may your days be merry
Friday, December 25, 2009Labels: baby love, christmas cheer
Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Eat lots of cookies and laugh as much as possible. That's what we're doing here.
gingerbread houses for mugs
Tuesday, December 22, 2009Labels: christmas cheer, in the kitchen
When I saw this post on Not Martha I instantly thought, "I have to make those". Forget the fact that I was already planning to make five different kinds of cookies. Forget the fact that I have never made any type of gingerbread cookies before. Forget the fact that I have to have my house clean by Tuesday night.
I spent the evening working on these little things. I was not careful at all when I cut out the pieces so my houses are slightly crooked. However, I think they are darn cute. Since this was the first time making them I just wanted to see if they would work. Next time I will put more energy into them and make them line up better.
cozy magical home
Tuesday, December 08, 2009Labels: christmas cheer, home owning
I look at this picture and think, "This has to be someone else's house. How did I get so lucky?". I love my house. I especially love my house at Christmas time. I'm pretty sure that the number of times I have said the word "cozy" tallies well past a hundred in the past month.
It feels magical. And I feel so incredibly happy that this is our home.
favorite Christmas movies
Tuesday, December 01, 2009You know, I love me some Christmas movies. As soon as Halloween is over I start my list of movies I have to see during the Christmas season. Here are the ones that I try to watch: Labels: christmas cheer
-National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Oh, the amazing quotes that have come from this movie. And one of my favorite scenes:
-Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas One of my mom's favorite Christmas movies that has turned into one of mine.
-Elf "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
-White Christmas
-It's a Wonderful Life - I cry every single time I watch it.
-How the Grinch Stole Christmas
-How the Grinch Stole Christmas
-A Charlie Brown Christmas
And just a few others:
-Home Alone
-Love Actually
-The Holiday
-Serendipity
-The Santa Clause
-Miracle on 34th Street
-Scrooged
-A Christmas Story
-Frosty the Snowman
Wow, that's a lot of movies. I better get started! What's your favorite Christmas movie?
Mama's Holiday Wish List Meme
Wednesday, November 18, 2009I'm not usually one for entering these types of things because I'm about the most unlucky person ever. But, c'mon...look at that bike! Labels: about me, christmas cheer
Mama's Holiday Wish List Meme
TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I'm sharing this meme with you.
1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
- Letterpress machine
- Same as every year, a bag by Orla Kiely. This one would do, although I'm not picky.
- New camera bag by *emera
- I'm quite in love with this necklace by Figs & Ginger
- Pretty sure I would rock this Necklush scarf everyday if I had it.
2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
I loved the baby gifts my friend Emmy Lou knit for Jasper. Especially the little baby booties.
3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
I would love to make a quilt.
4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
Probably one of the gifts that got played with the most was when my brother and I got walkie talkies.
5. What items are on your kid's wish list this year?
Since Jasper is too young to make out his own wish list, we're making it for him. Wooden toys, more books, toys that engage a child's imagination...
6. What is your favorite holiday food?
Caramels and anything sweet!
7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
I might have to whip up a few crocheted scarves.
8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
Hard to choose just one but I'd probably go with "It's a Wonderful Life".
9. Favorite holiday song?
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
10. Favorite holiday pastime?
Gazing at the lit Christmas tree until your eyes get blurry and all of the lights look fuzzy. And listening to Christmas music!
our first Christmas
Tuesday, December 30, 2008Labels: baby love, christmas cheer
Before we even had closed on our house I knew how I wanted to decorate for Christmas. I imagined garland and lights on the front porch and around the front door. And we would definitely have to have a Christmas tree in the front window. It made me so happy to actually see that through.
This year's Christmas was a little different. We didn't do the normal morning with my parents since my brother and his wife weren't coming home until the weekend. We dressed Jasper in his little Christmas outfit that I got for him and my parents came over for breakfast.
After breakfast with my parents, we went to Josh's parents for Christmas there. Josh's sisters really nailed the gift thing this year for Jasper. He got a wood train that spells his name, a couple of books, and even an eco-friendly wood letter toy. Christmas evening Josh and I spent hanging out on our couch like any normal evening. We both felt kind of bummed because it didn't really feel like Christmas. Luckily Saturday came quickly and we had my family's Christmas.
