Vlogmas *Christmas*

And after a long night of wrapping, we come to the morning we've all been waiting for! While most of use were still trying to rub the sleep out of our eyes, Cora had hers set on the pile of presents surrounding the tree. She just couldn't wait to tear into it all!
I loved seeing how excited she got over getting a bunch of fox accessories (especially since we share the same favorite animal!) and all her books! I love my little nerd! And Milli's of the age where she understands wrapping presents, but her reactions are always mimicking those around her. "So CUUuuTe!" Lol But besides all of our little ones, what we were all waiting for was Nicky's big gift: a Nintendo Switch! He kept talking to me about how he wanted to save up and buy himself one; little did he know, we all already pitched in for the thing..! Mum and Carlos bought the Switch & Breath of the Wild & I went in for a case and Pokken Tournament. He had the BEST reaction and definitely had a GREAT Christmas!


Per the norm, Mum slaved over the kitchen stove to create our wonderful dinner. A classic hispanic meal to close out the night with the family. But when they suddenly walked out with a cake and started singing me "Happy Birthday" I did all I could to not cry. I'm a sap when it comes to these things. I was leaving for Florida the next day and wouldn't be home for my birthday, so this meant so much to me. I had no idea they had planned it. These people are the most important part of my life and every chance I get to spend with them is the best. I love them.

Happy Christmas from my Familia to Yours this Holiday Season!!

Christmas Eve! |*Vlogmas*|

Here's a pro-tip: Do your Pictures with Santa on Christmas Eve to avoid the crazy lines!!
We learned this a few years ago on accident and since then we only go on the 24th. Most people stay ahead of the game and do their photos weeks in advance, but when you have a large family that's spread all over the place, it makes it hard to schedule such things. And now it's great because when we do, no one's ever there!
I did prepare, however, by buying a super cute Christmas dress! I bought it just for the photos and when I saw how everything came out in the end, I love the photos! Everyone looks so great! Most likely the best we've done in years..! Lol
We have a lot of traditions for the holidays so Christmas Eve is always super busy. We always start with Santa pictures,  playtime, cookies, prep for Christmas DAY, seeing the christmas lights, family exchange, and of course- wrapping the presents! Traditions are always important to me, so I made sure to document all that I could.



I love and appreciate my Cora. She takes after me with her love for the holidays and spending time with the family. I love my Cora with all my heart and miss her everyday when I'm away..! She was such a wonderful Elf this year! She went with me and Mum to grab a couple of extra gifts and to grocery shop for dinner. She was very hands-on and especially eager to make her cookies and to keep everything in order in her kitchen..! Haha
This year my younger brother, Nicky, started working! He was so excited to have his own money to get everyone's gifts! I loved being able to take him shopping and to see his face when everyone opened the gifts he picked out specially for them.
I've finally made it this far! My *Vlogmas* journey has made it to the big day- my favorite day of the year: CHRISTMAS!!

'Tis the Season |*Vlogmas*|

I love my nieces so much. Milli is almost 3 and Cora is 6yrs old which means that they're both such wonderful bundles of joy!! I love spending time with them and playing games and dealing with their crazy. Haha This also means that they're both finally of the age to really get into the Christmas spirit!! They just make the holiday so much more special.

After the wedding the Harkiewiczes came for a visit. The family is too sweet- I was surprised that they brought Mum a gift. A great gift, too! I'm so glad I have such great friends in my life. If only I lived a little closer and could see them more often.

And speaking of friends and family, DATP had our Annual Christmas Party!! This little group of pals are my absolute favorite. I have my sister and I have Kim, Kassie, and the Harkiewiczes, but the DATP Crew holds a very special place in my heart. I'm able to really open up to them. Every year I look forward to seeing them during the holidays. I finally got to meet some of their luvers and to catch up. Things got a little weird after some of the girls had a little too much to drink, but that's normal..! Lol



The ladies dealt with some wedding stuffs and we finally ordered our Bridesmaid Dresses for Mum's wedding! It really looks like everything is starting to come together now! The dresses are so beautiful and unique, I can't wait to see how everything ties in the end.

And we close the night with a few traditions of building a Gingerbread House! Cora loved the decorating and Milli loved snatching up the candies... Lol And although I didn't want to do it, I ended up being the one in charge of most of the assembly. Hah. Isn't that how it always works..?

I really looks forward to spending the last few days with my babies and my poopers. It really is the little things that keep my heart warm.

Home Tastes Like... |Vlogmas|

Sweet Grilled Texas BBQ!!
Went with my mom to taste-test some food for her wedding next year. You know the saying "everything's bigger in Texas" is certainly true about our portion sizes! So yummy!

We drove out to Midland, Texas (only about an hour away from home) for some real home-made bbq! And it was so worth it. We found the perfect little place, a family run restaurant and within the first couple bites and sips of sweet tea, we were sold! There was a happy rumbly in my tumbly the whole drive home.

The next day I joined my mom & brother at their Boy Scouts Christmas party. We played games, I helped as DJ, and enjoyed the free food. One of the games included was "Name that Tune- Christmas Edition!" And whichever Troupe lost had to get up in front of everyone and sing. They weren't too happy about that.



The next couple days flew by. While my mother was at work and my brother at school I got to relax. I stayed with the puppies and watched TV (Criminal Minds marathons, of course!) and read a lot. I finally had the time to sit down and read The Christmas Shoes. It's always been one of my favorite songs during the season and I couldn't put down the book. It was absolutely beautiful. I can't remember the last time I cried so much while reading a story.

After finally getting to chill during my Holiday Vacation, the circus arrives! Haha, and by that I mean my sister. The next couple of videos will be much more exciting with my wonderful family and nieces running rampant as we prepare for Christmas Day.

