I Will #ShareTheGift By......

To read more of the Christmas story, visit
 http://www.mormon.org/christmas/story

#Christmas

#ShareTheGift

A "Frozen" Kind of Christmas...Lights, Music and Disney!

When I seen one Frozen light display story in the headlines, I knew there had to be other families doing the same. Sure enough, families across America are utilizing the "Let it Go" phenomenon and delighting kids with some fabulous light displays. Here are just a few.












Here are a few other videos. One direct from the Magic Castle and another is Idina Menzel and Jennifer Nettles singing Let it Go on the CMA Christmas Special. I really enjoyed that performance. 









PS: I have to admit, the movie Frozen and a stuffed Olaf are on my Christmas Wish list.

Remembering Swiss Colony Christmas Cookies

I just opened a Swiss Colony catalog that came to my office and there under customer favorites was a tin of Holiday Cookies. It instantly took me back to my grandma and how much I loved those fancy little cookies growing up. Every year, she would not only send me a tin of these special cookies, she'd also send me a box of oranges. Old school I know, but when things were often rough at home, things like this would make my Christmas extra special and sparkle just a tad more. She passed away when I was 16 and Christmas was always different after that. I think I'm  going to order a tin of those cookies this year...and share the delight.

My favorites by the way, are the green leaves with the chocolate in the middle and the double stack cookie with the red filling and jelly on top.

CD Review and Tracks from Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas

I picked up a stack of Christmas CD's at the library recently and wanted to share my thoughts. First, I'll start with the four I wasn't to impressed with. Susan Boyle: I'll Be Home for Christmas, was not one of my favorite Susan Boyle CD's. I've always been a Susan Boyles fan, but honestly nothing stuck out and I haven't listened to it again. I was really looking forward to the The Seth Mae Farlane: Holiday for Swing CD, but found it pretty average, compared to some other swing style CD's I've heard. This was the only CD in my stack, that was a new release. Again, good, but not great. The Glee Christmas Albums: Volume 2 and 3 were good compilation CD's. They have a good mix of songs and talent from the show. Volume 3, even included a Hanukkah song.

I was most curious to listen to the Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas. This one pleasantly surprised me. I wanted to go like it, but honestly thought it was going to be pretty bad. It's not going to win a Grammy, but I'd describe it as FUN. It's something different and something I think may give you a few giggles.

It's starts off with the song Ragin Cajun Rednect Christmas, sung by Willie. I'd say..its not bad and not great. The title will tell you exactly what it's about, but it was fitting that the "Commander" started off the CD. Track #2 was I'll Be Home for Christmas, sung by Missy Robertson. This one surprised me the most, because she can sing. They have several songs with guest, so when I heard this song the first time, I actually stopped to check out the credits. Track #3 is Uncle Si "singing" You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch and a perfect combo I thought. Track #4 is Christmas Cookies with Phil, Miss Kay and George Strait. It's all about the real "sugar" he gets from Miss Kay, while the cookies are in the oven. Phil doesn't really sing, he more talks his way through the song, but it's one of my favorites on the CD. Track #6 is another fitting original called Hairy Christmas, with Willie, Luke Bryan, Phil, Uncle Si, Jase and Jep. The first verse sets the tone, for an entire song about rednecks, beards, shotguns and Jesus.

"Santa's sleigh might fly right on past
With all the camouflage around this place
So, we bought every string of lights Wal-Mart had
Now he can see the house from outer space
Shot down some ducks and some mistletoe
A lot of love and a pot of gumbo"

Track #11 is The Night Before Christmas; Uncle Si Style. He reads his way through a story about Willie being all "Chubby and Plump" and bringing toys and goodies for everyone. The CD ends with Silent night sung by the entire family, Phil doing a closing prayer and Willie doing a closing statement, similar to the TV show. 

 My final thought on this CD, is how fun it would be to own a piece of cultural, Christmas memorabilia.

Dressing Your Special Man for the Christmas Season

Have a special man in your life who needs an extra push to dress up during the holidays? Are you tired of his old frumpy jeans and t-shirt? His lack of excitement and cheer? Well I've found some great options that any man would be happy to wear and in an instant...they will free their inner Santa.  Look no further then Orvis.Com  

Their catalog arrived in the mail today, announcing a new store location in the Cherry Creek mall.. I was pleasantly pleased with their very "distinguished" looking clothes for men. High end flannel, wool and leather goods. Soon my mediocre thoughts, turned to pure excitement and I knew I had to share these prized articles of clothing with my online Christmas buddies. Now, I ask, if the website is flooded with orders and you are unable to complete your order, please be persistent and check back. I'm sure, after the initial rush, the Orvis elves will catch up and be able to process your order. 

