I've been spending time in the kitchen making caramels and pecan turtles from scratch. We've gone through gallons of hot cocoa and a little egg nog too. We had a big party with my Dad's side of the family last weekend. It was so great to see everyone! Noah and Cole loved having Kyle and Harrison to play with, along with their favorite cousin Kate. On the 23rd we celebrated with my siblings and their families. We had a big dinner, exchange gifts and played a game with tree ornaments. My fabulous cousin, Paul brought a delicious plum pudding that he made from scratch and a ton of lefse! It was a terrific evening!

On Christmas Eve, Drew and I took the boys out to breakfast then we came home and got back into our pajamas to watch movies all day. We had a picnic dinner by the tree and just spent a quiet day snuggling and enjoying each other's company. After the boys baked cookies for Santa and got everything set out for his arrival, we tucked them in and Daddy read "Twas' The Night before Christmas" to them. They were wiped out and went right to sleep. Santa Claus came right on schedule! Noah got a new bike and Cole got a big wheel! They were so excited when they saw them sitting by the tree! They also got new Transformers, Power Rangers and an art easel loaded with supplies. Dad got the usual shirts, tie, belt, socks and a helicopter trip to Catalina with me next month.

I was the luckiest of all this year! Not only did my darling husband actually make al of the stunning wrapping paper for my gifts... he created a clay sculpture for me that will be bronzed soon. It is gorgeous! I'll be sure to post photos when it's finished. He also took my old watch (that belonged to my mom and matches her wedding ring, which is now my wedding ring) to get fixed. It hasn't worked in 20 years so this was a huge thrill for me! Yes, I cried! He gave me tickets to SuperCross on February 3rd, Vera Wang perfume, gorgeous ornaments from Smith & Hawken, a big Paper Source gift card and lots of various other goodies. I feel very loved and just a little bit spoiled too.

I hope your holidays were as amazing as ours. Happy New Year!

Labels: Christmas, supercross

Today is December 5th, which means it's Sinterklaas' birthday!! (Sinterklaas is the Dutch Santa.) Our boys are excited because his helper, Zwarte Piete, will come down the chimney tonight to pick up their letters and take them back to Santa! We'll leave our letters in our shoes by the fireplace and hopefully there will be a small treat waiting for us when we get up tomorrow!

We let the boys help decorate our Christmas tree this year. Normally, the "elves" come and decorate the house while we are sleeping. This year they just came and added more decorations around the house. I love having a five year old and a three year old. Their are no doubts in their hearts about Christmas magic.

In the spirit of the holiday season, please give a little something to someone who isn't expecting it. Not sure where to start? Go look at these wbsites....
www.anysoldier.com
www.oxfam.com
www.invisiblechildren.com
www.creativevisions.org
www.redcross.org

Merry Christmas to you and yours! May you never be the ones in need.

Labels: Christmas

Gosh! The holidays were nuts, but fun! Drew gave me an Audi A6 and scuba lessons for christmas. So excited about both!! The kids had a great time and Santa fulfilled many of their wishes (but not all). Drew and I don't like to spoil them too much. We don't think it's good for them to get every single thing they want, but we hit the big ones. Drew had a week off of work and we had a lot of fun just hanging out as a family. New Years Eve was spent quietly at home, as usual. We like it that way. I have to admit that a few of the christmas decorations are still up. Most are down, but the big garlands on my entertainment center, fireplace and banister need to be untied and packed up. I just hate that job, so I've been finding excuses not to do it. Today is the day!!

I started the year on a high note! I was asked to join the Design Team for www.ScrappersBliss.com! I wasn't sure that I wanted to do the DT thing again, but Andrea (the owner) is just so cool and the perks were just right. I felt good about where this site was headed, so I signed up! I did a little whispering in Andrea's ear about some people she should consider for her team and I'm sure glad I did. This is one spectacular Design Team she has gathered and to be perfectly honest, I am a little intimidated to be on the same team with some of these great artists. I think it will push me to try a little harder though, so I am excited! The Bliss Girls are headed to CHA Las Veags at the end of the month. Can't wait!!!

ETA: This layout was inspired by my friend, Stephanie (karlslove).

Labels: Christmas