December - What a month!

Wow, this month has just flown by. We have had such a busy month but mostly because of work. We had to work every Friday at the beginning of the month so that we could take a few extra days off during the Christmas break. Punkin had her first dance program at the studio and her first fund raiser. Or should I say, my first fund raiser? Her dance program was really cute, it made me really excited for Peanut to start dance and for the spring recital. The fund raiser was selling pies for Rocky Mountain Pie Company, we bought a Chocolate Cream and an Apple. They were d-e-vine. So if you know anyone looking to do a fund raiser I highly recommend them, they turn out a great product and you actually make a decent amount off of them for whatever you need. We had a very eventful Christmas Eve Eve. The girls had a daycare party in the morning, then we were off to SL to deliver a couple of pies and then head to Gardner Village to do the Elf Scavenger Hunt. If you've never been to Gardner Village to do that you should. It's fun for the kids and in between hunting you can sneak into a couple of shops and "look" for elves in there. I think the most entertaining thing was when we found the elf going over the naughty and nice list and finding both of our childrens names on the NAUGHTY list RIGHT next to eachother. Yes, they were spelled wrong, but come on, their names are not that common, and to be right next to eachother, that's just funny. Afterwards we had a couple more pies to deliver and then get home.
Christmas Eve D and I split the kids and we headed out with the rest of the last minute shoppers. I really only had to get a few little things for my nieces and stocking stuffers for D. Then we just hung out at home. We had originally planned to go to a live Nativity in West Haven but I had a horribly sore throat that I didn't want to make worse and inevitably be worse for Christmas. So we rented movies and played with the kids and just enjoyed being together.
Christmas Day I actually woke up before everyone. My kids don't get up early just yet to see what Santa brought them. Apparently my bladder was pretty excited to see what Santa brought though, lol. We had such a nice Christmas. The girls got bean bags for their playroom and personalized Disney blankets, zhu zhu pets, baby alives, and several Leapfrog items. We are truly Leapfrog addicts in our home. Punkin got a leapster 2, and Peanut got a Text and Learn, and they both got a Click Start to share. We also got a Wii Fit Plus, Just Dance Kids, and Wii Fit for Kids. I got Dallas the Cabellas Big Hunt 2011 for the Wii and some clothes. My parents got him a TomTom and me a sewing machine case, some jewelry and clothes. D got me a jacket and a Laptop. Ya, I know, I got him a lame Wii game and clothes and he overdoes himself and gets a Laptop. Not that I'm complaining, I've been wanting one for a long time. BUT, this is in addition to cleaning the house top to bottom again this year. I was thoroughly satisfied with just that. He even cleaned the playroom, the scariest room in the house. So overall we had a fantastic Christmas. We even got to visit Gma B, she has had the flue and with all of the visitors she was a bit overdone. I'm hoping she'll be feeling a little better when we go see her on Friday. We're also looking forward to her moving out of the nursing home and into an assisted living soon. I'm not sure if she feels the same though.

Punkin's First Dance Program

Punkin had her first mini performance Thursday night. It was so cute - but hysterical. She did a ton better than I thought she would. I was slightly disappointed that she was the only one the was dressed for the performance. I felt so dumb. I just added red ribbon to her tu-tu from her Halloween costume a few years back. But I have to say, she looked adorable and did awesome.

Ricci is the dance instructor at the studio, and she's also my cousin. She's amazing! She is so patient with the little kids and does a great job teaching.