I'm leaving out of town to visit my father for the weekend, so while I hope I will be able to get the next couple videos up, I make no promises!

#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.

*December Bride*

I can't believe it's almost the Big Day!! One of my best friends is getting married!!! I was so honored when she asked me -less than a year ago, now- to be apart of her Bridal Court. I love the two of them & I am so proud! 

And thank goodness the reception was indoors! It had been rainy and cold for several days leading up to the big day. I bought my heels the day before the rehearsal and chose to break them in on this day. Although I love the new shoes, my feet begged to sit every chance I had.

It was nice to finally meet the other Groomsmen. The hard part about being the only one living out of state is that I never see any of them. So sad. But dinner was nice! We ate at a chill Italian Restaurant and got to hang out all together. The Harkiewicz Clan, the Bridesmaids, and the Groomsmen. I certainly had a lot of fun talking Sarah and James through their Honeymoon plans. They'll be flying out to Florida to visit my old stomping grounds: Hogwarts! I didn't know until that night that Sarah had never been on a plane before! It was so much fun giving her travel tips from airports, hotels, the theme parks, and Universal Studios. I was sure to tell them all I could as an insider myself! 

Here's to our *December* Briii~de!

Shopping Day |Vlogmas|

Ok. Although I absolutely LOVED the outfit I wore this day, I didn't take many photos or videos!! I'm so great at Vlogging, ya'll...

It was a super chill & boring day of Christmas Shopping with my mum. Literally spent hours at the outlet mall before heading home. But- SURPRISE- one of my Birthday-Gifts-To-Self arrived in the mail!! The new Sleeping Eevee 20'' from the Poke'mon Store and my precious Mimikyu plush!! I slept with my new babies every night. I love them so much.

Travel Day! *|Vlogmas|*

Because I was very limited to what I could do on these days, I wound up combing Days 2 & 3 of Vlogmas for this video.
On the 1st Day I worked all day @ Universal Studios before heading home to finish packing. And on the next I was traveling. With a brief stop in South Carolina (an airport I've yet to visit), I eventually landed back home in San Antonio, Texas!! Home Sweet Home! Although I didn't manage to get any photos or videos, I had a blast decorating the Christmas Tree with my family that night. It warms my heart knowing that they waited two weeks just for me to arrive! (T^T)

12 Days of Vlogmas! ~Shopping Haul!

As a way to get myself into Vlogging, I decided to put together a 12 Days of Vlogmas!!
I love Christmas and everything about it! My favorite part about Christmas is watching my friends and family's reactions to opening up a gift I gave them. It just warms my heart. Of course, there's nothing wrong with spoiling yourself along the wayyyy..!
So! Continuing on with Day 1, here's my "Shopping Haul" from my Disney Springs Christmas Shopping Adventure!

Christmas Shopping at Disney Springs **VLOGMAS 2017**

Ok, I know it's super late, but here's my 1st Vlogmas Video!!! I took all the videos and photos throughout the holidays but never had the time to put it all together! Since I'm off the next couple days I figured I would finally get down to business!

Happy 20th Birthday, Self!! (^w^)

HiHi!!

As the Title says,
on my birthday, December 30th,
I TURNED 20!!

Whooooo!

Well, I don't feel any different,

but I think it's cool since I'm a year closer to drinking age,

even though in Japan I would be legal...

Anyways, I decided to do a little 

Birthday Countdown this year on Instagram!

So, beware this photo heavy post:

Day 1: Lazy Pajama Day 

((Homework & Watching Shows All Day!!))

Day 2: Strike for NCC

((Working in the Shop!))

Day 3: Headshot for Auditions!!

Day 4: Workin' Girl...

Day 5: Movement Final!!

Day 6: Boooored!

 ((Totoro Kisses!))

Day 7: Once Upon A Time

((Took this right before Bed))

Day 8: Retro Hair

Day 9: Dead Tree

((Kuz I'm Totally a Photographer))

Day 10: Christmas Tree in the Union

((Last Minute Photo))

Day 11: After Work Study Time!

Day 12: All-Nighter

Day 13: Finished With Exams!!

Day 14: First Day of Winter Break!

((Aunt Sharon & Uncle Jesse's Tree))

Day 15: Spagetti for Dinner!

Day 16: Decorating the Christmas Tree!!

((My "Baby's 1st" Ornament!))

Day 17: Christmas Gifts from Richard!!

((English Popper & a Doggy Toy))

Day 18: Lazy Day at Home!

((Cereal for Lunch!))

Day 19: Pictures with Santa!!!

Day 20: Me & my boy, Muhdd!!

Day 21: Late Night Christmas Shopping!!

((Cuuuute Baby Clothes for Cora!))

Day 22: Me & my Baby, GOHAN!!

((Another Lazy Day watching DBZ!))

Day 23: Christmas Presents from Carolyn!!

((Bansai, the Adorable Round Panda!!))

Day 24: Wrapping Presents on Christmas Eve!!

Day 25: Love my New Christmas Pajamas!

((Pink, Pink, Pink!))

Day 26: Hanging with the Harkiewiczes!!

Day 27: Pizza & a Movie with Nicky!!

((...Cleaning Day...))

Day 28: Getting Kisses from Moonlight!!

Day 29: Making Faces with Cora!

Day 30: Oh Mah Gurrrd!! I'm Officially 20!!!

((Dressed Up, & the Light was Perfect for this Picture!)) 

Day 31: New Years Eve!!

Not my Birthday Anymore,

but we always have the party on the 31st.

Also, this year, the theme was Hello Kitty!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!

Till Next Time: 

Remember to KEEP IT GENKI!!

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

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 .｡.:*☆