Wow. Christmas is over, my two week hiatus from work is nearly over and we begin a new year tomorrow. Everything about this year has completely whizzed by. Crazy, huh?
 

2013.

    That should be a sentence enough to suffice. Without question, this has been the best year of my life. You guys know the big changes: I planned my wedding, kissed my family goodbye, married my sweetheart, moved into another state, began a fun nannying position, picked up a traveling bug, and finally became confident that I have truly reached "Adulthood".

    I am grateful for all that I have, all that I have been through, all that I have yet to experience. Sometimes I worry that I sound like a broken record typing that same phrase onto this blog- but I can't help it. I have so much, sometimes I feel so utterly undeserving of it, so I must express my gratitude. Also, I have read other bloggers who say they don't write about spiritual matters because that isn't the direction they want their blog to go... Well, I must say that my blog is a reflection of who I am- it contains my thoughts, my allegiances, my hardships, my relationships- everything that I feel prompted to write. So I will continue to put all of who I am on this blog, with the hopes that others will appreciate them. :)

    As Graham and I resolve to make New Year's Resolutions, I am stuck reliving this past year. In honor of that, I have created a super quick collage of the past year, with the link below. This has been my year in a nutshell, and the song lyrics that share the exact message I hoped. 

--->      http://flipagram.com/f/DWeJe0iZO4#   <---

    I love each of you so much. Thanks for continuing to read and offer encouragement. Happy New Year!

Christmas Done Right

    Christmas! It is only 6 days away... Is anyone's mouth hanging open as their mind frantically scrambles to realize how this has happened- or is that just me? (Virtual sigh) I am not even finished Christmas shopping for everyone yet. I am not prepared for this happy season to end, either. In fact, I think we (as in Graham and I) have really celebrated it with style! I've decided to dedicate this post to our various merriment.

-Disney's Christmas activities. You already know I love it, but they truly go all out for Christmas! We had a blast looking at Cinderella's castle and the dancing lights at Hollywood Studios- well worth the visit. 

-Christmas movies. The sheer number we have played! Almost nightly Graham and I have laid up on the couch reminiscing as we watched a few classics: Frosty the Snowman (please note that I drank out of a Frosty cup as we watched), How the Grinch stole Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, etc etc.

  

-Hot Chocolate! Being the chocolate lover that I am, duh, this has been happening since the weather has began to turn cooler. Actually the best "recipe" I have (through trial and error) made is as follows: boil water, after boiling remove from heat whilst allowing 5 minutes to cool, pour into cup with two packets of cocoa, swirl, and lastly add a hearty amount of whipped cream on top for added flavor. Voila, the perfect holiday drink.

-Christmas earrings! Flashback: as a little girl I was fascinated that my Mama has two dangling glass Santas for jewelry; I wore them during the Christmas season when she wasn't. All of these thoughts rushed into my head as I happened to come across these babies, and was not willing to pass them up! C'mon, it is little Christmas tree ornaments!!

-Ice skating! Okay, here is the truth: I have always wanted to go ice skating, but as I grew up in Georgia, followed by a move even further south, I did not have high hopes for this- until- yes, lo and behold, an ice rink less than 5 minutes from our apartment! I was very timid at first, considering I have busted my tail in roller skating so many times, although I am a decent skater. Well, it turned out to be very similar and I was (excuse my pompousness) awesome for it to be my first time. After a little bit of skating, my confidence grew as I whizzed past Graham, won a race and even was able to skate backward (it's just like roller skating!). I had so much fun, even though during the last ten minutes I became too brash as I danced towards Graham and fell hard! I was so shame that I didn't even realize how bruised up my knees were from landing on them until the next day. 

-Christmas wrapping. I usually enjoy wrapping gifts, particularly if I am wrapping a gift I purchased, but this year I feel so much more- girly? I don't know. I am trying my best to make each of my presents look as attractive as possible. Each has pretty paper, bows, ribbons, matching name tags. It has been so fun getting creative with it.

-Service. I feel as if I constantly emulate my lack of compassion and, in turn. service. It's very true, I find no need to put on airs when I shouldn't. Yet, I am immensely proud that Graham, my family and I have been able to provide other with various types of service during this Christmas season. "It is better to give than to receive," has been a phrase I have heard in many occasions, and Ivan say that that certainty does seem true.

-Christmas lights. Not just any Christmas lights, might I add, trees lined with them in St Augustine. We went on a triple date earlier this month to see te lights and it was so nostalgic. Last year Graham and I went to take Engagement pictures there during all of the festivities. Anyways, the massive Christmas trees, the candy cane stripped gazebo, a goose on a leash with a tuxedo, it just feels to dainty and homey. We went off on an excursion to the Fort afterwards, we even managed to take a few sweet pictures.

-I became a brunette. To Graham's dismay and my joy, I have successfully colored my hair, though it does appear to be one shade too dark. Then again, I think I am having difficulty remembering after 6 months of light hair. 

-I cried with Kellan. Ha! This little man makes me so happy. I was able to spend lots of time with him on my last trip home, hallelujah! He is simply a perfect baby with the jaws only the heavens could of placed on him. 

-Christmas concerts. Graham's beloved Grandma Cathy is apart of a choir which offered a special Christmas convert, full of caroling and testifying of the divinity of Christ's humble birth. It was pretty amazing witnessing a 70 year old blind man improv a song on the piano after a member in the audience shared a 10 second Christmas story. The only downside was that I didn't realize that I should have dressed nicer; I ended up wearing skinnies with one of Graham's sweaters, oops. We had so much fun though, and we appreciate you inviting us Cathy!  

-Graham's work Christmas lunch. Weird, huh? But his company had a midday lunch where he was allowed to invite family; I was grateful to be able to switch my hours at work to be able to go! Although before going I received a message from him saying: "Hey try to look nice (I know you do anyway, but just make sure to get the squirrels out of your hair and the crusties out of your eyes. Lol, Renee (a coworker) wants to meet you."

-Christmas attire. You know the kind: hideous beyond all reason. After we were invited to a Ugly Christmas Sweater party it was crucial that I find something worthwhile. Did I hardly succeed? Graham's shirt would sing of pressed and, my shirt had little my embellished Santas, while my dress was patterned after a tree. It'll be hard to top that next year.

   I am so in love with this time of year. I dread for it to pass! But in the meantime I will savor it for the next six days....

Christmas Time is Near

    Hi there, wonderful people who I adore. This is just a wonderful time of year isn't it? Everyone is cheery, we're all singing carols and social media sites have been filled with newly decorated trees, ginger bread houses and Christmas countdowns. I love it. I can't help but to fully immerse myself in the Christmas spirit. 

    December first our tree was assembled, December second the furniture was rearranged to make way for a nicer view of tree, December third we bought the last of the home decorations. It's just so fun! I've made a wreath for the door, decorated the tree to my liking, admired my festive coffee table with the colorful lights glowing. As I finish up every task, I shake my head, just amazed: This is just too much. Do I dare to believe that this is mine? That, for once, I am in control of every aspect of this holiday? That this Christmas feels much more real than the previous two spent between Graham and I?

    I am, in all the sincerity I can relay, in awe. It's all because of this time of year: Christmas. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

    Now, I must admit, as much as I love this time, I realize I have to restrain myself. If I don't watch out Christmas will be nothing but presents, Santa, hot chocolate, Rudolph, presents, stockings, figgy pudding and more presents! (I am obsessed with presents!) But- yes, but, that is not the person I want to be. I refuse to allow myself to forget the true reason for the season (although I am the first person to struggle with it). I just hope to do better than I have in the past. I am pleased to have my sweet husband who feels the same. Together we try to remember why are we celebrating this anyway.

    So now for the fun part! Since every holiday is new for us, Graham and I are really trying to use this year to develop new traditions. I would love for everyone to share how they celebrate the season, particularly ideas how to keep Jesus Christ's birth at the center of it. 

