The Holidays and So Much More

So I have been seriously slacking here on the family blog.  There have just been too many fun things that it overwhelms me a little.  First, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Alex was on home call so we were really limited with what we could actually do.  He ended up working most of the day and I spent the day feeling a little home sick watching the parade and preparing the food for dinner that night.  We went to a friends house with 5 other families and enjoyed a fabulous dinner and great company.  Since we had dinner with friends, Alex was a little stressed about not having leftover pie (apple pie). So I attempted to make my first pie ever.  Although it wasn't perfect, it turned out pretty darn good. Alex seemed to enjoy it since he ate 3/4 of the pie.  

The next fun thing to happen was my birthday.  I was so excited for my birthday this year.  I felt like that I was a small child and really anticipating a day that was going to be all about me and wondering what was in each nicely wrapped box.  Needless to say, Alex spoiled me (and that's an understatement).  I was so excited that I actually woke up long before he had to leave for work and he let me open presents then.  He had bought me the start of the Willow Creek Nativity (very few people know how badly I have wanted this), a pair of grey TOMS, and drum roll... a sewing machine!!!! I also got a sewing kit, a new coat, apron and the best spatula/spoon ever and money and gift cards to shop with!!!!

Love the sewing machine!!! Also, notice the cute sewing kit from my mother-in-law

When Alex got home from work he brought me these beautiful flowers

Alex was really stressed about trying to make this the best birthday since it was my first one married.  All I can say is that he has set the bar really high for the years to come.  

Naturally, the next thing to write about is Christmas! This being our first Christmas married Alex and I wanted it to be the best ever, it was.  We weren't sure how much money we would have to buy gifts but magically moonlighting became an option just in time.  Since the month started out tight we had very little money for an decorations. We knew we would need to buy a tree so we got our first tree. It was SO much fun to decorate it together while listening to Christmas music.

Because money was so tight at the beginning of the month, I knew if I wanted any decorations I would have to make them.  I fell in love with a wall decor item at Pottery Barn (which was WAY out of my budget) so I decided to make my own. I also made a wreath for the front door for $5.

Pottery Barns 

My version of the one above for 1/5 of the price

 Alex and I were able to do a lot of fun things all month to get ready for Christmas. One of them was to meet up with my sister and her family for the Macy's Christmas Land and Santa.  The line was never ending but after seeing their kids see Santa it was well worth it.  Plus the Christmas Land is fantastic.

Then the magical day came and we had so many gifts under the tree it took us hours to open.  Our family and friends were VERY kind to us.  By the time we got done it really looked like someone had robbed us.

Last but not least, came the New Year.  New Years Eve we spent with friends and it was a lot of fun playing games and snacking on treats.  Alex and I were the lame ones at the party and we left at 11:45 because Alex had to start a new rotation and he had to wake up at 6:00. New Years day was a bitter sweet day.  My sweet grandma passed to the other side of the veil that morning.  I was relieved she didn't have to suffer but heartsick she had to leave us.  I made a last minute trip to Utah to attend the services and see family.  I was very appreciative for all the love I felt from everyone.

Despite this rough start to the year I still feel incredibly hopeful for a wonderful year ahead.  I always love the power to start over and do good a new year brings.  If this year is half as good as the last year then we are in for some good things.