Check Ya Later 2011!

Can you believe that we are hours away from 2012? I don't know about you, but 2011 sure did FLY by! I swear that I just got a new job, but now I have been working here a year. I swear I just moved into my new apartment, but we have been there for six months! I SWEAR Parker was just born yesterday, and by some magical spell he is already SEVEN MONTHS OLD! What is happening to the world????

I want to go on official record when I say that 2011 was a pretty cool year. Good for you 2011, you go 2011! Some pretty important things happened to me this last year, and I am so grateful for every last one of them. Even the struggles that we endure, I know God put them in front of me to help me become a stronger person. I am so happy to have been blessed with so many things in 2011, and I can't wait to see what 2012 holds for me!

As a special little treat, I thought I would gather up my personal favorite posts from the last year, starting from the beginning...

The Top 11 from 2011

Hi. I'm 5.

How Do I Love Thee?

Love Love Love

Dodger Disasters

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

Bragging Rights...

A Love Letter

Look Book Numero Tres

Portland Volume 1: Breakfast Wars

So Cal Blogger Meetup!

Parker's 1st Christmas

There you have it! My Year wrapped up in 11 posts! One of the best things about blogging is preserving memories like these forever. I will always be able to look back on the pictures of my first apartment with Nick, or the day I got Hudson, or when Parker was a baby. Turns out this whole blogging thing is pretty useful...who woulda' thought!

I hope you guys all had a fabulous 2011! I can't wait to see what 2012 brings your way!!!

Parker's 1st Christmas

Disclaimer: All photos were taken by my lovely mother. Check her out at Reinventing the Ordinary!

{Are ALL these for ME??}

As you may know, I have an AWESOME baby Nephew named Parker. Oh, you weren't aware? Well let me remind you of his Amazingness...

{You can't tell me he isn't adorable!}

This Christmas was a very special Christmas, because it was this little guy's very first Christmas! Since I am the baby of the family, I never got to witness any one's first Christmas. So, technically, this is my first Christmas seeing some body's First Christmas, so it was big for both of us. You still with me? Probably not...

The festivities began when Shea and Sarah arrived in Bakersfield with little P-Mann in tote (and of course the girlies). We were all excited to have the whole family together! Of course, with a baby in a house, all our attention was on the little guy (as it should be). I could honestly spend hours watching him, and be completely enthralled by everything he does! Plus, he is crawling (actually more of a scoot) now! 

 {Doin' the Parker Scoot}

{That face...I die...}

And of course, time with Parker wouldn't be complete without some Mercado Backyard photos! 

{Please ignore my ridiculous kissy face}

It was amazing to get to see Parker take in all of the Christmas joy! He was mesmerized by all the bright lights, and shiny decorations. One of his favorite decorations was his new Stocking made by his Great-Grandma, Mimi. You are not officially a Mercado until you have yourself a stocking.

{It is official now!}

 {Opening his stocking}

{Chewing on his stocking stuffers!}

Then it was time for presents! And who gave him his first present to open? Well Auntie Kai of course! I have to say, this kid definitely is related to me, because he is a PRO at opening presents. It is like he knew exactly what to do! Auntie Kai has taught him well...

{Get this ribbon out of my way!}

{Just what I always wanted!!}

Now the stocking was good, and the presents were great, but nothing stole his attention like Papa's dancing and singing Snowman and Puppy!

{Hello, Mr. Snowman!}

Seeing Parker take in everything reminded me just how fun Christmas is! Sometimes when you grow up, you forget to appreciate the joy in the season, and the fun of it all. Parker is seeing this all for the first time, and is loving every second of it! I wish I could be a little kid again, and appreciate the magic of the season. For now, I will just live vicariously through little Park City!

Hope your Christmas was just as bright!

Christmas Preview!

Apparently I was a really good girl this year, because Santa hooked it UP! But seriously, all the stuff I got was amazing. My family sure does spoil me! Of course I will have a full-fledged Christmas recap later this week, but for now, here is a little preview of some of the awesome things I got!

