~ Christmas 2013 ~

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Got some new records, clothes and my personal favorite kitchen/cooking toys!!!

We spent lots of time with our crazy lovable families, and it was nice to have our own little Christmas this year too. I am so blessed to have such incredible people in my life.

Here are a few pictures that I took this December.

Day after Thanksgiving. Pulling out the few Christmas items we have from last year. This year marks our 2nd Christmas together in our home. 

This year I bought stockings since last years DIY stockings were a disaster. Hopefully these will last us for many many years. 

I also made our own DIY advent calendar. This was a lot of fun and I loved how it turned out.

Our Christmas Tree all set up. All of the ornaments were from last year, but we can't wait to keep adding to it in the years to come. 

The cats really loved the Christmas tree. We would continuously catch them drinking water from the base and they loved to hang out right next to it. Oh yeah, and every time I bring out the camera Apollo likes to charge at it, as if he is ready for his close up. Silly kitties!

My favorite part about our tree this year was the cranberry garland I made for it. I just adored the way it looked on the tree. I used fresh cranberries and strung them on embroidery thread. I read that you can take them off the tree, soak them in water and use them just as you would right out of the bag. So clever and festive!

I love to use butcher/craft paper for wrapping. I always have it on hand so I don't have to go buy special wrapping paper for birthdays, holidays or events. This year I added little personal touches such as the bakers twine and even hand painted on a few of the packages. The gifts looked beautiful under the tree and every time I walked by it would put a smile on my face. 

I conquered my goal of making tamales this year. It took me all weekend to make the pork and then assemble the tamales. They were somewhat successful, but you live and you learn. Next years tamales are going to be phenomenal I'm sure of it!! : )

We also went to see Anchorman 2!!!! We did the Anchorman and Anchorman 2 marathon with a few of our friends. We had more fun than was necessary, but I wouldn't have done it any differently!!

I told myself I wasn't going to make cookies this year since I made tamales, but it just doesn't feel like Christmas without my usual Christmas cookie extravaganza. 

We spent Christmas Day at my parents, ate lunch then headed home for a little nap before heading over to David's parents for stockings and dinner. 

Here are some of my favorite gifts this year. I always love getting cooking related gifts. David surprised me with the hot/cold culinary whipper kit. I didn't even ask for one, but it is my favorite gift this year and I can't wait to "whip" up some special meals with it. The cookbook and the mandolin were on my wish list this year and I have already marked off all the recipes I want to try (so like every page of this book is marked, because I want to make it all!)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas spent with loved ones. 

This year was extra special and I'm glad I can document it here. It's like a scrapbook without all the mess! Love you all and see you next year!!