All is Calm, All is Bright

The Emoto Family Christmas Tree!

My sweet mother is incredibly creative and this year's Christmas tree did not disappoint. Covered in ornament pictures of our childhood, my mom's masterpiece reminds me, once again, how lovely it is to be home. My birthday happens to be today as well (The end times? Please, I'm turning 22), and something that I've come to cherish most about each celebration of growing another year older is that my family--the five of us, for now--is always at home, together. Though I am incredibly blessed to be with my own family this season, my thoughts are with those who are suffering tremendous loss during the holidays. May the lives of those we are missing be celebrated with joy, and our hearts filled with hope in the promise of our King.

Merry Christmas! From my family to yours, may you be blessed in every way.

Let the Festivities Begin!

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This week I've been experiencing a Christmas/Birthday overload. Whether we like to admit it or not, this season of peace is actually a chaotic flurry of festive events. And, then, there's my birthday. Being born three days before Christmas usually means I'm cramming a party in between holiday vacations and ugly Christmas sweater parties. This weekend is no exception. Here are the things I'll be checking off my list in the next three days:

• The Rabbit Hole (the endearing name of my apartment) is hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party complete with a White Elephant gift exchange.
• Ronnie and I will be renewing our Disneyland annual passes because we just.can't.say.no. to the magic!
• If the weather is clear, I'll get to witness my first Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade!
• Then we'll polish off the weekend with a 1920's themed evening for my birthday at the Cicada Club.

What I'm most excited for is sharing all these moments with people whom I love and remembering the sole reason for the season is celebrating our King's birth and the awesome truth of Christ's life, love, and sacrifice.

P. S. Pictures of the festivities to come.

P. P. S. I just became a Suggested User on Poshmark and am thrilled about it! This social media community of other fashion-loving women has been an awesome way for me to do more of what I love!