{You know you have grown up when you are super excited about a new Griddle. Already used it once! Thanks Bryney!}

{Mimi and Papa got me an amazing apron from Anthro, and my mom bought Nick one to match!}

{Anyone who knows me, knows I have desperately wanted an Enzo Wand Curling Iron for AGES! Well, I finally got one! AND a Kindle? I am one lucky girl!}

{Just had to post my Kindle again. Hunger Games all loaded up. Obsessed}

{The cutest Wine Topper ever!}

Annnnd Finally...

Alllrighhtt. I didn't really get a DeLorean, but I DID see this in the parking lot and thought it was awesomeness. If you don't know what a DeLorean is, (I don't think we can be friends anymore) then go home and watch Back to the Future right now! Great Scott!

I had an amazing time home for Christmas! Like I said, my family sure knows how to spoil a girl. I am so thankful for all the awesome gifts they gave me. More Christmas stories to come. Let's keep the holiday season going people!

Traditions

Just like Halloween, I watch the same movies every year around Christmas. The best way to get in the spirit is cuddling under a blanket with some hot chocolate, and watching one of my favorite Christmas movies. So, I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you! Who knows, maybe we have the same  faves!

Elf

I double dog dare you to watch this movie, and not laugh. It is impossible, and that is a scientific fact! Even this picture makes me laugh! But seriously though, I have seen this movie countless times, and it is funny every single time. If you haven't seen it (I am worried about you haven't), then go watch it riiiiighhht NOW!

The Family Stone

First of all, if you are going to watch this movie, then make sure you have plenty of tissues. I watched this a few days ago and cried three times. It is seriously an awesome movie though. It is full of awkwardness, and a crazy dysfunctional awesome loving family. What more could you want? It is one of my all time favorites, and you should definitely check it out!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Now, I love the classic Grinch story, and I was a little apprehensive when they said they were making a live action version of the story. But this movie did not fail me! I could not imagine a better actor to portray the Grinch than Jim Carrey. He absolutely nailed it, and makes the character lovable and hilarious. Touche Mr. Carrey!

Love Actually

This movie does a great job of telling Christmas stories from all walks of life. Christmas isn't always a happy time for everyone, but it is always an important time. Plus, the scene where the guy is waiting outside Keira Knightly's door with those handwritten signs...amazing....

The Muppet Christmas Carol

If there is any Christmas movie that reminds me of my childhood, it is this one. My grandma had an old worn out VHS at their house, and I would watch it every single Christmas. Let's not even talk about the fact that I LOVE The Muppets. This is my favorite version of the portrayal of The Christmas Carol story...serious, but still funny. 

The Santa Clause

No one can deny how good this movie is. It was an instant classic. This movie happens to be my mom's favorite Christmas movie (maybe favorite movie in general), and I would have to agree. I think it does a great job of instilling the spirit of Christmas in all of us grown-up bitter adults. I think sometimes we forget to be happy and embrace the whimsy and joy of this season sometimes. So pop this movie in, and pretend you are a little kid again for a bit!

Nightmare Before Christmas

Yes, I count this as a Christmas movie! So sue me! I mean, it involves Christmas AND Halloween, two of my favorite things ever! How could I not love it? And Tim Burton is strangely awesome. Did you know, that Tim Burton was inspired to make this movie when he saw someone taking down their Halloween decorations, and putting up Christmas decorations in their place? That person sounds like me...

So...what is on your Viewing Schedule this Christmas Season??

Insta- Life

True Life: I am addicted to InstaGram

So, instead of telling you what has been going on in my life, I thought I would show you. Besides, I don't know about you, but I am much more of a visual person. So bring on the pictures!

1. New do. In case you hadn't noticed already...

2. The cutest baby in the whole entire world. 

.

3. My boys are a couple of Bums I tell ya!

4. My mom's beautiful Christmas Tree!

5. Nick bonding with P-Mann

6. Nick decorating his family's tree!

7. My favorite new Red Scarf!

8. Decorations at mi casa

9. Hudson passes out everywhere.

10. 80's Sweater from Goodwill....love it!

 11. New pair of SeaVees! Preptastic!

12. Mom's Vintage Scarf.

13. Company Christmas Cars. a.k.a. Desk Covered in Glitter

14. Dinner in Santa Barbara!

15. Best. Smoothies. Ever.

16. LOVED the Saks Christmas Display!

What does your Insta-Life look like?