Christmas Survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper. Unless the gift is too awkward to wrap.

2. Real tree or Artificial? 
Real.

3. When do you put up the tree? 

This year we had it up on the 4th


4. When do you take the tree down? 

The first year we were married, Matt took it down the day after Christmas so there wouldn't be any "Christmas" on my birthday. But I think last year it didn't get thrown out until after New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? 

I don't mind having it in small doses. It, however, does not like me.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? 

That's a hard one. The first thing that comes to mind is a collection of fancy barbie dresses my parents gave me.

7. Hardest person to buy for? 

My dad, hands down. 

8. Easiest person to buy for? 

Probably Sharon

9. Do you have a nativity scene? 
Nope

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? 

Neither. I won't be doing Christmas cards until Matt agrees to have pictures taken to use with them. And if that happens, I would be mailing them. I like snail mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? 

Well one year a used sweater of my mom's got wrapped as a present for me on accident. That was really interesting to open. But I can't really think of specific something that was meant to be a serious gift and I hated it. Probably some gift that someone gave to me as a combined Christmas/Birthday present.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? 

Home Alone 2

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? 

After Thanksgiving or later.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? 

Not that I can remember.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? 

My dad's ham with pineapple sauce. 

16. Lights on the tree? 

Colored lights that blink different patterns

17. Favorite Christmas songs? 

Winter Wonderland, Christmas in Killarney (the Bing Crosby version), It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas, Let it Snow, The Little Drummer Boy, stuff by Mannheim Steamroller or Trans Siberian Orchestra.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? 

I've always stayed home, but it would be fun to travel sometime.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? 

Cupid, Comet, Donner, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? 

Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? 

Usually we open present Christmas eve at my parent's and then Christmas evening at Matt's parent's. We open our presents for each other Christmas morning. Although, this year will be a bit different.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? 
Grumpy people and the amount of traffic and mass crowds. Oh, and screaming children. Especially ones who scream/yell at their mom for 20 minutes straight and so loud that I can hear them in each section of the department store. 

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? 

My favorite ornaments are these frosted white ones with silver snowflakes. But, all the rest of my ornaments are bright colors like turquoise, fuchsia, green, etc. 

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Didn't I already answer this?

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
A hippopotamus.

What's Up Lately

Well apparently time can sneak by and before you know it, it's been over a month since your last blog post. Sorry about that. I was having a hard time finding anything particularly worth writing about and so I was just keeping up with Media Monday. But then Matt sort of made a comment about how the blog had nothing new or interesting, it was just being filled with random "crap." So then I stopped blogging Media Monday as well.

But I'm back for now, so let's try to re-cap anything you've missed, shall we? In a fairly unorganized manner, mind you.

Another season has come and gone for U of U football. It had some ups and downs and definitely wasn't something to make us feared in the PAC 12 just yet, but the day will come, I tell you. Although the games were not always a happy ending, we did enjoy alternating games to go with my dad. Unfortunately my dad wasn't able to get work off for the last home game so my dad gave us the tickets for Matt and I to go together. Thanks Dad :)


We had a nice Thanksgiving. Meals covered for us at both sets of parents and lots of pumpkin pie. "Free Meal, Free, Free, Free Meal!" Cafe Rio anyone? :P We went to Matt's parents in the afternoon and spent some time there until we went to my parents for the evening. Luckily, this Thanksgiving my parent's house didn't turn out to be as barren as I was expecting since Emily has moved. My oldest sister and her family were in Utah and came to visit. They proved to be good company and I even got in a game of  Rummikub; which I won. I can't believe how old my nephew and niece are - teenagers, wth? So if they're teenagers and I'm still relatively young, does this make me the cool aunt?

After much dreaming and scanning real estate sites, we officially started our home search and have been pretty much searching all of November. That stuff is exciting, overwhelming, and terrifying all at once. Some homes are seriously weird. We're thinking we're set on something, but won't know for sure just yet.

