(Lov) // Instagrams 3.

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. 

ANTOINE DE ST.EXUPERY

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // Best. Christmas. Ever.

(Lov)e,


-k.

(Lov) // "That's a Wrap!"

On the 13th day of Christmas, Brendan and I frustratingly wrapped our Christmas presents after having dinner with his Father who is in town on business.  Frustratingly being the key word.  I told you in the last post about a conversation Brendan and I had about this little project of mine, and as a result of that conversation... this will be my last "Will You Merry Christmas Me?" post.

What started as a simple idea to help my husband, has managed to backfire on me.  Don't get me wrong... HE has been wonderfully receptive, cheerful, and even said "I am having the best Christmas ever" on many an occasion.  It's what this project is doing to ME that I never expected. My original idea was to show Brendan all the wonderful that this season had to offer; hoping to inspire in him an understanding as to WHY all things Christmas were indeed so fun and magical.  But instead of leading by example and finding joy myself, I have let this project turn ME into sort of a scrooge.

My husband, who loves me with such sweetness and patience, pointed out that it didn't seem that I was having much fun. He was right... as usual. I have felt burdened when having to come up with ideas and surprises EVERY day. I have been making and eating things I KNOW I am allergic to that make me feel bad...just because "that's what you do!"  I have found myself overwhelmed by trying to blog about this project on a daily basis... getting grumpy at my husband and daughter for wanting my attention and time when the "I just need to finish this!" version of me would get on the computer.  I have enjoyed myself very little and have turned this project of inspiration into a project of obligation... the very thing I was supposed to vanquish from our holidays.

I wish I would have recorded my husband on the night that we talked... I was in a "wheat fog" (that's what I call the cloudiness I experience after eating too much wheat) and am finding it difficult to recall all the beautiful things that he said. What it finally all came down to was that He loves me and that my happiness is what brings him the most joy. The only way he would learn to love and appreciate Christmas would be by seeing ME happy and enjoying myself.  And even then, it wouldn't be Christmas that he was appreciating... it would be MY finding enjoyment in Christmas. Without genuine joy, it IS all obligation and traditions that are burdensome and meaningless. Touche.

Alas, I have decided to end my project early to unburden myself from the obligations that I have unwittingly placed upon Christmas, in hopes that I might actually start to enjoy the next two weeks with my family. Now, if I want to do something "Christmas-y", my only motivation will be to HAVE FUN... not to prove to my husband it's fun, to blog about it, or to do it because "that's what you do!"  I can feel myself getting lighter as I type and look forward to letting myself experience what I wanted for my husband all along...some tenderness and depth of feeling for what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!


(Lov)e,


-k.   

(Lov) // "The Stockings Were Hung..."

I am SO glad to say that on the 12th day, I completely finished with decorating!  I dressed up these $4 Target stockings with a little glitter glue and some snowflake ornaments and tacked them to the wall (since we have no fire place).  I have to admit, this project of mine is yielding some pretty unexpected results.  My husband and I talked tonight (well, he talked and I listened mostly) about how it is going thus far. He brought up some very interesting observations, thoughtful insights, and helped me realize (yet again) oh-so-many things.  More on that tomorrow.

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry"

On the night of the 11th day, after Brendan had a very long and hard day at work, we decided to be a little glutenous.  After Lydia went to bed, we ate cookies, drank beer, and watched "A Miracle on 34th Street".   I no longer drink beer and try to avoid most things made with wheat flour because I have some pretty serious food allergies.  Alas, I  indulged and had about half a Shiner Cheer and 4 cookies. The real miracle is that I didn't wake up this morning wanting to die.  In fact, besides waking up to find I had slept funny on my right arm... I felt pretty darn good!  I know there are only few miracles to go around, so I wont be pressing my luck again this holiday season... gluten free sweets and no more cheer beer for me.

As for the movie, which Brendan had never seen, it was well enjoyed.  I forget how great black and white films are... and how gorgeous are the women?!?!  The hair, clothes, and sheer femininity they radiate are something to behold. As far as the whole "believing in Santa" message... cute, but no converts here.  We do not plan on continuing that tradition in our own  family.  Lydia of course will know about the idea of Santa, but she will also know that he is not a real person.  Well, that is unless we meet a man named Kris Kringle who buys us a new house.  Cheers!

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // "Making Tooties"

On the night of the 10th day, Brendan went to spread a bit of Christmas cheer himself by having rehearsal for The J. Wesley Haynes Trio in the front yard of the drummer's house which happens to be a part of the 37th Street Christmas Lights Display. So Lydia and I decided to make some cookies (which she pronounces "tooties") and watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on Hulu.

Tooties make her very excited and she could hardly sit still long enough to watch.  She only made it to just about half way though when she CRASHED.  So, this Mama ate cookies and finished the movie all on her own... and it was quite nice; my semi- silent night. :)

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // "Pretty Lights"

On the evening of the 9th day, I took Brendan and Lydia to Mozart's Coffee Roasters Musical Christmas Lights Display! It is by far one of the best places in Austin to take in a magical light show set to holiday music.  We enjoyed some wonderful drinks and split a killer tiramisu while sitting on the deck of this charming coffee house that is located on beautiful Lake Austin. This was also the first night I got to try out my early Christmas present from my family - a new Canon Rebel T3i DSLR! I honestly have NO idea what I am doing yet, but I managed to get a couple of pretty decent shots to capture the undeniable holiday cheer that only seeing pretty Christmas lights can bring. A bonus... Lydia had a BLAST dancing to the music and riding on the cart that brought us to and from our car. Weeeeeeee!

(Lov)e,

-k.