Christmas Presents

For the past couple of years, Jason and I have mostly just asked for gift cards for Christmas.  So boring, I know.  It's just that when you make money of your own, it's hard to figure out something that you want or need that you haven't already gotten for yourself.  Well, this year I was determined to actually pick things out.  I think it makes Christmas more exciting, both for the gift givers and recipients.  Plus, there's more presents to open, and that's always fun, right?

Jason, he stuck to the gift cards.  B-o-r-i-n-g.

I created a Pinterest page of little odds and ends that I found cute or that I wanted, so most of my gifts came from there.

My parents bought me new place settings - place mats, napkins, napkin rings, & cute glasses.  Jason just loves the pink floral napkins.  ;)

I also received this tea set.  I'm totally ready for mid-afternoon tea.

Oooo, and I'm ready for picnic.  Jason's parents got me this awesome wine cooler, and Jason's aunt and uncle got me a cheese board with knives.  And we can pack for the picnic in the wonderful Pottery Barn bag that Trey and Melanie gave me.  I can't wait until the free shows at Miller Outdoor Theater start up again in March.  We are uber-prepared.

So, not only are we ready for pretty meals, mid-afternoon teas, and picnics, but I also received 3 pajama pants, 2 pairs of house shoes, 2 pairs of earrings & a necklace, a gift card to Chili's, a gift card to Starbucks, the book "The Omnivore's Dilemma," and a Willow Tree angel.  And, the day after Christmas, Jason found me two pairs of sneakers on sale at Academy.  Score. 

Total slam dunk this year, huh?

I am grateful for all the gifts I got, but I am especially grateful for the time I got to spend with family.  It's nice that we live close enough and that our work schedules allow us to spend time together.

Oh, and don't expect an exciting New Years Eve post.  Jason and I were in bed by 9 pm.  The most exciting part of our night was waking up at midnight to all of the gunshots going off in the neighborhood.  That went on for about 45 minutes, with the dog barking for the first 25 minutes until he got used to it.  Fun times.

We did eat an awesome brunch with Sal and Nicole at Petrol Station yesterday.  It was delish and a great way to spend the first day of 2012.  :)