10 Favorite Memories of Christmas 2010

10. Getting coke Slurpee's at 7-11 at 4am the morning we left for Wasco. Actually, we had entirely TOO much sugar that morning. Slurpee's along with donuts from Voodoo Donuts in Portland, energy drinks, coffee, and other really unhealthy snacks as well.

9. Actually road tripping with my family - it was most definitely crazy to be in the car with my siblings, mom and husband for 18 hours, but oh-so worth it. You can read about when we arrived - here. I took this picture when my sixteen year old brother was driving us through Mt. Shasta, I have to say I was fearing for my life a little bit...

8. Spent real, quality, family time laughing and enjoying each other's company. I think this says it all.

7. Enjoyed beautiful sunrises

 and sunsets

6. Played dress up with great-grandma's old jewelry - even Bryan joined in :)

5. Giggled over old Christmas tree ornaments

and loved new ones

4. Went to the Pismo Beach/Morro Bay for the day with my cousin, her husband and son. It was Bryan's first time to either of these beaches, I was so excited to take him somewhere that holds great memories for me :)

[Logan, Eric and Angela Butler]

3. Spent Christmas eve with my mom's side of the family for the first time in - I don't even know how long. There was a LOT of eating, a LOT of chatting, and a LOT of laughing. My favorite kind of night :) Hanna and I stole away for a quick "sister picture". It is truly an evening I will remember forever. 

2. Getting TOTALLY spoiled by Mom and Bryan. She got us a Flip video camera, the Glee soundtracks, and much more. Bryan got me this beautiful necklace. I hope to wear it every days as a memory of our first Christmas together as husband and wife <3 Mushy, I know, but I was so surprised when I opened this...

1. My VERY favorite memory/highlight of this whole trip? Spending time with this little cutie here. He is technically my 2nd cousin, but I think he should just call me "Auntie Manda". His name is Logan Dean Butler and I am in love with him - sorry Bryan ;) Ah, I miss waking up to this little guy every morning. I may or may not have gotten a teensy bit picture happy with him.

So that was our California Christmas in a nutshell. Every time I visit my Granny and Papa's house I'm reminded what it truly feels like to be home. Do you know what I mean? It smells the same, looks the same, and is always waiting there for you to come back.

I've missed you all and can't wait to catch up on your Christmas adventures as well!

We will now return to our regularly scheduled programming. ;)

Rockin' around the ribbon Christmas tree!

Helloooooo blogging world! I feel so distant, I haven't been on blogger since Friday! But for good reason. I must admit I've been telling a little white lie. I'm writing this blog from my Granny's computer in sunny, well, rainy Wasco, CA today.

Mine and Bryan's "road trip" that I talked about in my last post Thankful Thursday post, was really a 16 hour road trip with my mom, brother, and sister down to California to surprise my Granny and Papa for Christmas! They knew that mom, Wes and Hanna were coming but had no idea Bryan and I were coming as well. Needless to say after a VERY long car ride, playing musical seats in the van because staying in the same seat for too long got boring, and a couple of sugary drinks later, everything was worth it when we walked in their back door and Granny was so surprised she started crying :) Happy tears of course!

It's already been a whirlwind, and I have so many pictures already, however, first thing's first. I FINALLY have a Christmas craft to share with everyone!!! These little beauties that my Granny and Aunt Lizzie made - ribbon Christmas trees

Super cute, right? Well, I think so at least, I'm going to try my best at explaining how to make them. I know I'm a little late, but all of the Christmas ribbon will be on sale after the holidays so maybe you can make these next year :)

Things you'll need:

-1 inch ribbon, all different Christmas colors

-1 box of size 17 dresser pins (we used Singer brand)

-foam cones (we got ours at the dollar store by the fake flowers and floral foam) but you can also get them at Michael's

Directions:

1. Cut the ribbon into 4 inch pieces

2. Fold each ribbon piece hamburger style (from frayed end to frayed end) and starting from the bottom to top, place them around the bottom of the cone, securing each side with a pin on each side.

3. Make the rows overlapping each other until you can't see the Styrofoam anymore

4. Top your ribbon tree with whatever you like, homemade star or angel maybe?

So there we were, all the ladies sitting at the table making these cute ribbon trees, and my husband says, "You should make a ribbon angel to put on top of the tree." I said, "Yeah right! I'd like to see you make a ribbon angel, psh!"

So, sure enough, he tried and didn't stop until he tried. AND they were actually really cute!

 -This is his, "I'm going to prove you wrong look"-

 -Hanna's tree on the left, mine one the right, and Bryan's angels on top-

-Yay! Merry Christmas-

Hopefully my half-attempted tutorial made a little sense? I'm so sorry if it didn't, I'm just SO excited I finally have a Christmas craft to share with everyone, even if it is only 4 days till Santa comes...

Favorite Things Friday

This is it folks! My last "favorite things Friday" posts :) It's been fun thinking about my favorite things every week, it makes me remember that I am truly blessed. Well, I have just a few more faves to share with you! 