It was fun to watch Uncle Tony and Aunt Emily play with Jasper. Tony and Jasper even developed their own secret handshake. Jasper giggled and jabbered most of the morning. I think he was excited for his first Christmas. 
Besides classic wood blocks from his Aunt and Uncle, my parents got Jasper some really cool wooden toys. We love them! They were totally what I would have picked out.
Jasper has the whole toy thing down. He'll grab hold of one and shake it, put it in his mouth. It's so fun to watch him start to play! Of course we can't help think how much fun it will be next year at Christmas when he's just over a year old.
It was a very nice Christmas even if it felt strange because we didn't do our normal plans. I think as you get older it's hard to feel like Christmas is as special as when you're a kid. Growing up Christmas was so magical. I have a feeling that each year for me is going to be more like when I was a kid because I'll be living it through my kid.
and a merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 24, 2008Tonight Josh and I are going to have a Christmas movie marathon. We will for sure be watching Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I also would like to watch White Christmas and Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. I think this just may have to become a Christmas tradition for us. It's fun to think about traditions now that we have Jasper. We're looking forward to celebrating Jasper's first Christmas! Labels: christmas cheer
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!
my house knows it but I keep forgetting
Tuesday, December 09, 2008Labels: christmas cheer
Christmas is rapidly approaching and I can't seem to remember that. You'd think I would, considering my house has been decorated since just before Thanksgiving. Over the weekend I realized I hadn't even thought about starting my Christmas shopping. So I bought and wrapped one gift.
I did end up doing quite a bit of online shopping the other night and should be getting a lot of Christmas presents soon. I just haven't felt very on the ball this year. Actually I don't feel very on the ball about anything since I had Jasper. It is slowly coming back though so I have real hope that I'll get with it by Christmas.
the real tree
Tuesday, December 02, 2008Labels: christmas cheer
Josh and I always said that when we bought our first house we would get a real Christmas tree. The apartment was just big enough for our little artificial tree. As the holidays approached I got more and more excited about getting a real tree. My parents had switched to artificial years ago so I can't even remember the last time I've had a real one.
Sunday after the snow Josh and I went into town and picked out our first real Christmas tree. We walked through the rows of trees. There were so many to choose from that I had no idea how we'd do it. Just as my toes started getting cold, Josh pulled one out. It was the perfect tree. At about 7 1/2 feet high it was the right size for my front window. It wasn't too fat that it would take up too much room either. A few minutes later the tree was loaded and we were on our way to Starbucks.
I spent the afternoon putting lights on the tree and then we decorated it with our new ornaments. I think it looks just perfect and the smell is amazing. I walked downstairs yesterday morning and felt like I was about ten years old. It definitely took me back. I don't even mind the pine needles on the floor. It is so worth it.
fireplace
Monday, December 01, 2008Labels: christmas cheer, home owning
It's so amazing to be downstairs now that I have my Christmas decorations up. We put our old little Charlie Brown Christmas tree up down by the fireplace and the real tree upstairs. I love actually being able to hang our stockings on the fireplace. It is so incredibly cozy. I feel like we could curl up and never leave the house. I try to imagine what it will be like for Jasper as he gets older having his Christmases here. I'm feeling so thankful for this house.
quick recap
Thursday, December 27, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
Even though I know how fast Christmas flies by, I'm always surprised when it's over. It was a good Christmas though. As usual, I was spoiled. I got a really nice sewing machine! Now I can give my mom back her old one. I'm excited to spend some of the winter months sewing. Josh and I got to spend time with both of our families. It was at times a bit chaotic, but a lot of fun.
My nephew, Tristan is turning into quite the little butterball. So completely adorable! He's already sitting up by himself which will make his six-month pictures even easier next month.
Kate, my niece, was really getting into the whole present thing. Although she usually wanted to help everyone else open their gifts but not do her own.
I was inspired by the Square America photo website to process some of my Christmas pictures that way. View the rest of them on Flickr.
