2013 Christmas Eve

As the year comes to an end, I pray that 2014 goes just as well, if not better, than 2013. I can say that this year was a good, if not great year. I've accomplished goals I set out for myself and have been successful. I've started running and I'm kind of addicted to this new found love. Call me crazy but it really does make my day better and I seriously feel guilty if I don't run on my 'run' days. I'm also back in the gym lifting and loving every minute of it. Ok, not really… I hate it when I'm there but when I'm done.. Thank ya Baby Jesus.. I feel amazing. I have an amazing trainer and without him, I would not have made it this far. Overall, I've found myself again and I couldn't be happier. 

When my dad passed away, I pushed a lot of people out of my life. Some I lost for good and that is fine. One of my favoritest quotes is by Marilyn Monroe "I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." Ain't that the truth and good riddance to them! Some of my friendships have grown much stronger and I treasure those people in my life. I've rekindled some friendships and some are going in new, better directions. Things are good, I am happy. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and wonderful Happy New Year. 

May it bring you joy, good health, and every happy thing you deserve!

Getting ready for Christmas

Decorated the tree the weekend before Thanksgiving this year because I knew T-day weekend would be super busy. Some of my favorite ornaments are my angle that I bought in Venice, Italy. My 'Believe' bell that I got in Alaska in 2006. The ornament I purchased while at The Pentagon, and my newest ornament from Hawaii this past summer! 

I was trying to get a photo of Lynkin and I in front of the tree. For whatever reason… he was being a big baby and trying to climb in my lap! The top right photo is how he always gives me hugs, his nose buried under my chin! He makes me laugh and makes my heart smile! Love this dog so much!!!

My newest Christmas decorations… 'We Believe' sign and the snowman!

Went to our family reunion today and both of these were in the auction! Had an amazing cousin bid against me for the snowman and when it was all said and done, he outbid me… then turned around and gave me the snowman.

Christmas Tree

Tree is up as well. I had the tree up with just the lights for about 2 weeks. I finally decided I should add the decorations. I kind of thought just having the lights was good enough until I did this... and I loved it that much more!

One of my favorite decorations, an angel I picked up in Venice... made with Murano glass. I love this angel! 

Another one of my favorite ornaments. Dove that I got in Alaska, 2008, at the North Pole... Santa's House. 

Merry Christmas, 2012

Christmas lights/decorations

Christmas lights and decorations are out. My lights are a little ghetto because my ladder is not tall enough to reach the peak. At night you cannot tell and the trees cover this part up so it's not too bad. Cracks me up though! Oh well, at least I got lights up! My amazing neighbor and her little boy helped. She actually put the lights up on my house. Her little boy helped with the rest by keeping me company while I set up the decorations.

Lynkin's 1st Christmas

I have to say, I was very blessed to have found this little guy! He's totally chill, loves to cuddle, nothing major is chewed up {knock HARD on wood everywhere!}. That could be due to the fact he is totally spoiled and has a basket full of toys! I just seriously love him and I am excited to spend how many years as possible with this little guy!

Lynkin's first Christmas ornament! Thanks Auntie Erika!!!

Some of his toys and a great big yummy treat!
Lynkin's first stocking...

Merry Christmas

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Traditions stayed the same for me as I went to Gold Canyon on Christmas Eve night to spend time with the girls. We had a good time. They both got a 2009 calendar (tradition), a singing toothbrush (they were totally excited), and a toy (Morgan a Hannah Montana Barbie and Faith a Fur Real Tiger). Not to mention the Wii at my house including a couple of games they have yet to open! And no, I did not get a new puppy. The one I am holding is up for adoption so if anyone is interested, let me know. She is absolutely adorable... oh how I want to bring her home but I am sticking to my rule of only labs from now on (that's when I am actually ready for a new dog).

Dixie and I

A yummy desert I made {Thanks to Cherrye at My Bella Vita for the recipe! This was a great hit and so easy to make. I even made it again for Christmas day at my aunt and uncle's house}

Morgan {This is one of my favorite pictures of her, she is beautiful!}

Morgan with her Hannah Montana calendar.

Faith opening up her Fur Real... I love the look on her face in this one.

