Christmas catch-up--back online! :)

It's been such a LONG time! For the fourth time since we've been married (which has only been about a year and a half), we moved AGAIN! Haha, this time, however, we plan on staying for at least an entire year--for which I am EXTREMELY happy about. :) 

Anyway, because of our move and financial reasons, we have been without internet since October! I didn't think it would be such a big deal--I mean, I grew up without internet, I don't NEED it, right? However, turns out that these days internet is rather necessary in our lives, and at the very least, it is extremely helpful to have. We have been holding out for free internet from Google Fiber (we see the trucks around town all the time!), but they have yet to make an appearance at our apartment complex, so this past week we re-budgeted and made some changes, and now we're finally online! :)

Okay, so after that long explanation (and partial venting on my part, haha), time for a little look at Christmas this past year!

Having our very own apartment this year, you know I was SUPER excited to decorate! I mean, decorating is at least half the fun of Christmas, right?? ;)

Our lovely little sparkly tree:

The weekend before Christmas my husband got SUPER sick, which is very unusual for him, and had to stay in bed all day. I still had some ornaments to finish from a Relief Society crafting activity I had attended with my mother (and of course I didn't actually finish the projects during the activity--haha, I never do!), so I stayed with him and worked on my ornaments. If not for 12+ hours of nothing else to do, I'm not sure I couldn't have gotten them done--thank goodness for silver linings! ;) 

And, funny story, at the time I bought my Christmas tree several years ago, I also bought several things to put together a matching Christmas wreath. Sadly though, I never got around to making it, and had all but given up on the endeavor. This year, however, I decided it was time--I started working on it early in December, but admittedly didn't finish until just a few days before Christmas--but I did finish! (I'm like Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, I can't NOT finish things, even if it takes me a few years :P)

Along with our tree and Christmas wreath, we continued our tradition (well, decided it would be our tradition now, haha) of getting a new nativity for our collection. Throughout the years I have collected a few nativities from around the world (we love exploring the different cultures). 

My mini-nativity from Mexico (this one fits in the palm of your hand!):

Olive wood from Israel:

Hand-painted from Mexico:

 Last year my husband and I were pursuing at Deseret Book and fell in love with this strange little Celtic Nativity, as well as an Eskimo Nativity; we couldn't afford to get both, so we drew straws and the Celtic won (remind you of FROZEN?):

But this year I finally got to go back and get the Eskimo one! (I have been waiting all year for this).

And now, last but not least, my FAVORITE Christmas decorations from this past year--stockings that my mother MADE for us! Aren't they so beautiful?? They even have our names embroidered on them--I have the best mom in the world! :)

On Christmas morning, Vera was the first to find her gifts under the Christmas tree--and didn't let them out of her sight the rest of the day!

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer

Another printable fresh in shop! :)

Chocolate Pretzels

Yay for Christmas--TREATS!!! :)

So many treats... so yummy...

Back to the Kitchen

Designer aprons by Carolyn :)

Does it come in.... pink?

Here Comes Christmas

For your edification:

Right off the press: DESERET NEWS, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16,2009

No Nativity in D.C.

This just in from Washington, D.C.:

The Supreme Court has ruled there will be no Nativity scene this year in the nation's capital. The ruling was not based on any religious principle, however. The problem stems from the inability of Nativity organizers to locate three wise men anywhere in the city. The search for a virgin continues.

On the bright side, there has been no problem finding enough donkeys to fill the stable.

Richard Ewing Davis Salt Lake City

(http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705344697/No-Nativity-in-DC.html)

How to Open a Chocolate Orange

A big thank you to Christian for this wonderful demonstration. :)

I love my job!

I love my job! I work at Riverwoods Imaging Center--Radiologist office--and it's the best job I've ever had. Even better, my good friend Kara now works there with me! It's so great. This year we had a Christmas party, and for dinner, they ordered us CARRABBAS! Can you believe that??? Ahh, the benefits of working for a doctor. I love it. :)

What Christmas Means

"Christmas means giving. The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Shall I Do Then with Jesus Which Is Called Christ?" Ensign, Dec. 1983, 3

The Message of the Season

"The message of this season that is applicable throughout the year lies not in the receiving of earthly presents and treasures but in the forsaking of selfishness and greed and in going forward, seeking and enjoying the gifts of the Spirit, which Paul said are 'love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law' (Gal. 5:22-23)."

James E. Faust, "A Christmas with No Presents," Ensign, Dec. 2001, 6

Angels Aiding Angels

Today I had the opportunity of witnessing the wonder of giving here at BYU: the Humanities College Sub-for-Santa project, Angels Aiding Angels. What a wonderful thing! This is why I love BYU. The students were so giving; I have never seen so many presents in my entire life! I'm so grateful that we could help out so many families this year. This is the meaning of Christmas.