Decorating the Tree 101

First, set out all of the boxes.

Second, empty out EVERYTHING!  It gives you an idea of what to set out, because you dont have to set out everything, just pick some favorites or different things from last year's layout.

Next goes up the lights, then layer on the ornaments.  We went with our childhood favorites & newly acquired hodge podge bunch!

Place the star on the tree!  Our star is special to us and a tradition my parents started.  Take cardboard, cut it into the shape of a star, and then carefully wrap it in foil.  Poke a hole in the middle where the light can shine through!

After it is finished, carefully spread the Christmas tree skirt underneath.  This one was crocheted by my Aunt Phyllis!

And last, if you desire, place tinsel all over the tree (we have yet to do this, and I'm very anxious to do so).

One of our special traditions around the holidays, is to eat Hershey's Kisses (of all kinds and varieties) and put them together to make a strand/chain of Kisses!  This is how we store ours year to year.

It looks like a perfectly homey Christmas tree!

Ben's Latest & Greatest!

Ben is so proud of his latest purchase.  He has grand plans for this tank!  It sits right across from Little Jack's (my fish, a convict) tank in the dining room.

The purchase came with 2 boxes of fish necessities too!  Great buy!

Here are our new fishies that came with the 70 gallon fish tank! We have 2 oscars, 2 silver dollars, 1 angel face, 2 goldfish, 1 plecostomus, 1 algae eater, and a little shark (not pictured, he's kinda shy).

The oscar is the size of Ben's hand.

Day #61

So I wore my black skirt, gray shirt, white over shirt/vest, black necklace & earring combo, my white watch, and my NEW SHOES! They are sparkly gray, black & white.  My hair is up in a top bun with a black ribbon around my head.

I took the picture in front of our latest cord of wood (thanks ben!) and above my head is the wonderful sweet cinnamon smelling pine cones (thanks ben x2!).

Day #60

I had fun wearing this outfit today!  DI blue skirt, with blue t-shirt that's tucked in (I think I liked the tucked in style today and will have to try it some more) and my cream sweater-like top with white shoes.  I wore my hair is a curly side pony.

Temple Square visit

On Saturday we went to see the lights!

This is Ben & I plus Ben's parents: Debra & Kenneth!

Ben & his Mom!  Such a sweet picture!

My attempt at taking a picture of the big trees covered, seriously COVERED with lights!  

It was beautiful & cold! If you get the chance to go, you should go!

Day #59

I wore my brown boots, brown skirt with an orange flower print on the bottom corner, orange t-shirt with a white tank top underneath, and a brown striped over shirt with a dark brown belt.  I have on my orange heart ring, my brown hoop earrings, and my hair is straight in a side pony.

I am standing next to my Christmas tree that we decorated tonight.  Shout out to my Aunt Phyllis who made the beautiful Christmas tree skirt for us! And gotta love the fun hand made & collected over the years ornaments!  So excited for the Christmas season this year!  My heart is in a good place and I'm ready to remember the birth & love of my Savior!

Day #58

My new speckled skirt that I got from... DI!!!  I love the colors.  I feel like I'm wearing a box of nerds or something!  I matched brown & pink with it although it could go with any color!  Brown and pink top combo plus the combo on the shoes!  My hair is straight. 

Today was a great day being back after break, I was dreading it (you never know how the children will be) but today was amazing & great!  :)

Table Setting

Here is a simple way to do a Christmas themed table setting.  Buy a scarf and use that as a table runner. Then buy simple ornaments or bows to add.  Also, I suggest using candles.  Whether its the chunky kind or long skinny candles, use them!

Thanksgiving Day

Just a bunch of pictures to remember each moment!  Happy Thanksgiving 2012!

Thank You Mom!

A big shout out to my wonderful mommy!  She is the best person I know!  I love her so much.  She is so thoughtful, strong, brave, beautiful, willing to serve, encouraging, fun and loving!  I am jealous of anyone she spends her day with cause they get a hug from her!

Right now, she is giving her time and serving my Aunt Phyllis who has leukemia and is in the transplant phase of this whole process.  She flew out to Phoenix today on Thanksgiving.  All day, I thought about my Mom and how much she cares about her family and how ready & willing she is to serve!

I know it is hard on the family at home she left to be away from her for so long, but they will also be blessed because of Mom's service!  I feel her love in my life daily.

In the picture above are the newest Christmas ornaments for our yearly tradition.  I appreciate and look forward to this!  So thank you MOM!  I love you and am thinking of you today!

Busy Week

Monday we had the sister missionaries over for dinner.

Tuesday night we went to see Savior of the World at the Conference Center Theater.  What a wonderful production!

Wednesday we all had off and we planned, cleaned, baked, sewed, and went last minute food shopping.

Here are my contributions for this year's Thanksgiving Feast:

Cheesecake & Green Bean Casserole: