so busy having fun that I don't have as many to share as I would have liked, but a few are better than none at all!

David's brother, John, with his prized hat!

If you can't see, it's a M&M's Star Wars dispenser. All of his childhood dreams just came true.

Of all the items the biggest attraction were the toy helicopters! 

Moving onto the Ward house. . .

Coffee from the Secret Santa? Score!

The new script c-d! He was such a happy boy!

Abby admitting to deceiving us all in the Secret Santa game.

Christmas Eve game night!

Daddy having oh so much fun playing Who Knew?

Merry Christmas from two Chi Omegas! Love our matching hats!

Our second Christmas morning together!

My precious new boots!

Poor thing was very overwhelmed by all the activity!

Cheers!

Such a pretty sister! 

Abby and Oma!

"What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

I promise this will be the last Christmas post, but I couldn't resist sharing!

Christmas Break By The Numbers

While I was away a lot of things happened. . .

• Number of books read: 4
• Number of sweet treats consumed: too many to count...
• Number of naps taken: an average of one a day
• Number of peppermint mocha lattes consumed: 6 
• Number of cups of tea consumed: over 30
• Number of iPad apps acquired: 24
• Number of mucinex pills taken: 8 (it wouldn't be a break without getting sick!)
• Number of miles traveled: let's just go ahead and say A LOT
• Number of sudoku games played: close to 30
• Number of guest posts here: 5 
• Number of clearance items bought with Christmas money: 6 (including super nice running shoes for $20 each!)

All of this added together equals one heck of a break!

Christmas Tradtions

This year David and I are blessed enough to celebrate our second Christmas as a married couple! Part of being a young family is combining family traditions and creating your own. Since we don't have children yet most of our traditions are tailored ones from our families. One that we have started together has to do with gift-giving.

In our society it is very easy to get caught up in the hullaballoo of gifts. Instead of focusing on receiving the greatest gift of all, a Savior, we instead focus on all the gifts of this world. I am a huge culprit of this. Many of us are. The problem isn't our want of worldly things. The problem comes when we place these worldly things in front of Him. As a way of celebrating the season of gift giving, and the birth of a Savior, David and I started the tradition of three gifts.

Instead of allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed and overrun by the crazy at Christmastime, and in turn losing sight of the true purpose, we give each other three gifts. One gift is something we want, one is something we need, and the final gift is something Biblical. These loosely match the three gifts the wise men brought to the baby Jesus upon His birth. We already have so much more than we could ever want, so why do we need to give gifts just to give gifts?

This is a tradition we plan to bring to our family when we have children. Will it be easy to explain to our children why they don't have as many gifts as their friends? No. Will it be worth it? Without a doubt. We are not depriving ourselves of anything, we are just not allowing ourselves to get caught up in superfluous things.

This is the first of many traditions David and I are creating together. What traditions have you started??

Caught Up In The Crazy Guest Post

Good morning readers! Today I am guest posting for the sweet Jessie over at I'm a Wife and Mama Now? about how to not get caught up in the crazy. Join me over there and check out her fabulous blog! Until then. . .

Thankful Thursday-O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

I have so much to be thankful for each and every week, but this week seems especially so. I have been blessed enough to have a VERY open schedule this week which has given me the opportunity to really sit back and observe. All of my blessings have soaked in, and I am in total awe of all I have. A few things that I am thanking Him for today:

time off

not only is it wonderful to have an open schedule, but it makes me appreciate the incredible job that I get to go back to in the new year!

sleep

I cannot stress how amazing it is to be able to fall asleep whenever I want, wake up whenever I want, and then fall back asleep again. There is definitely going to be a rough adjustment here when I return to school!

family time

we are so blessed to live close to both sides of our families and I cannot wait to celebrate with all of them in the coming days!!

my wonderful husband

he continues to amaze me with his generous, giving heart

the Christmas season

what a glorious time to celebrate and remember our Savior!

our sweet puppy
she loves us with no strings attached, just as He loves us! What a great reminder in this season!

What are you thankful for this week??

Chocolate Peppermint Cake

I don't normally post two times in one day, but I wanted to share this with all before Christmas left us for another year! As I've mentioned a time or two before I adore anything chocolate and peppermint flavored. So when I stumbled upon this recipe on Pinterest I knew I had to give it a try! Let me know what y'all think!

Cake

1 box Betty Crocker chocolate fudge cake mix

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 oz cream cheese

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

a few drops of red food color

Garnish

Crushed up candy canes

Make cake as directed on box for two 9-inch rounds; cool completely.

Beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. 

Reduce speed to low; gradually add sugar, beating until smooth. 

Add vanilla, peppermint extract and food color, a drop at a time.

Split each cake horizontally to make 2 layers. 

Place 1 layer on serving plate; spread top with thin coat frosting. 

Repeat with remaining layers. 

Frost side and top of cake with thin coat frosting; refrigerate 10 minutes to allow frosting to firm up. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. 

Arrange whole peppermints then sprinkle crushed peppermint around side and top of cake.

