Trip to a small town

I know...I havn't posted in a couple days...I was in Pennsylvania all last week and just got back on Sunday. My husbands whole family lives up there. He grew up in a TINY town in the Poconos Mountains. It really is a beautiful place to visit and relax. I really love to visit there, only problem is I may possibly be allergic to my in-laws house. Couple weeks ago I went to an allergist and had an allergy test done and found out I am allergic to 2 things, some grasses and mold. His parents live in an old house, that most likely has some mold in it. I get REALLY sick every time I go there. This time I came armed w/ nasal spray, allergy meds, and my own pillow. And it worked!! I only got a small sore throat...thats it!

Here is a recap of our visit:

Wednesday - Michael and I left at 4 am from Ga and drove to Pa w/ our two dogs. We have a male and a female westie. Usually Bailey (our female) is our crazy, hyper in your face dog. Well apparently she likes long car rides. We was really good and only whined at the beginning of the trip because I made both of them stay in the backseat. They LOVE to snuggle and were not happy to stay in the back. Malibu (our male dog) is usually our more relaxed dog and he flys well. Apparently he doesnt like long car rides. He whined most of the ride. After our 12 hour drive we got to Pa around 4:30 pm. Relaxed some and then met up with some friends for dinner. We got to see our goddaughter and spoil her w/ Christmas presents. Sad we only got to see friends for that night.

Thursday - My sister-in-law had to go to Allentown for some college testing (she is a education major). Michael and I tagged along and went shopping at the mall. That night we went to his old high school to watch some basketball.

Friday - Orthodox Christmas eve. aka Holy Supper. About 60 something people gathered at his great aunts house for dinner. I am not a big fan of the food, but love the company. We also do a big white elephant exchange. I ended up walking away with some new Christmas decorations someone didnt want.

Saturday - Christmas and my 25th birthday! We went to church then to Micheal's great uncle for lunch and more family time. That night they threw me a small surprise party w/ his aunt, uncle, parents, grandma and neighbor. It was really fun to relax and get to know them a little better.

Sunday - Michael and I left Pa around 8 am and headed back to Ga. Nothing too exciting there.

I am horrible about taking pictures, especially on trips. But here are a few I took with my phone:

 Pups on the drive up

 On our way to church...going down to the hill to the next town. Usually everything is covered in snow. No snow this trip.

Michael and Bailey relaxing on the couch

No snow, but there was ice on the side of a mountain in Pa. 

Chilling in the sun on the way back home.

Christmas Recap

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was nice and relaxing. Michael and I held it at our house. Nothing too crazy, just us, my parents and little brother. I cooked most of the food, which I am really proud of. We had a couple of snafoos though. We had bought a ham and a roast for Christmas dinner, but when we pulled the roast out to cook it had gone bad :( My mom also forgot to bring the stuffing she made and we made rolls, but left them in the oven. Oh well!

We had a pretty successful Christmas present wise as well. I got Michael a handful of things, kinda went a little overboard. He bought new golf clubs and I paid for half. Then I bought him tickets to a Predators vs. Flyers game in a couple weeks. Michael is a HUGE hockey fan and now that Atlanta does not have a hockey team, Nashville is the closest place to go for hockey.  We are making a weekend our of it. I also got him 2 passes for golf at a local golf club through Groupon. I also got him Flyers cuff links.

I got pretty spoiled as well. I got my Amish cookbook early :) I also got all these goodies:

 Michael framed our wedding photo for us.

 I needed a new hair straighter pretty bad. Michael got me a good one :)

 My parents got me the Sugarland and Miranda Lambert CD.

 I also got The Help. Watched it yesterday and loved it. I should of read the book first. 

 My mom got us some Rachel Ray cookware. We have wanted it for a while. 

The awesomess present from Michael :)

Merry Christmas

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

I hope your Christmas is everything you hope for and that you feel loved. Christmas is bitter sweet for me. I miss my dad and my childhood at Christmas. I hate Christmas in Ga...no snow :( Today its just raining. I wish I could of gone up to Indy to be with family, but Michael had to work today. I am hosting Christmas today for Michael, myself, my parents and little brother. It will be quiet and relaxing. 

Time for me to get back to cooking and cleaning! 

early Christmas present

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

 I have been trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but its been tough this year. Part of it I think is the weather! Its been in the 70s here in Atlanta lately. Yesterday we had tornado warnings...say what! I miss snow. People thing Michael and I are crazy for LOVING snow, but we grew up where it snowed in the winter. To us Christmas is just not Christmas without snow. Come on Atlanta it snowed last year on Christmas day!

Anywho...today Michael and went from store to store to get last minute gifts...it wore me out! Being the super sweet person he is, Michael gave me one of my Christmas gifts early (I think bc he got a gift early too...he bought new golf clubs and I paid for half as part of his present). Anyway....my Christmas present was an Amish cookbook!

I am so excited!! I have really gotten into cooking and baking lately (especially baking) I really wanted an Amish cookbook. Michael grew up in Pa near the Amish and he misses being able to get their fresh food and meats. One reason I cannot wait to move to Pa.

I look forward to trying recipes and I will post them!