12.29.2010

oh by gosh by golly

Here's my holiday at home in a nutshell. There is an abundance of my beautiful niece. I just can't help myself. She started the holiday off with a back rub and ended with some tent-building (see below for details) with lots more goodness in between. Sounds like a perfect holiday to me! It was a very merry Christmas for the entire McMahone/Stone/Future-Jenkins family.







I confess that I'm still listening to Christmas music which I now classify as "holiday" and refuse to take down any and all decorations until January 1st. Or maybe 2nd.  

I've got a little idea for a mini blog-a-thon coming after the New Year. Stay tuned!


12.24.2010

when the world falls in love

All Christmas-celebrating so has been, well, delightful. The Nutcracker was beautiful [don't worry, the fiance wasn't miserable, though possibly disturbed by the male dancers' attire]. We had a great night with our little Baton Rouge family, complete with great food [standard] and reindeer antlers. I had a little taste of glamour while greeting and chatting at the Governor's Christmas party followed by gift-wrapping extravaganza with D.


























The three bests were at the house when I [finally] arrived home for the holidays. We spent part of the evening trading clothes and makeup and beauty products. You know you're friends when you no longer need to ask to borrow. I never imagined that seeing one of them digging through my makeup bag and the other thumbing through my closet would be such a heart-warming sight. The rest of the night was spent partly crying into my yummy pasta after reading Abs' Christmas letter to each of us and driving around our hometown looking at [judging] outdoor Christmas lights.



The last 24 hours has been filled with seeing faces that my eyes have missed. Molly, Brandon and Audrey completed the family and made it feel like Christmas had officially begun when they pulled up in the driveway. Soon after, I had a quick but sweet visit with Shauna. I could handle this every-two-months thing. We agreed that it's now my turn to make my way out West. This morning consisted being woken up by a beautiful three-year-old, followed by a little quality snuggle time.

And now our house is filled with the beautiful sounds of holiday buzzing while all are getting prepared to execute those yearly traditions. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Here's to a Very Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!

12.18.2010

warning: it's a squishy, lovey post

I'm in Ruston for a spell. I made a quick trip home for florists appointments, my best friend's birthday and taking my grandmother Christmas shopping. Which, I must say, have all been a blast!

Dustin (post-flu) is working hard back in Baton Rouge. I'm headed back his way on Sunday morning. We were planning our play-by-play for last-minute Sunday afternoon Christmas shopping. You see, it's gotta happen quick because he is taking me to the Nutcracker at 6! I'm beyond excited. It's been several years since I've been to the ballet. I was doing my best to explain what it was like in an optimistic kind of way. Honestly, I just really hope he's not bored to tears. For his sake. His response is what inspired this late night post. He said, in a funny-yet-serious way...

"Meg, we could be watching someone throw corn in the air, and I'd love it because we were watching it together."

How am I this blessed? I pray his love and selflessness nestle themselves deeply into the traits of this future Jenkins family.

12.05.2010

it's a feeling

I am determined to not waste a day of Christmas merriment - even in the midst of finals week. We only get one Christmas season a year, right? Though I have thought about petitioning for it to be a semi-annual event. I love it just that much.

The only way I know how to explain this time of year is that it makes me feel sparkly. Did you know sparkly was a feeling? Not literally, though I am constantly covered in glitter due to the great amount of decorating that has taken place lately. If I wasn't cramming, I mean studying, I would dig down into the pit of my emotions and attempt to better explain what I mean. I know it has something to do with love and smiles and family and the pure joy that comes from dwelling on the fact that this season celebrates a sweet baby who grew into a Savior-in-the-flesh. But as for now, we'll just stick with sparkly. It's beautiful that this season, being the coldest of the four, brings you the most warmth. Where does that warmth come from? Here are some things that have made my Christmas season more warm and sparkly so far.

Decorating the Governor's Christmas tree























Trekking to downtown Baton Rouge for the Festival of Lights with friends















Sights such as this one


















Revving up the Christmas spirit with the roomies in 1301


















































































A very merry First Week of December 5th to you!

12.02.2010

let it begin!

I made a knot account. It says I have 364 items on my wedding to do list. Sound stressful? No. For me, that's 364 items of pure bliss!

Expect a plethora of wedding DIY project posts (peppered with lot-o-Christmas celebrating for the time being).
















I asked my [loveliest] bridesmaids by picking out an ornament that I thought fit them. Tied on with a strip of lace is a stamped tag with a note on the back asking each one to be a part of our big day!
















Molly helped me in picking out one of my dream purchases. My wedding planning book! Once I brought it home, it was staring at me - this blank slate of a cover. So I had to add some personal touches. Just a little linen, ink, and stitching.























Now, this is much more exciting. I made a wreath for one my dearest friends, Becca. "Why?" you ask. Because Chad proposed to B last night! We are, officially, in weddingland!























Thanks for taking a gander. Expect more soon!