Enjoy!

Christmas Came Early

It's already been a very MERRY Christmas here at the Mobley house. Why, you may ask. What has made the merry Mrs. Mobley even more merry?? Well. . . Christmas came early and it came in the form of an ipad2!!!

My posts for the next few weeks may be few and far between until the newness of our new toy wears off. I apologize in advance! I already have an iPhone and use a Mac (yea, you could say I'm kind of obsessed with Apple products. . .), but I'm new to the iPad. My question for y'all is, what are some good apps for the iPad? We've already picked up a few for news (USA Today and CNN) and a few for viewing (Netflix and Crackle), but we're in search of more! Any suggestions??

Also, I'm linking up with the wonderful Latte Love on an awesome Blogger Map. Want to see what local bloggers are near you in your travels?? Link up too!

Christmas Vacation!

After a few days of R&R as our little family we will be hitting the road for the next week and half. We'll start the great Christmas Vacation of 2011 by heading to see my awesome in-laws and celebrate Christmas just the five of us. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have married into this family!! Then, we'll head back up the road to see the Wards for a few days. It's never easy to get all the Wardlets together so the fact that we will be under the same roof for more than 24 hours is enough to have me jumping for joy! 

We'll wake up at my parent's house Christmas morning and then go see all my mom's extended family and celebrate with them before hitting the road yet again to see all of David's extended family. The next morning we will wake up and head out for the longest leg of the break-Florida! Here we will get to visit with even more of David's incredible extended family! Wait, it doesn't end there. After a few days in Florida we'll head back to my parent's house to celebrate my dad's birthday-he's a New Year's Eve baby! The final part of our trip will send us back to David's extended family for a special southern New Year's Day supper filled with collards, hoppin' John's, and more! The next morning will have me back at school and in the swing of things again.

Will it get crazy at times? Absolutely. Will I love every minute of it? Absolutely! The good news is both of our families are filled with amazing people. I realize how truly blessed we are to be able to say that! Any advice on fun things to do in the car and how to stay sane during the crazy??

Christmas Movie Madness

Aside from a teacher workday on Monday, I am officially on Christmas break-WAHOOOO! Can you tell I'm excited?? I mean, I love my students (I really do!), but it is so nice to have the next two weeks off to spend time with my sweet husband and our families. That's right I said families. We are fortunate enough to get to see both sides of our families over break!

The first few days of break will find us relaxing around the house. I have grand plans of sleeping, baking, and catching up on Christmas movies. I don't hate it. The movies on the list?

A new classic and must-see in the Mobley house!

I love all three of these movies and make sure to have a marathon session every year!

 A classic! It has to be the cartoon though.

Not quite sure what sweet treats will be concocted yet, but if they're a success I'm sure they'll find their way here! How are YOU planning on relaxing during this time??

Thankful Thursday-Silent Night

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. 


productive weekends

while I am very sad that college football is over, I am excited about all the productivity that will return on our weekends. An example? We hung pictures around the house for four hours on Saturday! Who cares if it was four months after we moved in, at least it happened!

blog friends and followers

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of many of my new friends and followers through the blogging world. Who knew all the good that could come from airing your dirty laundry on the internet?;-)

community

I am so grateful for all the people in our community who are there to support and lift David and I up when we need it most

students

their kindness and generosity in this season has completely overwhelmed me. How did I get this lucky??

break!

our two-week break officially starts tomorrow-wahoooooo! While I will certainly miss my children over break, I am positively stoked to have two weeks off to celebrate this joyous season with family and friends

my sweet husband

I know it may get a little redundant hearing about him, but I just can't believe how truly blessed I am to married to this incredible man!

(Semi) Wordless Wednesday [12.14]

I know there are some words in the song, but I thought this was still worth the share. Let me know what y'all think!

Merry Christmas From The Merry Mobleys!

Remember when you were young and you used to race to the mailbox around your birthday to see if anyone sent you anything? Every time your mom said you had a piece of mail you couldn't help but be curious as to who cared enough about you to send you something. It was like Christmas in your mailbox! Well that excitement never left me. I still race David to the mailbox in the afternoon to see what sort of goodies our mail lady brought us that day. Maybe it's the fact that all of our bills are paperless, so only "happy" things come in the mailbox. Who cares; I still love it! That transfers to this season and the continually arriving Christmas cards and makes for a very merry Mrs. Mobley!

Not only do I love receiving Christmas cards and reading each and every personal Christmas letter, but I really enjoy sending them as well. When we were at my parents' house at Thanksgiving we had my mom take a few shots of us with the princess. Sorry to disappoint, but they are not the elf pictures. I'm thinking my sweet husband would not enjoy me mortifying him any more than I already have!

I went ahead and ordered them from Snapfish on Thanksgiving Day and impatiently waited for them to arrive. The wait was worth it-they turned out great! I was so pleased with the quality of the card and the font. I will definitely be ordering cards from them again. Without further adieu. . .

Merry Christmas from the Mobleys!