The First and The Last

It's hard to believe it's the last day of December and thus, the last day of 2012. It's also hard to believe that I only wrote twice this month on my blog--the first and the last days of this joyful month. Perhaps that's as it should be. While I definitely haven't been lacking with things to document, I also didn't feel as motivated to get up and write. With the tragedy our nation suffered with the Sandy Hook shootings I wanted to spend even more time snuggling with my children, savoring the moments of their tininess and innocence. We spent a lot of time baking cookies and laying on the couch watching Christmas movies together, set to the background of our sweet lit-up Christmas tree. Many mornings and nights looked like that and those days were just perfect. There was also a lot of time spent with family--grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles--and feeling just very blessed that we our surrounded by so much love.

There was a little bit of busyness as always, but it was all fun...

Cruising for Christmas lights.

And there were plenty of "baby hot cocoas" consumed by this guy.

This beautiful baby celebrated another birthday. I am one lucky girl to have her as my mentor and best friend--love you mom.

The Daily Christmas Dinner. The best photo we could muster with two feisty toddlers.

We were on the nice list!

Marcus and I agree that 2012 brought about the BEST Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that we've ever shared together. For the first time in years we weren't rushing around going from one house to the next. We were actually able to relax and SAVOUR the time with our family of four as well as with the rest of our families.

Christmas Eve day was spent with family in Malibu for lunch followed by a quiet and cozy dinner at home with just us four...thank you Pick Up Stix ;) After dinner, we got the kids ready for bed and then Jack helped me make cookies for Santa. This is the first year that he really got the whole Santa thing and to see the sheer joy of the season on his face was nothing short of magical. Once the kids
were settled and asleep Marcus and I ventured out to get all the gifts wrapped and in position. It was so wonderful spending that time with my hubby and knowing that we were making memories for our little ones that they will never forget. M even let me watch Christmas movies of my choice all night long! I've got a keeper I tell ya ;)

Cookies for Santa.

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Santa came!

Christmas morning was perfect. I woke up around 6am to prepare my Monkey Bread and pop it in the
 oven. It was my first year making it and we're all in agreement that it needs to be an annual Christmas morning tradition! The kids woke up shortly after, around 7:30am. They took their time opening gifts and had an absolute blast! M and I enjoyed our coffee and soaked in all the "oooohs and ahhhhs", smiles and laughter. After everything was opened the kids quietly played with their toys and M and I were able to watch "It's a Wonderful Life". The movie title certainly was reflective of how we were feeling at that moment.

The rest of the day was just as wonderful as the morning. We went over to my parents and had the most wonderful breakfast! This is the one meal I look forward to every year and my mom absolutely outdid herself! After breakfast we opened gifts and after that was all done we just sat around feeling completely stuffed and jolly. Marcus made me homemade hot cocoa (I mean with real shaved chocolate and everything!) and it was SO delicious. Did I mention he's a keeper? ;)

We had a little downtime in the afternoon so we went back to our house so the kids (and daddy) could nap and I could start organizing the mounds of toys. Before long it was time to head on over to my in- laws where we opened more gifts and then consumed the most amazing Cuban Christmas dinner! My mother-in-law is Cuban and made everything from scratch. Pork, rice, black beans and then homemade Cuban pastries for dessert. We all had seconds and maybe even thirds. It was to die for! I think all the Martinez's are in an agreement that Cuban Christmas just might have to be an annual Christmas tradition as well!

Like I mentioned earlier, M and I ended Christmas Day in agreement that this was the best Christmas ever. I don't know how next year could top this year, but I have no doubt it will. When you're surrounded by so much love and an awesome family like we are, every year just has to get better.

Monkey Bread for my little monkeys.

Cousins in their matching jammies.

My hubby makes the BEST hot cocoa ever! Perfect on a cold Christmas morning.

And now here I sit, New Year's Eve 2012. I'm always a little bit sad after Christmas is over, because its just a holiday that always seems to go by too darn quickly. However with that being said, I really can say whole heartily that I soaked up this holiday season and completely enjoyed it! Now that it's NYE I feel excited about the beginning of another new year. Even though beginnings can be a little bit scary, I like them. To me it represents a fresh start and a chance to be better than you were before. I have quite a few resolutions this year, but I think the mantra that I want to carry with me most this next year is, "Be better than yesterday". A better wife, a better mom, a better daughter-sister-and friend. A better servant. A better follower of Christ. I know if I become better at the last one, everything else will follow suit. :)

Many blessings to you and yours in the New Year! :)