'twas the night before Christmas

twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a dean was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the stairs so well, family was happy and all were so swell.

Family is priceless and giving is what we do. Gribbin and Grimaldi just know what to do. Play LCR and share a joke and a drink, to pass out good cheer and help momma G at the sink. Christmas eve is a night that reminds us of our youth and that the magic of Santa is here; we have proof.

Tonight brought me emotions that I did not expect. Kelly and Santa Bruno surprised us with dean by their side. I burst into tears of happiness and joy. To find life's true gifts are given to us within a tiny little boy. I felt that happiness again and I thanked god to say, that Dom is last to join us during this happy holiday!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

So you know the phrase "old friendships never die"?....I could have just made that up but it sounds pretty good :) ha anyway, I really think this is true. Last night I ate dinner at a girlfriend's house with friends that I've had since childhood. It's weird how connections are made and that there is some special bond that does not interfere with time. It's sort of like a family bond...even through years of passing time nothing ever REALLY changes. I feel like stories picked up where we last stopped them and my love and respect has not even flinched. The girls know me inside and out and i feel like looking to the past when learning new things about someone is what helps make life long impressions of them. Personalities and styles don't ever change..it's just location and circumstances that makes seeing and talking to one another difficult. However, these distances do not weaken my eagerness to know and do more. AND What impressed me the most was when the girls used my liquid coconut creme pie as a topping for dessert. That was about the nicest thing anyone has done for me just so I wouldn't feel like a doofus because my pie didn't really turn into a pie. My girlfriends are absolutely the most sincere, most beautiful, and most giving people I know. I'm truly blessed to have them.

As for the quickly approaching holiday full of gift giving, laughing, drinking, and eating, I am finally getting in the holiday mode! I helped the girls make cookies, ate a few too many, and put gifts under the most massive tree to date. I feel that this year has come and gone so quickly, but I'm ready to start a new one. A little older and a little wiser never hurts. Plus when you have the BEST family and friends to go with it, how can you lose?!

Girls just wanna have fun

Wow this weekend has been full of girl talk, laughs, and tons of wine! Celebrating a girlfriends 25th birthday with the closest of friends is so special, and this weekend we got the opportunity to push pause on our usually crazy lives to spend with each other. It is so wonderful how time seems to stand still when catching up with the news of life and enjoying great company. I feel totally refreshed, caught up with families and of course gossip, and I love thinking of how fun it is to drink a little too much on a Saturday to help us let loose.

As for this coming work week and being away from family will be a challenge. It is difficult to go through each day before the holiday feeling alone, or like I'm going to miss that holiday feeling all together. I truly feel that the holiday season is the most wonderful time and it should last all month, not just Christmas day. I hate that I cannot spend this season with my sisters and Dom. I want to help them decorate, bake cookies to share, and enjoy a warm drink by mom and dad's fire place. I just hope that this is the last December I spend away from MY holiday cheer.

This week is all about packing and wrapping. I'll get to Moms and it will be so nice. I have so many wonderful things to look forward to the week following christmas too...it will keep my mind racing with the happiest thoughts. I'll just keeps praying and saying "someday". It'll all be worth the wait.

Oh baby!

Last night and today were full of family and baby baby baby dean! Last nights sleep over party at the grimaldis was totally necessary. Wine, The biggest loser, Laughs and family made me feel comfy and even a little stronger. Fighting through the toughest of life's challenges with people you love is empowering.

Everyone is ok and I feel like there are things and experiences that are already in the past. Health and happiness are the two new fads in the gribbin and grimaldi's households. God bless us all.

As for the cutest baby in town Dean is incredible! He is the happiest baby in the world and his Twin Aunts are pretty amazing ;). Jackie and I had a blast babysitting and taking care of him. Through the sleepy eyes and drowsy heads we managed to laugh and have a blast. It truly is the most wonderful time to be with family. Today was a day full of so many emotions but I wouldn't wish for anything less!