    Once again, thanks so much for all of you who do share your thoughts and ideas with me, I appreciate it. Well I hope you'll enjoy my pictures, I will catch up to y'all real soon! 

    Wreath! I know it looks lopsided! Oh well. 

    My tree! I am determined to take a better picture, but after 15 tries, this will have to do.

    So my entertainment center is so sweet to me. Christmas lights, signs, bells, photos, and a snowman! Please don't giggle at my small television. Our larger television shorted out last month, so it is at the manufactor's getting fixed. In the meantime, we are stuck to our 19 inch. But that won't get my spirit down!!

Thanks for All I Have

    I have slacked something terrible lately! I feel guilty that I never got around to finishing up my "30 Days of Thanks" status posts on Facebook. I just got so busy, began to forget and 2 weeks passed without my knowing! So, I did accumulate my remaining thanks into one spot, after a little contemplation. Just know I don't plan on always doing lists for my blog (I realize my last one was as well). Thanks so much to all who indulge me by continuing to read my blog. I hope you'll enjoy this as you get ready to get leave the Thanksgiving attitude behind for the Christmas Spirit! 

Day 18. I am thankful for the being a citizen of the United States of America. I truly love our country. I love our freedoms, our agency, our desire to better lives- such a grand blessing.

Day 19. I am thankful for babies. (Is that weird?) I can't think of many things that make me happier than a little bald head with no teeth. All sizes, colors- all babies bring me great joy! 

Day 20. I am thankful for my health. So exceptionally thankful. I haven't ever experienced a broken bone or any extreme sickness. I have ony been in the hospital once, after my birth, for a simple tonsil removal procedure. I am so glad that I have been able to bypass that! 

Day 21. I am thankful for my childhood. I remember playing in the woods, drinking out of spigots and truckloads of other children. I always had fun, felt exceptionally safe and went through so many fun experiences. 

Day 22. I am thankful for my education. Some days, I just have to sigh and feel resigned to the fact that school is in my future for the next few years. Then I remember that is a privilege others would give anything to be able to do. (Google: Malala Yousafzai - her story is so bone chilling inspiring.) I am blessed to be able to have the time, money and the people  pushing me to do so.

Day 23. I am so grateful for the full time missionaries serving all over the ward. Sadly, I wasn't able to serve- but come on being wed to my man is well worth it- but I can hardly imagine how difficult it must of been. Doors slammed in your faces, being spitting on you, horrible threats (in America for crying out loud!), all while leaving home without communicating with family except through letters. But imagine- the feeling of the Spirit testifying what you're sharing, the knowledge of the scriptures, the joy of seeing others coming to Christ. Why yes, I am exceptionally thankful for missionaries: past, present and future. 

Day 24. I am thankful for always feeling secure in my home(s). Living out in the woods in Georgia, living in an apartment complex in Florida- it's all the same. I come home to a warm home, packed with good food and the people who I love most and I know without doubt that I am being taken care of. 

Day 25. I am thankful for ambition. Sometimes hearing a uplifting quote or thinking about a better future can really offer the drive to succeed. I aim to have a future that Graham and I can be proud of. (Spiritually first, followed Mentally/Physically, then Financially.) 

Day 26. I am thankful for experiences that can bring change. As I've gotten older I think back to some experiences that I went through, and how they have helped me changed my views. I think sometimes all it takes is an open mind, coupled with a different environment that can help bring other interpretations. 

Day 27. I am thankful joyous memories. My baptism, my first time in the temple, the day I was married... So many wonderful memories that help me realize how blessed I am.

Day 28. I am thankful for my testimony. I can't remember even gaining it- rather that I've always had it. (I have definitely had instances that have helped develop it though!) I rely desperately on my testimony, it means more to me than any material gift, it can never be taken away and it is mine alone. 

