Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas! Our first Christmas as newlyweds was spent in Virginia with the Patterson clan. I wasn’t quite ready to be on my own, per say, and was filled with a child-like excitement to head home for Christmas. Williamsburg is hands down the most beautiful place during the holiday season. A walk along D.O.G. street is enough to convince those skeptical of such a bold statement. The traditional Christmas carols entertained us along the way until we finally rounded the corner into a beautifully decorated Kingsmill. The house was welcoming, the Christmas tree adorned with ornaments Andrea and I have created over the years. Domie pranced around with bows secured to her collar, much to her embarrassment. As a college student, I always requested Chicken Corn Chowder on my first return trip home. Now as a grown married woman, the old stand by still remains one of my favorite of traditions. After the delicious dinner we went to The Green Leafe Tavern for a double date with my sis and her husband. A perfect ending to kick off our holiday vacation.

Christmas Eve morning Jarrett, my mom, and I teamed up in an effort to get my dad out of the house. The motivation behind this scrooge-like behavior was to allow Jarrett a couple of hours to assemble a workbench for my dad. My dad does ministry wok with inmates and planned to link up with one of the recently released men. We were crossing our fingers that he’d hurry on out, but when he couldn’t get in touch with his friend we quickly realized that we needed a plan B. With his lumbar and tools in tow, we dropped Jarrett off at our neighbor’s house for a couple of hours. In the mean time, my mom and I went to the spa to work out and relax in the steam room, sauna, and hot tub. My favorite part of going to the resort gym is the iced water with lemons and bucket of rolled towels chilled on ice. I always leave feeling inspired to incorporate these simple touches for a spa like atmosphere back home. We were delirious to be relaxing and far away from the hustle and bustle of the outlets and malls. Nothing can top good quality mother daughter time.

Once Jarrett completed his project we set off to Colonial Williamsburg. No trip back home is complete without stomping the grounds of Duke of Gloucester. After taking in the perfect scene we returned home for turkey tetrazzini, another holiday favorite. Then we bundled up and piled into the car for my most anticipated moment of the trip back home. There’s just something about the Christmas Eve service at The Chapel that calms my mind and warms my soul. As a special treat I noticed right off the bat that Branch Fields would be performing a solo. Branch grew up in the chapel and eventually made his way to New York where he uses his gift in Broadway theatre and the New York City Opera. He is incredibly talented and the sound of his voice brings my spirit close to the Lord. Our minister of music is equally talented, a graduate of Julliard and our resident musical savant. The most touching part of the evening was when two six-year-old twins dressed in their Christmas best stood before us and recited from memory Luke 2:1-20. We were quite impressed with their dedication to memorizing the scripture. As with all Christmas Eve services, we closed in prayer, holding candles and singing “Silent Night.”

We weren’t quite ready to call it a night, so we headed to Busch Gardens for the 2^nd Annual Christmas Towne. The Park was enchanting, with each country lit and decorated with a unique theme. The Penguins, rabbits, and snow owls were filled with personality. My mom and I ran around like children, dancing and acting incredibly goofy. Busch Gardens brings back so many memories, and I realized that I’ve been stomping its terrain as a season pass holder for 22 years straight! No matter how old I am, visiting the park energizes me in the very same way. We made a lap around the park and made the short trip home to slip into our pajamas. I assembled the traditional breakfast strata and we cozied up by the Christmas tree awaiting the excitement that the next day would bring.

The luxury of still being the “kids” is getting to sleep in on Christmas morning. We woke up at 10:30 and feasted on Moravian sugar cake, strata, and home made hot cocoa. Santa certainly made a stop by Tazewelll’s Way. I was spoiled beyond words and am very grateful for such wonderful surprises. Dad loved his workbench, Mom loved her Le Creuset dutch oven, and Jarrett loved his trip to Destin! No one was more excited than Domie, who disappeared for hours with her Christmas bone. After opening our gifts, Mom wandered up to the computer and shortly thereafter came bonding down the stairs with the biggest grin on her face. As she read an excerpt from the Williamsburg York County Online Newspaper, she announced that she had won this year’s holiday story contest! After taking runner up the day before with her holiday haiku, she was overjoyed to be this year’s big winner. I’m not at all surprised, as her colorful language and detailed descriptions painted the story in a way that makes you feel in on the action. I’m so proud of you Mom!

We lazied around for most of the afternoon then bundled up for the 4 mile loop around Kingsmill. The snow began to fall during our walk, the beginning our beautiful white Christmas. The neighborhood looked spectacular in the snow. Shortly after we got back home the Conleys arrived and the house was filled with round two of excitement. Our delicious Christmas meal featured Jarrett’s fried turkey, corn pudding, cranberry salad, green bean casserole, dressing, mashed potatoes (the best I’ve ever had) and Rudolph Spritzer. As the kids watched Polar Express, the adults opened gifts. The biggest surprise came from my sister and Mike and was a Kitchen-Aid mixer! I have always wanted one and could not believe that the beautiful red mixer was mine! The kids joined in on the fun, full excitement as they opened their gifts. It’s so amazing to have a house full of conversation, personalities, and tiny squeals from the kiddos. The Lord has blessed us beyond words.

