Christmas Photo Dump

Well, Christmas here in Wilmington was relaxing and quiet. We missed everyone and skyped with our families which helped a lot. Overall, this Christmas was a success. Plus, we got a Wii so now we can stream Netflix into the television (what other reason is there for a game console, really?). We saw Christmas lights. Went to a Christmas Eve service. Opened presents. Had sticky buns! I think Dan might've liked his cheapest present the best of all; he instantly started assembling that little airplane after we were finished opening gifts! 

And then we watched Mad Men. On the TV. Because we can now. 

From the Burkharts

I love that he comes into kiss me every morning before he goes to work. It wakes me up, and I don't even mind. It's the best way to wake up. 

aaaaand break!

It is officially Winter Break! And, while everyone else is updating their twitters and facebooks about their arrivals home, Dan and I are staying put for the holidays. Which, really, hasn't been as bad as I thought (so far). Last year, while fun and wonderful to see everyone, was pretty stressful on the both of us. We are both looking forward to a quiet, relaxing Christmas with each other. That is not to say that we won't miss our families terribly (I've forewarned Dan that tears are likely to be shed on Christmas morn), but everyone needs down time. And after this semester three weeks of solid relief sounds just about perfect.

How did my semester end? How sweet of you to ask. Well, I got through finals week, which was no where near as stressful as the two weeks of essays previous, and the final score was five A's and one A- (or, as dad called it, an "Asian F"). I took six classes this semester and got nothing less than an A-. I'm pretty proud. And exhausted. A couple of my classmates who are familiar with my stress-outs (like freak-outs but FUNNER) mocked me for my anxiety with every little grade in the class. Well, it was all worth it I tell you! 

Dan says that Law School stress is going to be a billion times worse than this stress. He says I'm probably going to need daily counseling just to get through it. I asked him if he was going to be absent for those three years. He just smiled. I think that meant yes. 

Anyway, the past few days I've been working on a present for my beautiful bff. I'll post pictures after she gets it. I can't wait! Also, reading. And not any books on the Prussian Parliament, the Spanish Civil War, or Europe in the 19th century. Nope. I'm in for some good ole pleasure readin' -- The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It's pretty obscure; you've probably never heard of it. 

present

My first present for Dan is wrapped and under the Christmas tree. Seriously, I think I might like giving gifts more than I like receiving them. And that's saying something because I really love opening presents! 

Oh! AND I MADE THAT TREE SKIRT! Yep, just gave myself a little pat on the back.

p.s. Funny story about Christmas gifts: 

One year Julia and I came home from school and, since all our friends had talked about these things called Christmas lists, we made our very first Christmas lists. We had never heard of such a thing and excitedly ran to the first parent we could find upon completing the lists. Dad happened to be the lucky recipient and we gleefully handed him our carefully curated, adolescent Christmas lists. He looked at them and then said: "Now girls, gifts are from the giver." Essentially saying that gifts are not something we ask for but are given from love. That was okay, we thought. Lesson learned: no Christmas lists for the Herrington girls. 

Flash forward about eight years. Dad comes home and says "All right girls, I'm gonna need some Christmas lists so I know what to get you!" 

We looked at him appalled. "Dad, gifts are from the giver!"

loved

I got a text a couple days ago from my Grandma:

"Hi Rachie, I mailed a package today. You should receive it Friday. Love you, Grams"

Well, first of all I LOVE getting packages (who doesn't!?) but then it came early. Like, yesterday. Which was Thursday. Not Friday. 

And then I opened it. 

And the tears started flowing (many of you might know how tearful I have been lately and might question the legitimacy of my tears, but these ones were good tears! I think that gives them a bit more validity.)

Grandma had given us two gorgeous stockings -- like the stockings that had always hung in the houses of my grandma, mom and aunt. The stockings that had been at every Christmas as far back as I remember. 

What a beautifulgift. Christmas here just got a little more homey. 

Top that off with the two cards Grams sent (one with some money for a date with husband) and the sweetest hand-drawn-Charlie-Brown-Thanksgiving-card ever from my kid sister, Annie (who's not really a kid anymore but an honest-to-goodness grown-up stunner). Well, I'm not sure a girl can feel more loved by her family than I did yesterday. 

Seriously, I am so blessed

How gorgeous are those stockings?!

Christmas is here!!!

p.s. my gorgeous sister can draw, no?