#KeelingIt2017

As the unofficial videographer of the Keeling Wedding... Here's my next Vlogmas video!!

I never imagined I would be so emotional during the wedding. I ran around with my mother making sure each of the girls were taken care of and that they were all looking stunning. I ended up being the last one finished, but I didn't mind. We had food, drinks, and music- and that was just the prep!

As all the guests wiped their feet and warmed themselves from the rain outside, we in the wedding court prepared for our big entrance. Some were more nervous than others, speeding down the short aisle. I had to remind myself to walk slowly. My feet cooperated in my new heels and the girls all smiled and giggled at the little nuances throughout the process, remembering all the jokes from the night before. But when Sarah started to get choked up, reciting her vows to James, it hit me. I didn't expect to start crying seeing my friend get married off, but it did. Sam, in front of me started sniffling, but we both held our composure. And Sam never cries! Sarah was all in tears and I couldn't stop smiling. I was so happy to see the two of them getting married. And if Sarah was crying like this, she must really love this guy. Finally, after a wonderful 30minutes, we sauntered out of the hall.

Photos were taken and soon after a short break we entered the reception. It was a small wedding. Nice and sweet. Family and close friends of both the Bride and Groom. It was crazy to see people I'd gone to school with and hadn't seen in years! My mom joined us on the dance floor for every song. We kept going up and making requests to the DJ and pulling Sarah out with us. Even if our small group were making fools of ourselves, it was just nice to hang out with my friends.

I just laugh at how nerdy the two of them are. Each little table had Chocolate Harry Potter Snitches and colorful mini Bubble Lightsabers. The Wedding Court sat up front, our seats claimed by a different POP Figure representing the person (Mine was Princess Ariel, of course!). The court entered in on Star Wars music and the couple left under a mist of bubbles. Overall, a magic night. I love my friends and I can't express how honored I was to be apart of this Harkiewicz-Keeling Wedding.

I Wanna Wake Up in Texas..!

Have you ever seen the Texas episode of SpongeBob??? Where Sandy is feeling homesick so SpongeBob & Patrick throw her a big party & she sings her awesome TEXAS SONG!? Well, I sing that song all the time- especially when I'm headed home. I just can't wait to fly home and "wake up in Texas." <3 nbsp="" p="">
I had been planning this trip back home for several months now. There was a lot of things I had to take care of, aside from visiting my family and friends, of course. A major part of the trip was getting my Bridesmaid Dress! The last time I was in San Antonio I had been measured and finally the dresses were here! They're so pretty and look wonderful on all the girls. Now all I need to do is find heels to go with and get it trimmed (by a lot).
Along with the wedding, I had to be a buffer between Sarah, Bride-to-Be, and her hair stylist, my mother! It was an idea I threw out there several months ago as well, but neither of them had gotten up the courage or taken the initiative to talk things over with the other person. So, in order to get the ball rolling, I offered to arrange a meeting between the two of them. It's understandable, of course. My mom has known Sarah since she was in high school with my sister, but she's my friend. I'm glad I was able to get them together to work things out!

Then, of course, I couldn't forget about my sister! I really wanted to try and be back in Texas in September, so that I could celebrate her birthday! Suzette's birthday is September 14th, and sure it's way early, but I wanted to do something with her! We managed to work it all out that she would drive from El Paso (she literally just moved there a month ago) the very same weekend I was visiting. Even if there were a few complications, I'm glad she managed to make it..!

And last, but most certainly, not least: San Japan! I used to go every year with the Harkiewiczes, but I had to miss last year! Everything I had to take care of in San Antonio revolved around the convention0 because WHY NOT!? And with so much happening the past week, here's a full rundown of the days I was home...

