The Tree by Me

I put the tree up the other day. The person that was in charge of putting it away last year conveniently left the lights on. That did save a little time, after a little rearrangement. At some point in my life before I die, I really want to get a real tree. Just once, just to say that I have. But that is not this year. And can I also say, that I do love me some fake powder snow. I like a snowy tree, so I stand on a step stool create my own personal blizzard right on the tree. Then the sparkly snow on top of that. It is a mess to clean up, but it looks so pretty. I just love to sit and look at the tree. But, I am still looking for the proper topper. I have this really woodland nature theme and haven't found one I just love yet. So yes, the tree is going topless for now.

The girls put up small trees in their rooms every year because they know that the only person that decorates our tree is me. Congratulations to all you people that actually let your kids decorate the main Christmas tree in your house. And what is a tree trimming party all about? Like I would let other people even think about decorating my tree as entertainment. How bizarre! The Christmas tree is when my inner control freak shines! I mathematically space ornament by color and type, make sure they are illuminated just right, personally place pine cones at the correct angle, and don't even get me started on fluffing branches!

These pictures don't really do it justice, so do come by and see it in person!!!




Mia approves!

Lights on

Ok, so we had a few warm weekend in a row, so we got most of the lights on the house a while ago. Then Jared recently got the last of the yard done. Now it's lights on and our neighbors have put theirs up, too. It's very festive!

Is this man going to decorate or rob my house?


All lit up!

Just one more

Ok, just one more Fall picture before moving on to the Fa La La La and the Ho Ho Ho. I spray painted these for the Thanksgiving table decor. I think this is just gorgeous. I am just weird that way! See my recipe blog for our Thanksgiving Fried Turkey and Potatoes Fondue, pie and rolls. Yum!

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for? Watch this short video and think about it today.

Feasting Upon the Word

Since we just finished reading the Book of Mormon as a family, I made this for a little family home evening treat. This was the first time I had made the marshmallow fondant and covered a cake all by myself. I wanted it to look like an open book of scriptures. I started to carve the cake, and I probably should have carved more, but I was scared to cut too much off! I think if you really had to close this book it would be super fat! Talk about "large print" edition. Also, I did not feel my best as I have a sinus infection right now (also went to the dr. today), so my head was killing me as I was piping on the words! Anyway, it was fun and I have so much respect for people that do this professionally. I have a few wrinkles in my fondant, but that's kind of how the pages of your scriptures get when you read them a lot, right? It tasted good and we are so happy we read through the Book of Mormon again! By small and simple things are great things come to pass!

Young Women in Excellence

Last night we enjoyed the Young Women in Excellence program at church, highlighting the girls' accomplishments in Personal Progress. The theme was The Worth of a 'Sole', so cute! Each of the values were related to a different kind of shoe. Each of the girls displayed something they had worked on this year. Madison displayed her Good Works value project and Gabrielle displayed her Knowledge value project. They received recognition for completing experiences and projects in a value. Madison has completed Choice and Accountability and Gabrielle has completed Knowledge. They are both very close to completing several other values as well. We know they are busy and could spend their time on many other things, so we really appreciate the time and effort they put into this special program. At the end of the evening the girls got to choose a pair of socks to take home. They were all pink and brown knee high style socks. The girls had to wear theirs to school this morning--with capris! We don't hide our light under a bushel, that's for sure. We love you girls! Keep up the good work on your experiences and projects! Thanks to their special leaders that work with them each week, building their faith and testimonies!