Is it really over?

Can I please tell you how much I love the Christmas season?! Yes, I admit it, I am one of those annoying people that play Christmas music right after the Thanksgiving meal is served (or sooner if I can get away with it). I just don't know what it is. I get so excited Christmas Eve night that I struggle going to sleep and I have to force myself not to get up before everyone else Christmas morning. Fortunately, this year was not any different. I am so fortunate to have spent the entire holiday season celebrating with family and friends. I can't remember the last time I participated in so many Christmas celebrations. It was awesome! What an amazing gift the Lord has given me this Christmas season to have time to enjoy it. This year I wasn't traveling to indoor track meets, going to coaching clinics in Las Vegas, or national conventions in Pheonix, Arizona. This year, I had the opportunity to stay in my little world surrounded by my family, old friends, new friends, and new coworkers. I am sad to see this season wind down. Here are a few pictures of this December's adventures and celebrations. I hope that through all the hustle and bustle you too can look back and realize how lucky we are to have a time to celebrate Jesus birth.

Dec, 5, 2008- It's hard to get freinds together in the same place for dinner. This Friday night we grabbed some thai food in Santa Barbara before the holiday rush began.


Dec. 6, 2008- The Scott's first Christmas open house! Although this event took place during the UCLA vs. USC football game no serious fights broke out between the fueding parties. The women below are our moms. They've been friends since college and us kids have grow up together. Look, they still seem to like eachother after all these years.




Dec. 13, 2008- Since I've returned to my hometown, I've gotten back in touch with some of my high school freinds. Michelle and Kari were both on the NPHS volleyball team with me. Michelle had a "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party at her home this year. I wish this picture could more accurately display the splender and detail of the Santa Clause patches outlined in gold "puffy paint" which adorned the vibrant red blouse I wore. It was a true find!


Dec. 20, 2008- After dinner at the Scott's in L.A., we decided to take a "short walk" to Griffith Park to see the annual light display. The walk was necessary to avoid the hours of traffic we would have sat through. However, we didn't avoid the hours of walking. What started as a 1.5 mile strolled, turned into a 6.5 mile hike. Two and a half hours later we had our fill of holiday lights.



Dec. 23, 2008- Two days before Christmas, my mom, dad and I were invited to a night of food, and lots of singing. It's been a while since I've gone to a Christmas party with my parents, so it was great to celebrate together. This party was hosted by a very colorful family who plans this event every year in order to get thier freinds around the piano to sing Christmas Carols until the wee hours of the morning. Although, I'm not much of a singer, how can you pass on a flamboyant rendition of 12 days of Christmas?

Dec. 24, 2008- This Christmas Eve, Mom and Dad came to our church, Reality Carp. with me and my sister. It was a bit rainy and cold so we made a quick prechurch dash to Coffee Bean for some peppermint lattes. What a great way to start an evening of celebrating Christ's birth. When we got back from church, the last minute bows were placed on the packages and we were ready for the big day!

Dec. 25, 2008- Christmas Day! Spent with the same five people I've spent every Christmas with since I can remember. Christmas wouldn't be the same without Gramma, Papa, Karebear, Momma, and Daddy.Merry Christmas to you and yours!