Hope you all had a very happy Christmas!
merry christmas
Tuesday, December 25, 2007Labels: christmas cheer
We wish you a merry Christmas
we wish you a merry Christmas
we wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year!
ready
Monday, December 24, 2007Labels: christmas cheer
How did it get to be Christmas Eve already? Josh and I picked up one last Christmas gift yesterday after church. We've haven't really done anything all weekend. We're trying to enjoy it but honestly it's kind of hard to go from busy to nothing.
I've pretty much watched every Christmas movie that I can watch, except for A Christmas Story but that is on nonstop today. I've helped with my mom's hundred kinds of cookies she had to make. Josh and I also had a Christmas miracle. Yep, looks like I'm ready for tomorrow!
no work
Friday, December 21, 2007Labels: christmas cheer
Hooray! I'm not going to work today! I don't have to go back into work until the 27th and I'm really excited to have some time off. I need it... Today I'm up early in hopes of heading off to town to finish my Christmas shopping. I've gone over my list about a hundred times. Hopefully the traffic won't be too bad or people will be too mean. Although I usually get nicer the more mean people are... I'll just say "Merry Christmas" to everyone!
real love
Wednesday, December 19, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, music
This is one of my favorite Christmas commercials this year. I mean, you really can't go wrong with a little girl in glasses and John Lennon in the background.
That commercial also led me to a cover of that song, Real Love. Normally I'm not a huge fan of Beatles covers because well...they're the Beatles...nobody can do it better. But this is Regina Spektor and love her. I think she nailed it.
I'm a total sap and have a favorite Christmas commercial every year.
wishin' everyday was saturday
Monday, December 03, 2007Any plans that Josh and I had made for Saturday were covered in a quarter inch layer of ice. Since we were stuck at home all day, I used it as best I could. Normally if I'm home with nothing to do, I have pictures to work on. (And even if I choose not to work on them, I still feel guilty.) I had absolutely no pictures left to work on so I made cookies...lots of them. Labels: christmas cheer
Josh was my official taste tester and dishwasher. He's always willing to help me. I made peanut butter blossoms, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies and white chocolate dipped oreos. When they were all done I boxed them up for our family.
On Saturday I also addressed our Christmas cards, wrapped a couple more Christmas gifts, watched Christmas Vacation and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. And for the first time in months, I got out yarn and crocheted. First I had to sort through my massive stash. Clearly I have a problem...
It was a good day and the first Saturday in a long time that felt like a break and that I got to do whatever I wanted. Looking forward to a few more of those days this month!
4 day recap
Monday, November 26, 2007My mini Thanksgiving break was very good. I did everything on my list except start crocheting. I think I need to finish up processing photo sessions before I can attempt that again. Josh and I went to his folks for Thanksgiving lunch. My parents were invited to come with us so that was really nice. Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
We played with our niece and nephew which is always fun. The dynamic of the family has changed so much, now that there is two little ones. Christmas should be a lot of fun.
We ate yummy food and pie.
We played a couple games including one called "You're an Idiot". It involves answering questions and labeling others as "an idiot". At one point during the game Josh's brother-in-law called Josh's mom an idiot. I informed him that never under any circumstances (even a game) should you call your mother-in-law an idiot.
It was a good day spending time with Josh's family.
Friday night Josh and I got all of our Christmas decorations from my parent's basement. I wasn't sure if I would have the motivation to start decorating but I ended up doing it all. It's easier now because I have places for everything and know where I want to put things. Of course, decorating was finally a snap this year in what I hope is the last Christmas in the apartment.
I love the coziness of the apartment right now. With the candles all lit and the white Christmas lights on, you can hardly tell how junky the apartment is. We love being in the living room now. Josh and I watched Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday throughout the weekend. I figured I should start my Christmas movie watching early because last year I ran out of time.
Yesterday we put the ornaments on the tree which was the last bit of decorating to do. I wrapped a bunch of presents and worked on a Senior photo session. It was hard to accept that my break was over but now I can really start looking forward to Christmas!
break needed
Wednesday, November 21, 2007I'll be back on Monday. Until then, I plan on: Labels: christmas cheer, everything else
- eating mashed potatoes and some pumpkin pie
- watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade
- sleeping in (even if it's just a little bit)
- snuggling with my hubby and dog
- listening to Christmas music
- eating out with friends
- decorating for Christmas (huzzah!!)