Wednesday, August 30th:
I usually take early flights from Orlando to Texas in order to spend more time with the family, but there really was no point this time around. With Mom working and Nicky at school, there wasn't anyone to pick me up (A), and B, I wouldn't have anyone to hang out with... So this time around, I got to leave in the afternoon! It was an easy flight. It was the 1st time I flew with JetBlue, and I am certainly a fan! They're quite cheap and they have excellent Guest Service: Free TV Service, lovely Attendants, and lots of really great snacks!
In order to bring just my one carry-on luggage, I made sure to keep two big items out: my Kigurumi and Hogwarts Robe. People kept giving me weird looks. I walked onto the plane carrying both of them, pretending one was my jacket and the other a blanket, haha. But midway through the flight I got cold... Aaaand, after much debate, I slipped on the Kigu! The older gentlemen next to me kept looking over. I really thought he was thinking me mad, but when we were disembarking, he spoke to me. He loved the Kigu and thought it was a brilliant idea to bring it along!
After several flights now, I've come to the realization that FOR SOME STRANGE REASON, flight to Austin are waaaaay cheaper than to San Antonio. (WHY?) Luckily, Austin is only about an hour from home, so I waited till my mom picked me up. We spent the whole drive home talking about everything that was new, discussing dinner plans, and listening to her favorite country jams. You know, one of my absolute favorite things about being home, is getting to eat some home cooked meals.  It's all I ever want. But, of course, my mom bugged me the whole way home asking what kind of food I wanted her to make. Lol

Thursday, August 31st:
In light of everything happening in Houston with the Hurricane, my mother was almost called away to assist with the Relief Team. Although it would have been fantastic for her to have gone and assisted, she never got called in all weekend. There seemed to have been too many nurses already flown into the Eastern Region of Texas affected by the Hurricane. Instead, she remained in San Antonio as assisting nurse in the shelters they opened downtown. I really must do a shout out to her and the other Relief Team Members that put in such a wonderful effort. That's true Texan Pride, right there. I even learned that H-E-B was a main contributor to supplying those in need all over the region... it's times like these, I'm proud to have grown up in the Lone Star State. <3 nbsp="" p="">Meanwhile, Nicky was at school and I stayed home watching TV, playing video games, and relaxing. Lol It was really nice after working for over 2weeks straight. Mom & I wound up at the mall, having our very own girl's day out. We shopped mostly with our eyes, discussed some wedding details, ate lots of sweets and candies, and even got a facial from Origins. She took me to visit the brand new, and totally GREEN H-E-B Super Market that opened up near our house. And I am in LOVE. With all the new healthy options available, and even some "make your own organic peanut butter" stations- I know that when I'm home, I'll definitely be a frequent visitor! And by the end of the day, I was packed and ready with all my cosplay & snacks necessary for an awesome Con Weekend!

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 1st-3rd:
SAN JAPAN WEEKEND! Con Weekend are always a blast! Friends, Family, Nerds! What more can you ask for??? Lots of things happened this weekend (sort of), and it certainly deserves it's very own Blog Post! So Stay-Tuned!

Monday, September 4th:
SOMEHOW, I wound up doing my absolute favorite day on this Labor Day: Chilling with the Family, staying inside, and watching ANIME. That's right! I got my family hooked on my current obsession with My Hero Academia!! After having to say by to Suzette and the babies, Mom literally ran back inside so we could watch more of the episodes! Lol I love my family.
We watched a few episodes together, before I had to drag mom mom out to meet with Sarah and her fiancé, James. We, of course, visited the local Starbucks (where else are you supposed to have meetings??) We sat and talked wedding details for about an hour before we said our farewells. And within a couple weeks the two of them had settled on a look for the wedding! So proud of the two of them! And after returning home, Mom forced me to put on the next episodes of My Hero. We got through pretty much about half of the 1st Season, and spent the next couple days finishing it up...!

Tuesday, September 5th:
It was a struggle to wake up early in the mornings, especially since I was on "vacation." But it was well worth it. Nicky drove for me! How strange to think that he's old enough to be driving a car and actually receiving his Permit! Not my little brother!
After I returned home, I got to spend the rest of the day with Mum. She even wanted to watch more episodes of My Hero, although we stayed up extra late just for her! Haha. And that night, we hung out for more Anime, before I had to pack up my things for the next day.

Wednesday, September 6th:
Always the worst day of a trip- having to say goodbye. Nicky went off to school and I went off to prepare for my flight. Everything was packed a little differently (thanks, San Japan). I also had to leave behind a very important item! Carlos, my mom's fiancé, gave me a Concert Ukulele he had! But because we didn't have a hard case for safe travel, I had to leave it behind! (T^T)
SO! Without my Uke, and after a sad kiss goodbye Mum & Nick's furry babies (Link, Navi, Zelana ((Yay, Zelda Themed Dog Names!)), and Mewsette), we loaded up my things into the car. I was almost late to the airport. Thank goodness for Mom being a speed-driver and for Austin having a tiny airport. Literally, as soon as I got through Security they were calling my name. The plane had arrived early and they were ready for take-off! I boarded the plane and we were off!

