Eff

So I took all these cute little pictures of all the crafty things that I made for Christmas. I sat down to finally blog about them and ... I can't pull them up.
They are nowhere to be found... I can see the file on my computer but no image comes up... what the eff?!
My lovely husband says, "Oh, didn't you realize you took all those pictures in RAW format? You are going to have to get a program to view them..."
So.... My DIY Christmas post will have to wait.... lame

Poop Icing

So we have been taking the Wilton cake decorating classes- which have been super fun but have just shown me how far I have to go before I get my own cooking show on Food Network, watch out Rachel!

I have eaten about 4 pounds of  the  Wilton buttercream frosting and so I wanted to try the chocolate version.

Well in theory that was a wonderful idea, in reality- it looked like poop. But, since it tasted delicious I overlooked the fact that it looked like dookie. My flowers have immensely improved- the picture just doesn't do it justice... I promise :D

Roots

I found a book for Father's day for my Grandpa- it was titled "In Grandpa's Words". It was a collection of questions that were to be filled out during a session (or sessions) of the reader and Grandpa. It was such a good idea that I decided it should be inclusive of my Grandma too- sort of an oral history of their lives together and what their thoughts and memories of life are.
I am appalled to say that six months later I have finally started. I am planning on going to both sets of grandparent's every Sunday to sit and talk with them and to get their stories.
I had such a good time listening to my Grandpa Phil tell me stories about his childhood and I couldn't believe all of the things that he had to say- He had been drafted in the Korean War, was in Denver finishing up his physical when the news of his deferment hit him- he didn't have to go to war because of his new born daughter- my Godmother. I just thought to myself, This all could have gone so differently, He could have gone to war, possibly died; and none of us would exist... It made tears come to my eyes.
I regret not doing this sooner, I know hindsight is 20/20 but my Grandma hardly remembers anything since her stroke and it is hard to know what is accurate or not- Thank God my Grandpa is OCD and writes everything down (probably where I get it from :D) It breaks my heart to see her stumble over her words and not be able to express what she wants to say.
It was not as successful with the Archuleta's- I was able to get a few memories and stories out of them, they just didn't seem too into it. I'm going to try a different approach with them next time- giving specific things that I am looking for. Hopefully if I keep coming every week they will get more comfortable sharing with me and hopefully remember more things.
I hope to be able to scan a lot of their pictures and add them to the memories and stories I'm collecting. I want to make a book with everything in it for me and any of my family that might like one. I want to ask for more in depth stuff from my aunts and uncles too. I'm really excited at this project, it seems like a lot to take on but I think it will be so rewarding- I want my kids to know my grandparents too and this seems like such a wonderful way to make sure that they do.

Fertile Schmertile

I'm so excited today! I have a zit!! I know that may not be very exciting to a lot of people, but for me it could be life changing... I ovulated :D
I got off of my birth control a while back so we could 'start' trying to have kids, nice visual for ya there I'm sure. Well everything was great for one month... then shit shut down. No ovulation, no period, no nada.
So after a trial of this a trial of that I have finally ovulated! I don't even care that I'm not pregnant yet, just so happy that my body is finally at a point where I have something to work with.
It is extremely disappointing to not be able to do the ONE thing that almost all women can do, I was hoping to be pregnant by now, planning a nursery and what not- well I am on my way and couldn't be any more excited!!! I know this may be TMI for some people but I am just so happy!!1

New Christmas Traditions

Yes, I love hot chocolate and walking around Christmas Village in the park downtown, but I have added a few different traditions to my holiday routine the last few years, I will share a few with you today because I am feeling the Christmas spirit :D

Elf is my favorite holiday movie now and I must watch it at least 2-3 times in December to be happy. 

 

I also have a soft spot for the original and new The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Randy reminds me of Max.

We usually go to Christmas mass at midnight on Christmas Eve and then come home and open presents, but the last few years due to laziness/sickness we haven't done so. We have eaten Christmas Eve dinner at ABC Mandarin restaurant and then gone to my mom and dad's house to open presents. I like this for several reasons, no one has to stress out to make dinner and we have the nice relaxed pace of not having to hurry up to someone else's house like we do on Christmas Day.

My friend's favorite singer is Mariah Carey- she is obsessed! So every year, without fail; I hear All I Want for Christmas is You. Well last year I seen this video on Perezhilton.com and it is now my favorite! I spent like twenty minutes trying to find the damn thing and then spent the rest of the day singing and laughing about the awesome dance moves... please enjoy

Since we have so many family members and friends to do gifts for, I usually do a treat plate for each family, easier to plan and much cheaper than buying presents for everyone. 

Pinterest has made my life so much easier in this department... but that is a post all by itself.

I made custom plates for each family using a technique out of my Big Ass Book of Crafts book that I got for my birthday... They came out super cute and will post after the holidays so I don't ruin the surprise.

I have taken my love of crafting up a notch and have dedicated this year to being at least 50% home made. That includes presents for all and decorations. So far it has gone well, I will post some of my crafts as I go and some after Christmas... again so that I don't ruin any presents for anyone :D

Since last year was the first Christmas that Armando and I had by ourselves, we were finally married and no roomates, we took time before the hustle and bustle of Christmas day started and opened some of our presents together. It was really nice to sit and just be with him for a little bit so that we could really appreciate what the holiday was all about. I hope to make this an annual tradition.