We woke up to a good 6 inches of snow, and with no signs of it letting up, Jarrett and I decided to head back to Carolina. The 300 mile trip took us seven hours! When we finally arrived to our home sweet home we unpacked and hopped back into the car to head to the Evans. It was so special to be sharing this holiday together as an official member of the family. I know I’ve said it before, but I am just so happy to have such a wonderful extended family. It’s so amazing how similarly Jarrett and I have been raised and the value that we both place on our relationships with our families. We had another delicious Christmas dinner, the honey baked ham being my favorite. The overly generous Evans and Dineens proceeded to absolutely spoil us with presents. My two sisters must know me well, because Conner also surprised me with a Kitchen-Aid mixer! We decided that we’d trade it in for a new pair of Uggs which was equally exciting. Mine are nearly 7 years old and look every bit their age. I can’t wait to slide my feet into the new pair of Chestnut colored beauties. After a long day of driving, we were so grateful to be relaxing with the family. What a very, very Merry Christmas!

Ready, Aim, Fire!

This year, a new holiday tradition was born in the form of a turkey shoot! After a delicious breakfast in Pfafftown, J and I headed to the VFW for their annual holiday turkey shoot! I absolutely loved the experience and managed to get 2nd place in my round! The winner took home a country ham. Not a bad incentive for next year!

Welcome Mr. President

I was so excited when my husband was asked to volunteer with President Obama's upcoming trip to Forsyth Tech. I had no clue that I would somehow get in on it! Between Jarrett ushering the VIP section, and our pastor giving the opening prayer, we managed to score pretty sweet seats! Check out this picture taken by the Associated Press. Look carefully and you'll see us in the background!

Among the invited guests were local business managers, Fosyth Tech employees and guests (loving my "spouse" status), our newly elected state representatives, and students concentrating on biotechnology. Security was ridiculously (and appropriately) strict, and the Secret Service were eying us like hawks. The atmosphere was exciting and the anticipation of our upcoming speaker was at its peak!

Barack Obama arrived and after a few personal touches and witty remarks, he plunged right in to political issues. He spoke about the need to advance technology and production in the United States. He used this as a platform for discussing the extension of tax breaks. Barack was a very dynamic speaker and was incredibly engaging and sharp.

What an amazing opportunity!! Its certainly not every day that you get to see the President! Thanks hubby for the invite, great seats, and for a heightened interest in politics current affairs.

LoveFeast

Sunday night was our second annual Christmas Party and LoveFeast. This is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated and favorite events of the season. Last year, we were packed like sardines into my one bedroom apartment. This year, we were very excited to host the event at our new home. With the tree decorated and garland strung, the house looked quite nice in its festive attire. The day before the party Jarrett got an unexpected invitation to help out with President Obama's upcoming visit to Forsyth Tech. Although this would mean missing the party, it was an opportunity that couldn't be missed. I did my best to play hostess and I'd say we had a pretty great time!

The LoveFeast, as always, was astounding. We sang Christmas carols, enjoyed the handbell and flute choirs, and reflected on this year's spin on the Christmas message. As tradition goes, we received the Moravian sweet bun and spiced coffee which is always quite a treat. The only way to eat it is to place the bun on top of the cup during the Christmas carols. When the time comes to partake in the feast, the bun is perfectly warm and deliciously soft. As the service came to an end, we lit our beeswax candles, hoisting them high into the air singing "Joy to the world, the Lord is Come!" I left with a joyful heart, inspired mind, and open arms to the Christmas festivities to come!

Mistletoe

I started the day off with a great run! The Mistletoe half marathon is one of my favorite races and I was so excited to get to run it this year. I was somewhat on the fence about running it since I didn't exactly train properly, but decided that I didn't have anything to lose. I signed up yesterday, drank plenty of water, stretched, and made an awesome playlist. After 8 solid hours of sleep, I laced up my poor ancient Mizunos for one last run.

The run went very smoothly. I have run the course so many times that it felt luxurious to run with company and fans (Jarrett being my favorite). I can't tell you how much I loved my playlist, which was a combination of new songs, Christmas songs, and old favorites. This is my thirteenth half marathon, but the first one that I've run solo. The music definitely provided quality entertainment!

I usually follow the pace of whoever I'm running with. I was interested to see what kind of pace I'd keep running without a watch or split times. I was pretty much clueless about my time throughout the whole race, but maintained a steady pace. I managed to finish in under two hours and was quite pleased.

After the post-race party, I took a long hot shower with both shower heads aimed at my sore muscles. After slipping into my pajamas, I cuddled up on the couch and watched as the snow began to fall. How beautiful! After a 3 hour nap we bundled up and walked around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights in snow.

I'd say this was a pretty good day!