December marks getting into the holiday spirit; or trying to at least. We went shopping for our Christmas tree, which I look forward to doing every year. We brought it home and got all the decorations out that day. Lights and ornaments on the tree, wreath on the door, Christmas scentsy out with a Christmasy scent, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, all make Christmas seem so much closer.

The first weekend of December we made our annual night out to the Festival of Trees. This year, like last year, we were able to go with our friends Whitney and Jon. It took us probably 15-20 minutes just to get off the freeway exit and then probably another 10 at least just to get into the parking lot. That place continues to get crazier every year. We browsed trees and had strollers run into us, admired gingerbread houses and had a little girl try to hold my husband's hand, took some pictures - a few with unwanted attendees who thought they were funny, and ate some scones, of course! No offense to kids or families, but I think they should make one night where it could just be adults. It doesn't even have to be a whole night, just 7:30-9:00 or something.

We also went to Zoo Lights today. It was our first time ever going. It was cold of course, but a fun thing to see. You don't really get to see many animals because it is night time and a lot of them are sleeping, but I'm glad we went and got to check it out. We also were able to see someone carving a block of ice into a big snowflake.

The ice sculpture is a little hard to see because there is a light up lion behind it, but it's a snowflake.

We were standing in front of a gingerbread house, but we're sort of covering all of the lit parts. 

So now we have a couple Christmas parties to attend, and we're hoping to find a good area to drive around and see Christmas lights. Anyone know of good places or have any suggestions?

M|m: It's My Favorite Holiday!

I love the 4th of July. Maybe because it gives me a chance to bring out my inner pyro... 

I have some great memories of participating in the neighborhood 4th of July parade with my dad when I was younger. It was fun to get decked out in patriotic style and throw candy from the back of his motorcycle. 

Here are some things that I think of when I think 4th of July.

BBQs

Fireworks!

Those who have fought and those who continue to fight to make our country what it is.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance, to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

If you're interested, read here to learn about some common 4th of July myths.

Christmas 2010

12.12.10

Christmas for Matt and I is split between our presents, the parents, and the in-laws. We spent Christmas Eve at my parents with a tasty baked ham and my dad's famous pineapple sauce for dinner  (among other things). Before we headed to my parents, Matt and I went to Best Buy as sort of a surprise to my parents, in order to find a Playstation Eye so that we could visit with my brother and his family who live in Washington.

Unfortunately, it took about an hour and a half to set it up due to internet difficulties and Emily and the boys weren't able to be there when we finally got it working. It was pretty neat to see my brother and his family while visiting, especially since I've never seen baby Evie except in a few pictures.

On Christmas we woke up in the morning, got ready, and did our own presents for each other before going to Matt's parents. This is one of my favorite parts about Christmas because I'm always excited to see what Matt has picked out for me. After we opened our stuff, we went and had some Lasagna for lunch at the Kaefer's and then opened presents for the THIRD time. It was fun! : D

We got some pretty great stuff from both sets of parents! Thanks to them, we are able to have a new set up in our bedroom rather than the hand-me-down stuff we had been using since we got married. It's lookin' pretty nice! We also got spoiled with various gift cards (love those), new sheets, cds, dvds, and some clothes. 

I didn't take pictures at any house except ours, so here's a few from Christmas morning. My mom has some pics on her blog of Christmas Eve if you'd like to see those.

Go Utes!

Getting some Kid Cudi Cd's

Modeling the new hoodie

My presents from Matt:
3 tops, "Hurley" Weezer Cd, new purse, MAC make-up, hat, key caps, and pretzel M&M's
Yipee!

Christmas Party

This is a little late, but I thought I'd post some pics.

We hosted a Christmas party on the 18th and invited our friends. It turned out to be a really fun night. Matt even mentioned that we should do it more often! We had a friend of ours cater some delicious yellow chicken curry and rice for the dinner. Shout out to Woot the owner of Ekamai Thai Curry! We also had egg rolls and spring rolls, salad, cheese and crackers, apple cider, hot chocolate (courtesy of my Keurig) and some awesome red velvet cake bites my sister brought.

