Bring it.

 After ups and downs, decorating and baking, pictures and lights, discussions and resolution, we are ready for Christmas.
The presents are wrapped (pretty much), the schedule is made, and we have plenty of time built in for ourselves (by design, of course).  I think this is the first year where, approaching Christmas Eve and Day, I feel relaxed and prepared. 

WHAT?  "Hi, I'm  (reader's name here). And you are.....?"



Yes, making said plan took some cajoling, if you will, but come on- how do you compromise on Christmas?  Whose traditions win out? How do you "share" the day with family, ALL family ('cause choosing sucks, darn it), yet have treasured and memorable two-of-you-time?

Well, we think we've done it.  Thank you, Lord.

Now I just have to keep reminding myself how blessed I am, that we have so much family to see, and that it is our first Christmas as husband and wife.  Pretty special. Thus we are making crepes on Christmas morning.

I mean, what else?

Merry Christmas!!!!  <3





Christmas #1
...or 6

 

Thankful.

Oh yes, I know that Thanksgiving is over, but I can't help but ooze gratefulness right now.  Minus the turkey.

As I sit in our warm, decorated living room, staring at our first Soldano Family Christmas Tree, I have a husband outside putting Christmas lights on the house (trust me- he doesn't need my help). I am playing carols on Pandora and will soon top this evening off with some hot chocolate.

I know, right?

It was just one of those days.  I spent good time with good people, actually went to the gym, did something productive for the household (grocery shopping), consumed a delicious and healthy dinner, and it's still early. I look at Kenny and see the season ahead of us and feel all warm and cheery.
(You are free to either close me out or vomit at any time, but I feel it is my responsibility as a blogger to share where I'm at. You don't read me to get up to date on the weather.)

The best part? Immersing myself in a holiday that glorifies the birth of my savior, sent to die for me and be my hope and peace.  May sound like a greeting card, but it's true, folks.  So not only do I get to enjoy the usual festivities of lights, nog, presents, and carols, but also glorify God and extend the last holiday's thankfulness by a whole 'nother month!  When I hear songs about angels singing glory to the newborn King, joy to the world the Lord is come, and even "pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" of a drummer boy who had nothing else to give but a little song, the delight that courses through me is almost unhealthy, I'm sure.
What else are we celebrating, friends? What's so great about December 25th if not Christ's birth? Otherwise, we're just a bunch of fools putting trees in our houses, hanging socks from our mantles, and sitting on old men's laps who claim to be "Santa."
Fun things to do, yes, but kinda silly if for no reason.

Praise God for his incredible grace, his unceasing love, and his son.
Now THAT is a reason to shout to the heavens, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!"

First step is...

...admitting you have a problem.
Hello.  I am Natalie Soldano and I am addicted to Christmas decorations.
When I am surrounded by glitter, sparkly lights, garland...my heart swells, I become short of breath, and imagine all of the possibilities.
Then I buy.  There's no stopping it.

I'm so ashamed.

And you know it's bad when you're thankful for the solace a random, middle-aged woman gives you in the Christmas section at Target when she says, gesturing at her festive cart, "None of this was on my list....I came for TP."
Me, too, random lady.
Me, too.

The justification of it all.  When I see something lovely that belongs in my house (belongs? really? see? it all goes downhill from there), I tell myself that it is not just for ME, but for the HOUSE in which Kenny and I both dwell. It's really for the greater good of our home.
Duh.
Now, I will say this for myself: I run with the bulls at the local Dollar Tree, only "splurging" on a wreath at Target. I just wanted to clarify that I'm not running wild through Crate & Barrel, spending our savings on several of these:


Metallic Leaf Spray
$19.95

People would have to be pretty serious about their leaf spray to spend $20 a pop on spray painted foliage, of which you would need from 3-5 to use in any sufficient decorating capacity. A lone leaf spray would just not do.   
Luckily for our rent budget, we are almost done.  Just need lights on the house and a decorated tree.  Then I am left with crafting only (need to make a tree skirt and a table runner) which will run a significantly smaller bill than going out and getting them, I feel. 
Oh, who am I kidding. I still want the perfect centerpiece, doormat, wall hangings, candles...

Hostess, I am

Today was the start of our book club and I couldn't be more pleased.  It was everything I hoped it would be.
For starters, I was inspired by my mother to make a french toast casserole that was so easy and ended up being all sorts of delicious. 
In addition, I had fresh fruit with homemade whipped cream, hot out-of-the-oven croissants (the Pillsbury kind- don't give me that much credit) with butter and jam, and an assortment of beverages.  And the best part? I had all I needed to ARRANGE the spread.  The right dishes, silverware, accoutrements, right down to the syrup container and creamer pitcher...and it felt good.
Just take a gander.

Inaugural Book Brunch of tastiness

I even busted out my new table runner for the occassion.  Fancy-shmancy.
Goodness was enjoyed by all (at least I think) and I was overjoyed.  It was really fun to plan and make.

