Oh Christmas Tree

One day I will have a "pretty" Christmas tree. One day I will have a Christmas tree that looks like a department store tree; ornaments hung perfectly, creative trimming that makes people want to copy my ideas, and a shiny perfect star at the top of the tree. For now, I love this tree. Every time I walk by it my heart feels extra warm for a minute. My kids had a wonderful time decorating the tree exactly the way they wanted it to look and every day it changes a bit as they continue to rearrange it. I have kept true to my word and I haven't adjusted it one bit. The night they put on the ornaments was too fun to mess with the memory.

Good-bye Red House

I love my red house. I love our beautiful flower boxes. I love that all my neighbors are only two inches away from us if I am missing an ingredient while cooking dinner, or if I am in the mood to chat there is always someone within hollering distance. After 6 years of apartment living while Nate was in dental school this house seemed like the Taj Mahal to us. What a great way to start. We feel so spoiled. Our neighbors are wonderful, our neighborhood fantastic but now we say good-bye. With the housing market being so great for buyers we decided to trade in our 1/16th of an acre lot in for a full acre lot. Thank you red house for all the wonderful memories and here's to looking for many more wondeful memories in our new green house.

Freezing at the Zoo

Andy in his skier/mugger mask, Maya and Hailee

I can barely see with this hat!

The family that freezes together, stays together.

(Because they have no choice they are FROZEN!!!)

Tina (the master mind behind the event). I don't know if we should praise her for the fun night, or charge her for the doctor's bill for frost bite. Ryan, Hailee and Jessica.

The awesome 3D twinkly lights, bottomless hot chocolate cups, and great company made it all worth it.

December Dance Recital

Maya dances with the Salt City STARS company. I love that they do a low-key December recital. Wear what you want and shake what your mama gave ya'.

Maya and her buddy Chloe love to pose for pictures and make up dances together. Way too cute. Chloe's mom has taken Maya to dance all this time, but now that we have moved it's time for me to pay my dues and get behind the wheel.

Maya has been counting down for two months for her turn to "be on stage!"

Andy played his DS throughout the recital. I only let him bring it along because he saved up for it and bought it himself. He may not have learned a lesson in hard work (because sitting around and letting his allowance accumulate didn't seem all that great of a work ethic lesson), but he did learn a great lesson in patience!

Show time!

For Maya, flowers are the best part!

Gingerbread Pajama Party

Pajamas plus yummy Chinese take-out equals a rockin' start to our traditional gingerbread making night! (Andy doesn't agree with the yummy part.)

The deer photo is just because I love having them visit us every day. These five came by the driveway as we were watching out the window waiting for Nate to get home for the festivities. When we put the yard in next spring I probably won't enjoy their company as much, but for now....so fun!