Christmas Eve Ramblings

Taylor has been home the last 2 days and the kids have been playing so nicely with each other.  What's going on here? It's been niiiice.  There is a lot I could tell you about, but in truth not much has been going on.  It's a bullet-point kind of post.

• I got my Christmas gift early: a couch big enough for the whole family to sit on at once!  It is red and comfortable and I love it!  The only problem is that the previous owner had a cat which the majority of the family is very allergic to.  The day after we brought home the couch and discovered the problem we had someone come steam clean the couch and treat it with an enzyme to counteract the cat dander. (This is so gross, I know.)  It has been much better, but not perfect.  I am determined to be grateful for this second-hand couch.  
• With the addition of the couch, our family room finally looks and feels like the comfortable room I have always wanted.  The Christmas tree and lights do a lot to add to that nice warm feeling. I'll be sad when the decorations must be put away.  
• Never sign up for anything from a door-to-door salesman.  I already knew this, but I told myself, "This time it will be different!" when the AT&T guy came around selling internet and TV in a neat little package.  Long story short: it will always be a hassle and be more a pain than you ever could have imagined.  P.S. My only exception:  DO let Mormon missionaries talk to you if they come to your door. :)  
• Christmas is here!  Every year I am amazed at how many gifts make their way under our tree.  We keep telling ourselves that we have a system:  Everyone gets 1 gift from Santa, 1 gift from Mom and Dad, and 1 gift from each of their siblings.  Wonderful extended family always send gifts, too.  But somehow things always get a little out of control and there are more wrapped packages than there should be under that tree.  I am so excited to see the kids open their gifts.  :)
• Today Taylor and I had eye exams. We've been paying for a great vision plan all year and neither of us wears glasses or contacts.  We've both had headaches lately and decided to take advantage of that insurance.  It turns out I have an astigmatism in one eye and I'm near-sighted in the other.  That would explain the regular headaches I have at the end of the day.  It was quite an affair to try to pick out a pair of frames.  Taylor didn't seem to have an opinion about any of them, but the woman assisting us had plenty of opinions.  But based on her own appearance and choice of eye wear, I wasn't sure I wanted her giving me advice on my new "accessory".  Harsh? But true.  I finally narrowed it down to 2 pairs, took pictures with my phone, and sent them to the two sisters who I know are never too far away from their phones and can receive picture messages. (Sorry Amy and Abby. And to think your vote could have counted!) Both Carrie and Emily voted for the same pair and the decision was made.  It was NOT the pair the sales lady was voting for.  Just saying.  The glasses won't be ready to pick up until after the new year. Just knowing that I don't need to have this headache right now... Ugh, I'd love to have those glasses in hand.... or better yet, on my face.
• Taylor also got a very slight prescription, but he'll get it filled at a later time.  Like when he interviews for his next job and needs to look super smart and nerdy.  He looked cute in 'em.
• I am addicted to 30 Rock on Netflix and big bowls of popcorn.  This all takes place after the kids are in bed. Every night.
• People in Texas really love to give out plates, bags, bowls, and buckets of Christmas treats! And I say, "Bring it on, ya'll!"  I'm lovin' it. (Is that catch phrase already taken?)
• Today I escaped to Chick-fil-a for lunch all by myself.  Well, myself and the stack of Christmas cards I picked up at the mailbox on the way there.  I alternated between taking bites of my #1 with extra pickles and honey-roasted BBQ sauce, and oohing and ahhing over cute photos of my loved ones.  That's a Christmas tradition I could see continuing...  
• I actually sent out Christmas cards with year, and we have been blessed with a mailbox bursting with Christmas greetings in return every day.  I hadn't anticipated how many more cards we would get now that we have moved!  I wish my camera was working so I could show you the picture of them all strung up on the family room wall. I like to stand in front of it, fling my arms out wide, and shout, "They love us! They REALLY love us!"  :)  
• I spent a good part of the afternoon in Target.  Don't you just hate that day-before-Christmas-Eve-picked-over feel?  I am proud of myself for remembering to buy things like Christmas Eve pajamas long before there is just a few stray sets left on the display tables.  
• Taylor is always the hardest person to shop for. 
• I'm starting to get a little bleary-eyed, so clearly it is time to go to bed.