And so, here I am, back in the most Magical Bubble of Orlando Theme Parks..! Most people would give their lifesavings to be here, in my shoes. But honestly, all I ever want to do is be home with my family. It's always nice to return and get back to my everyday life of work, work, work, and more work... But all I ever want to do, is wake up in Texas... <3 nbsp="" p="">

Samurai 7 #tbt...

~* July 18th- 20th *~

I feel that this year was one of the most chill and relaxing cons I have ever attended. I was bouncing from panel to panel and was fortunate enough to meet so many fantastic people, but I never felt rushed or frazzled. And during any downtime, I would just slip off to the hotel room and watch tv or take a nap. It was so nice to just spend time with great friends and enjoy the event.

As always, my favorite panels were the VA panels- no matter what we talk about, I just love listening to their stories. It's always inspirational. It's these people that remind me every year how much I want to fight for my dreams of becoming an actress! (^-^) 

As usual, I had by Alice costume as well as my Pooh Bear Kigurumi! It's my goal to have a real cosplay for next year!! I will! (*o*)

As a sort of, Veteran Con-Goer, I've stopped taking a million pictures of everything & everyone. However, when I see something amazing, like a beautiful Malon Cosplayer, I couldn't resist the urge to talk to her! I loved the detail that went into her cosplay- she even had real milk! 

And then I met an awesome Sandy Claws who even went out of their way to wear stilts for their cosplay!

And lastly, this gem of a cosplay! The detail that goes into cosplay is fantastic!! This person's Majora's Mask was absolutely beautiful! 

But the best part about attending conventions, especially for a collector like myself, is being able to find things like this!! X/1999 (also known as X) is a 90s series by my favorite Mangakas, CLAMP. Although it's common knowledge to never buy products on the 1st day, when I found this at the FUNimation booth, and only 2minutes walking around, I had to have it!!! It was only $15, and you can't find this really anywhere, normally!! What a fantastic find!

I'm so fortunate to have such wonderful friends, like the Harkiewiczes, who share my love for the wonderful world of Anime. It's sad that since graduating high school we never see each other, but at least we have San Japan every year! I can't wait to see them at the next con! 

The Game is Called 21...

  I figured, "Maybe it'd be best to keep things in a chronological order?" So, let's start things off with my BIRTHDAY!!!

Rainbow Birthday Roses

  On December 30th, I turned 21! Yep, that's right world, I am officially LEGAL. But it doesn't matter much, since I don't even like to drink, but that didn't stop my friends and family from showering me with drinks.

  Anyone who knows me know I don't like large parties, so for my birthday when I was asked what I wanted to do I responded with: "Stay home." Ha. They didn't let that one slide. So, on my birthday, I got dressed up as an Ariel Fangirl (because I'm really 12, not 21) and my sister, Suzette took me around the mall. I loved it! Since Suzette and her fiancé, Billy, both work at the mall I got the princess treatment all day! My Free drink from Starbucks, my Free gift from Sephora, a Free Tea, a Free Spider-Man iPhone case (which was actually given early), and a Free pair of Bluetooth headphones! Besides all the STUFF, everyone was super awesome and wishing me happy birthday all day! Then my sisters and mom treated me to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory- one of my favorites. It was there that Billy bought me my 1ST LEGAL DRINK: a Hard Strawberry Lemonade. It was actually pleasantly delicious. When the crew brought out my birthday cheesecake, they alas gave me a shot, some Rum & Vodka concoction. That one wasn't that good.

Sitting at the Bar like a Big Girl

1st Legal Drink

Happy Birthday, Me!

  After the mall, we returned home where I got to just hang out. The whole family stopped by and we got to play some games, then my friends picked me up and I got to have my 1st Hookah Experience! I kind of have mixed feelings about Hookah. It smelled decent, didn't taste too good, and although it was really relaxing, after a while, you get a head-ache. Besides that, I got Bubble Tea and quality-time with some of my best friends- so I loved it. 

Hookah with my Lovely Peoples!

21st Birthday Princess Selfie

  The next day, New Years Eve, was spent traveling around with my mom. I visited patients with her, then we got all of the party supplies and food supplies for the night's New Year/ Birthday Party. This was the 1st year that I can remember where it was JUST the family at our house. Usually "family friends" or "distant relatives" somehow find their way into our party, but this year it was just us. Throughout the night I kept getting handed drinks, too. At one point I was having to juggle three at-a-time; Billy, Uncle, and my mom just kept mixing them up for me. Billy's goal, apparently, was to get me drunk; however, little did he know, that I kept hiding my drinks so he wouldn't notice that I wasn't drinking them. So, all-in-all, that night I had a ton of Vodka, Rum, Soda, combinations of all sorts, as well as a very yummylicious Pina Colada! The Pina Colada was my favorite: at the end of the night, I had stolen the blender she used to make it & was drinking it with a straw. (I had to make room in the fridge, honest!) 

