Family, Friends, and Lots of Food.

     So it turns out that I was wrong about staying the night at the Grandparents on Christmas Eve. A relative from Madrid is actually staying here with us over the holidays. My bad. So, Merry Christmas everyone! I honestly haven't been doing a whole lot. On Christmas Eve I slept in and showered and ate my Nougat Pillows. I talked to my Mom for such along time and watched Friends in between. I have a minor addiction. No big deal. Around 9:30 we left for the Grandparents house to eat dinner. We had a lot of seafood and later, candies for dessert. It was fine. I mean it just didn't feel like Christmas to me. I sang Jingle Bells for the whole family. The told me that they would sing with me but the only part they knew was "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way" so I had a few solos. Haha. Some highlights from the night included Grandpa being a wino. He's my fav. And all of the little kids were covered in marker. I didn't quite understand it. Maite joined in on the fun and she let them color her face. Hm. Around 11:50 pm, Merche and I walked to church. We went to La Misa de Gallo. The Rooster Mass (since it was at midnight). It was absolutely incredibly. It was so gorgeous. Candles were lit and we were singing. I was so happy that she took me. After mass, she and I caught a bus and finally got back in the house around 2 am. As soon as I arrived home I signed into skype and called Grandma and Grandpa's house. I knew everyone would be there, and sure enough, they were. I was able to talk to everyone. Here are my favorite parts from the hour phone call:

Uncle Jay: I love you, man.
Aunt Patty: I don't know what's cool. I teach the second grade.
Brandi: Hi sister. I'm making punch!
Grandpa: You know how you sent us that card, skeeter, and you said that you miss me and Grandma? Well we miss you, too.
Daddy: Man this Pork BBQ is good! (me: jealous)
Grandma: You like Pork BBQ?!
Mommy: Are you out of your frump? Call me in the morning. I love you, honey.

So they are pretty much the greatest thing in the world. I love you all so much!

     Christmas day I woke up and ate breakfast. I then continued watching Friends and skyping until it was time to go to the Grandparents again to eat. We only stayed for a few hours and were home by 5. Athena came over later and we ate brownies and talked and watched Friends (hahaha). It was so nice. She left at dinner time. I then ate dinner with my family and gave them their presents from the US! They loved them! I gave them Livy and I's strawberry jam, ornaments, Heggy's candy, homemade soap, and an Alliance Hospital Cookbook. Then Merche left the room and returned with a present for me. She got a beautiful mauve colored shirt. I absolutely love it!! After that, I went to my room and called my family quickly and then went to bed.
      On Sunday, I met Athena and we then walked to church together. It was really nice. As soon as I returned home from church, we left for the Grandparents for more food. Dios mio. We ate lunch and it was great. My host Grandmother is an amazing cook. For dessert we ate turron. Turron is amazing chocolate/fudge stuff that is out of this world. It's special for the holidays here. Gahh. I absolutely love it.  Once we returned home, I watched more Friends and then got ready to meet my friends at a cafe. I was really late in getting to the cafe and I didn't see anyone (and I still don't have a phone), so I walked around town for a little bit in search of them. Haha. I never found them so I just went into the church I go to every week. I sat there for half an hour. It was so nice. I felt so peaceful afterwards. Sometimes it's really nice to go to such a quiet place and just sit. Not even think. To just clear your head. After awhile, I went home, ate dinner, and then went to bed.
     Yesterday I woke up really late. I showered and did some things until it was time for lunch. It was just me and Merche. We had chicken nuggets. Hahaha. I could hardly believe it! They were pretty good too. After lunch I packed my back pack and got ready for Elle's! We were finally having our Christmas party!! I met Athena and then we met Mitch at the bus stop. The three of us were on our way to Gorraiz (Elle's suburb).  We started making food right away. Once everyone was there we ate homemade mashed potatoes, Spanish Omelet, and lasagna. YUM! I helped make everything. I'm really extremely shocked with myself. I think I'm becoming good at cooking....This makes me so happy!!!! I can handle this. Hahaha. We then made buckeyes and churros and ate lots of food. I gave cards to everyone and then I finally gave Natalie her Secret Santa gift. I think she liked it and that made me so happy. Then Natalie gave me owl pajamas for Christmas!! I adore them. They are so cute and comfortable. Thanks Nat!! For the rest of the night we talked while Athena did crazy things to our hair as we watched Friends. Now everyone is addicted. So it's not me. I'm not the problem. The show is just brilliance. We can't help ourselves. I stayed up all night and then caught the bus at 11. It was a nice bus ride home. Elle lives really far away.
     Today I came home and slept. Then I went to lunch as a zombie. We had amazing paella! Merche makes the bets paella. After lunch I crashed once again and didn't wake up until 8:30. I then ate some Nougat Pillows just because I wanted to. I'm not going to have the luxury of having them every day for very much longer, so I took advantage of my opportunity. Oh my gosh. I need to stop eating so much. My stomach is going to explode from all of this yummy Spanish food. I cleaned up my room and put away my clothes and checked things of my list until dinner. Tonight's salad included lettuce, turkey, tomatoes, and onions. I love my salads! After dinner I skyped with Tess. I wanted to thank her for the bracelet, silly bands, and Christmas card that she made/got for me!! She made the most amazing bracelet. I'll post pictures soon. I absolutely love it!
      Now I am so tired. I'm going to watch Friends (that's right, I'm not ashamed of my addiction) until I fall asleep. I'm glad that I get to wake up to a day full of doing whatever I want tomorrow. It's so nice. Please don't make me go back to school!!! Haha. Goodnight everyone, besos!!