things done, things to do

I'm in Utah now and just arrived yesterday after a great few days in the sun of Oahu. What a great trip! I'm glad we went. Mark talked me into going anywhere (are you thinking 'had to?') ... I really was done flying after October. I'm glad he did, even though the flying has been hard. Mont does well, but flying is just hard. For me, Mark loves it. Those baggies are my besties.

The fun in the sun only was for 1 of the 3 beach days (rainy!), but I got a touch of color to make me feel less like a character in Twilight... always good to be less sparkly, right? Being with my family was so relaxing and nice, fun, eating and sleeping, resting and then Mont getting bruises all over the place.

We had our small little Christmas before we left, and had our annual (or bi-annual if I have anything to say about it! I could eat it every single day) monkey bread... pulls apart with almondy syrup? deeelicious.

Mont had too many presents to play with at once, including things for Mark to 'help' him with: a remote control Deere tractor, and a remote control helicopter (Mont loves those things).

Watching A Christmas Story while cleaning up and cooking our small celebratory dinner (turkey breast in a crock pot! Dad's herbed recipe is scrumptious + mashed potatoes - easy!).

Still to do, pizza party tomorrow, Christmas Eve fireside in the Reeder's basement + shows (Mark and Michael are going to do something ridiculous, I just know it). Opening presents (or watching Molly open her presents! lucky duck), more monkey bread! (yes yes please please!), Christmas dinner, carols (I've already been heating up those Steinway ivories!), and pictures in front of the tree.

The heat was grand, and so is the warm and toasty cocoa.. Christmas is the best and greatest!

It is after midnight now, making it Christmas Eve! My eyes are heavy and my brain is fuzzy.. this entire post just might make absolutely no sense. And with that.. sweet dreams.

a pre'ception

One week ago was a pre-wedding reception at a friends home from the ward. Walking in to the sounds of piano and laughing was a great first impression. After taking off my snowy boots, I walked through the line in my thankfully new socks (pre-Christmas gift to myself) and talked about the nice warmth of St. George with the new in-laws.

Then ... I saw the cakes! So wintery and perect!

.. let it snow let it snow!

Tonight: we came home from a White Elephant with my own Judo 2nd Place trophy from '97... a plumbing soldering kit...$15 Coldstone card... and ... did I mention my trophy? Mark wanted it back way more than me. I was ready to sing my partings to those embarrassing memories.

Dear Santa..

I think he was trying to tell me,

"Please let me have a scarf... without a flower."

Don't let this face fool you - right after I took this picture he gave me one big cheeeeeesy grin. Sorry I ruined the moment with my flowery warmer! It was the closest thing to the door that could keep his face from freezing! We had to get him out there after his nap and before the night took over! We were in a time crunch... yes?

hooks and rocks

My facebook events and messages didn't let me forget (thank goodness.. remember this?) that I had a "Hooks and Rocks" open house today, featuring a few of my friends and their designs. I have been anxious to remember this one since I missed their last one.

I bead. Yes. But when I saw Rachel's beautiful designs, I stopped. Lame, I know. There was no competing! .. I've started up again just recently.. thanks to a certain friend and her fun fun request!

Can you blame me for being awestruck?

 So lovely. There are so many choices of stone, pearls, metal, or all three together! Here's a pic of her info if you have inquiries:

Also there were keychains, buttons, bows, flowers, and bibs done by my friend Lindsay who has started LP Designs. Her email is LP.Designs@yahoo.com if you're interested in these fun things. I snatched up a keychain.

(It can fit on my wrist while I juggle bags and my funny little Montster who broke my favorite keychain when he didn't want to let go at the same time I didn't want to let go. Oops.)

And just so I could spend a little more, dang it, they had to have Scentsy there. Talk about holiday spirit in the form of yummy smelling wisps! So easy to burn and far better than candles.. they smell like the real thing!