Christmas Eve Eve Eve feat. Santa

This past Sunday, my dad's side of the family had our "Christmas Eve." And let me just forewarn you, my family makes the CUTEST children ever and this post is mostly showing them being their precious selves.

The best part, in my opinion, of this whole night, was that the real Santa actually came to my cousin's house to pass out some gifts. I was pretty starstruck to be honest, but I had to remember he was just there for the kids...

No, I'm totally kidding. Santa would be way too busy this time of year. But my dad did dress up as him, carrying on a tradition my family has been doing for years, and let me tell you, it was the most adorable thing ever. The little ones were SO excited. He came in, got some big hugs at the door, had the kids sit on his lap to tell him what they wanted, gave them some presents, and then he left (to the back of the house where he could ditch the Santa suit). 

It had to be a bit of a fast goodbye because his beard had a mind of its own and would not stay on. We had some close calls, but no children were scarred by seeing Santa's beard fall off his face, thankfully.

Merry Christmas!

Take That Christmas

Before I say anything, I just want you to know that I love Christmas.

So keep that in mind when I say that Christmas just needs to chill a little. I mean a few months ago there were Christmas decorations in Costco. And the day after Halloween... look out. 

Now, very few wait to celebrate. (Rhyme unintentional but appreciated.)

I am one of the few who still respects Thanksgiving, if you will. I like waiting to decorate, put lights up, listen to Christmas music, etc., until after Thanksgiving. Sorry if I offend anyone.

I waited to write this post about Thanksgiving because I wanted to be an advocate for the fine holiday and give Christmas a little taste of its own medicine. 

Since the majority of people start celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving, I am going to do the same, yet opposite, right now and gawk over how great Thanksgiving is during the Christmas season.

SO TAKE THAT CHRISTMAS

LET'S SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT

This Thanksgiving was a good one. The day was a nice sunny one, making me remember how blessed I am to live in such a lovely place. 

In the morning, I did the Turkey Trot with my sister. It was our first race and we got to experience it together! Can you say precious? We did the 5k because we aren't as intense as all the 10k runners. But next year, watch out all you 10k'ers... The Manzo sisters are coming for you.

 It was a really good experience even though some nice gentleman pushed me... 

The second half of the day was spend at my aunt and uncle's house where some of my dad's side congregated. It was a full day of laughing, eating, eating, laughing and eating.

No, it didn't end there. On Friday, my mom, dad, sister and I took on another part of the fam, my mom's brother, his family and my grandma. It was so great so see those sweet people.

Oh and then I saw Michael Bublé in concert that night making it the best night of my life but since I could go on forever, I'll stop. 

Let me just say I am very thankful for Michael Bublé. God knew what he was doing with that man.

But wait there's more.

On Saturday came the last of our family Thanksgiving celebrations. We went to my mom's cousin's house where I got to see my wonderful cousins. Again, laugher and eating were the night's main ingredients.

Three nights, three celebrations, only one food coma, and a lot of family time. 

Thanksgiving for the win!

What a fun little Thanksgiving celebration that was. By reading that, you unknowingly supported my slight rebellion. I'm thankful you did ;)

About 90% of my family isn't pictured. BUT I STILL LOVE THEM. 

Proud of my participation metal. Not just anyone gets one.

Cousin Lovin

Coffee all the time. Thankful for coffee. Mmmmm coffee.

Expert Shuffler

My sister told me the glasses made me look like a hipster.

Charlie: the newest edition to the clan. He fits in quite well.

MB 

MB

When we are all together, great things happen.

Always always always always laughing

Friendsgiving

Every year, I am just amazed at how quickly the holidays sneak up on us. 

It feels like just yesterday I was at the beach, laying on the warm sand and trying so hard to soak up as many rays as possible. (Because just because one lives in Southern California, doesn't mean they get a great tan in five minutes. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble.)

But now it's lovely fall, my tan is gone, and the holidays are here.

It didn't hit me until tonight when I had my very first "Friendsgiving" with a group a people whom I love so dearly.

They are especially wonderful because not only are they the most fun and gracious people to ever grace this planet, but they are my sister's friends from high school. Four years older than me and they still let me hang out with them, and I am So Thankful for them!

And yes, we did go around the table and say what we are thankful for.

Because why not? It's Thanksgiving and we're thankful. It seems only fitting.

The whole evening was just so lovely. Of course the company is the most important part, but food is at a close second. The hosts made a gourmet meal including turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and a cranberry pomegranate sauce that blew my mind, just to name a few.

Needless to say, I was a happy camper.

After the amazing Thanksgiving meal, we played some games, had a little dance break, then played some more games.

All in all, the night was a success.

The night was so lovely that I neglected to take pictures so I stole this from the host, Elizabeth.
This meal was as delish as it looks.

So this year, I am thankful for the grace and love of Jesus Christ, my always loving family, the best of friends, my health, espresso machines, laughter and community.
I could go on, really.

Everyone can always use a little reminder of how special they are to someone, so don't forget to tell your loved ones you're thankful for them this week.
Let the eating begin.
xoxo

When We Were All Little Nuggets

WARNING: This post contains cute overload so you may cry.

While I should be spending today studying, I have decided to spend my time in a much more useful way...

I find that writing is somewhat of a relaxing and de-stresser for me so why not take a little time right? The reason I'm needing this time of relaxation is because my lab, Roxy, who I have had since I was six just had surgery two days ago. This one really beat her up and she almost didn't make it through the surgery. And to be honest, I'm not sure if she will be able to bounce back from this one. 

(She has good and bad days.)

So as you can imagine, I've just been an emotional wreck the last few days... And what do I do? I watch the home video of the day we brought her home... I'm really just setting myself up for a good cry but I obviously didn't care!

I give you your cute puppy pictures for the day. You're welcome.

What a little nugget right? I can say with and without bias that she is the sweetest dog on the planet. I just thank God for this precious dog and all the amazing years I've had with her.

So there you go. Feel free to stare at her precious face whenever your heart desires :)

Jumping Right In

Hello all. I recently decided (this morning) to finally set up a blog for posting about notable things I do, photos of said notable things, fashion, recipes and all that fun stuff. I had planned on my first post to be a little "get to know me" but I think I'm going to do things a little differently. Instead of one post explaining who I am, I want all my posts to give the big picture of who I am and what's important to me. My goal is for this blog as a whole to capture the essence of me. So for this first post, why not start out with the single most important part of my life? I love Jesus with this burning passion and I just can't seem to get enough of Him. I honestly can say that I don't know what kind of a hot mess I would be if I didn't have Him in my life. Having Christ is the best thing that can and will ever happen to me. And even though I have this joy and purpose, life still isn't easy. I'm writing this now because I was just reminded again tonight that it is so easy to lose sight of the One who is always with us, longing for us to come to him when we are hurting AND joyful. It is so easy to praise Him when we are in good places in life, but when we reach a rough patch or a bump in the road, we can be too quick to blame God or just forget that he is right beside us. As I'm writing this, the song "The Same God" by Newsong started to play. The chorus says it all. The same God with you then is with you now. The same God who led you will lead you out. So take all the fear and doubt. Go on and lay them down. The same God is with you now. So whether it's family issues, friend issues, insecurities, or worrying about the future and unknown, whatever it is, God is right there with you. Always.
I'm going to finish this first post with my favorite bible verse... I hope it can encourage you like it does me. I swear this verse is just on repeat in the back of my mind all the time. It is John 16:33 which says, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." And to that I say boom.