Let's start with pants first. These lovely Embroidered Holiday Bozeman Cords are amazing. Personally I'd buy the Green cords with candy canes for my husband.

If candy canes and wreaths aren't your Santa's thing, then these Tartan Trousers might be a good option. A little less subtle, yet still festive. 

Now, if you think your Santa will be a little Bah Hum Bug with either of those choices, I guess you'll need to play it safe with the Green Wellington SuperCord Pants. 

If your Santa is feeling a little casual, Tartan Shirt in Royal Stewart or Red Plaid, is perfect to keep him hip, yet comfortable. 

We all know, it can get hectic during the holiday season, so this Reversible Wool Tartan Vest is a great piece to have available for your Santa, when he needs to jump from casual to dress wear in minutes.

If it's a little chilly in the Man Cave aka: Workshop, they have a gorgeous Red Cashmere Cardigan to layer and complete the ultimate Christmas look.

I'm super excited to share these options with my husband and I thank Orvis.Com for making my holiday attire shopping so much easy this season. With my husband out of the way, I have more time to find the perfect Christmas dress for myself.

A Few Thanksgiving Videos Worth a Giggle

First, another great video from The Holderness Family. This one is a parody of the Meghan Trainor video "All About the Bass" and is called "All About the Baste". They do some great stuff and I always wonder what the kids will think 5-10 years from now when they are teens and look back. Will they rebel during their tween years? Will they want to be seen in these videos? Will they look back when they reach young "adulthood" and think..WOW I had some really cool parents? Not sure, but for right now, they sure do make me smile. 





Now, we all love animal videos and what's cuter then a hamster dressed up? Well a hamster eating a slice of Pumpkin Pie. 

Lastly, some good laughs from Jimmy Fallon. #ThanksgivingFail

Action under the mistletoe....

What will they think of next???  In the UK, TGIF is going to use a drone to fly mistletoe around their restaurant to hover over customers as entertainment and encouragement. As Christmas gets closer, the drones will be flying in more and more restaurants around the country. They have no plans for the #Togethermas campaign here in the United States. It makes me laugh, just a little, because I see them flying over one reluctant customer and with one good SWAT that drone goes flying across the room.

To good not to share....

2014 Christmas Stamps

I went online to buy some stamps today and they FINALLY had photos of the Rudolph Christmas stamps. I was waiting for that final release before sharing them with you. As usual, they have a variety to appeal to everyone, but if you still have a favorite from years past, you can purchase most of those from the online store. Don't procrastinate, buy early and mark one more thing off your To Do list!

 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
On the evening of December 6, 1964, families sat down to watch a new TV show for the first time: an animated special called Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It featured the voice of Burl Ives as Sam, a singing snowman, who narrates the tale of a misfit reindeer who finds his own special way to shine. The hour-long show went on to become not only the longest-running and highest-rated Christmas special in TV history, but also a beloved holiday tradition.  
Issue Date: November 6, 2014

Winter Fun
Winter days can be a wonderful time to appreciate the great outdoors with friends and loved ones. Drawing on nostalgic images of snowy childhoods, the Winter Fun stamps can be used not only to convey the joyful spirit of the holiday season and the new year, but also to send cheerful greetings for any occasion all winter long. Each stamp is sure to add a welcome splash of warmth to letters and cards during the year’s coldest months.  
Issue Date: October 23, 2014

Christmas Magi (Not available online yet to link)
The Christmas Maji Stamp celebrates the tale of the Three Wise Men from the east who came bearing gifts for Jesus. The stamp art depicts the Magi riding camels, moving through the desert at dawn, guided by a large, dazzling star.  
Issue Date: November 19, 2014

Global Silver Bells Wreath

In 2014, the U.S. Postal Service® celebrates the winter holidays internationally with a new Forever® stamp, Global Holiday: Silver Bells Wreath. This is the second issuance in the Global Holiday series.

