A Little Rum Pa Pa Pum Amidst the Christmas Chaos...

Well the Christmas Season is in full swing. This means holiday shopping, Christmas trees, and twinkling lights are sights to behold everywhere I turn. This also means one other thing: Christmas cards are coming like a steady horse each day in the mail. Yes, cards are coming in by the dozens. For some reason, this causes me great anxiety each year. Like immense anxiety. I think I finally figured out why....it is a reminder of how NOT put together I am. As in, a daily reminder that I do not have my act together. I am not trying to knock those that send Christmas cards. Actually congratulations to you. You do have your act together. I am proud of you. And, I am not trying to dissuade you from sending the Stiers Christmas cards. Those cards that come in do hang above our mantle and we enjoy those smiles and pictures throughout the season. However, I have found that the steady stream of "Christmas card perfection" has not necessarily added to making my days very merry and bright. In fact, I found it becoming quite the opposite. The cards have become a daily reminder of how little money we have: to hire a photographer to take the picture, to order the cards, and then the $0.48 per card to mail each card. It reminds me of the time I do not have: to hire a photographer, pick out a picture and a card, decide who to send the cards to and then track down the addresses. Not to mention making sure they actually get in the mail. And let's not even talk about finding the perfect "Christmas card outfit" for the pictures. Stressing me out just thinking about it. Oh and has anyone mentioned where Christmas cards usually end up once they are done hanging above the mantle?? Yes, that's right those cards everyone spent so much money on eventually end up in the trash can-right along with my raw chicken scraps. 

Yes, Christmas cards stress.me.out. Just call me Ebenezer. 

You see, there are two kinds of Christmas cards. The first is one with merely a picture-usually the perfect picture with the family (complete with the dogs) surrounding the Christmas tree or on some outdoor park bench. Everyone is looking perfect. The kids are not screaming. The dogs are not eating the shoes. It is a snapshot of the picture perfect moment. Literally. And not to mention the outfits. To die for. Usually complete with some happy message (usually in some red type font) that says "Merry Christmas," or "Season's Greetings," or "Joy," or "Peace on Earth." Or from those "politically correct" families, it might read, "Happy Holidays." Yes, everyone and everything is picture perfect. It is beautiful perfection in a card. 

Then there is the Christmas card that may or may not include a picture. However, it does include a lengthy explanation of the past year-complete with Johnny made the band, or Susie won the cheerleading competition. With the rare instance that the letter chronicles every single incident complete with Timmy's first stomach bug (yes, I've seen it done), this Christmas card usually highlights the year's high moments. Again, everyone and everything is picture perfect. And while it may not be beautiful perfection in a picture card, it is the same.....only it is beautiful perfection in writing. 

There is too much pressure surrounding the Christmas card phenomena. Out doing the best cards and trying to put off that aura of perfection. You see, most days we are just trying to get by. But I guess a Christmas card with merely a picture of me make-upless forcing myself out of bed, with a pile of laundry on the bed (unfolded) and the Husband forced to eat tuna out of a can for dinner would not make for a Season's greeting. And most definitely would not win the award for "best outfit." However, if you were to follow us around, this might be a snapshot of our day. 

Or I guess a Christmas letter detailing all the depressing aspects of our year would not be considered "festive." You see, some would label that as the "grinch that stole Christmas." I would label that life. Life is chaotic. There are medical tests and bills to be paid and uncertainties. Snapshots of our lives are not always pretty and definitely not always perfect. I guess sometimes I wish someone would send a Christmas card that expressed that. But I guess that would not be spreading "Christmas cheer." 

Just last Friday night, Scott surprised me with tickets to see The Nutcracker at the Bass Hall-complete with dinner downtown at P.F. Changs-one of my favorite places to eat. I was so excited all week. I was looking forward to the night so much. I have been busy, busy with work and traveling and he has been busy with work, and honestly, life has been crazy. Chaotic actually. I was looking forward to reconnecting. So, I even spent extra time getting pretty and even put on my favorite and most expensive dress (thank you anthro). And what happened? Scott showed up after work to pick me up, I was not ready, he did not want to be late for our dinner reservation, and thus began the grumpy trek downtown. And thus continued the grumpy trek all.through.dinner. Even though we had a (somewhat) successful attempt to salvage our (somewhat) expensive Christmas season celebration date night, you can imagine the romantic evening I had envisioned with sugar plums and dancing fairies did not quite end as I expected. And to my surprise the low point was not when I looked over to see my husband asleep, yes asleep in the middle of the (somewhat) expensive performance. Did I say expensive?!? Ok, I think you get the point. But, I guarantee if you were to look at my twitter, it was laced with sugar plum fairies dancing. Yes, sometimes from the outside looking in, things seem much sweeter.......I guess asking for us to all be a little more honest might be on my Christmas wish list...