"Why now?" you ask? "Since when were you such a homemaker?"
Well, I'll be downright honest with ya- it's because I can.  Before, when attempting a meal shared by others, I was frozen with fear and scrambling for the basic essentials (i.e. things to put the food IN) and now I'm not.  And it's lovely. It is my kitchen, with everything I need, and I can make it look nice with our things.
Simple luxury, but totally true.  Nothing has ever been solely mine to use, whether it was space or servingware, and our kitchen and house have come together to make a wonderful space to entertain (I know, I know- too far).
All in all, it was a nice morning with great friends, discussion, and food. Looking forward to this happening monthly. A blessing, indeed.

Umm...and you know that when I say words like "mine" or "my," I'm automatically including Kenny as a mutual owner of everything culinary as opposed to roomates of old, right?  Okay, good. You get it.

THANK. YOU.

"Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task." ~William James

At this point, I am considering myself insane.  Why? Because of the torture I have been putting myself through since getting back from the honeymoon.  One that gives me nightmares and lives in the back of my mind at all times, creeping up into other thoughts and shattering moments of peace with a scream that doesn't hold back.  A traditionally brutal practice, familiar to brides/new moms/graduates everywhere.

The Thank You note.

No, friends, they have not gone out yet.  I know that etiquette is on my side on this one, claiming that I have a year to get them out.  But just like every other wedding detail being tackled by brides everywhere, that timeline is null and void.  This is 2010, people.  A time where the pressure is great (hello, wedding blogs), the competition is fierce, and everyone is freaking getting married.  No one "takes their time" with anything anymore.  It's get it done done done. (Hey- you know when you type/write/say a word a lot and it starts to look or sound funny? That just happened with "done." So strange.) Does no one procrastinate anymore?



Running to check Facebook.

I used to be in good company.  During the days of homework, I surrounded myself with people who also put papers off 'til the last minute.  People who also found it crucial to watch "just one more" episode of Friends, make another cup of tea, or chat. I always admired those who tackled their work with vigor, completing their work in a timely manner with diligence and focus. But they were the MINORITY. Comfortable with this way of life, I entered into The Bride Zone.  Suddenly, there was no time to waste.
"Have you done this yet?"
"You check this off your list?"
"Are you completely finished planning your wedding, everything paid, all DIY with six months to spare?"

No.

Now, I made it through relatively unscathed. With head held high, details came together and people showed up in order to have a pretty awesome wedding.
Now, I just have to thank them.
Sigh.
Don't get me wrong- I'm not sighing because I must express my gratitude to all involved and the loving, wonderful people who blessed us with gifts and help. I've been wanting to do that since before the wedding. It's just the project I've made it into (please refer to my prior post about projects).
Armed with paper, papercutter, glue, envelopes, fancy pen, and pictures to include (finally), all I have left to do is put it all together and write personal, heartfelt messages in each and every one.
"Have you written your Thank Yous yet?"
No.
But I will.
By August.
;)

"The best way to get something done is to begin." ~Author unknown

White walls

Here I sit, on a leisurely Saturday morning with a fresh cup of coffee and surrounded by things to hang on the walls.  Doesn't this sound lovely?

HELP, friends.  I. Am. Paralyzed.

If I have an Achilles heel, it's projects.  I have the best of intentions always, yet the worst execution of anyone I know.  The ideas! The possibilities! The wall space!  I was a DIY bride (to a fault, my friends would say), so why can't I be a DIY wife?  Are the ideas just dormant and will suddenly awaken me in the middle of the night, or will I be staring at blank walls until we move again?
Okay, so that's a bit dramatic. But at this point, I don't have much confidence in myself.  Checking things off of my wedding list was one thing (We need centerpieces? What the most cost-effective and hopefully pretty way we can do that? Done.), but decorating is a completely different project.  It is both unfortunate and a blessing to have such creative and ambitious friends- can I just ask them?  No.
So I need your help.  I need a deadline, I need motivation, I need resources. Now is not the time to be silent, dear reader(s).
And I will dedicate a wall to you.  :)

Words of others.

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. 

God is awake."

Victor Hugo

"God brings no woman into the conflicts of life to desert her.  Every woman has a Friend in Heaven whose resources are unlimited; and on Him she may call at any hour and find sympathy and assistance."

Bob Sorge

"The uncommon woman understands her capacity for pettiness, selfishness, and a sinful bent that leads her away from the Almighty.  But her thoughts don't dwell there. No, despite what she knows about herself, she entrusts herself fully to the One who will shape her into a thing of magnificence."

Susie Larson

This last quote is straight from the author of a great study I am starting called "The Uncommon Woman."  I am a total skeptic when it comes to studies for women, I will admit.  Too many times have I gone in optimistic, only to be pelted with flowery language and mushy, delicate euphamisms for God (sorry, but we all know it's true).  Sure, there is some of that here, too, but she manages to nail female characteristics that harm and hinder to a tee and points us to the Bible.  Apparently, it's striking a strong chord because this is exactly where I am at- doubting, frustrated, lonely, seemingly worthless in my faith and unable to fix it myself. I wasn't totally aware of this until I began reading, all innocent-like, and found myself thinking, "Um, TOTALLY" with every paragraph.  God is so good, especially when He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.

Thanks, God.