An elegant wreath of silver bells graces this round holiday stamp. The circle of densely packed bells is arranged against a deep green background, with a rich red bow anchored at the top of the wreath. The words “Forever” and “USA” and the date “2014” surround the wreath in gray type. The word “Global” is highlighted in red at the bottom of the stamp.  
Issue Date: October 23, 2014

Christmas From Heaven: The Candy Bomber Story

I was jumping around on YouTube today, watching various things and ended up at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir page watching various Christmas performances. Having one listed with Tom Brokaw caught my attention and I was curious. What I wasn't expecting was a full on cry fest at the end of this segment. Talk about touching and honored to have such a great man represent the United States.

Several things crossed my mind as I was watching and then pondering after the fact. First, my daughter. I knew I had to share this story with her. What a great, fun spirited thing he did. A quote in the video really touches on something I've always tried to instill in my daughter. "From Little Things, Come Big Things". With small deeds and love, people really can change the world.

Next, I realize just how much I have a fondness for Tom Brokaw. I grew up listening to him on the news, as did everyone else, but I really grew a new level of respect for him as an adult, when he authored the book "The Greatest Generation". At the time, I didn't purchase the book, but in the past year or two, I picked a copy up at the thrift store to add to my personal history collection. It's still sitting on the shelf, unread, but has now become a new priority.

When I watched the follow up interview and realized Gail Halvorsen was from Utah, my mind instantly wondered and then assumed he was a Latter Day Saint. Then I recalled that in the movie trailer for Meet The Mormons they said one of the members highlighted was a WWII vet. Sure enough, it was Mr. Halvorsen and they couldn't have picked a greater representation of what it means to be a Mormon.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I warn you, after reading comments, apparently I wasn't the only one who cried during the last 5 minutes.








There are also various books telling the story of the Candy Bomber. Here are a few of those publications.

Tom Brokaw: Christmas From Heaven
 

Candy  Bomber: Michael O. Tunnell

Mercedes and The Chocolate Pilot: Margaret Theis Raven

Time to Get your TV Spook On!

Halloween season is in full swing. Not only do I love the colors of Fall, but I love seeing a world full of Bats, Witches, Skulls, Owls and Zombies. If you want to bring a little of that fun, family friendly spook factor into your home, here are a few Halloween TV specials I'm looking forward to.

This Wednesday the 15th, ABC will be airing both Toy Story of Terror and the classic It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Toy Story of Terror was a TV short released last year that I missed, so I will have the DVR set and ready to record.

ABC Family will kick off it's 13 Night of Halloween on the 19th, so here is a preview of that.




For fans of the series The Good Witch, I have good news. First, a new movie The Good Witch's Wonder will premier October 25th and secondly, the Hallmark Channel has picked up the "Good Witch" TV series and it is set to premier in 2015. I think Hallmark is doing a good thing, by bringing in more TV series. I'm really enjoying them.



For fans of outdoor decorating, the makers of The Great Christmas Light Fight, are bringing you The Great Halloween Fright Fight. This will will air on October 28th on ABC. 

The possibilities are limitless, depending on your taste. Even the History Channel, The Food Network, Turner Classic Movie and the Travel Channel have Halloween specials. I still need to do a search myself and see what catches my fancy. I'm a big fan of the Food War Specials, so I'm sure that will be one of them. 

If spookier is your preference, the AMC channel will begin airing it's Fright Fest schedule on Friday the 17th. Want to watch a marathon of some of the classic horror/slasher series, this is the place to find them. 

Friday, Oct. 17
9 a.m. ET – “Graveyard Shift” (1990)
11 a.m. ET – “Silver Bullet” (1985)
1 p.m. ET – “Thinner” (1996)
3 p.m. ET – “Cujo” (1983)
5 p.m. ET – “Dreamcatcher” (2003)
8 p.m. ET – “Firestarter” (1984)
10:30 p.m. ET – “Children of the Corn” (1984)

Saturday, Oct. 18
2:30 a.m. ET – “Riding the Bullet” (1984)
6 a.m. ET – “Cujo” (1983)
8 a.m. ET – “Children of the Corn” (1984)
10 a.m. ET – “Tremors” (1990)
12 p.m. ET – “Tremors 2: Aftershocks” (1996)
2:15 p.m. ET – “Tremors 3: Back to Perfection” (2001)
4:45 p.m. ET – “Tremors 4: The Legend Begins” (2004)
7:15 p.m. ET – “Tremors” (1990)
9:15 p.m. ET – “Tremors 2: Aftershocks” (1996)
11:30 p.m. ET – “Tremors 3: Back to Perfection” (2001)