Faith with her calendar of puppy's, kitty's, and bunny's

Morgan, Faith, little Faith, and I {Little Faith is Susie's daughter. She is a doll and wants to spend time with the girls and I... I'm trying to keep it just the girls and I but every once in awhile definitely try to include her. I will always be the aunt who has gum...}

At my mom's house on Christmas morning. I went over to put the mud pie and fruit salad together while my mom finished the hard boiled eggs. She has never carried a purse but recently has been carrying a small bag around that she puts stuff in. I thought it was time for her to have her own official Coach purse. This is a little bigger than what she is used to but I think with time, she'll get use to it. Well, at least I LOVE it {she secretly does too}!

Finally, my fruit salad for Christmas day. Very simple and extremely fabulous!

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
3 medium firm bananas, cut into chunks
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used almond slivers)

{I added strawberries, grapes, apples, and extra pineapple}

In a large bowl, combine the milk and whipped topping until well blended. Fold in pie filling, bananas, pineapple {additional fruit} and nuts.

Have a Happy Weekend!

Christmas Lights

After we finished the tree, we went to look at the Temple lights. We also drove around my neighborhood where there is a cul-de-sac which is always lit up. They have a huge snowman {see picture below}. We picked up pizza and came home. The girls played the Wii and then we watched Elf. Fun night!

Christmas.... Tree

Yesterday morning I set out to find the "perfect" tree. I had to get my mom's truck so the tree didn't have to go on top of my jeep. Then stopping at lots to find the tree {I'm a bit picky!}. I finally made it to A&P nursery, around the corner from my house and spotted the tree. I asked the guy if he would put it in the stand for me and pretty much make it so all I had to do was bring it in the house and decorate it. No problem he said... so I get my tree home and... it is crooked! Like I know how to get a saw out and straighten it up. So... My tree is a bit crooked. I suppose it adds character though. Actually the way it is facing, it is not that bad. Anyways...

Next onto lights. Now, I love a lot of lights and I have never had problems with stringing them. Everyone tells me they are getting artificial trees because the lights are already done and they hate putting lights on the trees... Oh whatever! Well let me tell you.... this year.. I HATED putting lights on! What the heck!!! I think everyone cursed me. For some reason, I started at the top. I usually start at the bottom. The last row of lights... did not work. Now, my lights are old so ok, I'll go get new ones. Which I did. Then, those were not enough. CRAP... I do not want to go back to the store! So I decided to space the lights out a bit... so unwrap the lights and place them farther apart. YAY... it works. I plug them in. The top strand of lights {which remember are probably 12+ years old} well, half the friggin strand works and half does not. Now let me ask you this.... HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Plus... I plugged them in 30 minutes ago before I put them up there. Now, I am frustrated. So back to Target I go... but when I get there, I decide I don't want to fight the crowd so I turn around and go to Walgreens... who cares if I spend more money. It's the convenience, right? Well... Walgreens has a "buy 1 get 1 free" deal. SCORE!!! I come back home, finishing putting the lights up... and waited for the girls to show up.

I let them help decorate the tree this year. It was fun! {The angel ornament is what I picked up in Venice made of Murano glass... it is one of my favorite ornaments}

Girls church musical

The girls had a Christmas musical at church tonight. Faith has gotten so good at being more sociable. She did not figet or anything tonight... She did so great! She was even Mary {with no lines though}. Morgan had lines throughout the entire program. She was awesome and so animated with her lines. I remember her first church Christmas program back at Gilbert Christian. I think Paula was going to have a heart attack because Morgan was so shy.

{my camera or the lighting in the building did some wacky things to the eyes!}

Christmas Eve

Morgan and Faith on Christmas Eve-

My mom and I went to their house for church and dinner.

Then the girls open their gifts from me.

Playing video games while waiting for dinner!

Anticipating opening gifts...

Luminarias

I took Haley and Nikkolina (my cousins daughters) Morgan and Faith to Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. The girls said it was boring but we actually had fun. It was freezing cold outside and we laughed the entire way while trying to find the exit!

Chistmas Tree

Ok- I got a Christmas tree this year for the 1st time in about 6 years! I LOVE it!! I seriously need to figure out how to take good "dark" photos though because the pictures do not do justice to the tree!