Gifted

In keeping with tradition, we had a little "Christmas Morning" but this one was actually in the evening. I am not sure what I was thinking, more like I wasn't, but the only pictures I took were of my mom. In a way, it kind of shows where my concern was.

I made her a necklace, with the locket she had doted on before, and filled with our pictures.

Just like a planter I made her for Mother's Day when I was a little girl, Grace helped me put photos into this one.

Her "big" gift was a vintage, ornate, bubble glass frame with our family photo.

She LOVED all of her gifts.

Alexis, I spoiled rotten, but because Mom was coming to Arizona with us for Christmas I only let her open a couple gifts and made her swear an oath not open the rest until Christmas morning at our cousin's house.

She ALSO loved all of her gifts.

A Break in the Clouds

This year's winter trip to Utah was overcast with many worries. However, days like this prove that even in the midst of life's storms the clouds will part and you can feel rays of happiness.

Lex took us to this teeny, tiny thai restaurant that was BIG on taste.

That's her with the owner.

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?

Next stop, The Beehive Tea Room. She knows her big sister well.

We walked around the corner to a super cute book store and posed for some cheesy pictures.



Frosty Darling has been on my list of places to visit for a long time, and I FINALLY got the chance. I was not disappointed...total cuteness overload! I recognized the wares of many fellow Craft Lake City artists.







Grace had spent the night with Aunt Jen and Uncle Ken, and having made the most of being "Schmoo" free, we made our way to Bountiful to retrieve her. She had clearly had more fun than she could handle, because this is how she ended up when we stopped for Chinese.

That was one tired kid!

The day couldn't have ended more perfectly... Settlers anyone?

P.S. Unfortunately, the day's excitement took it's toll that night. Grace, Alexis, and I got extremely sick. Like, I felt I was on death's door. Turned out Alexis had walking pnemonia, my symptoms were the same as hers, and Grace got well the quickest. It was totally worth it though!

Take My Advice...

If you visit Salt Lake City you ABSOLUTELY MUST GO TO THE PORCUPINE! This is why...

You will thank me later!

30 Before Thirty: #22 - Send Out Christmas Cards

I FINALLY did it...send Christmas cards that is! And the BEST part is, I GOT some too!

This is how I like to display the cards we receive.

Once I take them down, they have a lovely home in this Christmas scrapbook. It is so fun to browse through the cards from the past. Families change so much from year to year.

The 12th Day of Christmas

Grace got a double treat...

To open a few gifts to make the next days trip to Utah more fun...

This DVD player was practically BRAND NEW from a yard sale for...get this...$20.
(all the accessories were still in plastic!)

AND decorate cookies.

The 7th Day of Christmas

We Made Gifts for Grace's Pre-School and Dance Classes

The 5th Day of Christmas

We Visited the Temple.

AND
Ate All of the Cupcakes We'd Made