New Years Drinks

  We ended the night with an intense game of Phase 10 and everyone was shocked that after all those drinks, I was still full functional. Guess I'm a much stronger drinker than I look! Well, I say that... The next morning, my brain woke me up around 5AM. I walked to the bathroom, totally normal, then all of a sudden I started throwing up basically everything. Haha- it wasn't bad, or anything. I was actually surprised because I wasn't hurting or anything (that night or the next morning) and after a couple minutes in the bathroom, I was totally fine and just went back to sleep like nothing had happened! 

  So, there's my apparent "1st Drunken Experience"??? Well, I hope someday I get a more exciting one... Besides that, my friends and family kept treating me as the week went on. On the 1st, I got to go out with another couple of friends who treated me drinks after we went to see Anchorman 2. Together we sat at a pub and had a couple of Star Fuckers and Lifesavers- those ones were actually quite delicious.

At the Pub

  The next week I spent in California with my dad, which was a nice little break from everything while at the same time horrible! It was horrible because every time we went out to eat, Dad refused to let me get a normal drink- I HAD to get some kind of alcoholic beverage! Now, for most people, this would be their dream- but I hate alcohol and all I wanted was a fucking lemonade and no one was letting me have it!! It was so bad...
  And there you have it! For my birthday I had a ton of relaxing fun and a whole lot of first time experiences, especially in the alcoholic beverage tasting area... I may not be big into drinking, like at all, but it's pretty cool that I'm 21 now. Now, if I wanted to buy alcohol just because I wanted to, I COULD, and possessing that power is an awesome feeling!

Update...

  Well, it's nearly the end of January and the last actual post I made was, what, around Halloween time?? Wow, it's been a while. I guess a quick update is in order??

  First off- I actually DID complete my 31days of Halloween Horror Movie Challenge, I just never found the time to complete my posts! Who knows? Maybe I'll finish them sometime... The last major series I watched was the Ju-On & Grudge movies, which, by the way, were absolutely TERRIFYING! And then I completed the challenge by watching other movies like, Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas! On actual Halloween Day I dressed up, as Pooh Bear of course, went to class, hung out with friends, then returned to my room where I took a a fantastic 5hour nap! 

  Throughout the month of November I mostly killed myself by working my Herbalife products, working the business a bit, jumping through hoops to find a ride home, and getting ready for finals. It was a very, VERY hectic month, but everything worked out. As for my Herbalife (which will have a more in-depth post very soon), I haven't jumped levels to Supervisor yet, buuuuut, I've had amazing results! In less than 2months, I lost nearly 15lbs &&&& over 30inches off my entire body!!! I couldn't believe it!! Actually, I didn't believe it until I saw a before & after picture of myself! It's so crazy how amazing I feel everyday & after seeing these major results, I plan to kill it before Spring Break hits!! 

  Finally, we had reached the end of the year and everything was happening all at once! Finals came and went, and I did fine. I was immensely overly-stressed with life, so I honestly went into every exam with a "FUUUUUUUU-" attitude. (Totally serious, by the way). Then I returned home, where stress-levels continued to be stretched to the limit! Let's see, I got home on the 17th, and my Grandparents arrived on the 21st. Translation, everyday leading up to the 21st was spent cleaning the house and attempting to keep the peace within the household. Don't get me wrong- I absolutely love my family, and I would never trade any of them, but family is family, and that's all I have to say on the matter... And so the holidays were among us: I spent most of my time split into spending time with Grandma (she refused to leave the house, ever), running errands with Grandpa (he always wanted company for trips to the store, yay, me...), playing games with Nicky (he ended up grounding himself just before the holiday break due to grades, so this was a bit difficult), babysitting every now-and-then, and finally getting to see all of my best friends. I also spent everyday doing my best to "eat clean & healthy," but failed epically. Christmas was a ton of fun, and so was New Years, but the best was my birthday! This year (last year) I turned 21, a very special number. For more than a week all I was basically allowed to drink was alcoholic beverages! It was horrible!! Haha, but I had a great time with everyone. I'll have to make a more detailed post about my birthday later.

