Christmas Dissected-Finally!

Christmas Eve at Grandma Tapp's

We went to Utah for Christmas this year. In all the madness of packing up our stuff, our gifts and our snow chains, I took my camera but forgot the battery! All of my pictures are courtesy of Roxy...thus the reason for the delayed post.

We had our traditional Christmas Eve at my Grandma Tapp's house, complete with my mom's cheese potatoes (possibly my favorite food in the world) and a visit from the Big Guy himself.

Addyson wasn't so sure she trusted him.

My sweet Grandma (in the background with the dog) spoiled us rotten, as usual. All three of us got new pajamas. Addyson got a play kitchen and a cute stuffed turtle with a blanket inside. Brandon and I got a dutch oven for camping and new camping chairs.

We went back to my parent's house for Christmas Eve and my favorite part of Christmas....opening our "stocking" gifts with my family. We draw names and fill each other's "stockings" (even though there are usually way too many gifts to fit in a stocking so we don't bother trying). It's mass chaos and lots of wrapping paper flying. We got a new tent from my parents and lots of great stuff from Ty and Roxy. My mom surprised us with a nostalgic video we loved as kids-"Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special." It was so fun to watch, laugh and wonder what the world ever saw in that creepy guy.

Christmas morning we got up and drove up to the in-law's house for the rest of the trip. Before we left, Addyson got to open her gifts from Santa! (I've decided it's impossible to get any pictures of a one year old looking at the camera. Sigh. Maybe next Christmas.)

I have to admit Christmas is a thousand times better as a parent. It was so fun to enjoy it with Addy, even though of course she didn't get it or care.

Me and Roxy...Our attempt to take our own picture!

The best part of the trip was just hanging out with the fam. We ate lots of great food, went to a movie, played games, and went shopping. I miss you guys!

Brandon and I didn't exchange gifts this year, but I told him I wanted a heartfelt letter as my gift. He really came through, with a letter that made me laugh and had me crying the ugly cry in the bathroom at my in-law's house. I hope they didn't hear me sobbing.

So, that's our holiday in a nutshell. Happy New Year!

Crickets, Sweaters and Cocoa...Oh My!

Brandon, Patrick and Stoney Basking in Sweater Beauty

As you probably know by now, I love to entertain. This last weekend we had a Christmas party and invited 8 couples. We required all guests to wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters, which apparently is quite the trend nowadays. I had to search many, many thrift stores to find attire for myself and for Brandon. They are hot commodities! My friend Shannon had to resort to making one for her husband, Patrick (pictured in the middle in the picture above). Is she crafty or what? The lights on the trees even lit up!

I made all the guests join me in playing Christmas songs on chimes. Each person gets one chime which is labeled with a number. I had posters of Christmas songs and each person hits their chime when the number comes up. Everyone was skeptical at first, but it ended up being a hit!

We did a white elephant gift exchange. One of the gifts was a box of live crickets that caused quite a stir. There were some other clever gifts like one that included a can of beans, a bottle of Beano, and some air freshener. Nothing like mature adults laughing about passing gas!

'Tis the season to overindulge...I had all the guests bring an appetizer to share and we ended up with a great assortment of food...spinach dip, veggie pizza (thanks, Holly!), orange rolls, fruit and dip, taquitos, shrimp and more. All of this yummy holiday eating is helping increase my girth until soon I will resemble Old Saint Nick.

Brooke and Holly

I decided to put out a hot chocolate bar. I made a big pot of hot cocoa on the stove, and then put out a tray with all kinds of things to mix in.

Cookies for dunking were also a necessity.

For my centerpiece, I used an easy idea I got from my Mom. Take three glass cylinders, fill halfway with real leaves (I clipped mine off of the bushes in my front yard), pour in some real cranberries, fill with water, and float a candle on top. They are simple, but I think they are so beautiful. (They will last for a week or so.)

Brandon ended up with a wooden tie (yes, made of wood) after the gift exchange. He kept threatening to wear it to church on Sunday, but thankfully, he did not. Knowing him, I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to wear it to work. Would you buy furniture from a man in a wooden tie?

Are we hot or what? Look out, Brad and Angelina!

I'm already trying to think of the next reason to have a party. Martin Luther King Day?

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas...

I feel as if I missed Christmas last year. I was busy figuring out the business of motherhood. So this year, I am excited to resume all of the things I adore about this holiday.

Addyson's blessing day last Christmas in Utah...
She loved every minute of it!

I've been decking the halls...

I love my nativity set. It's taken me three years to collect

the pieces and I still don't have them all!

Amazing wall hanging my uber-talented mother-in-law made.

and trimming the tree...

and thinking about my favorite Christmas traditions.

*One thing I do is buy a new Christmas children's book (or two...) every year. I love pulling out my collection along with my decorations. When I have 25 of them (and when Addy is old enough to appreciate this), I am going to wrap them all individually, put them in a box, and read one to her each day of December. They will be our Christmas countdown!

*On my mom's side of the family, we all gather at Grandma's house on Christmas Eve for a visit from you-know-who! Everyone sits on his lap, even the adults. Even though I think Santa enjoys it a little too much (if you know what I mean), we all love it and it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without it!

Me and Mr. and Mrs. Claus 2007

*I always dip pretzels in white chocolate and deliver them to neighbors and friends...a tradition I picked up from my mom. There's something about sweet and salty together...scrumptious!

*It's delightful to drive around and look at Christmas lights while listening to one of the following holiday CD's:

Winter Song- Sarah McLachlan

The Forgotten Carols- Michael McLean (Cheesy, but who can resist?)

Merry Christmas -Mariah Carey

The Christmas Album -Neil Diamond

Christmas Extraordinaire-Manheim Steamroller

Of course, the driving must be followed by a big, steaming cup of hot cocoa (and a sweet treat can't hurt!).

I'm giddy just thinking about these things. I love traditions. I want to hear about yours! Please tell.