The other days before Christmas!

I can't believe that Christmas is just a few days away. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!

I have been SO very busy that I feel like I have been SO stressed and haven't been able to full enjoy everything this season. Although this countdown thing has been a lot more work than I realized it would be, I do have to say that I am grateful I have done it, because it has helped me focus on doing fun things with my kids and husband everyday, and setting the busy, not so important things aside. So onward with the countdown!!

TODAY!
Our plan is to go and see the lights at either Temple Square in SL or go to Thanksgiving Point to drive through an area of lights in our car. It all depends on the weather! Either way ... lights is the plan!

Day 22

We invited Bryson's cousin's over, that just had a new addition come into their family, over to our house to play and make some sugar cookies! YUM


Day 21
We got about a foot of snow ... so we pushed aside mommy's todo list and decided to go sledding. Bryson was scared to death of sledding, chad LOVED it! It was a great day!

Day 20
We went to dinner with our friends here:It took over an hour to get our food ... but the company was great, the waitress was just the sweetest little latino lady I have ever met, and the food was pretty good. Thanks Doug and Heather for inviting us!

Day 19
We watched the Polar ExpressBryson doesn't watch a lot of TV, however he is starting to like a few movies. He was GLUED to the TV for about a half hour! He LOVES the ChoChoo movie (as he calls it) and begs to listen to the song "hot chocolate" over and over again in the car.
We also got them new outfits just for Christmas for Church. I think they are handsome, but I am just a bit partial to these little guys!

Day 18
Today Adam finished his finals, so in celebration of 3 WHOLE WEEKS off of school, we went on a date!
Yummy dinner here And went to see this movie:
We also prepared a few batches of yummy carmel chocolate popcorn.
This is the popcorn they made the day I did my spot on Studio 5. One of my favorite things about going up there, is that I get to taste the recipes. THIS IS TO DIE FOR!!! Click here for the recipe!
Day 17
I read one of my favorite Christmas Stories with the boys:

It is about time ... now isn't it!

With the holidays, and everything that comes with it, I have had a harder time, trying to find time to update you all on the 25 day countdown. I will get going on that this evening!

But lets at least pick a winner, shall we!
First for the doodlebug products .... drum roll please!

Pam said...
I have followed your blog for quite awhile. I would love to win this giveaway. My recipes are a disaster...scraps of paper thrown in a cookbook. Everything else is extremely organized in my life, but I really need help with this!

CONGRATULATIONS PAM!!! Please email me your address so I can get this stuff sent off to ya!

And for the Master Menu Cookbook ... another drum roll ... from the little drummer boy (I need a coke today, can you tell?)

Heather V said...
I would love to win either of these wonderful prizes! My future husband is an extremely picky eater, so any and all recipes that he will eat go in my recipe box - which is in total disarray. Thanks for the chance!

Congratulations on getting married Heather! That is so exciting!
Just so you know Heather, my husband Adam is a "particular" eater too. He likes what he likes ... but 5 years has really helped. He is much more willing to at least try new things. Hopefully this will help ya! Be sure to email me so I can get your address as well!

It snowed a foot today at my house ... we weren't expecting a white Christmas this year, so I am THRILLED!
Hope you're enjoying your day!
M

Studio 5 Excitement

Recipe Organization Overhaul!!!

So I have to admit, I have been working on this system for quite some time, and now I have finally completed it! Thanks Studio 5!

I mentioned on the segment some fun tips and giveaways ... and so lets get to the first giveaway! (That is right ... there will be 2!!!)

I created my Recipe Binders using this DARLING product from Doodlebug Design.Doodlebug has been SO generous in giving away a lucky reader some of these cute products so you can get to start your new recipe binder. Leave a comment to tell me why you deserve to have these products!!

Next is something I didn't get a chance to talk about on Studio 5, because there wasn't time! A few years back I got this book.
IT CHANGED MY LIFE! and I'm not just saying that ... nor is the author giving me anything for endorsing her book. Up until 3 days ago, I never knew Marie Ricks ... but now after meeting her I respect her even more. What an amazing and talented person. Her website is www.houseoforder.com

In this book is some AWESOME tips for Menu Planning. I don't know if you're like me, but I often find myself wondering at 5pm what is for dinner, and then if I am too tired to do anything about it ... it is the $5 hot and ready option :)

As I was hoping to explain how amazing this system is ... I found a website that is FREE until January! They will start charging to sign up in a few weeks, so I thought I ought to let you know about it! Go here!


This website allows you to create a meal plan by Selecting pre uploaded recipes, or uploading your own recipes. Then it will calculate what you need to buy at the grocery store, according to your menu plan, You can add it to your phone so you can check off the things you buy! (This would be fantastic for me, because I always loose my list before I get to the store :)

Each week I plan out a menu of what I am going to eat each night. Then I make a list of the ingredients and head to the store. This will help you prepare so you get a wide variety of foods, and can do it quickly!

