One Last Christmas Post

Being a selfish human, I was thrilled with the gifts I received on Christmas. And being a blogging human, I must show some of them to you.

You already saw my lemon apron, which was a gift from my sweet husband. I was so excited that I wore it for the rest of the day. It's cheery and confident and clean -- perfect for my kitchen, which is decidedly not confident or clean. Cheery, though, yes. What I didn't expect was the gift my mom presented me with later in the day: another apron! You can't tell from this picture, because sitting the camera on top of a lamp and pushing the timer button doesn't provide for the best focus -- either that or I'm a horrible photographer, which is a true story -- but the apron is the sweetest purple with tiny white polka dots.

This apron, though, she MADE. She sewed it herself, along with a tiny matching apron for Mia. I was floored! I had no idea she was going to such trouble for my Christmas gift. Thank you, mom! It's gorgeous!

In keeping with my kitchen-themed Christmas, I also got two new cookbooks. One, I'd begged for: The Pioneer Woman Cooks, from my mom. The other, I'd never heard of, but am very impressed with: The Amish Cook's Baking Book, from my husband. It's so full of wonderful stories and recipes, and its focus is on one of my favorite kitchen activities, baking. Justin did a very good job picking it out -- I've already made a fabulous pecan pie from its pages.

My parents also got me this pretty cranberry and white rectangle platter from Pampered Chef. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with it yet, but I love it. I'd like to be able to keep it out as a centerpiece or something, but I'm falling blank on how to make that happen in an attractive way. Any suggestions?

And something I'd completely forgotten about wanting were these reusable baggies from my sister-in-law. They're called WasteNot Saks, and they're adorable! I can't wait to send Mia to preschool with these in her lunchbox. Or to send one in Justin's lunch and hear about the ribbing he gets for having a weird wife. Aren't they cute, though?!

I was also so excited about my spa and bookstore gift certificates. If I can manage to use the two together on the same day, you will be hearing from one contented mama. I can't imagine the repercussions of such bliss.

One thing I was not terribly excited about receiving was this little lady:

At my family's white elephant gift exchange, she landed in my unwilling lap. Luckily, I jumped at the chance to trade her off for a giant hot cocoa mug, but it wasn't meant to last. My dreamy daughter, Mia, batted her eyelashes at her Uncle Sam and told him in her sweetest voice how much she loved the doll. With one swift motion, the doll was ours. Forever. She loves it too much to not notice it's mysterious absence, so we're left plotting revenge on Uncle Sam.

Mia's slept with it ever since, and my stomach turns when I think about those provocative lips and tushie being anywhere close to my baby.

But. This too shall pass.

So tell me: What gifts were you excited about this Christmas? And if you tell me a Bratz Doll, we might not be able to be friends anymore.

Mia will still love you, though.