Christmas 2009!

What a wonderful DAY! So calm , humble, peaceful and quaint! We had only a few gifts but they were so special and the boys were so happy and satisfied. Boricua and I loved our gifts as well. Who wouldn't love a snuggie? I got a bright pink snuggie and I LOVE it! I also received the 'Shoes Under' shoe storage compartment you put under you bed...Boricua is sick of my shoes being everywhere...and I do need to keep them organized! And this greatest Blender...by Bella Cucina. It's the Rocket Blender and a chopper. So, not only can I blend stuff, I have a chopper!! It's a really nice kitchen toy. I LOVE IT.
Grandpa and Grandma Leesy gave the boys some great things. Grandma Linda gave them some fun games and clothes. My sister gave them those awesome Police and Cowboy dress up outfits you see below...um..how freaking cute are they?! They're F.A.B. I love it. Grandma Leesy gave me a long necklace made of REAL pearls, Pink Quarts, silver and crystals!! It's the most gorgeous necklace.
The V Fam gave out scrumptious treats to family and friends. I gave them a little sample of some of 'Soosie's Couture Sweets' collections. I'm launching a candy line in January and my sweets are just as loved as if I had my own clothing line! It will be my 'clothing line' but in candy and cookies! I'm really excited. I am ready network and be the savvy business woman that I am. ;)
We also donated clothing, blankets and shoes to the homeless shelter to the children. We had a huge turkey and the makings to pass out to the homeless this week. We are also giving out hot cocoa to the hungry and less fortunate.
So, amiss all of the the gifts and food we were blessed with, the greatest gift we recieved was the gift of serving and giving to others.
We are not sad or let down from the Christmas hype. The Holidays are still here! We are celebrating the wonderful THREE KINGS DAY on January 6th! The Wise Men are coming on camels to each drop us off a gift. Boricua celebrated it growing up in Puerto Rico and it's still celebrated in most Spanish Speaking Countries. It's a really wonderful way to keep the Spirit alive, learn different cultures and take advantage of the after clearance sale!!
Happy Holidays....YES STILL!!

Spreading the Holiday cheer!!

This year Boricua and I decided to minimize gifts and focus on togetherness. The boys are getting one gift from Santa and one small gift from mom & dad. We got small sentimental gifts for family and made 9 plates of goodies to give to friends. We put together a huge bag of small gifts for the Care Center for the Elderly up the street from us. They had alot of fun picking out things the Care Center residents needed. We are getting warm blankets and clothing together to drop off at the homeless shelter, for the children. We drive past the shelter and see small babies bundled up in the cold, while their parents are waiting in line for a warm meal. It was just brought to my attention 350 children stayed in the Homeless Shelter last night. Last month we bought food items to make a nice meal for a homeless man looking for work. Prince was very concerned about that man and he was happy to help him out.
Our beautiful tree was donated to us from a great friend! All of my tree ornaments were purchased a few years ago on Clearance at Target. I spent pennies on them! It was so awesome! I still had leftover wrappng paper so I didn't need to purchase a bunch of new packaging stuff! We had a strict budget and was very aware of our spending. Spending alot isn't the meaning of the Holiday and we really made ure to emphasize that and teach the boys what Christmas is all about.
2009 has been a very hard year for alot of people. Alot are jobless and homeless. Alot took paycuts and barely have enough money to make ends meet. There was alot of tragic deaths and one that really hit home for me. A friend of mine from school, passed away tragically a week and a half ago and left 2 small children behind. She was such a sweetheart and her family are devastated with the loss. It was a very hard funeral to attend and left me mourning for a few days afterwards.
We had alot of calamities throughout the World this year. I'd say this was the year that would make or break us. It was by far one of the hardest years for me! So, as I say goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010 next week, I am going to celebrate and rejoice for the new COMEBACK YEAR!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!