New Year's Eve 2011

Almost every year since 2005, we have spent New Year's Eve with our dear friends Bo and Carrie-Nell (I blame their stint in Portugal for the year(s) we missed getting to hang out.).

Years ago, it was our tradition to get all dressed up, go out to eat, go bowling/watch a movie/do some other activity to pass a few hours, and then head to Morton's to have dessert.  Everyone, except Jason, always got the lava cake (Ever the rebel, Jason typically ordered cheesecake as opposed to the yummy chocolate goodness that is Morton's lava cake.).  It was always a fun night full of fun, laughter, great conversation, and memories.

Morton's especially has been a place of fond memories.  There was the time we tried to eavesdrop on an interesting couple's conversation (not our finest moment), kissing (our respective husbands, of course) at midnight in fun hats with balloons surrounding us, and seeing the UofL basketball team dining there on NYE one year.

Much has changed, however, since 2005.

Six years and three kiddos amongst us later, our NYE celebrations are quite less dressy but no less fun.


We spent our time exchanging belated Christmas gifts,

playing outside,

and ringing in the new year with sparkling grape juice, homemade lava cakes, and watching the ball drop, all while one of the kiddos slept on the chaise.

Soon after midnight, we were all fast asleep...maybe it wasn't as glamorous as years past (and I certainly am no longer as thin as way back then), but it was another fun NYE with the Jessops.

Real Friends

I received my first Christmas gift of the season today, from one of my favorite people in the world.  She is a friend with whom I also get to teach every day.  She is a great listener, is always compassionate, and loves all things fashion and girly, which made us fast friends.  She also happens to be a talented photographer and has taken some of my favorite photos of our family and especially my sweet boy.

Imagine my delight when this showed up (via a student) in my classroom this morning:

which I opened to reveal

a book repurposed into a journal...perfect for this nerdy, word-loving girl.

And inscribed on the inside was a quote that brought tears to my eyes:

If this is the standard, then I am utterly successful.  I am blessed with the most wonderful friends, from people like Candice whom I see every day, to my family, to friends who live far away, but with whom I am able to communicate instantly via Facebook, Twitter, and the blogging world.

Thank you to those true friends, for calling me out, for making me be real, and for holding me accountable.

Next time I complain, may I look at this journal and be reminded of how rich in friendship I am.