happy, jolly and merry

So, basically I'm terrible at blogging during the holidays. I've just been having so much fun with the fam and all. Even though my family has a nasty habit of disagreeing and being unable to communicate well, we still somehow end up having the best time.

After nights of Patsy and Mario Kart both a tradition around the holidays we would laugh all night over things we found on pinterest.
Also, as usual we watched the Polar Express on Christmas Eve and made reindeer food and set out cookies and milk for santa. And then did our Karaoke session after the littles went to bed.

Traditions are so reassuring that some things will never change. That's a good feeling.

And of course Christmas. It was well... Christmas. Y'know, happy, jolly and merry.
I have 19 Christmas's to compare it to, but I'd have to say this was the best one yet. And not just because I got a laptop from santa! Am I writing this blog post on my new laptop? Yes, yes I am. 

But really, I was so fooled. I seriously thought all I was getting for Christmas was some books and maybe a cd. When I first unwrapped the laptop I was so confused. I though maybe santa had put something else in a laptop box. But then I looked up and saw my mother filming me for my reaction and I knew right then that it was indeed a laptop.

Over all a great weekend, but it's not over yet! I'll be posting more pictures soon, because I took so many I thought I would spread them out. But these are the really Christmasy ones.

Cheers!

+--- A

so sorry

It's been nine days since my last blogpost and for that I can explain. Few things... First, my internet was down for a few days. Nothing would load and it was sooo slow if it even did. Next, I got sick with the stomach flu (ha, tmi) and overall I've just been busy. It is the Christmas season after all!
Annddd, I turned 19! This is my golden year, because I tuned 19 on the 19th! So all I'm gonna say is, this better be a great year.

So, I won't be on as often, but they'll be a crowd full of pictures after Christmas. :)

Happy Holidays!

+--- A

baby, it's cold outside

The weather outside was indeed frightful as I took all these gorgeous photos of my absolutely beautiful cousin. Literally, I was wearing black but it looked like I was wearing white. But it was worth it, because if anyone deserves pictures to be taken of them, it's her. :)

+--- A

stay tuned

So, over here in utah it snowed six inches in one day! So naturally, I took advantage of the situation and grabbed my nifty camera, my pretty red-headed cousin, a warm jacket and pictured it up. I'll put more of the shoot, but here's a sneak peak!

+--- A

vegas in about 7 inches

Mario Kart tournaments, Catching Fire round two, Frozen, Literally my favorite movie at the moment patsy, thanksgiving dinner, thanksgiving leftovers, traditions, Christmas music, black friday and family. 

+--- A

december's eve

So this year, after being kind of a loner and boring, I decided I would support my Christmas and my birthday by doing something every day of December, all leading up to Christmas Eve. Because, as we all know, it's the most wonderful time of the year!
I spent long, sleepless night coming up with things so that I could have the best Christmas ever. And boy, it's gonna be.
I've officially called it "25 Days of Christmas" (Not like the abc family's 25 Days of Christmas, but better)

25 Days of Christmas
in no particular  order

1. Attend a choir christmas concert
Local highschools everywhere will be doing this!
2. Photo shoot in the snow
Because pictures are memories.
3. Make a birthday cake to Jesus
Put a little more Christ in Christmas, but in a fun way. 
4. Put on a production of the Nativity
Best if done with your family, you could make a movie or do it live.
5. See the "Forgotten Christmas Carols"
I think this is one of my favorite Christmas stories. And the music is absolutely fantastic.
6. Make neighbor gifts
Give, give, give!
7. Make christmas cookies
Sugar cookies, sprits, and gingersnaps! I'll be putting up the recipes.  
8. Christmas light scavenger hunt
Drive around with friends or family. I'll be doing this Christmas Eve!
9. Decorate for Christmas around our house
Every family's tradition, I think. I'll be putting up nativities and Christmas trees and lights and making it smell good!
10. Attend or host a White Elephant party with friends
I'm co-hosting the white elephant party this year. I'll be putting up ideas for gifts!
11. String popcorn for Christmas tree
I've always wanted to do this I'll put up my "trying" to do this craft.
12. Go ice skating
My favorite christmas activity!
13. Dollar Store Christmas gift exchange with friends or family
Basically, get a group of people and put names in a hat. Pick a name and then spend one dollar on them. Exchange on Christmas morning!
14. Attend a Christmas dance concert
Again, high schools or colleges everywhere will be performing these. 
15. Make a pinecone bird feeder
I've always wanted to do this too. I'll blog my experience so maybe you can try.
16. Donate old toys
It's such a good thing to give during Christmas time!
17, Make a fort by the Christmas tree and spend a night there
I'll be doing this with one of my best friends. We'll cuddle up under blankets and watch Christmas movies!
18. Snow day!
Build a snowman, go sledding, make an igloo and have a snowball fight!
19. Visit Temple Square and look at the lights
I live in Utah, so it's an attraction of my state. So maybe just a Christmas attraction around where you live.
20. Make paper snowflakes and decorate with them
I'm a lean, mean, snowflake making machine.
21. Family game night
Spend a whole night with your family playing games you've never played before and singing Christmas song!
22. Make a gingerbread house
One of my favorite traditions!
23. Dip pretzels in chocolate or make fudge
Everyone gains weight over Christmas Break. ;) But that's why New Years is close by, right?
24. Any Christmas Eve traditions you do every year
Whatever you and your family do on Christmas Eve! Traditions are what keep Christmas going! 
25. Open Presents
Open them like nobody's business! Take lots of pictures.


So, hopefully you can take all or some of these ideas and do them yourself so you can enhance your Christmas experience! You can do this with others, by yourself, or both!
Please make your December experience the best you can! Because that's what I'm hoping for!

Cheers!

+--- A

day of thanks

I have relatives shouting at me to come set the table for thanksgiving dinner lunch so I don't have much time.
But this:

          11 Things I'm Reealllyyy Grateful For

1. laptops

2. food

3. boots

4. christmas

5. traditions

6. my home

7. "marshmallows"

8. baggy sweaters 

9. music

10. patsy

11. family

Cheers to turkey!

+--- A