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A Tale of Two Christmases

Family

29 Dec

Oh, Christmas. You’re such a tease.

Since holiday commercials start around Labor Day, it makes sense that the hype for December 25 comes as a let down. All of the planning and work for what should be the greatest 24 hours of the year (48 if you include my birfday!) hits you in the face with a feeling that you weren’t expecting.

Sheer exhaustion. And I didn’t even host Christmas this year.

Christmas with an infant is just utterly stressful. Courtny and I loaded pretty much everything we own (and by “we,” I mean Dorothy), unloaded at my parent’s house, loaded the kid back into the car for Christmas at the Kochert’s, passed her around to 20 family members during Christmas dinner, and just when Dot finally got adjusted to staying at Grandma and Papaw’s… we load her and her mountain of crap back into the car and take her home.

Is it normal for someone to be sore after Christmas? Like, I need a massage (or, apparently, a gym).

In all seriousness, spending Christmas with the family was a good thing. Almost an enjoyable thing. 🙂

Like I mentioned, we had Christmas with Courtny’s mom’s side of the family on Christmas Eve. We had a smorgasbord of food, Mrs. Doubtfire, and a visit from that stupid Elf on a Shelf. There was also a sibling Nerf gun war. So, you know, typical.

Fotor1228182558 Fotor1228182717 Fotor1228182836We spent the night at my parent’s house, and woke up to Santa on Christmas morning. Actually Santa came before we all went to bed, but he was so fast Grace didn’t even see him – and she was sleeping on the couch. Now that’s impressive, Mom Santa.

Dorothy woke us up at 6:30 a.m. to open gifts, but she fell back asleep before we could even get to our stockings. The life of a two month old.

Fotor12291333251538734_805681830408_1295479878_n

Fotor122913369

Dorothy Lou Who was none too thrilled about this hat. And if you pay attention, she progressively loses clothes throughout the day

My family from New York City surprised everyone right before Christmas by showing up on our doorsteps. So, what was going to be a small Christmas dinner ended up being a house full of people. 21 people, to be exact.

Fotor1229133758We did what we do at any Shelton/Stewart/Rodriguez reunion. We ate (off of IU paper plates, of course), and we watched basketball (#BeatTheHeat). It’s not often that we have so many of the cousins together, so of course there was an epic photo session. Dorothy served as the built-in timer.

DSC_0432

The cousins.
FR: Tiffany, Kayla, me, Jessica & Grace
BR: Nathan, Justen, Alex, Ezri, Timothy, Jeffrey and Isaac
…and this is still missing people.

Fotor1229133955So what did I get for Christmas? My sisters and I got complete makeovers at MAC Cosmetics, and all the makeup and brushes we needed. To put it simply, I am in love with all of my new stuff. It only took me an hour to recreate what my makeup artist did, but I’m confident I’ll get faster at it. In the meantime, my sisters and I will just text back and forth to try and figure out what all the brushes are for…

Fotor1229140934

Look at my mom getting artsy with her blog photos. I’m so proud. 😉

DSC_0497

We hawt.

In all, a very awesome Christmas. Now I plan to nap until the new year…

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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NEW POST: 4/4 "The pain you feel when you write i NEW POST: 4/4

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If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

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L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

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Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

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Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

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This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales

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