Christmas Festivities Lowdown (Long Version)

I'm excited to tell you that I had probably the best Christmas of my life last weekend, which is lucky, because it was my first Christmas with my husband, who I love calling Mr. Wonderful, because that is what he really is. But I'm warning you, this is a long one. Turn back now if you don't have the time, but I put a lot of work into this. Thanks in advance if you continue now.

Here is the Christmas festivities low-down:
We first went to Austin on Friday, the good old hometown.We had some time to rest at the in-laws', and briefly go over the music for the Christmas Eve service at church that the family was playing for. I'm pretty sure it was beautiful, or that's what everybody said, anyway. My nerves always go way through the roof when I play because I have never had high-self-esteem (don't believe in it) when it comes to my playing, and therefore can never tell for sure when to call it a job well done. That aside, after our rehearsal we had dinner as a family at the new Vietnamese restaurant in town, Top Noodle. If you're ever in Austin, MN, for whatever reason that would be, I have no idea, go eat at the Top Noodle. Austin has many great hometown restaurants, but this one is the most unique, and I would have to say, the most authentic. Oh yes, and it's delicious. I've never had such amazing egg rolls in my life. But enough about dinner.

Lo, there was no room for the newlyweds in the inn (err... parents' home, because of the foreign exchange student in their guest room). So we slept on the floor. Never again. I really hadn't thought sleeping on the floor was something I would have to give up for another five to ten years, but nope, age has somehow caught up with my body and sleeping on the floor is just not advisable. This is getting embarrassing. Segue.

On Christmas Eve we had a fab time trading names and Christmas lists/shopping guidelines with some of the cousins to do (now traditional?) Crazy Cousin Christmas! We all went shopping together and it was a lot of fun to avoid (or shop with) the person we were finding a gift for. We then went home and wrapped them, and headed to our Christmas Eve service, which I have already addressed as a success. My family even drove into town from 45 minutes away. It was nice to have them there.

After exchanging some quick gifts with some of the family members on my husband's dad's side of the family, (confused?) including our cousin gifts, my man and I took off to meet up with my mom's side of the family. Which was also a lot of fun, and we got some pretty cool gifts for our kitchen. And for my husband's head, neck, and hands, which shall be forever warm no matter what the weather. Thanks Grandma!

On Christmas day, the best day of the year, we got up early to get ready to go spend the morning with my family, but first we finished gift-opening with the in-laws. We received some super cool lunch bags, which we were both in need of, and some really handy cleaning supplies, amongst other cool trinkets and treasures. Then we were off to see my family, which was quite a nice way to spend Christmas morning!

Mr. Wonderful got his circus peanuts he always asks for but I never let him buy (ack! so icky!). We also got a mixer (more pie! more pie!), an air popcorn popper, and an air mattress (never sleeping on the floor again!). But really, it was just so nice to spend some time with my family on Christmas day, and made the fact that we had a brown (rather than white) Christmas. Yes, somehow, MN is in need of some snow!

After a fabulous, over-indulgent brunch with my family we drove up north a bit to see my mother-in-law's side of the family, where we got to see all of the cutest cousins. We had some fun games of dirty bingo for the kids, the men, and the women, and exchanged normal, nice gifts with the family as well. I got a nice blue throw, which is on my couch, and I find reasons to use it even though our house is too warm.

We exchanged gifts together after we got home Monday night. I got him some more candy I never let him buy, and some games because gaming is his way of destressing, which is important because he is normally so mellow! Which is one thing I love about him most. Another thing I love about him is his ability to buy me great gifts, especially when it's something I only mentioned once and didn't put on my gift list. I am now the proud owner of every Jane Austen book, conveniently packed into one giant book. He also gave me a box of all dark chocolates. I couldn't possibly have a better husband for myself. And that's why he is Mr. Wonderful.

We are now cozy in our home, with all of our gifts tucked away in their new homes. We had decided to dedicate ourselves to working out every day this week, and so far I want to give up. I do not have more energy yet, but maybe a better attitude. It's kind of hard to tell with PMS and a headache induced by post-work-out sore muscles. By the end of the week, though, we expect to feel better and be on our way to having bodies of the gods. Ho-ha! Tomorrow I hope to have the energy (and relaxed muscles) to begin cleaning my apartment, which I want spotless by the end of the week. Just the way I like it. Wish me luck!

Blog #28, done! Thanks for reading my long long post. The next one will be more entertaining.

What was your best Christmas present this year?