Day 29. I am thankful for Thanksgiving, a time that others are encouraged to show gratitude. I am blessed to be able to spend it with my wonderful family (blood and by marriage), they are more loved than they know. I am thankful for this holiday. 

Day 30. I am thankful for Jesus Christ. Every bit of his life was monumental- his birth, childhood, ministry, death, but mostly his resurrection. I am thankful to know of His gospel. He is my elder brother, my Redeemer, my Lord, my Savior. I invite all to learn of Him. Every ounce of my happiness comes from Him.

                 Thanksgiving Pictures 

    That's a wrap up on my thanks, for this post at least! I hope everyone is listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and admiring their darling tree like I am right now. There is just something special about this time of year, am I right? 

Things About Me

    I love the fact that everyone is sharing "Things About Me" on Facebook! I am learning so much that I didn't know about my family and friends. So I decided I would write out a few of my own! Disclaimer: I may be viewed as strange after this.

1. I absolutely detest cold weather. Any day of the week I would prefer the heat! My lips stay chapped, my nose gets red and my hands stay cold all winter long, no matter how I try to fix it.

2. One of my favorite things is to plan surprises! The one drawback is that I get so excited I practically give it away before I can pull the surprise off.

3. Apparently I exhibit too many PDA tendencies. I don't mean full blown make out session, but little kisses or hugs- Graham does not usually let this happen. 

4. My favorite month is October! My birthday month, it has a gorgeous birth stone and Halloween all in one.

5. I really want to be more physically active but I am so lazy! I enjoy tasks that sneakily use fun as an excuse for exercise, such as: zumba, yoga, etc.

6. I truly admire women, or men for that matter, that can quickly hop in the kitchen and have a gourmet meal made from scratch. For the sake of my future family, I aspire to become like that one day. As for now, I am stuck to Instant Rice and Quick Grits.

7. In fourth grade I was entered into the spelling bee. I lost on the word: charcoal. I though of my new brother Granger Cole and promptly spelt it: c-h-a-r-c-o-l-e. I did not win that year.

8. I sometimes feel guilty about having so many social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Blogger). It is even more difficult for me to control myself by not checking each of them constantly.

9. I am not a "go-getter" in most situations. I usually use Graham when important or difficult issues arrive. It is true that I don't often try to address issues because I know that I will inevitable allow some to take advantage of me! I definitely prefer to be the dainty girl in the backdrop.

10. I have the stupidest phobia ever, which I realize, but truly can't seem to shake. I am terrified of frogs and toads. Literally, I am scared to death if one of them catches me by surprise. It is a legitimate phobia, called Randiphobia, but I only know two other people who feel similarly. 

11. I'm not certain whether I like small towns (Douglas) or big cities (Jacksonville) more. I love all of the glitz that comes with Jacksonville, any restaurant or store imaginable, most within a few miles but I also relish in the calm, easy way of living in Douglas.

12. There is no telling about Graham and I with children. We are on totally different pages on just about every subject about them. I would like to have them in roughly 2 years, he wants to wait 5. I would like 4-5 kids, he prefers 2. I love the baby stage, he wants teenagers! (Seriously, does anyone besides him want the teenage stage?)

13. I always find myself in horribly awkward situations. Like the time I went to another city to see a friend at work, only to find out later that I was in the wrong city. And of course I waved at someone who I thought was my friend! (I am pretty certain I did not have my contacts in- silly me.) So embarrassingly wrong.

14. My faith in Jesus Christ helps me in so many ways. It helps me have faith in humanity, makes me be more productive, seek after good things. I can't even hardly put it into words. I desperately hope that I can be seen as a Disciple of Christ to others, but most importantly to myself.

15. DIY crafts bring me immense joy. I really love making wonderful things, it brings me joy and confidence that I can be skillful!

16. My truest, most faithful companion is my husband. Sometimes I find myself terribly lonely, but feel so blessed to have him as a friend. I would always pick him over anyone else!