I am in LOVE with my stocking for Christmas this year :) It just makes my heart happy! If you are interested in finding a SUPER cute stocking for pretty cheap - TARGET! I just love that this will be my stocking for as long as it lasts. Sure I've had stockings before, but this one seems special, it will represent our first Christmas together as a married couple.

I don't know about your beauty regimen in the morning, but mine doesn't always include makeup, sometimes I try to give my face a break. But when I do wear it, I love it. I LOVE make up. All make up. And if I had to pick my one favorite thing I use, it's gotta be my eye liner, L'Oreal Lineur Intense felt tip liquid eyeliner in carbon black. It gives a really sharp smooth looking line and doesn't smudge during the day like I find other eye liners do. However, contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a super steady hand, this eye liner is pretty forgiving :) LOVE it!

And last but not least, these two... 

Walking through Target last night, watching Sophie sit on Bryan's shoulders and them laughing and talking together, just brought pure joy to my heart. 

I hope your weeks have been quick and painless!! ONE week until Christmas, can you believe it?! I won't be blogging until probably about Monday, I hope you all have an amazing weekend with loved ones!

Favorite Things Friday

We made it my friends, another week down in the books :)

Before we start what my favorite things are, I'd really like to share a thought with you, I was watching the Barbara Walters special about the most fascinating people of 2010, and her first person was the actress Betty White. Sweet Betty said something that's had me thinking all evening and morning. She said her parents told her they never wanted to hear her say, "I didn't realize how blessed I was at that moment until now." Her parents told her to stop and realize it! That was so profound to me...I feel like I need to start realizing as well. What a great thought! :)

Ok, for any of you that know me and/or have gotten to know me through this blog, you know that without a doubt, I LOVE/ADORE/AM MAD ABOUT pictures. And with the Christmas holiday rapidly approching us, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite Christmas memories in photos :)

 Memories of Christmas's at Granny and Papa's :)

 Memories with my brother and sister - please don't mind my HUGE bangs

 Our family Christmas photo at Snoqualmie Falls

 The lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Seattle

 Sophie's first Christmas <3

 Ugly Christmas sweater/ties :)

 Christmas 2008 - the night before Bryan proposed

 Our Christmas present to Hanna last year - TAYLOR LAUTNER

She loved it! :)

I can't wait to take more picture memories this Christmas!!!

Happy Friday everyone! 15 days!!!

Thankful Thursday

 32. Harley - If you didn't think I was a crazy cat lady already, this may be the deciding factor. My cat was looking extra fluffy last night and kept hanging over the back of the stool like this, and was being totally cute so I decided he needed a photo shoot, I may be biased, but he's pretty stinkin cute. Until I have babies of my own, be prepared to see photos of him :)

 "No Edward, you do it like this!"

 "Please Mom, no more pictures"

33. Having cable again - Listen, we have been without cable or any kind of television for that matter, for two and a half years. There was a great deal on cable since we already receive our internet through DirectTV, so we decided to go ahead and do it. Can I just tell you how much I've TOTALLY missed the Food Network?! I'm not kidding, Bryan may come home someday soon and see me pretending to have my own cooking show in the kitchen. Just sayin... :)

34. The thought of sugar cookies - I had a MAJOR sugar cookie fail last night. I was beating the dough in one of my older stock pots because it's the deepest bowl shaped thing I have, and after it had chilled in the fridge, I went to pull it out and there were little black specks in the dough from when the beaters were hitting the bottom of the pot. I was sooo bummed, it was a double batch too! However, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again :) Right? Right.

35. My sister Hanna - This photo just makes me smile. Hanna came to our house to witness said sugar cookie fail, but despite the chaos in the kitchen, all she wanted to do was show Bryan and I her new favorite song, it's called "On the Brightside" by Never Shout Never. I love her so much, and love that she has so much passion for the things in her life, including music. But the look on Bryan's face is priceless... LOL



36. The Sing Off - I'm not sure if most of you are aware of my love for acapella music. I wrote about it yesterday and said it brings tears to my eyes because it truly does. I wish I had a fraction of the talent those groups do on this show. But our favorite group of the season thus far is Committed :) Seriously, sends chills down your spine...

What are you thankful for this week my friends? :)

Potpourri

This is post of a few different things! 3 posts in 1 day?! I know, I'm nuts!  I'm going to go ahead and call this one Potpourri - or Poperee as I like to spell it. :)

First I'd like to take a minute to share with you about my co-worker and friend, Ruth. She taught me how to knit, she was my favorite thing, and I love her! I wanted to brag about her new shop on Etsy! She is selling beautiful homemade Christmas ornaments. If you are looking for a different and meaningful kind of gift this Christmas, and one that will last a lifetime, please see her shop here :)

Second, I've been tagged by Amanda at Just an Average Girl and Sarah at This Writer's Journey in their lists of four. I highly suggest you check out their blogs, both are GREAT girls with fun blogs :) Now let me make this list, and check it twice:

1. Four shows that you watch:

- Gilmore Girls (on DVD of course since it's not on regularly anymore-tear)

- ANYTHING on the Food Network

- Glee

- Grey's Anatomy

2. Four things you are passionate about:

- Family

- My husband

- Helping others any way I can

- Being a positive light in someone's life. I try to make sure I always walk in the room the right way :)

3. Four phrases you say a lot:

- "Ohmylanta!"

- "Shut up..."

- "I love you :)"

- "That's fine."

4. Four things you've learned from the past:

- The one thing that will stay with you if you let it is your pride. Sometimes you've got to let it go, it might surprise you how much better you are without it.

- If I don't do the laundry today, there will be TWICE as much tomorrow.

- Love with all your heart, and don't ever let telling someone you love them pass you by.

- Everything happens for a reason. Word.

5. Four places you would like to go:

- Granny's for Christmas... SO jealous my mom and siblings are going.

- Disneyworld! And Universal Studios to visit Hogwarts of course :)

- Shopping... does that count?

- Greece - someday...

6. Four things you did yesterday:

-  Watched Glee and The Sing Off when Bryan got home from work :) I <3 our new DVR

-  Was in a funky mood, but snapped out of it by the end of the day

-  Attended a staff meeting

- Thought about Christmas gifts I still need to buy.

7. Four things you are looking forward to:

- Short term: Hello!!! CHRISTMAS!!!!! :)

- Short term: Making sugar cookies with my sissy :) Hanner Bananner!

- Long term: Owning our own house... ah yes, that sounds wonderful.

- Long term: Being a mommy - my ultimate goal :)

8. Four things you love about Winter:

- Well up until November snow... I guess I'm still excited for that if it doesn't get crazy again!

- Hello!!! CHRISTMAS!!!! ;) Obviously I should have put I'm also  passionate about Christmas...

- Wearing warm clothes, I love jackets, zip ups, scarves... Yes!

- Spending more time with family


9. Four other great girls and blogs you should checkity check out:
Listen, I can't pick just four, I have so many great girls and blogs I follow, so if you are reading this and you have the time, would you include this fun little survey in your next blog and leave me a comment letting me know? I would love it :)




Third - if anyone asks what I want for Christmas, just tell them this dog, or one that looks just like it. That's all. 

(Shelty-Pomeranian mix aka cutest dog EVER!)

Aly and Molly's Christmas Blog Challenge - Day 10

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditionsDay 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & TricksDay 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday seasonDay 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show SpecialDay 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)Day 8: Least favorite thing about the HolidaysDay 9: Favorite Holiday recipeDay 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/CarolesDay 11: New Year ResolutionsDay 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outside)Day 13: Favorite Cookie RecipeDay 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

I couldn't pick just one! I have a couple that give me the warm fuzzies :)

(click on the song to hear the musicy goodness :)

A Christmas to Remember - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins

Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg

Another Year Has Gone By - Celine Dion

Christmas Time is Here - A Charlie Brown Christmas 

The Neverending Weekend

Everyone remember that movie, The Neverending Story, with the giant flying dog and crazy mythical things that happened? I feel like that was this past week for me - minus the flying dog and creatures. Last Monday we had a half day due to the snow, we were off of work Tuesday as well, had a scheduled half day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving and then Saturday and Sunday. I feel like I've had a 7day weekend! So, I'm sure you can imagine there has been a LOT that has happened! I just wanted to share a couple pictures of our neverending-adventures :)

Thursday was Thanksgiving and we ate some really yummy food at my mom's house :) Thanks Mom, I always love filling my belly with your Thanksgiving yummyness!

 Mom and I - pre chop

 This is my, "Hanna, we're taking some pictures today whether you like it or not"

 Mmmm, some real home cookin! 

 Bryan and the turkey candle

 Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple

The kids- Hanna, Bryan, Me, Gabby and Wes

Friday=Black Friday shopping and death of my long hair day, that got it's own blog post and pictures

We caught up on much needed sleep, including Harley even though that's all he ever does anymore!

Saturday we spent good time with family, Bryan's cousin Matt (who was the best man in our wedding) was in town on school break, we got together and played some good ol' fashion beer pong! But believe it or not we fill the cups with water and play in the living room because we are big babies and don't want to play outside in the cold! I loved this picture, Matt was telling them what was up! 

We also ate some UH-mazing green salsa verde, which I will be sharing the recipe with you later this week, if you like cilantro and jalapenos, you will LOVE this! :) PS who knew tomatillos were so yummy?!

We also had time to be silly :) My fave

But finally every adventure has to come to an end, even a neverending one... The laundry and dishes are both completely done - I don't mean to toot my own horn but, toot toot! :)

There has also been lots of hot cocoa drinking, fuzzy blanket cuddling, and quality time spending in this neverending weekend. Tomorrow morning it's back to reality, but until then I'll stay comfy in my fuzzy socks, admire the twinkle lights I put up (a little crookedly) and drink my sleepy time tea.

A BIG thank you and hugs to everyone who made this last week a memorable one!

I hope you all had just as amazing weekends/long weeks as I did! :) 

Back to the Christmas Blog Challenge tomorrow!