- taking lots of pictures...all for fun, none for business
- doing a little Christmas shopping
- starting some crocheting
- and actually relaxing!
I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving!
blah & shopping
Thursday, November 01, 2007It's official. I have a cold. It's pretty much the worst timing because this is my biggest photo shoot weekend. I have two on Saturday and three on Sunday. Hopefully the cold won't get any worse! Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
In other news, I definitely started my Christmas shopping. Man, I love browsing Etsy and picking things out. Although all the time I have spent on Etsy has been difficult...it's so hard not to buy things for myself. My favorites are out of control!! It's going to be weird to pretty much completely shop online this year. It will be fun to go to the mall when it gets close to Christmas just to walk around. I love this time of year.
christmas is only 96 days away
Thursday, September 20, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, knight light
I randomly decided a couple days ago that I needed to design some custom photo cards for Christmas. For the past few evenings, I have been working up designs for them. And since I can't just do anything simply, I came up with 14 designs. FOURTEEN. Not sure if it's because I love Christmas so much or this always happens but I couldn't quit designing cards. I love variety. I want people to have options!
So now I guess I'm going to try and sell them to my clients. I don't know how much to charge for them so I need to do some research. How much would you pay for custom 4 X 8 photo cards?
whew...
Wednesday, December 27, 2006Our Christmas weekend has come to an end. It was a full and happy time. Here's my recap in pictures: Labels: about me, christmas cheer, family matters
My brother, Tony and his fiance, Emily came home. Josh and I were honored to be asked to be in their wedding. Yeah, that's right...I'm a freakin' bridesmaid.
We decorated my parent's tree with all of our childhood ornaments.
My parents cooked up quite the feast on Christmas Eve. Gideon, the adopted stray, was allowed inside for awhile. Toby even shared his bed.
We played Battle of the Sexes and Apples to Apples where we all got a little into it.
My mom had her first actual cup of coffee on Christmas morning. She was so darn excited.
My dad and brother both got new kicks for Christmas and decided to show them off with a high kick.
And of course, we got to spend some time with our favorite niece, Kate.
It was such a great weekend. Josh and I both got so many nice gifts...more than we deserved. It was a wonderful time spent with our families. Sad it's over...
Christmas
Saturday, December 23, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer
From my family to yours...wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
christmas stuff and my folks
Friday, December 22, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer, family matters
Our little Christmas tree is packed full of Christmas presents all wrapped and ready to go. Every year I plan how I'm going to wrap all of presents. This year I had a plan but chucked it all when I realized I had all of this blue snowflake paper. I think I probably bought it last year after Christmas, planning for next year!
I had to share this ornament. It is my absolute favorite ornament. I made it when I was in nursery school and it has survived since then. Growing up that was my favorite ornament to put on the tree. While we were decorating the tree I would pick a bottom branch in the front for this little guy. Once we got Toby that didn't work so much since it's made from a dog biscuit, so it was moved to a very high branch. It hasn't been gobbled up by a puppy and managed to make it on my tree every year.
A few pictures from last night:
The trick is to just snap pictures like I'm the paparazi. Soon they'll be laughing so much that I'm bound to get a good one. I took this one of my parents last night. Love it.
My mom always shys away from the camera. I was telling her that if she just relaxed and had fun with it I was likely to get a good picture. Suddenly she started posing like a model and laughing. I kept snapping and got this beauty. I think she looks gorgeous.
christmas memory: the year we got a puppy
Wednesday, December 20, 2006Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
Growing up my brother and I were typical kids that ask for a dog for Christmas. I seem to remember thinking that my parents would never go for it. Little did I know that on Christmas Eve of 1993, there was a little white puppy sleeping in my parents' bed.