17. I love taking photographs- not necessarily artsy ones, but rather candid ones with crazy faces and moving backgrounds. I have well over 1,500 pictures on my phone from only 7 months.

18. I can't help but smile when I wake up to a note Graham has written, when he opens the door to my car or when he comes home with a bouquet of roses. The idea of being romanticism is alive and well with me.

18. Did you guys realize I just did number eighteen? I actually did it on accident. Sometimes I don't like to correct my mistakes :)

20. I feel very proud of my Associate's degree. (I was barely 20 when I received it). I am still working on my Bachelor's and hope to get a Master's eventually.

21. I am the worst morning person. I set at least 4 alarms daily (with the ringer on high). I usually give myself 10-20 minutes to finish my morning rituals, brush my teeth and eat breakfast.

22. I really hope to be able to adopt at least one child. I would like to be able to have a culturally diverse (was that PC?) son. If I couldn't have any on my own this would definitely be the route I would take.

23. I usually feel as if moving away was the best thing for me. It was very scary at first, can be very lonely at times, but it makes me value all that I have back "home." I think I have become more independent and finally turned into an adult.

24. I joined the soccer team in eleventh grade specifically so I could earn a Letterman's jacket. (I did! Cross country also helped my endeavor.) I grew to love that sport, even if I never amounted to anything! My heart still beats fast when anyone asks me to play.

25. All of my intermediate family and I share so many funny personal stories only we can get.... Listi falling through the door, Granger on his sixth birthday, Acey proclaiming he was a man, the sandwich I made for Daddy, Mama's tooth escapade. I die laughing any time those stories those brought up!

Hair help, pfft

    Important things first! These photos date back to 2010 when I decided- "what the heck Miranda, cut some bangs!"  You know they're your best friends when they're allowed to become a personal hairdresser. So she agreed to the job, wet the strands she planned to snip and cut it. It was so cute, everyone thought so. Until the hair dried and it went halfway up my forehead. Woops. Those next four weeks or so have been permanently deleted from my mind. But it did finally grow out to an appropriate length!. Personally I love the bangs on me, when at an appropriate placement :)

    Why mention all of this? Okay so I have underwent a tumultuous time with my hair these past few months. Let's have a look at the changes.

    Natural hair color, long length without bangs. (Sorry I look like a dweeb here.)

    After the big hair cut, touch of blonde. 

    When I officially became a super blonde.

    Blonde highlights with auburn accents. I just went starke crazy.

    So these are the stages. At first I cut many inches of my long locks, dyed it blonde and called it good. But now I feel... Unsatisfied? I miss the way I didn't have to pay for someone to give me an unnatural hair color. I miss the long flowing hair that made me miserable in the summer. I miss being a real brunette! Seriously never thought that I would say that, I always felt my hair was so dull. But now I am thinking about going back next month when I visit the salon. And I am seriously considering getting thick bangs while I'm at it! What say ye? My biggest opponent is Graham, determined that bangs are so old school and "ridiculous looking." 

    So now I am trying to decide- what do I want with this thick head of hair! Ayi Ayi Ayi.

Steak'n'Shake Date

    I've been pretty pleased with myself for  cooking  all week! It doesn't happen all the time, particularly because I get really discouraged when things don't go as planned. But Wednesday Graham came in the house and began inspecting coupons- and he found the jackpot! What is a girl to do when Steak'n'Shake sends out coupons for a buy one get one free speciality milkshakes? Race up there like a piñata's just been cracked wide open, of course!
    I must be honest, I haven't had the best experiences with that place. My first trip consisted of fries and a mediocre banana milkshake. The second attempt came when I wasn't feeling the best and left me throwing up in the bathroom. So, I needed a little redemption here!  Boy oh boy, did they deliver this time! It proved for a fun, cheap, delicious and fairly unhealthy date :)

    Peppermint Chocolate Chip and Mint Chocolate Chip! Is this what they mean by "double fisting?" 

    Graham and I did a milkshake trade! He took my Peppermint and I got his Mint.

