Christmas PJ's

Every year I make the kids Christmas pajama's. Matt and I often get a pair too. This year I made Jake and Matt match and Ashley and I match. The kids loved it. I didn't get a chance to make the tops but I thought a basic white T did the job. Could you imagine Matt in those bottoms with a matching top? I think the only way he wore them was because it made Jake so happy to have the "same as dad". Here we are on Christmas Eve

Enjoying Winter

Now that my house smells like a camping zone and I'm surprised that the fire department hasn't stop by, I am officially enjoying winter.

these lucky people

I just learned how to knit by this rad ( i do love the word "rad") girl that knits all the time. I learned that I really like to knit. I am not very good but it is so fun to do. I think that I am slightly addicted. We drew names this year for Matt's family. Since we were going to be all together for Thanksgiving we exchanged gifts then. We had four names so I thought that along with the kind of gifts that are purchased, they would get something even better and I would knit them a hat. I was knitting like crazy. It took me a long time, remember I just learned how, But I got it done in time. I loved them. I don't know how much they loved them but here they are. Aren't they lucky.

It's Up

My Grandma Dona loved, loved, loved, Christmas. She loved tinsel,Santa figures,bows, poinsettias, and anything that would remind you of Christmas. there was always red and Green spread throughout the house. Her home was truly a wonderland. She passed away a couple years ago and when she did she had enough Christmas ornaments to have each of her grand kids decorate a tree with. So this year I got the special treat of using them (they were stored at my parents house last year). As Jake and Ash helped put the tinsel on, I couldn't help but think of all the memories and love she gave. I love spending Christmas again with Grams.

Where else could I find a clown made out of a strawberry to hang on my tree?

This one is my favorite. I think it is so beautiful. I love thinking of her every time I look at my tree.

Black Turkey Anyone?

I know everyone has a favorite Holiday and mine is Thanksgiving. It is so fun. you don't have to worry about anything, not shopping or costumes or nothing. You get to gather with the people you love, eat and be thankful for all of the blessings we have. It always gets you into the Christmas spirit. I do love the other holidays but this one is at the top of my list. This year we went to my sister in-laws house. All of Matt's Family (well not Dave, he is still on his mission) were able to fly or drive in order to spend it together. Jake and Ashley loved being with family. Even Matt's grandma Mary was there. Here are a few pic of the Trip I have more to share later.

I was in charge of the stuffing. I am always a little nervous cooking for Matt's family because they are all really good cooks. I used my dad's recipe that is the best and added a little of my own twist and it turned out great. That was one of the things I was thankful for.

For breakfast Matt family always eats Pie. They spend most the day before making all kinds of pie. Grapefruit pie sounds a little questionable but tastes o so good.

Looks can be deceiving
You can all laugh when you look at this. I know I did. When Court brought this in the house after 11 hours of smoking it, I thought for sure we were going to go without the turkey this year. But after you pull off the layer of bacon that is wrapped all around the turkey, it was so tender and perfectly smoked. Happy Thanksgiving