I’m linking up for Five on Friday (but it’s actually six things) and also with the eloquent Emily Freeman to share the things I learned in December. I love this link up of hers, and love reflecting on the serious and not-so-serious lessons learned.
1. I sure do love being the hostess.
We didn’t have anyone over for dinner for over a year. We were in someone else’s home and it wasn’t really an option, and I kind of went through a social drought. But, good gravy, I do love some hospitality. Since we’ve been in our house, we’ve had at least five neighbors stop by with goodies and welcome gifts. And we’ve had our entire family here for Christmas and a few friends over for dinner and to hang out with the kids. I love having people in my home. I want more of that in 2014.
2. The couch is the very best place to go to sleep.
In our first two weeks at the house, I fell asleep every single night on the couch watching TV. We were exhausted, but I was just so comfy. But, really, waking up from a couch snooze and having to make your way to bed, brush your teeth, and fall back sleep is not the very best.
3. It is possible to cry while watching Homeland.
I won’t say anymore than that. But, please, start watching this show from the beginning if you haven’t yet.
4. Your kids will always prefer the cheapest toy made out of plastic.
Despite their big “Dismey World” gift, the boys’ favorite toy this Christmas was a $12.99 Octonauts house. Or hut. Or underwater station. I don’t even know what the Octonauts are, but my kids love them. And the cheap plastic toy was a big hit.
5. I really do love my big coffee pot more than my Keurig
I’ve had my Keurig for a couple of years, and we use it every day, a couple of times a day. But when my parents visit, we use the big coffee maker. And y’all. I have missed that thing. Just knowing that there is a big hot pot of coffee waiting in the kitchen gives me the warm fuzzies. And I love the sound of the beans grinding. We’ll still use our Keurig every day, but I love that big pot!
6. Same Auld Lang Syne is the worst Christmas song ever. But Auld Lang Syne makes me weepy… in a good way.
The former sung by Dan Fogelberg has become a popular secular Christmas song, and it is awkward and sad and depressing. Why must we hear this all month?
But every year on New Year’s Eve, I sure do love to hear Auld Lang Syne. Reminds me of this scene from When Harry Met Sally. Who cares what the words are. Let’s just sing it and celebrate!
As I was reading this, I was also brewing a big pot of coffee. 🙂 I agree. I like my keurig but a big pot of coffee gives me the warm fuzzies. We are in the mountains and I’m looking forward to lots of coffee and day of memories made with my people. 🙂
Hey Mandi! I hope y’all have the best getaway and enjoy all that snow!!
James desperately wanted the Octonauts hut or station or whatever for Christmas and I didn’t get it. He may wind up spending some of his money on it himself, though. And your boys will LOVE Disney. We had the most fun last year when we went in May and we’re discussing going back next April!
The Octonauts thing was a total last minute gift in our house because I just thought, “seriously?” ha! But it was just the biggest hit with them. I’m sure the excitement will wear off soon. Thankfully it was inexpensive! We’re so excited about Disney! If you have any tips or recommendations we’d love it!
Totally agree with you on couch sleeping – it is the best but worst at the same time. It’s no fun having to wake up to go to your actual bed and fall back asleep.
And seriously, when did that Same Auld Lang Syne song get popular? I turn it off any time I hear it on the radio. It’s definitely my idea of Christmas cheer. But like you, I love the traditional Auld Lang Syne song! Happy New Year, Erin!
Something about running into a high school flame over Christmas doesn’t seem all that magical to me 😉
I love to fall asleep on the couch and am thrilled when I know my husband will be watching something late enough that I can. Getting up and going to bed is the worst though, especially on nights that it’s hard to get back to sleep.
Yes!! I’ve done it a lot lately with football. Bowl games aren’t really my thing, but it allows me to stay up on the couch and take a couch nap 🙂
Love this list! I’m with ya on the coffee pot vs. Keurig dilemma. I’m a “more than one cup” kind of girl! 😉
Oh yes. I’m definitely a two-cup gal, and love the way the beans grinding makes my house smell!
I really love my Keurig, also, but miss my coffee pot. We actually gave ours away to someone who needed one when we got a Keurig. I’m hosting a dessert/coffee bar shower at my house in a couple of weeks and thinking it the perfect excuse to buy a new, big coffee pot! 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend, Erin!
I think that’s a great excuse for a new, big coffee pot!!
I love our Keurig bug with the amount of coffee my husband and I drink we’d go broke if we only used that!
How long till the big WDW trip? Your kids are great ages…actually any age is a great age to visit the Mouse! We have Disney Vacation Club (their timeshare) and have so many amazing memories of trips from the time our kids (now 8 & 10) were babies. Enjoy!
Haha! It was so easy for us when we were in our temporary living situation to just use the Keurig. But now, we’re heading back to the big machine! 🙂
Oh I love the version of the song from Sex in the City movie – LOVE it!
Oh gosh, yes. That version just makes me want to cry! In a good way 🙂
I think my boys’ favorite gift was their Octonauts bath toys. REALLY?
Oh yes! Santa brought Gup B and Gup A and they’ve just been obsessed. SO crazy!
Oh, I just love having people over to our house, too!! This year we even had my husband’s boss and wife (who just moved here from Belgium) join our family for Christmas Eve. We have a regular coffee maker and a Keurig, too. I brew a pot of coffee every morning in our regular coffee pot and love it. For me, there is something some warm and cozy about hearing the coffee brewing…I guess it just reminds me of my childhood. 🙂
Awwww….When Harry Met Sally! I love that movie so much and that scene is so sweet and sentimental just like the song. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about the year gone by and all the good friends and memories.
And…totally agree about the Keurig vs. the coffee pot. Something about coffee brewed in a pot is comforting and seems to taste better too. 🙂
Happy New Year!
I have got to start watching Homeland. I’ve heard so much about it. I think I’ll start that this week ….
I love When Harry Met Sally …. some of the best lines and scenes. Now I want to watch that too 😉
Happy New Year!!
BIG coffee pots are the best. I too love going for refills! And you are so right about the cheapest plastic presents…my nephew’s favorite gift this year was a cardboard box!
Happy 2014, Erin!
xo,
Erin from Live & Love L.A.
Man, I haven’t seen that movie in forever! I may need to watch it this weekend! So glad you are enjoying some nice nights on the couch in your new home!! It’s been a long time coming. 🙂
Looking forward to drinking and singing the Creature Report song with you in March… : P
#1) I couldn’t disagree more. I’m awesome at going to parties. Not so awesome at hosting them.
#2) YES!!!!! FOR SURE AGREE WITH THIS ONE!
Hope you and your fam had a wonderful first Christmas in your new home!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Unfortunately you lack true taste but desperately seek affirmation- sad. Try not to be so insulting and bitter- it’s obviously aging you.
Everyone keeps telling me to watch Homeland, especially since Drew is a former military man. Guess I’ll put that on our que for Netflix. 🙂
ok, so I loathe that Dan Fogelberg song too.it is SO DEPRESSING. I don’t understand why it is even played on the radio.
and also, Andrew got a cheap little people track for christmas that I paid $3 for at Kohl’s because I had Kohl’s cash. He drags that thing around everywhere and loves it. I almost think he loves it more than the Jeep! LOL
Oh yes, the Octopod! We are HUGE octonauts fans here in GA! It’s actually a really good and educational show, my hubs loves to sit down and watch it with my boys! So funny! It is such a cheaply made plastic toy though… Glad they are enjoying it as much as mine are!
I NEED A NEW STOVE/OVEN SO BAD.