Christmas morning started like every other Christmas morning...my parents had to wake up my brother and I. (What can I say? We're heavy sleepers.) My mom told us that we had a couple gifts to find. We were given clues that lead to a gift and another clue. The last clue lead us to the attic. We finally headed downstairs and my parents were sitting in the living room. My dad moved a rug he was holding up to reveal a DOG! A tiny white fluff ball darted towards my brother and I.
I couldn't believe it! He was so cute. Unfortunately my brother was still scared of dogs after an unfortunate chasing incident when he was younger. He jumped up on one of the chairs and started crying. I immediately started crying because I thought we were going to have to give him up.
My brother got over his fear of dogs that day because a little white puppy befriended him. Toby and my brother became buddies in a matter of minutes. I will always remember going on a scavenger hunt that Christmas and seeing Toby for the first time. Oh, and those small gifts we found? Dog toys.
shopping
Tuesday, December 19, 2006Last night I ran into town to see if I could finish up my Christmas shopping. I didn't finish but I'm pretty darn close. I have a couple things to pick up and then shop for Josh. Sometimes it's more fun to have a few things to get right before Christmas. Labels: christmas cheer, retail therapy
It was so funny how many men were shopping last night. I saw the cutest guy in Bed, Bath, & Beyond. He was probably in his late 50's, silvery hair, very tall...examining all of the baking sheets. I then saw him later debating each one with a worker. It makes me smile to see guys out shopping looking obviously clueless but so determined to find a nice gift.
Gosh, I love this time of year.
the holiday
Monday, December 18, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer
[Outtake from our Christmas family picture]
Josh and I went to see The Holiday on Saturday night with some friends. I thought it was a really cute movie. Unfortunately it was probably the most uncomfortable movie experience ever. We went to a movie theater we don't go to anymore. I sat in a very uncomfortable chair behind a very tall guy. The lady next to me alternated between coughing and "aw"-ing. You know at everything she would say (loudly), "AW!" or she'd describe what was going on like, "Oh, she's crying". I sat leaning to the right the entire time so I could see and trying to ignore the lady a seat over. I think that I'd like to see the movie again so I could really enjoy it.
christmas plans
Friday, December 15, 2006Josh and I worked out our Christmas plans fairly painlessly this year. The really weird thing is that we just have two, my parents and his parents. His grandparents are all snowbirds this year so we won't be having a family Christmas with them. My dad's side of the family is the only ones that still get together on my side. They're having it on Christmas day which I think is silly. I would plan a larger family Christmas a few days before or after. Josh and I will be at his mom and dad's during my relative's Christmas so we won't be able to go. We'll do my parents' Christmas in the morning on Christmas Day and after lunch go to his parents. It should be a fun day. Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
It's kind of cool how it all worked out this year. Since I don't really have any time off it will be good to be able to just be at home some. I can't believe Christmas is in less than two weeks. I've got some shopping to do!
so i ruined another christmas present
Thursday, December 14, 2006Labels: about me, christmas cheer
Josh told me after the Russell + Hazel tote came that he had another gift coming. He said that it was going to be delivered to my parents on Tuesday and I wasn't to even set foot in their house that day. I talked to my mom Tuesday evening and she said that something had arrived for me so I wasn't to be looking in my brother's room. Of course I obeyed because I love surprises and Christmas.
Yesterday I got the mail after work as always. Josh was looking over my shoulder pulling out his mail. I got to an envelope that was addressed to him. Unfortunately the return address was Lands' End. I don't think that Josh or I have every bought anything from them. But that is the place that has the aqua snowboots I've wanted for a year. I knew the minute I saw it that Josh had ordered them for me. I had just ruined another one of Josh's presents.
Usually Josh will accidentally give away what he got for me because he'll hint too much. I know him so well that I can almost always guess what he got me. This year he was doing so well and hadn't really talked about anything. But of course, Lands' End would have to mail him a receipt for his purchase. I mean, c'mon, who does that? Just put it in the box with the item!
I cried when Josh brought them down from my brother's room at my parent's. I cried when I tried them on. I told Josh that I just wanted to return them. I don't want them anymore. I'm actually trying to convince myself that they're too big. Of course, Josh is determined that we will not return them.
Less than two weeks until Christmas, we'll see how many more presents I can manage to screw up.
