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- So, if today’s Abby’s Saturday photo looks kinda-sorta familiar, it should! I have done a “Starbucks red-cup” themed photo around Christmas (almost) every year now & of course, this year is no exception!
There is just one problem: I no longer have a fireplace!! We renovated our dining room last January/February and we got rid of the old fireplace. As we were ripping it out – I literally thought about this photo – I always take it in front of the fireplace!
I honestly considered using some “AI” magic and putting a fireplace behind them – but ultimately I decided against it. This is the spot where our fireplace used to be, so that’s where we continued on the tradition and took our photo. (It’s just not the same though – ugh, now I’m feeling super nostalgic.)
If you’d like a stroll down memory lane, here are the other Starbucks Abby’s Saturday photos I’ve taken: #73, #174, #229, #277 (this one is STILL my favorite), #329, #381, & #433. - Why is it that the days in December are not only shorter, but fuller of all-the-things?
It’s only December 9, and I’m already done. I’m mentally and physically exhausted – and we aren’t even half-way there yet.
The crazy thing is: it’s not even the “Christmas stuff” that’s bogging me down – it’s everything else. We somehow have doctors appointments (just well-checks, but still), dentist appointments, and haircuts all in a week-long span. Add to that list the normal grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, and school – toss in a birthday and birthday party for good measure – and then add on top some traveling – plus the “Christmas stuff” – and well, you get a good picture of my current “hair-on-fire” state. Things are just bananas and I’m looking into next week and things don’t slow down until Friday. Needless to say: I’m living for Friday, when things will finally settle down, slow down, and we can actually ENJOY the Christmas season. - Speaking of traveling, last Friday we traveled north-east across the state of Pennsylvania to be with Derrick’s family and attend his Grandma’s memorial service. Within a span of 3 weeks, both Derrick and I have lost one of our Grandmas (which I’m sure has nothing to do with my current frazzled state). I didn’t know Derrick’s Grandma Abbey well, but the few times we were together, I knew she was a very special lady. Leander in particular had a really precious bond with his Great-Grandma – she will be sorely missed by so many.
- From the service, we came home the next day so that I could pick up my unsold items from the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale (I talked about that last week) and so we could gather to take the “grand” Eichelberger family photo for Meme and Grandpa. Normally, we take this photo earlier in the year, but it just didn’t happen this year, which sent my cousin Lydia and I scrambling to find a date that all 34 of us could gather for the photo. Needless to say: it was a feat that should be commended. We did it though and I already designed, ordered, and delivered Meme’s Christmas cards to her. (My Grandma takes sending a family photo and Christmas letter very seriously.)
- Sunday was Leander’s actual birthday. It kind of felt strange because we had been low-key celebrating all weekend (with dinner out on Thursday, with extended family on Friday, and his party planned for Monday.) But, Sunday was the big day. With a birthday so close to Christmas, it’s always a challenge to separate things and make things special: we made Leander’s favorite breakfast and dinner for him – complete with a special cake just for him. And of course, he got gifts!
- Monday was party day! We re-arranged our living room so that it could comfortably accommodate everyone (including Meme & Grandpa – which was an extra special surprise!) It was a grand party, complete with a massive cake (which my sister Ruby masterfully put together), presents, balloons, Mario masks, and of course: confetti. Trust me, you want to see how amazing this party was! Click here!
- On Thursday, we took our annual Christmas shopping day with my Mom! We travel out to visit Hobby Lobby and a few other stores around it to pick up gifts. We have lunch out – it’s always a fun time. We’re a little late this year, normally we go right after Thanksgiving, but that seems to be the theme of the year: crazy busy.
- And well, we just never stop – because we’re off an another adventure this weekend. I’ll share more when we get back!
