Winter Break Recap

The kids get to be home for 10 days and those 10 days MUST count!

We saw a lot of lights at the zoo, Temple Square and Thanksgiving Point

Christmas was a hit as always. We lived in our PJ's for 2 solid days and played

We lit the wrapping paper on fire, not because I was trying to be "green" but because I love watching the fire turn colors

Lot's of snow shoveling, sledding, treat eating, and cocoa drinking.

Of course this is what you did as a kid too right?

The bedroom fort when it was too cold to play outside, yes I let them sleep in it!

The good thing today: There is something nice about being back on a schedule, and following my diet will be easier without neighbors bringing plates of goodies by.

Teresa

Bye Bye Christmas!

I get tired of Christmas pretty quickly, usually before the blessed day actually arrives. Christmas songs are nice for a few days, then my blood starts boiling everything I hear the Carpenters or that STUPID Christmas shoes song!

You know the one I mean!

The Christmas I was pregnant that song came on and started a 60 minute bawling session that was both irrational and pathetic . . . aka hormonal ;)

Anywho, THIS year I moderated the Christmas music, stayed organized and focused on family time. I can honestly say I'm a little sad to see it all go. I even let the decor stay up a few days longer than usual, but not into the New Year because that would be a SIN!

Happy New Year!

The good thing today: Work called: "Would you mind if we call you off tonight?"

"Oh yeah!"

Teresa

Lights in Utah!

We love looking at Christmas lights and Utah has some AWESOME displays for the whole family!

Here are my all time favorites, we make sure to visit them every year.

Lights at Thanksgiving Point

Cost: $8 per car

It's a drive through light show, takes about 15 minutes and they have their own dedicated radio station with Christmas music.

Visit the Emporium to meet Prancer and Santa.

Zoolights at Hogle Zoo

Cost: Adults $6

Kids $4

Walk the zoo, enjoy the lights and the animals.

We also make time for the train.

Also a great place to visit Santa and his Reindeer!

My favorite:

Temple Square!

The lights are stunning and truly elegant.

They have a nativity on the pond, and another one near the visitor center.

It's free and makes for a nice walk.

We make a night out of it by riding the TRAX downtown and topping it off with hot cocoa.

It's always an adventure, but well worth it!

The good thing today: I don't have to pay the electricity bill for THESE lights!

Teresa

Decked Halls Part 2

For years I was anti-fake tree, but then I had a fake tree.

Umm, they are AWESOME!

They are easy to put up, they don't have to be thrown away, they are prelit and perfect!

I usually swirl a ribbon around the tree but skipped it this year.

I love vintage santas. A little more "Father Christmas" than "Santa Clause"

I bought these at Hobby Lobby last year,

in fact I bought EVERY vintage santa ornament I could find!

Many people neglect the under side of the tree, but it doesn't make sense to me!

Would you wear a skirt without underwear?! Okay maybe YOU would, but I wouldn't!

Until the presents pile up you MUST make it presentable. We have a train, a little family of penguins and a "trunk cover" (My own personal invention)

Buy one of those popcorn metal containers (a pretty one). Eat all the poporn. Cut the bottom out of the tin and slip it over the trunk befor you place it into the tree stand.

Voila! No more unsightly tree trunk!

The good thing today: I got my new tree skirt 50% off at Hobby Lobby! (can you tell I LOVE that place!)

Teresa

Decked Halls Part 1

If you know me, you know I love old things and all things Victorian!

My goal is to have a "Victorian Christmas" living room with lots of gold and deep reds.

Each year I get to add a little more to my Christmas decorations and this year I bought REAL stocking hangers . . .

Candlesticks . . . (note the hint of glitter!)

and SANTA!!! (also note the glitter on his beard!)

Hobby Lobby inspired me to put hay in my Nativity this year,

what do you think?

It was messy to put out, but so far my kids haven't made me regret it.

Yet.

I also collect S&P Shakers, mostly couples.

My collections wouldn't be complete without Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

The Nativity I literally drooled over as a kid,

and now my kids drool over it too

Each year I paint a couple little houses to add to my village . . .

I have to keep up with the broken ones!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the tree!

The good thing today: baby gates and spray bottles! Gate for the toddler and spray bottle for the cat. Bring it on!

Teresa