
the magic and true meaning of christmas ~ merry christmas eve to all
As I sit here at Amelie’s French Bakery, my very favorite spot in Charlotte, with a cup of hot peppermint tea, mushroom soup, and a coconut macaroon, I reflect on my life here…
I have been more than blessed to be given a supportive family, a beautiful city, a God who is always there for me, a rewarding career, great friends, a safe and loving village to explore as a child, good health (most importantly)
and a husband who loves me with all of his heart.
I have been more than blessed to be given a supportive family, a beautiful city, a God who is always there for me, a rewarding career, great friends, a safe and loving village to explore as a child, good health (most importantly)
and a husband who loves me with all of his heart.
Although I am happy; my heart is so full of gratitude- it is also breaking inside …
this is my first Christmas apart from my family and a small part of my soul simply hurts.
However, I sit here and remember all of the ways that both of my parents always made Christmas so special …
However, I sit here and remember all of the ways that both of my parents always made Christmas so special …

-a hard candy christmas-
{as i walked through the south park mall (with every other male in charlotte:)) last night- i heard this song and knew God was looking over me …}
- Christmas Eve was the most magical night of the year- the sparkling lights, the record player, dressing up {usually in an awesome matching outfit with my sister} having both sets of grandparents with us for an incredible dinner- then driving around to look at the beautiful lights, going to see baby Jesus, and finally coming home to see that Santa had arrived – the reindeer biting off the carrots and then a night of excitement with my little sister- I miss her dearly. We were always so excited that we couldn’t contain ourselves- love watching this on home videos. “jessie- santa came!!!”
- Getting dressed up and going to see the Nutcracker in the city with my mom and sister
- The smell of the German smokers/incense around our house
- Playing in the snow with our neighbors- forts, snowmen (charlick), riding around on sleds all day
- Baking and decorating Christmas cookies
- Listening to Kenny and Dolly Christmas- love.
- Spending Christmas Day with all of my cousins- lots of games, laughter, and horsie rides on my Uncle Mike’s back – & lots of dancing around that small and intimate farmhouse
- Looking for the pickle in the tree
- St. Nick arriving to pick up our letters
- Going to the Christmas farm with the Meirings to cut down our tree- Rosie the donkey, yummy hot chocolate, the cozy fireplace, cute cats, and I Spy books
- Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Opening english crackers on Christmas Eve
- Handmade cross stitched stockings – made with love by Gram
- My dad saying the prayer/reflecting on the year- while watching the snow fall outside the dining room window
- Going to church with the entire community that I was raised in … it’s beautiful.
- The annual Ternasky open house on the 23rd and my parents open house on the 26th
- Watching Elf, Home Alone, and Christmas Vacation
- The way my parent’s door is always open to anyone at any time… 🙂
- Lots of games of ‘screw your neighbor’ {it is innocent- just sounds really bad;)} and ‘shut the box’ around the bar – with shots for Gramps
- Our annual puzzle building – Jess’ little love.
- My Grandma Schmiesing’s excitement each year and the way my Grandpa Wolf sang ‘O Come little Children’ in German – not being with my 84 year old grandmother is the hardest part for me… she’s the sweetest person I have ever met and I just adore her… and her love for The Little Drummer Boy.
- The love around me – the joy, the laughter, the way I can always be myself and never feel judged- so loving, fun and so carefree- sending my love up to Ohio today to all my family and friends- wishing you a very Merry Christmas <3 and another year of health, peace, and lots and lots of love.
my perfect way to spend christmas eve morning- amelie’s- so at peace.you made this- a christmas to remember.









from christmas pasts at home:
{last year photos here}


please pray that my brother’s shoulder surgery goes well today!!






christmas 2008 – our last one with this amazing man



winner of the six hour uno game …





perfectly said:


have yourself a merry little christmas

… now off to enjoy my first christmas with mr. monaco
xo