We watched A Christmas Story, did a white elephant gift exchange, played games, and just had a good time visiting with everyone. Thanks so much to everyone who came and made it a good time! We'll for sure do it again.

More couples came after this picture was taken. Sorry I don't have one with everybody. :(

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in here

Getting ready to get that tree out

Here we go...

Preparing the top for the star

Stringing on the lights

Finished product

We also decorated a gingerbread house. It was pretty fun. I think this gingerbread kit was my favorite because it came with pre-made frosting. I'll have to keep that in mind for next year.

Matt's side

 All the Christmas decor is up now as well. I definitely did more decorating this year than last. It may or may not look like "Christmas" threw up in our front room. Eh, it's only once a year, might as well enjoy it to the fullest.

Annual Festival of Trees Visit

Matt and I have been going to the Festival of Trees every year since we were in high school. It is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. I love seeing all the trees, gingerbread houses and other homemade items. It's also nice to know that it benefits those in need just by us attending; which I think some people forget.

*Beware, the next few sentences are ranting*

There was a lady and her kids in front of us waiting to buy tickets and when she found out that each ticket was a dollar more than she expected she had a fit. Of course she still bought them, but I'm pretty certain she made the ticket lady give her a discounted rate because she complained so much. On top of that, one of her younger sons left the line while making some rude comment about them trying to charge extra and take advantage by asking for $5 instead of $4. I thought it was awful that she had made such a big deal about it and then passed that attitude on to her kids. This whole thing is a charity event for the Primary Children's Hospital people! Talk about no Christmas spirit.

Anyway, Matt and I had a good time scanning each aisle and eating our scones. After attending the festival, I now have a few ideas I'd like to try out on my tree this year...bring on the craft store and coupons!

I loved the cute elves people used in their displays this year.
I wonder where they got them. Anyone know?

The best gingerbread house, obviously.

Scones!

Our friend, Mr. marshmellow snowman

Holiday Scarves

A while back when Matt and I had just gotten married and my parents were moving, I noticed bags of yarn my mom was wanting to get rid of. There wasn't anything wrong with the yarn, but my parents were downsizing and my mom was trying to lessen some of the overflowing items from hobbies she has. Instead of giving the yarn away, I told her I'd take the yarn and use it to make scarves to give away for Christmas. So the yarn was packed up and moved to our apartment where it stayed in a closet and I eventually forgot about it. Two Christmases came and went and I didn't even remember. Then a couple months ago I was digging through the closet for something when I realized I still had it all. A little after that, a coworker told me she was going to be making fleece blankets for the Ronald McDonald house in Salt Lake. I thought it would be perfect if I could get some scarves done for her to give them along with the blankets. Unfortunately I didn't get to make as many as I would have liked (it had been years since I crocheted, and I was much slower than expected) but I'm still happy I was able to give them to people who might really enjoy them. Hopefully they're long enough for the people who receive them...I measured them based on how long they were on me, but then realized I'm shorter than most. Oops.

I almost wanted to keep that blue one...

I made 7 scarves in all. This picture just shows a couple more I had finished since I took the first.

M|m: Elf Yourself

25 things

I am thankful for - in no particular order

1. Parents and in-laws that enjoy having us over for meals
2. My warm bed
3. A car that runs
4. Furry little chewskis
5. Books to read
6. Not having to worry about buying groceries
7. My health
8. A happy home
9. Scented candles
10. My opportunity to finish college
11. My friends - late night talks, inside jokes, girls' night, and ethnic lunch dates
12. Family - immediate and extended
13. A job that is flexible and allows me to be creative and social
14. My keurig. I love that thing!
15. Football games with my dad
16. Lunches with my mom
17. My camera
18. The people who have made a difference in my life
19. Beautiful things in nature - rainy days, autumn leaves, snowflakes, spring flowers
20. The internet
21. My own laptop, so I don't have to share with Matthew :P
22. Memories
23. New experiences
24. Vacations
25. And of course, My Matthew who loves me

Happy Halloween!