If online isn't your first choice, I am giving away Marie's other book: This is a $10 value, and really great to get you started! Be sure to leave a comment.

I will pick one winner randomly for the Doodlbug Prize, and one for the Book! If you become a follower of my blog, You can have 3 chances of winning! Good Luck!
M

I Promised!

So I told you I would be back. I think I am ready to go for Studio 5 tomorrow! The stress is in preparing, and before a blink of a second, it is all over! I can't wait to tell you more!

Day 16, Today
Me and the kids did a little going around town, and even stopped at our favorite bakery (Lehi Bakery) to get the most amazing Maple glazed donut you have EVER had! So the boys thought their day was fun!

But more importantly, this 25 day count down is supposed to include already planned ideas. Adam was in school tonight, so I got a babysitter and went to a fun little holiday gathering with some of my college friends. The food was AMAZING! The company even better, and Becky's house ... can you say Unbelievable!
Thanks so much Becks for the best holiday party ever.
PS ... Becky is selling a bunch of scrap stuff for a killer deal. Click here for the details!

Lets get down with the Count-down!
On the 15th Day of Christmas,
We made those ever so popular Candy Cane Reindeer. The boys just LOVED it! Don't as me what crazy person thought of this idea with a 2 year old and 1 year old. Fuzz balls + Candy Canes + Pipe Cleaners + Hot glue = a crazy mess ... but loads of fun!

On the 14th Day of Christmas,
We went Christmas Caroling with the Youth Group in our area. Don't ask me why I didn't get a picture of it. Adam was at School so I bundled up the boys and we walked around with them. They loved every minute. (**Picture taken last spring)

And on the 13th Day,

We delivered our first round of the 12 Days of Christmas.
I was in charge that night. I knocked on the door and ran faster than I had in a while.
Not only did I get the gift of giving, but I also received by getting my exercise for the day! It was AWESOME!**Note, this is only for the purposes of giving you a picture of how you might view me hiding in the trees! Not to be taken serious for a great photoshop photo, although, if you really think it is good ... I CAN be hired ::)

Studio 5! Again!

I have the opportunity to go onto Studio 5 again on FRIDAY!!

As exciting as this is, it also has swallowed much of my time the last few days. I am continuing on with my Countdown, but just wanted to make you aware that I will be back shortly! I can't wait to show you what I am creating!!! HINT: It has to do with Recipe organization!! wink wink!
M

On the 12th Day

We made some YUMMY Gingersnaps!

My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me. These ACTUALLY stay soft and the dough is REALLY good!
Hope you enjoy!

GINGERSNAPS!


1 1/2 c shortening
2 c sugar
1/2 c molasses
2 eggs
4 tsp baking soda
4 c flour
1 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp vinegar

Cream shortening & sugar. Add molasses & eggs, beat well. Do the rest & mix well, chill, form into balls & roll in sugar, bake 350 for 8 to 10 minutes, don't overbake, I do 9 minutes.

This kind of makes a big recipe, so you can bake & freeze or just freeze the dough for later.

On the 11th Day

Okay, so first a winner:

Amelia said...
Thanks for another chance to win!

Congratulations Amelia!

So for the 11th Day ...

I decided to use an idea I got on the Rachel Ray Show a few months back. A guy named Jim came on the show with his daughter Allie to show people how to make these darling pancakes. (Here is a link to his blog: click here)
I was SO impressed by the segment that I thought I would try it. Here is the the link to the segment!
So first I purchased these bottles at my local Bed Bath and Beyond.Next I tried my best to make them look like above, and I was somewhat successful, but not as great as he is by ANY means!So I thought I would share a few tips, just in case you want to try it too!

Give yourself PLENTY of time, especially on your first try. I told my boys we were making pancakes, and they got REALLY impatient with me cause I was taking too long!
I just used Bisquick. Make a bigger batch than you normally make. I usually like to make Whole Wheat pancakes for my boys, but I thought, hey today is a fun day right?
I also just used regular food coloring. I thought his idea to use all natural coloring is a great idea though.
BE SURE TO BLEND your pancake mixture REALLY good. Those lumps are a pain in the neck!
Only fill your bottles 3/4 full. The mixture grows as it sits!
Cook on a well med-low heated griddle. It allows the pancakes to cook slowly and not burn :) learned the hard way!
Fill in the border once it sits for a minute. Don't try to turn the border. It is a pain in the neck and my pancakes didn't turn out as well as they did when I filled them in!

Altogether, we had a fun time and the boys loved the pancakes (That includes Adam too!)