Merry Christmas

This Years Christmas Card

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Our Merry Christmas

This year has certainly had it's ups and downs. The last couple of months have been on the upside thanks to my husbands new found sobriety and love for our family. I honestly was a little worried about how our Christmas would turn out. D came through as he has been for the last little while. Slowly but surely he is determined to show me what kind of husband he can be.
I had taken Wednesday off of work to spend with the kids and for a little mental health. D had found out earlier in the week that he would be getting off early and asked me to stay out of the house until about 3 pm. Sounds easy enough right? Wrong. I had the girls out since 8:30 am and Peanut with no nap until 3 makes for a not so fun day. We went to the daycare to see Santa, delivered Christmas gifts to my coworkers, hairdresser, and nail lady, had lunch and then hung out at my parents house for a little while. D finally called and let me know when I could come home. I was a little miffed only because we were all tired and I knew I had a lot to do at home since I had been gone all day. So we finally get home and he walks outside to help me with the kids, or so I thought. He told me to go ahead and go inside first. I walked up to our door in the garage and there was a card and a big red bow on the door. I read the card and then went in. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The best Christmas present I've ever gotten from my husband in the ten years we've been married. I was in complete and utter shock and my jaw hit the floor. It was really more than my senses could handle. The smell and sight alone would send anyone into a tizzy. Would you like to know what I had been kicked out of my house for? He cleaned the house! THE WHOLE THING!!! I know what your thinking, a guy cleaned the house, so what, he shoved things in a corner and vacuumed and maybe did the dishes. NOPE! We are talking scrubbed the showers and tub, cleaned off the whole desk, dusted, vacuumed, mopped (even the bathrooms), cleaned up the kids rooms and made all of the beds, washed all of the bathroom rugs, did the dishes and cleaned the entire kitchen. Yes, he even cleaned the basement bathroom that I hate going into, that I never use other than to use the washer and dryer. It's HIS bathroom and it only gets cleaned when he feels like it. I was so thankful and when we got the kids in the house and settled I stood in the kitchen and looked around trying to figure out what to do. I just looked at him and said, "I have nothing to do". Just then Punkin asked me if we could do the Christmas activity book I had bought her weeks ago. I happily said yes. I was able to say yes because D had given me the greatest gift of all, Time. I laid on the floor in the family room next to Punkin doing her activity book with her, without a hint of guilt thinking that I should be doing something around the house. It was the best Christmas present I've gotten in a long time.
So with that said, the rest of our week has been so enjoyable, only because everything was caught up and I was able to enjoy our Christmas weekend to the fullest. Christmas Eve we went to IHOP for breakfast, which the girls thoroughly enjoyed, then out to a couple of stores for last minute items. Then we came home and hung out for a while and then made a nice dinner, went to Willard to see the lights on the Bay, we came home and opened our Christmas Eve PJ's and bathed the girls. Then we made a gingerbread house, sprinkled our magic reindeer food, and put the girls to bed. D and I were up till about midnight playing Santa. We really had the great time that I've been longing for in our family forever.
Christmas day was very exciting for all of us. Punkin and Peanut got so many nice things from us and Santa and Grandma and Grandpa and also their Aunt and Uncle. Punkin received a Leapfrog Tag System from Santa that is really the neatest thing. She has shown so much interest in reading but Punkin and I both lack the patience for her to actually learn. Tag is making it fun for her and I don't have to be so involved. She also got a toy guitar, a littlest petshop daycare, a 12 cd set of stories and nursery rhymes, and some much needed clothes. Peanut got the Leapfrog My Pal Violet from Santa. Now, let me tell you how stinkin cute this little pup is. You can plug it into your computer and upload songs and certain details that pertain to your child including their name. She loves it and I loooove it even more. She also got a snap n style doll, a baby with a stroller, and a huge Mr. Potato Head package. They received some super cute joint gifts too. My ultimate favorite was the little table and chair set that Santa picked up at Ikea along with and Igloo tent. My dear hubby was daring enough to buy me some clothes that I so badly needed and he got some clothes and truck accessories as well. We really had a great Christmas and we are looking forward to so many more like this.
I can't tell you how grateful I am that the year is ending on such a good note for me. It was by far not looking so hot about half way through, but if I had to go through that much bad to get the great things I'm receiving now I'll gladly accept it. I thank God for trials and blessings that I have received this year and hope I can continue to learn from them.
I hope you all had as wonderful a Christmas as I and an even better New Year.

A Christmas Tree Party!

I know I've posted about my tree before but this is for a special party. I'm joining in The Thrifty Decor Chicks Christmas Tree Party. So here we go.

Below is a picture of my whole tree. I have a lot of ornaments from when I was a child so this is anything but a theme tree. I love traditions, especially around Christmas time. So what would suit me better than a traditional tree. Another thing that I love that I found at Tai-Pan was the sheer red fabric tree garland that wraps around the tree. When I bought it and got it home I was really wide. I think it was meant for super fat and tall trees and honestly I should've bought two. I had an ah-ha moment and thought of my friend who's mom is a seamstress and has a surger. I asked her to cut it and surge it straight down the middle (lengthwise). Voila! I now have two separate garlands that aren't too wide and look fantabulous!

Below is a huge bow that my mom helped me make with some beautiful velvet and shear ribbon and some shimmery red ribbon with her bow-dabra. Greatest invention ever! Loooove the bow.

