I flew back to Texas and was able to have a couple of glorious days to just hang out and chill at home/friends homes. I then went drove up north with all the family to partake in my cousins Alice in Wonderland themed bachelorette party, wedding, and the Annual Hold Family Ornament Exchange.
The party was a blast, and it was so fun seeing everyone decked out in character costumes (I was the Mad Hatter, which was quite fitting since the Johnny Depp version has crazy frizzy red hair, like muah).
The next morning, once the whole gang was awake (me being the last one, no surprise there), the Annual Holt Family Ornament Exchange began. It is actually my favorite tradition of all time! It started several years back, and it's where everyone in the family buys ornaments for each other instead of presents. It's a smart way to save money and still give very sentimental and meaningful gifts. For the first time ever, I purchased ornaments on my own for all of my family members, and it was such a fun experience! The hunt is always entertaining, and as a plus it really boosted my confidence when I felt like I found a solid ornament for someone. I love this tradition because with each ornament, there is a back story or personality trait that goes along with it. I now have a life time supply of ornaments, and it's going to continue to grow, so the only thing I don't look forward to is having to pick and choose which ornaments will eventually end up on my tree.
Funny story: every year I always get a frog ornament or gift of some sort. I don't know where the notion began that I was frog-obsessed, but I think someone may have started a rumor that I was nuts for them, or people just assumed that I must have a massive love for frogs because my favorite color happens to be green. Whatever the case may be, I always tend to get frog ornaments at the exchange, it never fails. This year I finally admitted to my mother and sister that I unfortunately have never had a thing for frogs, and they found this mishap to be hysterical. I too found it quite funny, and though I don't necessarily dig frogs, I did always appreciate and enjoy the quirky frog ornaments I received! Maybe my reaction is what kept those unique amphibious ornaments coming my way each year, or maybe I just give off a frogy-person vibe. After this year (I received two frog ornaments and a frog hat) I think it is safe to say that though it was originally against my will, I cannot fight it any longer. I now have a thing for frogs. So in conclusion, if any of you ornament exchangers are reading this post, feel free fly that frog flag and exchange that green for some green next Christmas. I will gladly take em' on as tradition, and I look forward to my own tree someday being covered from trunk to tip in those jolly green hoppers!
Later that day, my cousin was married right in the living room, which was a very special experience. It was totally small and intimate, just perfect for our family! I am very much looking forward to the celebration/ceremony in may!
While I am on the topic of weddings, helping with the plans for my sisters wedding this june has kept me quite preoccupied here at home. As the maid of honor, it's my duty to help with the majority of these wedding planning things, and my mother, sister, and I have been trying to get it all done while I am here with them. I am happy to say that we have so far been successful, and all I need to do is plan her family party that I am throwing for her and then I am done! I bought my bridesmaid dress today, and I am hoping that when I fly back two weeks ahead of the wedding that I will have time to get it altered and ready for the big day (prayers please!). I also bought toms for the reception today off of eBay which I am super excited about because I bought them for $14 cheaper than the original price and they will get here by friday! That last part might actually be a bad thing because if I have them with me, I might be tempted to wear them... a lot. I will do my best to resist though!