  Before we knew it, it was the new year! On the 1st, I hung out with friends, and on the 2nd I was on a plane to California! Honestly, my days in California are usually my most relaxing of any holiday, mainly because I'm usually just lazying about in my pajamas all day, playing video games, or just hanging out with my dad! They hardly ever make me actually DO anything, which makes for a great break for me since I am always on-the-go! The night I landed I was surprised with my new car: a cute bright blue Nissan Versa Note! She's a 2014 & her name's Ariel (teehee). I love her, and it is so great to have a car again! Now I'm not just stuck! Anyway, I worked a couple days with Jenny, and about a week later, Dad & I were road tripping back to Texas! We drove Ariel from Chino, California to El Paso in one day; the next morning we stopped into Odessa to visit our newest family member, Emma, who was barely a week old; and then made our way home to San Antonio! We had one day of break, then early (like, 4AM early) we were on the road again. I dropped Dad off at the Austin airport, and made the rest of the return trip to Denton alone. It was strange because there was no traffic and the sun had risen and I was already at the school. So, let's just say, Ariel got herself a good workout!

  And here we are, a week ago school started and I decided to jump headfirst into Fit Camps (bad idea). I'm helping with at NTXNutrition now and with Fit Camps every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I'm only taking 15hours this semester, but Crackin' Up meetings should be starting soon, so that'll be taking up time, along with my Herbalife. Besides all of this, some very interesting events have arisen... Hint, hint: I will be kinda going on my first ever "date" tomorrow afternoon...! (O_O)

  I don't know what I'm exactly supposed to be feeling about everything right now, but I guess I'll have more to post about tomorrow???? Till then! 

Sincerely Yours, 

Lisette Monique Diaz 

Listen Up Tour...

  I mentioned in my last post that Carolyn and I went to see Darren Criss, so I guess I should expand on that a little more:

  It was at the start of the summer when we found out that he was going on his first tour, and I'm not gonna lie, we got pretty excited! However, on the day the tickets went on sale, because so many people were attempting to purchase the tickets, the system crashed, and within minutes, the Dallas concert was SOLD OUT... 2weeks later, when I was on the brink of purchasing a VIP pass, Carolyn told me that tickets were going on sale again! This time, I was ready. I suppose not many people thought to attempt buying the tickets 5minutes the official opening time, but I did. Luckily, the tickets were opened and I was able to get our tickets! After making all of the plans and about a month of waiting, the Dallas performance had arrived!

 Having never actually toured downtown Dallas, we arrived early for the concert. While we had our lunch at Hard Rock Cafe' we imagined how amazing Darren was going to be that night! I'll admit- the last concert I attended was when NSYNC came to San Antonio, so yeah, it had been a while and I was extremely excited. But I'm pretty sure Carolyn was even more-so. Working in the music industry is her life's dream, so it's no surprise; therefore, how much she was looking forward to it and I was so happy for her!

 After receiving our tickets, we walked into the House of Blues, even though we weren't exactly sure we were allowed yet, but thank goodness we did! It turned out that if we each purchased 20$ worth at their souvenir shop, we would be given an early access to the hall! We joined the queue of giddy fangirls and anxiously waited 4hours to be let into the concert. It was a lot of fun though! We each bought some souvenirs- I got some brightly colored wristbands and socks, as well as, Theo Katzman's album. We even made friends with the girls behind us turning our conversations to either Dr.Who or Anime or Disney! Who knew?? The venue was fantastic. Every wall was covered in 60s paintings, exotic art, instruments and vibrant colors. In the restaurant, there were performances and it was nice just to sit and watch and listen. One of my favorite waiting games was counting the number of Glee fans versus Very Potter Musical fans... You could just tell the difference..!
 I should definitely go to more concerts, short people have such an edge over the rest! As Carolyn and I made our way inside the venue, I knew that this was going to be an insane crowd. Half of the people there were girls younger than me, and the other half were crazed fangirls either my age or older. We seemed to had found a decent spot in the crowd, but I could barely see anything! So, I grabbed Carolyn, who's nearly a foot taller than me, and dragged her forward. I forced my way slowly towards the front and off to the side. Many times, when I was forced to stop, someone in front of me would notice a little girl stuck behind them, "Oh, can you see, Sweetie? Here, get in front of me!" And by putting on an innocent smile, we were allowed to pass. Eventually, we found ourselves standing right alongside the VIP entrants, and we didn't even have to pay the extra money!