It's the most wonderful time of the year

This weekend literally brought me back to life. My lovely Lizzy was so wonderful when switching coaching hours with me, and I was able to spend more time with the love of my life. We had an awesome dinner (if I say so myself) and we just hung out. It was incredible..laughing and lounging...perfect. To add to the best Friday ever, Dom gave me my Christmas present out of pure excitement..an iPad. Love it! We'll be able to face time whenever we can, play games and just chat together about one more thing we have in common. Saturday was a day full of outlets..more (or less) shopping. Mostly just walking outside and feeling alive in the cold. We had a blast and hit up Good Eatz for lunch on the way home! Since I had a swim meet to coach bright and early, a night full of homemade Mexican yummies , christmas movies, and candy by the pound was on the agenda. Getting up today and working on a Sunday didn't even phase me. He does something to me. He makes me positive and helps me get through this amazing and stressful time of the year. I can't wait until Christmas when I get do it all over again. Not counting down the days but sure wishing they go by a little faster!

Aren't people funny!?

So I constantly think about people in my life. People I love mostly, but sometimes people I don't like too much sneak into my thoughts. Isn't it nuts that we let people into our minds that make a negative impact. I think I've come up with a new year's resolution: (and this will probably change a few times before I actually settle) Forget people that make you feel yucky. Don't talk about them, don't think about them, don't even look at them. Force those thoughts down and pull out the thoughts of those that make you feel happy, alive, and healthy. We need people in our lives whether it is in person, in spirit, or in conversation. All people set an impact. Let's set positive ones and only allow those positive people in our lives. Why settle for anything less than happy?!

Sunday Funday...?

So I'm feeling a little confused today about life in general. Does it get any better then this? I constantly feel like I want, I want, I want. I want to see Dom. I want a new sweater dress. I want to live in my own house. But is that really what I need to be happy forever? I think those things will make me happy. And yes being with Dom while wearing a new dress as we make dinner in a comfy home sounds amazing..but, where do I go after that...will happiness stay forever? Some may say that I am crazy for thinking so far ahead, but I think it is rational. I pray that I am happy throughout my life, but what will I want when I have those things? Can people be happy with what they currently have? Are we wishing today away by wanting? I wish I was happy with what I have, but no, I honestly do not feel happy today. I enjoy my house and living with roommates, but I don't want that anymore (and this means no offense to the beautiful girls I currently live with <3 E.T and C.O.). I want to make my own footprint. I want to paint MY own pictures using MY dreams. That is really what I want. So I guess what I should be asking is how the hell do I make my dreams come true? What do I need to make these things fall into place? yikes happiness is a tough one. Sunday is not a funday. For me today is a day to think about tomorrow. Sunday is used to just "get through" to Monday when my mind and body are busy again..free from these lingering thoughts.

So tonight felt good. I could feel the negativity try to sneak up into my mind, but I pushed it down. All of my "negative" (normal) thoughts: "I wish I was doing this with Dom already!", "what is Jackie up to? (even though I basically read her mind), or "I wonder if Laur is studying enough" stayed low in my gut. The happy Jess was out. Tonight my roommates, Carrie and Liz, and I went to get our Christmas Tree. It was another adventure for sure. Of course we got to the tree farm 11 minutes before it closed so a pre-cut tree was calling our names. We found the perfect hunk of green in about 4 minutes and paid for the thing. With just 2-3 hours of some girl talk, mixed up dinner choices, and a few Michael Buble holiday songs later, we have a glowing and wonderful tree. She's a beaut!

I needed tonight. I needed to feel back at "home". I needed my girls more then ever. I'm getting there (wherever that may be). Tomorrow is Friday and I thank my lucky stars it is! A four day week can't end soon enough! Saying my bedtime prayers for family, friends, and of course me. Nighty night

Hey everyone! I am happy to say "Welcome to my Blog"! My name is Jess and I am the second born in the Gribbin household of five girls. My sisters are amazing and I swear they have shaped me to become the young woman I am today!

I was inspired to begin a blog when I recently stumbled upon a familiar friend's that went in depth with emotion and feeling.

With my blog I plan to share events in my life with family and friends, vent about things that are straight up annoying, and search for guidance and security during times of sadness or need. I can't wait to update my family and friends about my life, and I hope this inspires you to do the same!

Enjoy and comment on my blog at any time!