Matt and I enjoyed our Halloween Eve at my sister's house. It was sort of a last minute thing, so I was happy that we were actually able to pull off some sort of costume with very little planning. It wasn't until Friday that we actually figured out we would be doing anything to celebrate. But by the time I got home from work, Matt had already decided on something and put together his own costume! I was surprised he would even be dressing up at all. Of course then I had to figure out something of my own. So off we went to dinner and the craft store.
On Saturday we got dressed up and headed out the door in order to arrive at my sister's before the Utah vs. Air Force game started. Matt took his laptop and was able to connect to a live feed online in order to watch it. So our Halloween was filled with costumes, pizza, candy, family, all topped off with a win by the Utes! Oh, and we must not forget the POURING rain! Poor trick or treaters.

Matt was a Chilean Miner.
Or if you don't think he looks Chilean enough, we'll just say he was a construction worker.

Walk like an Egyptian

Em and the boys

December's Events in a Nut Shell

Well it's been a few weeks since I blogged last. Sorry about that. A few events have happened since. Of course Christmas being the main one, we'll start with that. Strangely enough, although I was listening to Christmas music pretty early and I was so excited for the holidays, I didn't finish my shopping until the 23rd. I'm the queen of procrastination. - That was just a small side note in case you cared and thought you yourself waited until the last minute to get gifts done.

This year we went to visit the Kaefer's on Christmas Eve and the Toy's on Christmas. It was nice to visit one house per day rather than both on Christmas. That way we got to spread out the festivities a bit. Not to mention we were able to have tasty dinner cooked for us both nights.

On Christmas morning Matt and I slept in a bit and then opened the presents we had gotten for each other. Matt surprised me with a couple of my Christmas gifts, one of them being a new pair of boots - which I have worn almost every day since. He mentioned to me earlier in the month that I had too many shoes already and so I just assumed he wouldn't be buying those. But I was so happy to get them and the other things he picked out for me.

So Christmas came and went, both Matt and I worked all day on the 26th and then on Sunday the birthday festivities started. I woke up to find that Matt had cleaned the kitchen and added a new addition. He bought me a kitchen cart, which was a total surprise and I was pretty excited for. (If you've seen my lack of counter space you'd understand.) On top of the kitchen cart, were a few more presents but I had to wait for those. We then headed to breakfast with my family where we had some good laughs and I had to be embarrassed by the waitresses singing to me. Then we headed home to open my other presents and see what to do for the day.

This is where I found out exactly what the kitchen cart was intended for. Matt bought me a Keurig coffee machine and it is amazing! Sorry for all you non-coffee drinkers, I guess you just don't understand... But, you don't have to just use it for coffee, it will do hot chocolate or herb tea as well, depending on what you buy for it. It makes a cup in 60 seconds! But that isn't the only reason that it is so super awesome compared to other coffee machines. There is no mess in clean-up. No icky filters to deal with. It's simply these little cups of ground coffee that you put in the machine and then discard when it has made the coffee. I L.O.V.E IT! After drinking some hot chocolate from our trial run, we headed out to exchange some items from Christmas and check out the sales going on. We ended the night with dinner at Tepanyaki which is very tasty. I highly recommend it for those of you who haven't been. Just be warned, it is pricey.

And to bring the events and 2009 to an end, we went to a hockey game on new years eve. It was a pretty intense game which went all the way to overtime and a shoot out. Now since it is 2:15 am on Friday, January 1st 2010, I figure I am already on track for my new years resolution - to update my blog more often.

And of course, this lengthy post could not be complete without pictures!

Getting something exciting

Super cool boots

I really needed one of these. I'm always spilling!

New can opener that doesn't leave a sharp edge

Breakfast

The new kitchen cart and coffee maker! 

Oh, and now I can actually turn my spice rack. 

The area I had it before was so tight I didn't have room to spin it around.

Happy New Year 

from the Grizzlies game!