At church today, the pastor started a sermon series titled, "Christmas Chaos." The perfect sermon. So needed to hear that. You see, he said that even the birth of Jesus was chaotic. He was born to a virgin. Oh and by the way, a very pregnant Mary rode into Bethleham on a donkey! A donkey I say! I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty chaotic. And then when they got to Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn, so I can imagine the panic and chaos that must have been going on as Joseph was trying to track down a place for his very pregnant wife on a donkey to have a baby-not just any baby but the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Yes, chaos. But from the chaos came beauty. And peace. 

So amidst this crazy, hectic time of year, I want to see a Christmas card that says: "Keep Calm and Carry On." And maybe a crazy picture thrown in there. And maybe a gentle reminder that the season is not about the perfect Christmas card representing the perfect life. In fact, most of the time, it is about somehow, some way trying to find peace in the chaos...even if it's for just a little while....and in those moments when you can't seem to avoid the chaos, it is about embracing it because God might be trying to do something through the crazy chaos, like bring forth His son. Maybe, just maybe. 

So, maybe one day my view on Christmas cards will change. Or perhaps one day I will get my act together enough to actually send them out. But as you can imagine, I have not had time for Christmas cards this year. Or maybe it's that I have not taken the time. Either way, once again, as usual, the Stiers will not be sending out Christmas cards. Amidst all the presents, where would the money for said cards come from??? Not to mention the time: the time to track down a photographer, or the outfits for said pictures, or the cute card or even time to think about what it would say. Joy? Merry Christmas? Peace on Earth? Happy Holidays? (gasp). Yes, maybe it would say "Happy Holidays." Because that would make Christmas cards from the conservative Stiers much more interesting......

So, here's to embracing the crazy chaos and being a little more honest and transparent along the way. After all, our life is not perfect, but I pray we find the beautiful piece (peace) along the journey. And since you will not be getting a Christmas card from the Stiers this year, consider this it: 

Season's Greetings from the Stiers or Happy Holidays if you prefer! 

 Today at church, we also got a special visit from the Little Drummer Boy. Watch the video HERE. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. This video doesn't even do it justice. It was a wonderful reminder of the awe and wonder of Baby Jesus.

We hope this holiday season we can all grasp the same awe and wonder of Baby Jesus as the little drummer boy. Many days we may feel as if "we have no gifts to bring" but may we all do our part this upcoming year to "play our best for Him." After all, it is often times the humble acts of worship and service that make the biggest difference. 

The past year has been a reminder that we are not perfect and life is not perfect-in fact most days are pretty chaotic and we are just doing our best to get by. But we are learning each day how to manage the chaos-both internal and external-that is our lives. Today, we found that by serving hot chocolate and cookies we were reminded that tis the season-now and always-to serve. After all, it is in the small things, like serving hot chocolate and marshmallows that often make the biggest difference. It helps make the crazy seem a little less crazy and puts our lives in perspective. 

Our hope is that amidst the hectic holiday season, you find the beauty in the chaos and are filled with peace...if even for a little while. And may this beauty through the chaos lead you to a Happy Everything!!!! 

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Everything in between from the Stiers!!!!! 

Busy Little Bees.....

So as you can tell, I have been M.I.A. That is because the past three months have been some of the busiest I have had in a while. In sum, I have been traveling more than I have been home. Most of that has been for work, but there has been some fun mixed in! Here is what we have been up to.........

We celebrated Homecoming and birthdays (both brother-in-laws have October birthdays-one on the 18th and one on the same day as mine-the 21st-fun times!)

Most of my work is done in Greenville, SC, which is very close to Asheville, NC. So between work weeks, we took a little mountain getaway to Asheville where we ate sweet potato pancakes (best.pancake.ever) at our new favorite restaurant and visited the Biltmore. Highly recommend the Biltmore tour. It was beautiful. I want to live there. They were setting up for Christmas and it gave me a small taste of the Christmas tour, which means we will have to go back sometime at Christmas! Money Saving Tip: If you purchase tix to Biltmore 7 days in advance they are $20 bucks cheaper! Since it is a costly tour (but so worth it), you might think about doing that before you plan your trip! 

Then we met the NC Clan in Gatlinburg, TN. We took a fun 5 mile hike complete with snow (in October) and did some zip lining through the mountains. Breathtaking with all the fall colors!

November was busy with lots of traveling with work for me. But that did not keep me from jumping at the chance to hit I-35 to watch our Baylor Bears beat OU. I returned from a week of work away, ran through the airport, got to my car, and drove straight to meet a few of my favorite people for the game of a life time. And I am so glad I did. We got there just in time for kick-off and the cold did not keep us down! It was like we were back in college. Yes, we stayed out until 2 am on a school night and yes it was awesome. #YOLO

Lucky for me, one of my work trips was to Virginia. So, I got to see lots of law school friends. I even got to see one of my favorite little families with their new addition: Jeremiah! He is perfect! I didn't snap too many pictures (unfortunately) but, it was a great weekend of laughter and catching up with old friends. Much needed!