    This was possibly the best milkshake I have ever had. 

    Oh you know, random blurry photo of the two of us!

    Our food was demolished by the two of us! 

    Going, going and gone! I am seriously sad to think that I have to pay full price for the next one. They sure were mighty yummy! Suffice it to say that I may be making a few more milkshake stops in the coming months...

My Incredible Day

    Saturday was seriously one of the best days I've had. It wasn't a special day like my wedding day or my baptism day but it was so wonderful! We debated throughout the week whether it not to go to Orlando for a quick day trip, back and forth the decision went. By Friday I had given up, decided that I would be fine saying at home. So after the Las Brisas Halloween party (check us out!) we jumped in the bed for a good night's sleep! 

    9:00 rolls aroun and away the buzzer sounds! BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP. A never ending sound. I had accidentally left my morning alarm on! Strangely enough Graham immediately woke up, not his usual style for a weekend. Not only was he awake, but he was in a wonderful mood! He was being so cheery it was shocking, but only in the best way! :) At 11 he asked me to start packing up for our quick trip.... So with that decided, away we went! 

    Our first stop was the gas station. Graham loaded us down with Gatorades, Slim Jim's and Peanut Butter Crackers. I sat behind the wheel, and we drove down 95-S. A few minutes after our trip started Graham received a call from a young man he met on his mission. This man was a kind, sweet spirited person with a slightly lower IQ than most... He was calling to see if he could get help with a girl problem. It was so precious to hear Graham thoughtfully discuss everything he had questions for. I thought about my cousin Gage, born with CMV, and how truly sweet their spirits are :)

    Finally at 2 we reached Orlando! Before anything else we rushed to the temple. It always feels so marvelous to go; our spirits are always lifted. One reason why I enjoy it so much is because I always feel so reminiscent. The grounds are kept just as beautiful as they were for our wedding in April, the gorgeous reds, yellows, pinks, it is so amazing gorgeous. Memories flood through me every time we go, each one of them precious to me. Perhaps one of my most favorite memories came when Graham waited for me on a bench to see me on the day we were married- I was so nervous that he wouldn't like my dress (I left it a surprise) or hair- but when I came out his face was brighter than I have ever seen, he smiled from ear to ear, and told me I was beautiful. So just know it's true, I love the Orlando Temple so very much! 

    After the beautiful experience of the temple, we left at 4:30. From this point on we decided to visit Disney World! One of the best things about being annual pass holders is the fact that we can go and have a great time without spending out of pocket, especially since we brought a backpack full of snacks. Before leaving we checked the weather report and found out it might rain, so we had jackets to boot.

    We decided to check out Magic Kingdom since we hadn't been in 6 months! We walked down Mainstreet USA, and just breathed. I don't care who may disagree, there is magic on the air at that place. So since we can go anytime, we didn't feel the anxiety tht usually sets in to rush around to all of the big rides. Instead we slowly toured shops we had never entered, bought a massive caramel apple and rode smaller rides that even Graham hadn't ever ridden (which truly is saying something since he has been so many times). 

    FYI: 32,000$ for that thing!!!

     When the parade began we skipped it to visit a year- round Christmas shop. You see, it has been my prerogative to buy a Disney "our first Christmas" ornament! I knew that purchasing at Disney World would be more pricy, but what's the point of it if it comes elsewhere? So we bought out and I am in love with it. 

    At seven or so, we began to realize that everyone was wearing ponchos! I checked my Weather Radar and it declared a 40% chance of rain. Sure enough, shortly the little drizzle began. Thank heavens we were prepared, so the rain didn't bother us. I was exceptionally curious because Graham predicted that the crowds would ebb out, leaving short lines for everything- especially since it was in the late afternoon. So we patiently waited and it happened! Miraculously we walked on to Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain- the biggest rides which typically require grueling waits. 

 All in all, it was so wonderful. Our whole day was amazing. I love my husband so much more than I can ever express! I am blessed beyond measure :)