Thursday, December 15, 2016

she's home!

Her flight came in at 11:30 last night but we didn't get to bed till 2 AM. So late! Surprisingly the day has gone well. Not too many yawns. I took her to lunch and she wanted something she couldn't get in Utah. Portillo's it is!! We both had their hot dog with everything and onion rings. It was very tasty.

 We went to Target for a couple things and she wanted to buy a photo book of some kind to make a recipe book. We came up with buying a small binder with sheet protectors. She cut the top covering and sewed the sheet protector together about 1/2" above the cut. Now she has two pockets in one sheet. It perfectly fits index cards. We are very pleased with how it turned out. 

During dinner Brian and I told the kids about our plans for Christmas. We're taking the family to Orlando! We'll spend three days at Universal Studios and one day at Disney World. They are getting more and more excited as they think about it. We are leaving on Saturday. Tomorrow is going to be a super busy day. Merry Christmas!!

Sunday, December 11, 2016

my view

Such a beautiful view!

I took this selfie when I got home from church. I rarely take selfies by myself. More snow to come too. 


date night

Brian planned a fun stay at home date. He didn't tell me what he had planned and once he explained I was so glad we were staying home. I was so cold from work/recess that I really didn't want to go back out. He bought pizza for the boys and picked up a couple movies. The boys quickly went downstairs and didn't come up until we called them up for bed.

He wouldn't let me help with dinner. I sat and watched and we visited. It was so nice. He started a fire (turned on the propane) and we snuggled and watched a movie with Christmas lights all around. It really was a wonderful night. He treats me so well. I love him so much!

new treats

I found this most yummy cake online and had to try it. The boys weren't too sure about liking peppermint cake. I convinced them to try it and they both loved it! It tastes like thin mints. Soo good!!!

Then I made my regular fudge AND candy cane fudge. Again they weren't sure. Carson keeps telling me he doesn't like candy canes. Well, he likes candy cane fudge! I gave the fudge to a Ward Primary presidency after Ward conference today. I added a tag that said, "You are absolutely FUDGE-tactic. Thank you for all you do." Yes a little corny but it works.

looking like Christmas


Monday morning I was loving the snow out the window. It sure looks beautiful outside AND inside. 

I decided to do our tree a little different this year. Instead of our usual angel on top I decided to try this ribbon. I like the change. It took time for CJ to come around and admit it was ok. We have a few sections on our tree that isn't lighting very well. This might be our last year with this tree. 

I've had this small bookshelf in the upstairs hall ever since we moved the queen bed into Karlee's old room. It's been bare this whole time. I like how it looks all festive. In a few weeks I'll need to figure out  something else. Not sure what that will be. 

I sure love our downtown. I love those floating trees too. 
When McKinzie and I went shopping on Black Friday I came across this cute snowman. I was strong and walked away. I went back to that store this past week and it was still there waiting for me! He was on sale too, only $12!! I just had to have him.

Friday, December 9, 2016

orchestra and band

CJ had two concerts Thursday night. It was fun listening to all the kids play. He is becoming a wonderful musician. I hope he continues to play at one of these intruments through high school. 






Sunday, December 4, 2016

serving

Thursday we started "Light the World" for the month of December. The first day was service and we went to the Bishop Storehouse. We always enjoy serving there. The orders were filled quickly so Brian and Mason starting refilling the shelves. I'm sure it felt like the olden days for Brian working at a grocery store. 

CJ also helped with decorating. 

Friday I was able to get all the lights on the tree working. It looks good even without the ornaments.

At one point on Friday we were all taking a break on the stairs on our devices. I sure love the garland and lights on the stairs, and my boys. For our service for the day Mason taught us how to find names to take to the temple. We learned a lot and Carson really enjoyed it. He ended up finding about a dozen names. 

We then went to a light show about 15 minutes away. The boys really weren't into it so Brian and I sat holding hands watching the lights. It was about a 25 minute show. I really enjoyed it.


Saturday morning was our Ward Christmas party. We did a breakfast instead of the usual dinner. It was nice but it didn't feel like a normal Ward Christmas party. The Primary sang a couple songs then we ate. Brian helped cook the pancakes, the boys sat with their friends. I was very grateful to sit by my friends too, Julie K and Keri L. We had a wonderful visit. 


During the afternoon I worked on some gifts. I was listening to Christmas music and the sun was streaming through the window while embroidering. It was wonderful. I was thinking the only thing I needed was fudge. ;)  I'll be making some during the week I'm sure. 

When Carson saw my scarf he thought I needed his lumberjack hat I guess. He told me to close my eyes and hold my head up. I did as I was told and was surprised when he started forcing something on my head. I was surprised at how hot that beard was as well.

Brian and I spent the evening/night in the city. We took the 4:30 train in to see a concert. On our walk to the venue we stopped at Qdoba. It was delicious! The concert was nice. There were three musicians that I never heard of before. We enjoyed spending the night together very much! We always do.


Today we now have a winter wonderland. Brian was so cold this morning he was snuggled under two blankets while having the fire on. He looked cute.
On our drive to church. Brian's sunroof worked well.

When we arrived home at 4:30 I asked Brian to stop so I could take a picture. He's great to accomadate me so often. I sure love him! 

Our house sure looks pretty.

This is Murray's first snow. The boys laughed and laughed everytime Murray came in from the snow. Snow kept clinging to his hair. Mason ended up using the hair dryer to take care of him. Poor Murray.

Tonight while listening to the Chrisrtmas Devotional we decorated the tree. Sometimes I feel like we are checking things off our list. Check - one more item done.

The boys went out to play after the tree was decorated. They had fun.

Murray had trouble going to bed, he kept whimpering so I took him out. I think all he wanted was to play. He loved the snow! I did end up getting this picture after everyone else was in bed. So pretty.