Here is a shot of one of my four giant snowflakes. My favorite newest addition. You'll also notice a coppery red ribbon tide into the branches. I started doing bows but realized that was taking up not only time but also the ribbon. I just tie them deep into the branches in a single knot and I think it looks great and I was able to spread the ribbon out a little more.

This little sweetie is my Christmas Tree Fairy. My mom gave her to me a few years ago and luckily her attire matches a lot of the new things I've added. I always place her near the top as if she was watching over us.

These are my three mini trees. I usually decorate them with some fun little ornaments but this year decided that simple is better for me. I love these trees because they have these bare trunks and the branches are only at the top. The bottoms are covered with burlap and I found the cute little ladder at Tai-Pan for some interest. The little stool is not a Christmas item, it's the time out stool, that usually sits in that corner but looks cute right where it is. Thanks for visiting.

Happy December 4th

Ok, so I couldn't really think of a decent title for this post so you get what you get. Anyway, my favorite time of year is upon us. My tree is up, most of the presents are bought, but my spirit is slightly down. I wish I could be excited about it, and I should be. I have two very excited little girls, one of which this is still new too so it makes it more exciting. This is what I had waited my whole life for. Christmas with my children is something I imagined when I was young. I wish I could place my finger on exactly why I'm not as into it this year. I know what your all thinking. Kamee you have had some major changes this year, nothing is going to be the same or at all like you wanted it to be. I realize this, but things are definitely better in my home this year than the last few. I don't know, I'm just going to continue going through the motions and hope that something hits me soon.

Anyway, some of you know that I got a new tree last year that I LOVE! I'm just going to share some of my favorite things about my tree and my girlies ornaments for 2009.

This is our tree fairy. My mom gave this to me a few years ago and she is one of my favorite little touches. She even matches the other elements I've added to my new tree. She sits near the top as if she was watching over everything.

This is a sparkly branch I picked up at Ben Franklin store closing sale. Reeeaaalllly messy but sooooo worth it.

This is a green glittery swirly thing I pick up at Walmart....ya, Walmart. This was even messier. I don't think they let the glue dry before they packaged it so what should have been several swirlies was one big giant one that I had to nearly surgically separate to get six out of. That was like a glitter blood bath all over my kitchen counter.

This is my snowball. I have six of them dotted through the tree. I've probably had these the longest. I bought six of these years ago at the Gardner Village White Shoppe (on sale). They are sparkly and fuzzy and yes messy. Why does anything that sparkles have to be so messy?

This is one of my four ginormous snowflakes that I got at Real Deals last year on Black Friday. No waiting in line, they opened at ten and I got some really great deals. These babies are the size of dinner plates and look awesome tucked into the tree.

This is Peanuts ornament. I chose this because of several reasons. This year my girls experienced s'mores for the first time. I know, I know. But they are soooo messy. I hate sticky kids. Anyway, I also chose this one because this is how Peanut approaches anyone lucky enough to receive her hugs and kisses.

This is Punkins. If you all remember her request from Santa last year you'll know why I chose this s'more man. She is our little patriot and who wouldn't love to have a kid like that.

Last but most important is my nativity. It's been a work in progress. Willow Tree products are one of my most favorites. I have wanted this set since it's release and this year I found the wise men for 50% off the regular price. I should've taken a picture of another treasured piece. The nativity is sitting on my Great Grandmother's sewing machine that is still in working condition, though I would never try. It's now a beautiful piece of furniture that helps display my favorite things.

Christmas Advent Calendar: How To

So, I'm very excited to reveal my most recent project. I made a Christmas advent calendar for my girls that we will be able to use for years to come. It was a lot of fun to do, in spite of the difficulty in finding some of my supplies. But once I got it all together it turned out exactly how I pictured it.
I used paper mache boxes, scrapbook paper, mod podge for the containers for the treats and gifts. I got most of the boxes at Walmart for $.67, and a few more at Hobby Lobby for $.99. The papers were from a coordinating collection at Heartland Paper Co.