Then to wrap up the past few months, we made the long haul to Wilmington to spend Thanksgiving with Scott and his family, but not before we stopped off in Birmingham to throw a little shower for my bestie having twin boys! It was a blast! Once we made it to NC, It was Scott and his sister Suzanne's birthdays, as well as Thanksgiving so it was not only full of stuffing our faces on Thanksgiving day, but it was full of celebrating and presents! And in case you were wondering: no I did not pick up drinking, that is some sort of non-alcoholic beverage in my cup! 

This weekend it snowed iced. As in, we have not left the house for three days. Maybe it's because of we don't have kids or pets, but stir crazy is not something that has set in yet.....because the last few months have been so busy, we have welcomed the opportunity to stay at home, eat chili, watch football (SIC EM BEARS AND WAR EAGLE), watch Christmas movies, and enjoy the twinkle of our tree. 

It has been a relaxing and refreshing past few days serving as a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the quiet we often lose amidst this Season and the peace this Season offers, if we only let it. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and is enjoying the beginnings of the Christmas season! 

Until next time be blessed..........................................................

Life Lately

Day 15: A "life lately" post

Life lately can be summed up in two words: crazy busy. 

We are still adjusting to life in Fort Worth. We are liking the area more each day and we think that we have finally found a church. We have gotten plugged into a small group and even went to our first small group game night this past weekend. To be honest, leaving our church and small group in Georgetown was one of the most difficult challenges of moving to Fort Worth. So the fact that we think we have found a church and small group is a huge blessing and we are excited to get more involved. We will go to the membership class next weekend to see about joining. Exciting times ahead.

Scott has been busy with his new job. He has been adjusting to his new roles, as well as trying to find a District Office. In addition, he has been going to many political events-in fact he has events about 3-4 nights a week, so that is keeping us busy, busy. But he is loving every second and meeting tons of people. I even went to an event one night. I'm not quite sure I am up for the life of a politician. But that is an entire blog in and of itself. 

My life has been quite busy with work lately. I have been traveling about every other week for work. When I travel, I am usually gone Sunday through Wednesday or Thursday. The next two months will be busy as well, and the next two weeks will be particularly busy, as I will be gone for four days, home two days, and then gone for another four days. I still love my job and while it can be emotionally taxing, I would not trade it for the world. 

I have taken on a part-time role in SAGE Girls Ministry as the Conference Director. I have been involved in the ministry for years, but I am excited about this new role. I will also begin a craft night and possibly a Bible club at our apartment complex. Excited about the ministry opportunities ahead!

Between Scott being busy, busy on the week nights and me being gone 4 nights out of the week on certain weeks, we are having to make an extra effort to find time for each other. However, these days both of us are working from home, so that definitely helps. We have a little table and chairs on our porch that has become our lunch spot, so that is a fun time we both look forward to on most days.  Amidst the busy schedule, we have been trying to find fun (and inexpensive) things to do together. Lately we have been watching LOTS of college football and even got to attend a Baylor game. We hope to attend more in the coming weeks. We have also been hanging out with friends, old and new; seeing family; taking date nights; and exploring all the great city of Fort Worth has to offer!!!

I hope life has been going well for you lately. Until next time be blessed....

Love Letters

Day 10: Write a love letter to someone in your life. 

I am not one to write love letters in the open very often, but you can read about my thoughts on writing love letters  here. 

And you can read about men who write love letters with their actions here. Be sure to watch the video.

Until next time be blessed. And go write someone a love letter. 

A Few of My Favorite Things

Stroll Down Memory Lane

Today's Prompt asks me to write about a memory that I would like to relive. There are many memories that I would like to relive. My wedding is probably top of my list. That was honestly the best day of my life to date. Great food, dancing, and surrounded by the people I love most. Great memory, and I am grateful to my parents for making that day so wonderful! Best.Day.Ever.

I also thought back to a memory from Christmas that was just wonderful. It snowed, we got a trampoline, and Santa left a Christmas tree on our back porch. Best.Christmas.Ever.

Then there was the time my family went to Europe: 9 countries in 16 days. I would relive that trip and those memories in a heartbeat. I was 12 when we took the trip, so I think doing it again now that we are all older would be even more memorable and hands down awesome. I didn't realize the trip of a lifetime we were on at the time, so if I could do that trip (or even half of that trip) all over again with the family I love most, I would jump at the chance in a second!!! :) Best.Trip.Ever.

Then there are the  many memories that occurred during college. I always tell the Husband that those were the best four consecutive years of my life and he has a lot to live up to. But seriously, the love of academia, wonderful friends, serving together, late nights and late night chats, built-in support group, spontaneous dance parties, random pranks, no responsibility other than class, number of sorority events that required costumes, Baylor SING, still on parents bill, and carpe diem attitude, as well as the constant access to any and all Baylor sporting events for free make those four years hard to beat. And the fact that my sisters and I were there for a year together at the same time, in the same sorority was pretty awesome. So, here's to college and here's to Baylor U and here's to the best four years of my life.

Until next time, be blessed....