Sunday, Oct. 19
2 a.m. ET – “Tremors 4: The Legend Begins” (2004)
4:30 a.m. ET – “Creation of the Humanoids” (1962)
6 a.m. ET – “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” (1995)
8 a.m. ET – “The Howling” (1981)
10 a.m. ET – “Pumpkinhead” (1988)
12 p.m. ET – “Child’s Play 2” (1990)
2 p.m. ET – “Child’s Play 3” (1991)
4 p.m. ET – “Bride of Chucky” (1998)
6 p.m. ET – “Seed of Chucky” (2004)

Monday, Oct. 20
9 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th” (1980)
11 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 2” (1981)
1 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 3” (1982)
3 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 4” (1984)
5 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th” (1980)
7 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 2” (1981)
9 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 3” (1982)
11 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 4” (1984)

Tuesday, Oct. 21
1 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 5” (1985)
3 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 6: Jason Lives” (1986)
5 am. ET – “War of the Colossal Beast” (1958)
9 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 4” (1984)
11 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 5” (1985)
1 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 6: Jason Lives” (1986)
3 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan” (1989)
5:15 p.m. ET – “Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday” (1993)
7:15 p.m. ET – “Jason X” (2001)
9:15 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th” (2009)
11:15 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th” (1980)
Wednesday, Oct. 22
1:15 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 2” (1981)
3:15 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th, Part 3” (1982)
5:15 a.m. ET – “Violent Midnight” (1963)
5:30 a.m. ET – “Corridors of Blood” (1958)
5:45 a.m. ET – “Invasion of the Neptune Men” (1961)
9 a.m. ET – “Slaughter of the Vampires” (1962)
9:15 a.m. ET – “Invasion of the Neptune Men” (1961)
9:30 a.m. ET – “How to Make a Monster” (1958)
9:45 a.m. ET – “The Funhouse” (1981)
12 p.m. ET – “Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare” (1991)
2 p.m. ET – “The Fog” (1980)
4 p.m. ET – “Survival of the Dead” (2009)
6 p.m. ET – “Land of the Dead” (2005)
8 p.m. ET – “Lake Placid” (1999)
10 p.m. ET – “House on Haunted Hill” (1999)

Thursday, Oct. 23
12 a.m. ET – “Return to House on Haunted Hill” (2007)
1:45 a.m. ET – “An American Werewolf in Paris” (1997)
4 a.m. ET – “Puppetmaster” (1989)
9 a.m. ET – “Eight Legged Freaks” (2002)
11:30 a.m. ET – “Lake Placid” (1999)
1:30 p.m. ET – “Cujo” (1983)
3:30 p.m. ET – “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997)
6 p.m. ET – “Thirteen Ghosts” (2001)
8 p.m. ET – “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (2010)
10 p.m. ET – “Ghost Ship” (2002)

Friday, Oct. 24
12 a.m. ET – “Scream 3” (2000)
2:30 a.m. ET – “Deep Blue Sea” (1999)
9 a.m. ET – “Scream 3” (2000)
11:30 a.m. ET – “Ghost Ship” (2002)
1:30 p.m. ET – “Firestarter” (1984)
6:30 p.m. ET – “Damien: Omen II” (1978)
9 p.m. ET – “Omen III: The Final Conflict” (1981)

Saturday, Oct. 25
1:30 a.m. ET – “Hide and Seek” (2005)
6 a.m. ET – “Graveyard Shift” (1990)
8 a.m. ET – “Christine” (1983)
10 a.m. ET – “Friday the 13th” (2009)
12 p.m. ET – “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (2010)
2 p.m. ET – “Child’s Play 2” (1990)
4 p.m. ET – “Child’s Play 3” (1991)
6 p.m. ET – “Bride of Chucky” (1998)
8 p.m. ET – “Seed of Chucky” (2004)
10 p.m. ET – “Child’s Play 2” (1990)
Sunday, Oct. 26
12 a.m. ET – “Child’s Play 3” (1991)
2 a.m. ET – “Bride of Chucky (1998)
4 a.m. ET – “Seed of Chucky” (2004)
6 a.m. ET – “The Crow: City of Angels” (1996)
7:45 a.m. ET – “Tremors” (1990)
9:45 a.m. ET – “Tremors 2: Aftershocks” (1996)
12 p.m. ET – “Tremors 3: Back to Perfection” (2001)
2:30 p.m. ET – “Tremors 4: The Legend Begins” (2004)
5 p.m. ET – “Tremors” (1990)