On the 10th Day

With so many fun events the past couple of weeks, I chose to end this week by reading something to my children that is very important to me. It is called "The Living Christ"This statement, along with the picture above hangs in our home. The statement professes my belief in Jesus Christ and is written by the Prophet of the LDS church and his 12 apostles.
{Just like the same church that existed in the New Testament}.

I get excited, as does everyone else does about this time of the year with so many fun crafty fun things going on. However the most important reasoning for celebrating Christmas lies within it's name ... and that is Christ. I wanted to share my love for the Savior with my two small boys. Although they are young, it is never too early to tell them the stories of Jesus. Regardless of our different beliefs, I felt it important to share the statement tonight. If you would like to read it ... click here

I know he lives! I know he is my Savior, that he atoned for my sins. I know that if we do all we can to follow him, that we will get to live with him again someday.
Merry Christmas

OH and don't forget to leave a comment on the post below to win an issue of the latest Tips and Tricks by CK. I will be picking a winner tomorrow!

AC Giveaway winner

And the AC Giveaway stuff goes to:

LINDSAY!!

just me and z said...

those tags are DARLING!! I love them! Thanks for sharing your "how-to"!
My daughter is very much into trains. She's 4. She asked Santa for a train for Christmas this year. So I guess mommy has to go shopping again now! :) And I only THOUGHT I was done! ;)
Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas

Congratulations Lindsay and be sure to email me your address so I can send you these goodies!

I'll have to do another post later about Day#10, but I thought ... HECK, I have already done 2 contests this week, why don't we do one more to finish off the week? What do you think?
I was given the opportunity to write an article in the latest Tips and Tricks: Stamps and Ink Issue for CKMy article talks mostly about Time saving tricks when it comes to Stamping.
Be sure to comment for a chance to win a copy of this special issue!
M

On the 9th Day ...

We went to go and see Santa Clause. This is something that Adam and I have done through our growing up, and so I thought that I would continue the tradition. Page printed in the 2009 December of Creating Keepsakes Magazine (and the new Everyday Moments special issue!)
This page displayed the first year Bryson saw Santa. Last year I wasn't very excited about our picture. It was just a snapshot from our ward (congregation) church Christmas party.I wish it had been a little better, considering it was Chad's first Christmas, however at least we have a picture with Santa :)
And now, for Today's picture ... which I am super excited about!
Bryson and Chad loved every minute, and especially since Santa gave them both a sucker!

Winner, and 6th day tags!

So I PROMISED that I would be telling you about these darling tags I made to go a top my 12-Days of Christmas bags. Well here is what they look like. Kinda fun eh?

Now I know you are all wondering, how can I make them myself? WELL Today I am a guest blogger on Creating Keepsakes Blog! I thought it would be a wonderful idea to give back to all you wonderful and creative people and give you all the opportunity to download the pdf file to make these tags. The 12 days of Christmas is such a wonderful activity to really give to someone in need, so I really encourage you all to do it, even if you don't use my tag template :) click here to access CK's blog and to download the tags.

And now for another really exciting giveaway ... American Crafts has teamed up with me to give you all a special treat! It will be a sweet giveaway of their new Christmas Line by Elizabeth Kartchner. Please be sure to comment and I will be picking a winner by Friday Morning.

As for the winner of Everyday Memories ... It is {drum-roll please}
michelle said...
I love all the family time- extended and immediate. Decorating the tree, baking cookies, exchanging gifts.....all the traditions that bring the family together. Plus, all the beautiful pictures that come out of it!
Email me michelle so I can get you your issue of Everyday Memories! Congrats!

And for the 8th day of Christmas, we will be making this DARLING Gingerbread Choo Choo Train {As Bryce would call it}. He has a fetish with trains lately, so I figured he would be more excited about the train than the house ... And lets all remember that my kids are both under 2 years old ... WHAT am I thinking :)
Happy Holidays!
M

On the 7th Day...

Do you remember this house? The one on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? It is one of those classic movies you could watch anytime of the year. I love Christmas lights, and I guess I have passed that love onto my boys. They are are obsessed with "LIKES" as they call them! In fact, there is one house across the street, with just the simple strand of lights along their roof line, and Bryson has to look at them every chance he gets. WOOOOOOWWWWW! Is what he and Chad say. Since today I am feeling a little under the weather, had one deadline due today, and two due tomorrow, we're going to take a nice little evening drive to look at lights. It just shows how simple this 25 day countdown before Christmas can be.

Be sure to comment on the post below for a chance to win an issue of Everyday Memories. OH and be sure to check back tomorrow for a winner, along with another fantastic contest from American Crafts and those cute tags I was so excited to share with you!

Happy light watching!

