Amazing...

I was balancing my checkbook the other day after all my christmas shopping was over and done with. When I finally came up with the balance, I was a little nervous about the little amount I had left to last me through the year. I immediately started to panic and wondered if there were things I could return that I didn't really need to get! But I couldn't give anything up...I was excited about the presents I was giving and didn't want to cut any corners.
I could have freaked out about the financial situation (or lack there of in this case), but I decided to just sit it out and see where the week takes me until I get paid again. I mean, there really wasn't anything I could have done to change it right? So, why worry? Or at least why worry right now?
Yesterday, I was handed a check for $100 from my company- a christmas bonus I guess! Whatever it was....it was miracle! God is amazing! Now, I know he didn't just throw money in my lap because I was struggling...I think he knew where my heart was this season! This is really all about giving and the absolute joy of it!
Amazing...now I can relax and enjoy the time with my family and friends!
Happy Wrapping!

My Christmas present from work....

Christmas is here in 2 days, the weather is great, the gifts have been bought...what a perfect day to...be audited??? Not so much!
Who's schedules a workers comp audit for the last few weeks of December, that's what I want to know??? Where's his xmas cheer???

Anyways, he's in the other room working away on payroll stubbs and DE-6's that I luckily conjured up since this audit is for a quarter in 2007- I wasn't even employed here. So do I care about the outcome? Not really! Is he reading payroll reports/summaries/records that I created? Nope. But it does make me grateful for ONE thing I learned at Plums- Organization of past files is key. My current company does not have that AT ALL. So, beginning January 2009 I get to organize and file everything this company has done the last 3 years...FUN! They won't know what hit 'em!
PS- I have this strange love of organizing! Let the games begin!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wowzer's...I made it!

This weekend was a hectic one! I'm glad I made it to work at a decent hour Monday morning!

Friday was our Ugly Xmas sweater Disneyland trip. Worst traffic I've EVER seen trying to get into downtown disney! We figured the park was going to be super crowded so we spent most of our time bar-hopping. It was a blast....and I was so thankful we were wearing sweaters even though they were all pretty ugly- it was freezing! We had a blast but had to head home early to get some sleep so that we were ready for our party the next night!

Saturday I was up at 8:00 ready with my list of things to do to get "party ready". It was a quick morning...or I was just super busy! Before knew it, it was time to get ready for our "Silver Belles and Blue Balls" Christmas Party. Clay and I had so much fun having friends over. We had plenty of appetizers and wine- not to mention, blue jello shots! :) It was a long night, finally ending the party at 2:30. Here are some of the silver belles- Amber, Emily, Me and Sabrina!

I wasn't too excited to be up at 8:00 the next morning, but it was my best friends birthday and I drove out to the desert to surprise her! And also to meet her twins!!!! Rylee Michelle and Kaylee Autumn were born on December 4th and already growing so fast! I am determined to be the cool "Auntie Brookie" to these adorable lil butterballs!

Gift giving

This is the greatest time of the year! Personally, I hate the cold weather (if you consider 60 degrees cold). But I LOVE how high everyone's spirit is! They seem a little lighter on their feet, a little more bounce in their step- if you will! Thank goodness I haven't had to step near a mall- maybe that's why I'm still satisfied thinking there actually is christmas cheer.

Buying gifts for our family has always been a huge task. Having such a large family can turn xmas shopping into more of a chore than a "desire to give". This year I feel I've given myself enough time to really think about gifts to give to people. I love giving more personalized gifts than simply what people want on their list. After all, it's the thought put into that gift that counts! :)
I just figured out what I'm getting my brother Adam for xmas and I am soooo excited to see his face on xmas morning. As for the rest of the fam, the creative juices are flowing and I am ready to find fun and exciting things to give them too!

Happy shopping/gift giving...and remember one thing while you're out battling the crowds: remember that this is a time to be joyful!

Happiest Place on Earth

I LOVE Disneyland at christmas time! The lights are amazing, the holiday cheer is all around, and there's nothing like getting bundled up and running around like crazy kids. Clay and I went this last Sunday after he got off work! We randomly met up with our friends that were already there and we had a great time! We're going this Friday...AGAIN- it's ugly xmas sweater theme disneyland! I am excited to what hideously disgusting ugly sweaters my friends find!

I'm still prepping for the xmas party at our place on Saturday! I feel organized enough...well, at least until Saturday actually comes- I'm sure it will be a crazy, long day! But so much fun!

My new digital camera will hopefully capture the craziness! :)

Here we go...

December has come! And before we know it- it will be over! Let the craziness begin from now until the end of the year...
I've started prepping for the holidays early this year and am very proud of myself for jumping on it! The lights are up, the decorations are out, the tree is coming this weekend! I should probably thank Megan and her roomie for getting me inspired. They've been talking about xmas since the 1st of November, which is a little too early for me.
Clay and I are having a xmas party at our place and can't wait for the invites to get out! This is my forte....party planning! I just love getting people together to have a great time! This xmas party has a Silver and Blue theme- decor, food, drinks, attire...ALL SILVER AND BLUE! Now on my list is to find the prefect dress- silver, sparkly, and warm would be ideal! So much to do...so little time! However, I will try not to let this month consume me so much that I don't enjoy the xmas cheer!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!