  As I knew it would be, the concert was phenomenal. Theo Katzman, whom I had never heard of, was fantastic and had an amazing voice! I'm so happy I bought his album!! And then it happened- I heard the opening of The Circle of Life. Now, anyone who knows me knows how much of a Disney fanatic I am and the fact that The Lion King is one of my FAVORITE movies! So it was no surprise that I had a mini panic attack when Darren fucking Criss jumped onstage and burst out into Disney song!!

 My favorite part about the whole concert was watching Darren perform. He had so much energy! I knew that he had to be tired, his tour was just in California the night before, but he never once looked it. He gave his whole being to every song. He seemed to be enjoying himself onstage so much, I just wanted to jump up there and join him! It was such an astounding experience, and being so close to the stage made me so happy.
  And even though we had to deal with some bossy fangirls near us, the concert was totally worth it: Darren was so charismatic on stage, he had a great presence and a beautiful voice that filled the room, and he never once worried about making a fool of himself.
  That night, I drove back to San Antonio with Carolyn. In less than 24hours I would be on a plane headed to California. Haha, I seem to never have time to take a breath during the summer; and to think, it's only June!

Sincerely Yours,
Lisette Diaz

ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭ ~Sweet Dreams~ ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭

Vine Goes to Tour...

Just before the end of May, my friend Carolyn & I decided to get Vine accounts! Some of my friends had them and I figured, "Why not?" However, after a couple of weeks, I realized that I never used it. So, goodbye, Vine! It was fun while it lasted!!
Here are all of my Vine videos including those from the Darren Criss concert:

Hard Rock Cafe' with Caro

Ice Cream Killers

Hi From Me & Carolyn!

Hi From the Concert!

Darren Criss Sucks... Take 1

Darren Criss Sucks... Take 2 <3

Jamming Out to MJ- We Are BORED!!

View of a Short Person at a Darren Criss Concert...!

~Circle of Life- Open~

Darren Being Awesome!

Darren and his Fangirls

Don't You

Darren the Instrumentalist

Just a Voice

Having Fun

A Dancing Queen

Talented

~Circle of Life- End~

Sincerely Yours,
Lisette Diaz

ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭ ~Sweet Dreams~ ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭

Christmas Traditions 2012

HiHi!!

And Happy Belated Christmas!!

These past few days have been so hectic,

with preparing for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,

And getting everything ready for the New Year!

So, this is going to be another 

picture heavy post

because it's just so much easier to show 

everything that happened 

that just talk about it!

Christmas Traditions Start on Christmas Eve for my family,

but this year was going to be a littler different. 

I usually dress up, well sort of,

but I really wanted to wear my Mickey shirt, 

since I had yet to.

And then I "helped" Mom bake brownies!!

Haha, eating the mix is my favorite part about baking!!

I may technically be an "adult,"

but I act like such a child!

This is the first time Mom has had a boyfriend (Jerry) during this time of year,

so we spent most of the day with their family.

He got her a new kitchenware set!

The funny thing was how excited we got over this!!

Seriously though, our kitchenware has like no lids 

and some are missing handles,

so this was the most perfect gift he could have given her!

Their traditions included opening presents and doing White Elephant,

so we had a lot of fun while having a bunch of sweets!

Jerry's daughter, Demi, made these!

Brownies with Strawberries on top decorated as Christmas Trees!

They were so cute, and looked so good!

Then we all piled into the car 

and headed out to start our next Christmas Traditions!

Usually, we pick up Burger King and look at the lights; however,

Burger King had a really long line, 

and we were already late to the show,

so we just went without... ( ; ; )

((DJ didn't actually ride in the trunk))

This subdivision always goes all-out for Christmas!

It's always a lot of fun driving around,

trying to find the houses that won prizes!

But it's also really cool 

because most of these people actually make their own decorations!

And there are also those people that put the same things out every year,

and it's really cool to say,

"Oh, hey! I remember that one!"

The benefits of having a sister working at Starbucks:

FREE SAMPLES!!

Usually we do a gift exchange with the family,

but because of financial issues,

everyone decided to just do a White Elephant.

....But I was informed of this decision a little too late...

So I had already gotten everyone their gifts!

But I didn't care

because I just love getting gifts for everyone else.

After all, this season is all about the giving, right?

