Christmas Week

Merry Christmas Eve! Things have been quite hectic around here with get togethers, outings, wrapping presents and enjoying all the joys of the holiday season! Above all, we in the Miranda household are finally on the upswing from being sick. Colt was sick with a terrible cough for about 2 weeks or so. Soon after that, I also fell sick. I even had to miss a day from school last week to visit the doctor. Having to miss a day from school days before Christmas Break is so stressful! There was so much to get done last week and I wasn't sure how I was going to get everything I needed finished before school let out. In the end, everything worked out, as it always does. Gotta have faith! 

Last Friday, I decorated the tables in my classroom for our holiday party rotations. I used butcher paper to make the tables look like Santa's belt! It came out super cute in my opinion! 

My students were so sweet and thoughtful to bring me Christmas presents on our party day. I don't know what I did in life to deserve such an incredible job with the most precious students and supportive parents, but I am extremely thankful and definitely blessed! One of the cute things I received was this monogrammed tote bag. Anyone who knows me, knows I love all things monogrammed. Obsessed! I can't wait to use this lovely bag to carry all my goodies this week! I love it! 

Here's what else we've been up to this Christmas Week! Saturday I slept in due to being so exhausted from the last 3 weeks of school. Things were so busy at work and it felt so nice to be done for 2 weeks and not have to set any alarms. Colt was sweet to surprise me and bring me homemade breakfast in bed. It was such a lovely surprise! I'm the luckiest to have him! 

We lounged the rest of the day and watched Christmas movies. It was definitely a great start to our Christmas Break! Later that night we got dressed and met up with some friends from TCU at the Cowtown Bowling Alley. It was such a fun time hanging out, bowling and chatting with the girls! 

Bowling fun with friends! 

After bowling, Colt and I were starving and we noticed there was a Griff's burger right next door! We used to eat Griff's many years ago as kids so it was quite nostalgic for us! We had to stop! 

We were so excited to taste those greasy fries! 

On Sunday we attended church but went home quickly after that. I wasn't feeling well again and I decided to lay down for a nap. I slept for hours!!! Colt's grandparents were hosting a Christmas get together at their house that evening and sadly I had to miss it. It's such a bummer being sick during the holidays.  :(  Two Sundays ago, before I got sick, our friend Shannon hosted a jewelry party at her house. We love sparkly, pretty things! Champ and shopping is one of our favorites! 

On Monday, we met in downtown Fort Worth to have dinner and drinks at the Cheesecake Factory with our friends Rusty and Cheryl. I have been friends with Cheryl since 7th grade! When we are together, it feels like nothing has changed. It feels like we are still those sweet, 12 year old girls in Catholic school girl uniforms. Cheryl and I have remained friends throughout the years and were in each other's weddings. They say if a friendship lasts 7 years, it will mostly likely last a lifetime! We love the Collins family! 

Oreo cheesecake. Heaven on a plate. 

Tuesday, Colt and I met my mom for an early lunch. We enjoyed chips and queso and a delicious fajita meal at Los Molcajetes. Colt and I had to run to the mall to run a few errands and we found out my mom did also. So what better way to spend the day than shopping all day with your 2 favorites?! We made a pit stop at sonic for Happy Hour Sonic Drinks then made our way to the mall. We braved the crowds and horrible traffic. We stopped at that "At Home" store that everyone seems to be talking about. We bought a few things and shopped up and down the aisles, but all in all, I wasn't too impressed. I'm undecided as to whether or not I'll go back and shop there again. After that we had to go to Neiman Marcus so we were off to head to another mall! Two malls in one day is a girls dream! Colt was such a trooper. He chauffeured us all over and shopped til he dropped. I was so proud of him. It was such a fun time. We finally made it home around 9 PM. Nine hours of shopping and we finally called it a day! Whew! 

Later that night, Colt and I stayed up late baking homemade sugar cookies, watching Hallmark Christmas movies and prepping for Christmas with Colt's immediate family the next day! 

Festive cheeseball snowmen! 

Colt and I are so addicted to these things! We tasted one and haven't been able to stop munching on these!!! 

Yesterday, we drove out to Denton to attend Miranda Family Christmas with Colt's parents, siblings, their spouses and nieces and nephews. Unfortunately, once again I was feeling sick. Tuesday I started to feel ill but yesterday it was worse. I was so terribly congested and had so much sinus pressure in my face. I tried to make the best of it but wasn't feeling 100% at all. I hate being so sick that I cannot smell nor taste all the yummy foods. My sister in law, Ria, suggested I try this nasal spray called, Nostrilla. She said she swore by it. I was so desperate to breathe again that I thought what the heck! On the way home, we stopped at Walgreens and picked up the nose spray. Let me tell you, I am so glad we did!!!! Not too long after I used it, I was able to breathe again! It was so nice to finally get a good night's rest and breathe through my nose instead of my mouth! Thanks for the recommendation, Ria! If you've never used this stuff, definitely give it a whirl! 

Today, Colt and I slept in again. We finished up the rest of our wrapping and ate a light lunch. I updated our kitchen chalkboard as well. 

We are relaxing and enjoying the quiet moments before the hustle and bustle of this evening and tomorrow. Later this evening we will be attending Christmas Mass with my family and then go out to dinner afterwards. Tomorrow morning we will head out to my parents house to open gifts and eat mom's homemade breakfast! Saturday we will be going out to Haslet to celebrate Christmas with my extended family. I am excited! I cannot believe how quickly this month is passing by. Advent and the wait is over... it's time to celebrate Jesus' birth! What better way to celebrate the arrival of Christ than spending it with our dear loved ones and participating in all the festivities! 

Colt and I are watching Michael Buble's Christmas special on our dvr and I am enjoying this delicious cup of hot cocoa until it's time to get dressed in a few! 

"For to us, a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!" Isaiah 9:6

Wishing you all a very merry and blessed Christmas, from our family to yours! 

We love you all!