6th day before Christmas

Tonight we will be gathering together for a special family home evening. We are getting together with all my siblings and their families to prepare the 12 days of Christmas for families in need. We decided that we have more than we need, and rather than getting gifts for each other, we would take the money spent and serve others. Because we wanted to make sure that the kids still enjoyed serving, we decided to do this. I would LOVE to attach the cute tags we are using, but just know that they will be posted in a few days. :)

Instead, lets kick off the week with a giveaway!

It is such a great time to remember the things about the seasons you're living right now. In this Issue: I created a little seasonal album that describes the different things we do each season. Here is a little snip-it from the article.

Although CK could only disply one of the pages, I decided to include in the email the other pages in this little album!



Leave a note telling me your favorite thing about the Christmas Season, and enter to receive a copy of this AWESOME special Issue from CK. Contest ends Wednesday! GOOD LUCK!

5th Day of Christmas

We watched the Christmas Devotional as a family.
This is another great family tradition my family has been doing for years. The devotional consists of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing BEAUTIFUL Christmas music and the First Presidency and Prophet of the LDS Church speaking. The talks are mainly about Christmastime and the Savior. This brings the Christmas Season to a kick off for me and helps me remember that the Savior is the reason for the season. Regardless of your Religious beliefs, the talks are about Christ and will bring such a great Christmas feeling in your heart! Click here to watch it!

Fourth Day of Christmas

Just a fun coloring book and some crayons!

On the third Day of December

We read one of my most FAVORITE Christmas books.
I never thought it would be so much fun to teach my sweet boys about Christmas. This has really been a LOT of fun!

On the Second day of December

We're headed to the Festival of TREES!This is a tradition that my family has been doing since I was a little girl. It is a convention center in Salt Lake, filled with crazy amounts of trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, etc. for people to bid on. All of the proceeds go to Primary Children's Medical Center. Not only do you get to start the season with seeing some of the most awesome tree's ever, but you get to give a little back to sick kids! What could be better. (OH and if you attend, be sure to get some apples, covered in carmel sauce. It isn't your typical Carmel Apple, it is just sliced apples with an amazing carmel sauce on top ... and it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE! SERIOUSLY! I think this is one of the main reasons I go!)

If you're interested in going, and using this as one of your countdowns, here is the information:
EVENT: Festival of Trees benefitting Primary Children’s Medical Center
DATES: December 1‐4, 2010 (Wednesday through Saturday).
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day
PLACE: South Towne Expo Center
9575 South State Street, Sandy, Utah 84070
TICKETS: At the door‐‐$5.00 for adults; $3.00 for children ages 2‐11; $15.00 Family
tickets (good for Wednesday only, December 1). Family tickets will admit
up to six immediate family members.
Discount tickets‐‐$4.00 for adults; $2.50 for children (available at all
branches of Zions Banks).
Senior Citizens ‐‐ $4.00 Wednesday through Saturday.
PURPOSE: UEveryU penny raised helps children at Primary Children’s Medical Center.
HISTORY: For 40 years, the Festival of Trees has been a “Gift of Love” from
Utah to children. The Festival is organized by a volunteer board of 85
women who enlist time and talents from thousands of individuals,
organizations, businesses, and families throughout Utah and beyond.
Over $27.5 million has been raised for children at Primary Children’s
Medical Center through the Festival since 1971, with $1,522,497.58
raised last year.
ATTRACTIONS:
• Over 800 Christmas trees: Beautiful, whimsical, contemporary, and traditional! Trees
are decorated and donated by church groups, families, individuals, businesses, civic
organizations, and clubs.
• Playhouse Plaza: Child‐sized dream houses, dollhouses, rocking horses, and gazebos.
• Friendship Cards: Christmas cards to purchase and inscribe in honor of someone special.
• Sweet Shoppe: Holiday confections including fudge, divinity, pecan rolls, caramels,
dipped chocolates, truffles, caramel apples, cakes, and all kinds of breads.
• Gift Boutique: A shop featuring handcrafted treasures such as quilts, toys, Christmas
décor, handmade cards, jewelry, baby gifts, crafts, and much more!
• Centerpieces and Collectibles: Holiday centerpieces, table and mantle decorations.
• Aisle of Wreaths: Wreaths for the holidays and all seasons, door and mantel
decorations, and outdoor displays.
• Scones and Sweet Rolls: Festival favorites ‐‐ hot scones and sweet rolls!
• Gingerbread Village: Creations made with gingerbread, icing, and candy.
• Quilt Block: Beautifully made quilts in a variety of patterns, colors, and sizes.
• Activities Especially for Children: Small Fry Shop with a child’s budget in mind; Santa
Land where Santa listens to each Christmas wish; and Kids Korner with face painting, the
giant bubble machine, sand layering, and more!
• Entertainment: Choral and dancing groups, orchestras and instrumentalists from
10:15 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. each day.