Although I won't turn away any gift given to me,

I have a lot more fun seeing people's reactions when they open their gifts!

Another very important tradition:

getting new Christmas Pajamas from Mom!

This was the first year I already knew what my pajamas were,

but that was only because I was with Mom went she bought them. 

Haha, but she picked out the shirt

and I love it!

((For some reason, I've been wearing a LOT of pink this year!))

This was my Christmas present for Mom.

Mom loves and collects Precious Moments items,

and when I saw this collection on the Disney Store last year,

I knew exactly what I was going to get her!!

Ariel is, of course, my favorite Disney Princess,

so she was the first one from last year.

This year, we added Mulan to the train

since she's Mom's favorite!

even though Mulan isn't a technical Disney Princess, but whatever

By the way, the numbers are supposed to represent birthdays!

Haha, the collection is actually a birthday train;

nevertheless, we love them, so it doesn't matter!

Waking Coraline up early to open presents!

Haha, she doesn't look too happy!

Christmas Morning!!

The tree is being bombarded with presents!

And most of them are for Coraline!

(^w^)

Cora found her BABY and she looks so HAPPY!!!

Apparently, Brave is one of her current favorites!

We also had to get her a stroller

because she was always trying to move the chairs around the house!

The Best Present of theYear Award goes to:

Mom!!

She got Cora her jungle gym,

and she just wouldn't stop climbing all over it!

Cora left the jungle gym long enough

to open a few other gifts.

I picked out this ADORABLE Monster hat and slippers set from Old Navy!

Her baby room theme is Dinosaurs/Monsters,

and she's always going around growling,

so it was too perfect!

Suzette got a flute for Christmas so she can start learning,

and apparently Cora wants to learn too!

Coraline Figuring out New Ways of getting In

Without having to go through the door...

I think she's having too much fun!

She was eventually able to grab her Mommy inside with her!

They're so cute together!!

Christmas morning is always a lot of fun,

that is, until you have to clean up everything...

(-u-)

One of my Christmas Gifts:

Miku Hatsune Hobo Bag from Hot Topic!!!

I didn't even know this EXISTED,

so when I opened it,

I got so excited!!!

I'm not really big into Vocaloid,

but I love the characters and I have been trying to get more into it!

Mom said while she was shopping, 

she saw the bag and thought of me!

Haha, she said the Chibi Hatsune looked just like me!!

minus the blueish hair!

(>w<)

These are the most AMAZING socks EVER!

Super comfy and cozy Eeyore knitted socks!! 

I've been wearing them everyday!

Here's everything I got this year!

The annual- stuffed animal, slippers, scarfs, jewelry, and Bath & Body Works.

But this year also included:

Rice Cooker, How To Train Your Dragon special edition DVD, LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7, the newest Victorious soundtrack, The Titan's Curse

and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

It was a really good haul, I'm so happy with everything!

I love my mom, she's just so amazing!!!

Nicky wearing his freaking awesome 

reversible Jack hat from Hot Topic! 

Jerry and his family over to open their presents.

((They're actually all younger than me, even though they're really tall!)

Aaw, cute!

I'm so happy for my mom,

I really hope this works out!

That night we had dinner at Mimi's house.

((Mom's best friend))

So, we all got dressed up for the party!!

She was looking so adorable I wanted to take a million photos,

BUT SHE KEPT MOVING AND TRYING TO ATTACK ME!

(( ; >o< ))

Even though I didn't know anyone at the party,

I was having too much fun stalking Cora

and her adorable little self

in her new Christmas Dress!

\(^o^)/

The next day,

I finally got to meet the newest edition to the Harkiewicz Clan!!

Stephanie's little Stevie is such an adorable baby!

It was so great to see Sarah and Sam after so long!

I've missed all my Harkiewiczeseessssessss!!

(ToT)

I love just being at their house and catching up on current events!!

Teehee,

Stevie is so cute!!

Steph's going to make a great Mommy!

I'm so proud of her!

I got Cora to watch 

How To Train Your Dragon!

....haha, banana...

I think she's tired of my playing paparazzi,

haha....

And then we ended the night with my

victory in an intense game of Chinese Checkers!

Well, I'm glad to have been able to squeeze this update in!

Family gets here tomorrow, 

so I don't really know when I'll next be able to post.

But before I go:

No matter how you celebrate this Holiday season,

I hope you were all able to spend time making memories

with all of your friends and family!!!!

Till Next Time: 

Remember to KEEP IT GENKI!!

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