If your doing 24 days you'll need a rather large frame. I got this at Ben Franklin for a steal because they are closing the Roy store. I just painted the boxes and frame a cream color. I got the piece of sheet metal at a local metal supplier (spent way more on that than intended). I was going to paint it with chalk board paint, but once I got it all together I decided to leave it as is.
Make sure you keep the boxes and their lids together. It was like putting together a really frustrating puzzle. The lids fit best on the box they came with.
I found some "Dates to remember" stickers at Hobby Lobby, but if you have decent handwriting unlike myself, you could just write the numbers. I also embellished them with some of the papers, ribbon, and some stickers I found at Joann's.
This is what it looks like hanging in my kitchen (sorry it's so dark, the lighting in my house is not great for photography). I had to hang it somewhat high because I have two very curious little girls. They are so excited for December to start.
I'm going to be putting little treats and gifts in the boxes. So far I've gotten them reindeer bracelets, chocolate Santa's, Christmas socks, and jingle bell necklaces. I am having too much fun filling the boxes.
I found this idea through Summer at summertimedesigns during her Christmas in July feature this last July. I had saved the link in my favorites just waiting for things to settle down just enough for me to do it. You could really do this in a weekend, but with my work schedule it has taken me about two weeks. Click here to check out Carrie at Buzzings of a Queen Bee for her version.

Santa made it to our house.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We sure did. Being that it was Peanuts first Christmas is fun in that it's another first, but Punkin being three made it much more exciting for us. We look forward to many, many more Christmas' but treasure the ones we've had. Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Woo Hoo Santa!

So yesterday we went to see Santa (finally). We were going to go a couple of weeks ago when Santa visited the Cabin in Harrisville. But when I got home from work that night Punkin was on the rampage. It seems that our little angel had a Damien moment while Daddy was wiping her bum. She bit him on the back of the leg leaving quite the impression. Later that evening she wouldn't even eat her dinner which was chicken Dino's and french fries (hey we were on a schedule, had to do easy). So alas she went to bed early without dinner. So yesterday while Dallas was out running errands and I was home baking my little heart out I told Punkin that we would go see Santa only if she behaved. She did this time. So we headed over the Lee's Marketplace where at the other end of the parking lot is a small house near the pond where Santa visits twice a week. It was great, it had stopped snowing and their was no line. Punkin was shy for about a second but then hopped on his lap and proceeded to have the sweetest conversation. Santa commented on how pretty her hair was and then asked her what she would like for Christmas. I had asked her for weeks what she was going to ask for and at first she said and American Flag. That lasted for about a week. I started coaching her on asking for a wagon or a toy puppy for the last little while. She finally decided the wagon was the way to go and I thought "YES". So when that little angel got on Santa's lap and he asked that magical question she said " An America Flag". As sweet as that is to hear your 3 year old little girl to ask for something so symbolic, Santa is sure going to have a hard time finding that American Flag at Christmas time.
Oh ya, and as for Peanuts first Santa experience, we'll let the pictures explain.

Our Christmas Card

I'm getting there.....

Christmas that is. I'm all decorated, most of the presents are bought, or ordered. Some of you may or may not know that Christmas is my most favorite Holiday of the year.

I love decorating my whole house for the holiday, and buying presents for friends and family. This is the only time of year that I don't totally get annoyed with other shoppers. I guess you could say I get filled with the Christmas spirit. I will have my shopping done probably by next week, but I will still be out doing extra odds and ends up till the eve of Christmas Eve. I love sending out Christmas cards, this year I'll send about 50. I love making neighbor gifts, even if they don't. Last year was Punkin's first real visit with Santa. We went to a place called Reindeer Crossing near Tremonton. It was a drive to get there but totally worth it. Unfortunately we won't be able to go this year. Last year was the last year for Reindeer Crossing. During the summer of 2007, the owner who had the home that housed several reindeer, rare birds and small animals was killed in a car accident. A few volunteers got together to help his wife do it last year, but she understandably couldn't carry it on. We are truly bummed, because it was a new tradition for us. So this year we are on the hunt for a new Christmas outing tradition. We have been considering Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. Some of the exotic birds.
The little Pony, I wish I could remember it's name, it was so cute. It grabbed that candy cane right out of Punkins hand.
She rode it all by herself, with Grandpa close by of course.
One of the many reindeer. They were gorgeous.
She did so good sitting on Santa's lap, hopefully she'll do it again this year. I think she will because her big item on her Christmas list is, get this, two American Flags. I'm not even kidding. I'm not counting on Peanut giving him much of a chance.

Anyway, I hope you all have a nice pre Christmas. I know it's harder for most of us this year with the economic situation. And of course lets not forget the real reason for celebrating Christmas while your out running those Holiday errands.