Thirty Flirty and Thriving

My poor Jones had the misfortune of being born the day after Christmas. This of course usually means a lack of luster when it comes to celebrating his birth. Not this year! I was determined not to miss this one sooo on Friday we are having a 1980's Thirty flirty and thriving party for him. 80's attire will be a must, and I am currently working on a game that will quiz our knowledge of the last 30 years. It is going to be fun, at least I hope it will be. Tonight we are going to good will to see if we can scrounge up any good 80's memorabilia. And of course I am going to have to find someplace that will sell me some turquoise eyeshadow, :)

Having a Holly Jolly Christmas

Good Morning! well it feels like morning still although it is afternoon... What an awesome morning Christmas is when you have little kids that stomp down the stairs, and get excitied about everything they see.

A recap of all the wonderful events

I woke up the morning of christmas eve and started the day off right with curlers in my hair. I was excited to try a new style, inspired by my sisters in law and many 40's hair tutotials I ended up with this, which took a lot of pins and hairspray to pull off. It was so much fun though and started the day in a fun way.

 The kids got trapped in their room for most of the day, which seemed to be alright by them.

 Once all the food was prepped I was ready to switch out my apron for some skinny jeans and pearls.

I should really do this more often it was way too much fun.

 Tober pretty much refused to cooperate with photo taking but I distracted her with her bottle just long enough to get a few shots. I made her hair clip to match her pretty little outfit {thanks mom}

 I was inspired by red and green to make my Christmas punch this year. Frozen limes, kiwi and strawberries were added to Cranberry Gingerale punch, super yummy and really pretty.

 My cheesecake, tasted great, didn't quite set but I was happy with how it turned out. I was intimidated by all the food I made cause my talents don't lie in the kitchen, but I have to say I would eat any of this food again and again!

 I was really curious to see how my hair would fair by the end of the night, this is what it looked like once I took the pins out.

 As soon as we were done opening presents Bug started setting up his new tracks.

I am guessing he will be like that all day.



As for Jones and I we are just sitting back and watching our babies enjoy themselves, wearing amazing beanies hAha made us.

Here apretties I got..re few snapshots of the pretties I got...

Jone's traditional gift to me from Anthro, a gorgeous doorknob for my craft room. He gave me a smaller glass knob 5 years ago, I could do this every year, I love it. He is the best. {plus he threw in a gift card!}

 This is what our house looks like, how bout yours?

And last but not least a breakfast of sorts. Ham and cheesecake :)

What a day, I sure am lovin it.

I am not going to post pictures of all the awesome stuff going on here yet cause there are plenty more to come, but I just wanted to share some Christmas eve love.

I am So grateful for Christmas. I am thankful for our Savior. He is our Lord, He taught us to love one another, and brought peace to this world, He brings peace to my soul and Happiness to my life. I will praise His name Forever.

I wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas.

The Nativity

I am having a pretty great day. I have already finished a cheesecake, deviled eggs, and finishing up a triple berry pie. I sat down to give my feet a rest and watched this little video. Its about time I really jumped into the best part of Christmas, Christ.

Holiday preparations

Today was a good day. I spent the morning making tissue paper flowers in silver and gold and figuring out table arrangements for my traditional Christmas Eve dinner. It is one of the few traditions that I carry from my childhood and it matters a great deal to me. This year, more than others, I appreciate the effort that it takes to put on these sort of events. Being the Mom and making everyone dress their bests, having to go to the store the week of Christmas because you have to wait to by fresh fruit... it is a process that takes strength and conviction and love for those who will benefit from the delicious options placed before them and the ambiance of the lights hanging above them.

I was glad to be distracted by a sister-in-law for the second half of the day, and truthfully it made it feel like christmas to put her hair in pin curls. I wish I had old school curlers I Could wear around the house tommorow as I make pies and cheesecake.

Wouldn't that be something for Jones to come home to. :)

Oh happy day!

As of Saturday I am completely finished with school this semester. This has been a pretty big deal for me, not only going to college but doing well and pushing myself, living up to the goals I set for myself, its a good moment.
Now that it is done I love waking up to this feeling of I have nothing to do today even though that is completely false for anyone who is a mom, but that is kind of the point, I am just mom again and that is nice. Now I can focus on Christmas Eve dinner, and Caroling and Cookies. :)

KinyaRwanda

Show Some support for KinyaRwanda!

"The film is named after the one language that everyone in Rwanda speaks. It is an indie film produced by our good family friend Tommy Oliver, weaving six true stories into one.What makes this movie different from films like Hotel Rwanda is that it's really telling the story of the *aftermath* of the genocide - How do you move on with your life when the man that killed your entire family is your neighbour? Rwanda was faced with the realization that if they prosecuted everyone who participated in the murders, their courts would be tied up for literally ten thousand years, so as a nation they were forced toadopt a policy of repentance and forgiveness. This film deals with that story, and does so without focusing on the gore or bloodshed. They maintain a PG rating and let the stories unwind in a simple way.

I could go on and on about the film, but the point is, Mazing and I went to its Seattle screening and were touched and impressed. It's a beautiful, timely message undeniably filled with the spirit. The cast and crew have many stories of how they felt helped in telling this story, and they have all made a personal commi...tment to the people of Rwanda that they will never have to pay to see this film. They were just announced as an official Sundance Film Fest selection. We are all so happy for them, and Colt will be going to Sundance to support them.
 
They would have a much better bargaining position if they could arrive in Sundance already having 20,000+ facebook/twitter followers. We would like to ask all our friends and family to follow/like the movie on facebook, and wonder if you could write something on your facebook encouraging your friends to follow it also? Please know that we wouldn't ask you to publically support something not worthwhile. The world needs more movies like this one. Please be a snowflake in our avalanche of support!"
~My mother-in-law

 

I borrowed her words because they are 10 times better than what mine could be.

I have only seen the trailer but have been moved by the story and can not wait to see the movie.

I think that a movie like this that is inspiring and uplifting should get the chance to be heard and seen. Show your support on facebook and on your blogs

for what is truly a remarkable film.

KINYARWANDA Extended Trailer from Alrick Brown on Vimeo.

Boy or Girl?

It's a Boy!

I have to say that I was suprised by the gender of this baby. Not because I thought it was a girl, but because I had no idea. From the moment I saw him so many of those concerns and butterflies in my stomach about whether or not he was ok, went away. He was perfect. I am so happy I got to see you, so happy you are mine. I love you little boy.

You caught me off guard. I am in little girl mode. I sat around the next couple days going, Huh, a boy. I opened C's box of old baby clothes to find that I don't have much. I bought you a sweater sleeper with a Robot on it.

Target

Yes, for some reason when your Mom thinks little boy I think Robots.

:)

Ferries, Christmas Trees, and Seattle

My parents have been in town the past week.

It has been quite eventful.

Warning this post is very picture heavy.

This is my Dad painting me a picture of the temple Jones and I were married in!

Our Family going to the Christmas tree farm.

 C was such a good helper, he actually put most the decorations on the tree.

                  I took my parents to Seattles outdoor maket Pike's Place   

                                

 And they took me to my favorite store ever. I hadn't been there since my birthday, boo.

Tober cake fell asleep. :) So precious.

 Today we took a ferry out to one of the islands up here. It was a fun little adventure and a great way to end their trip.



It has been such a blessing to have them here. My Mom really took care of me, I felt pampered, never having to cook or do dishes. Randomly finding clothes washed. I love you Mom and Dad. Come back soon.