Monday, Oct. 27
9 a.m. ET – “War of the Colossal Beast” (1958)
10 a.m. ET – “Riding the Bullet” (2004)
12 p.m. ET – “Dreamcatcher” (2003)
3 p.m. ET – “Ghost Ship (2002)
5 p.m. ET – “House on Haunted Hill” (1999)
7 p.m. ET – “Halloween” (1978)
9 p.m. ET – “Halloween II” (1981)
11 p.m. ET – “Halloween” (1978)

Tuesday, Oct. 28
1 a.m. ET – “Thirteen Ghosts” (2001)
3 a.m. ET – “Dreamcatcher” (2003)
9 a.m. ET – “Thinner” (1996)
11 a.m. ET – “Lake Placid” (1999)
1 p.m. ET – “Friday the 13th” (2009)
3 p.m. ET – “Tremors” (1990)
5 p.m. ET – “Pumpkinhead” (1988)
7 p.m. ET – “Halloween II” (1981)
9 p.m. ET – “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982)
11 p.m. ET – “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988)

Wednesday, Oct. 29
1 a.m. ET – “Child’s Play 2” (1990)
3 a.m. ET – “Child’s Play 3” (1991)
11 a.m. ET – “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (2010)
1 p.m. ET – “Children of the Corn” (1984)
3 p.m. ET – “Bride of Chucky” (1998)
5 p.m. ET – “Seed of Chucky” (2004)
7 p.m. ET – “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988)
9 p.m. ET – “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” (1989)
11 p.m. ET – “Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995)

Thursday, Oct. 30
1 a.m. ET – “Ghoulies” (1984)
3 a.m. ET – “Ghoulies II” (1988)
5 a.m. ET – “Creation of the Humanoids” (1962)
5:15 a.m. ET – “Violent Midnight” (1963)
5:30 a.m. ET – “How to Make a Monster” (1958)
5:45 a.m. ET – “Slaughter of the Vampires” (1962)
9 a.m. ET – “Halloween” (1978)
11 a.m. ET – “Halloween II” (1981)
1 p.m. ET – “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982)
3 p.m. ET – “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988)
5 p.m. ET – “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” (1989)
7 p.m. ET – “Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995)
9 p.m. ET – “Halloween” (1978)
11 p.m. ET – “Halloween II” (1981)

Friday, Oct. 31
1 a.m. ET – “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982)
3 a.m. ET – “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988)
5 a.m. ET – “Slaughter of the Vampires” (1962)
5:30 a.m. ET – “Invasion of the Neptune Men” (1961)
5:45 a.m. ET – “War of the Colossal Beast” (1958)
9 a.m. ET – “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988)
11 a.m. ET – “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” (1989)
1 p.m. ET – “Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995)
3 p.m. ET – “Halloween” (1978)
5 p.m. ET – “Halloween II” (1981)
7 p.m. ET – “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982)
9 p.m. ET – “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988)

Moist & Tender Turkey Breast

 Photo By: Marg-CaymanDesigns

I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of turkey, let alone white meat. At Thanksgiving I'll normally go for the dark meat and maybe once a year I'll cook up a turkey breast for a mini "Thanksgiving" type dinner. I decided on a turkey breast for our CIJ dinner because I found a new recipe on Pinterest that claimed to keep the breast meat "MOIST and TENDER". It was a 5 star recipe, with lots of raving from others who had enjoyed it. Now, let me tell you...This recipe did NOT DISAPPOINT. I was absolutely gawking over how moist it was. I added a touch of gravy for the yum factor and even went back for seconds. On a shopping note, I was a very happy with the Market Pantry brand turkey breast I purchased at Target. It came with a gravy packet inside, to add to the drippings and I thought that even tasted great. So, if you hesitate to eat turkey, because cooking an entire bird is overwhelming, give this recipe a try. You will not be disappointed.

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 -20 lb) fresh or frozen turkey breast (thawed) or 1 (5 -20 lb) turkey
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 12 ounces chicken broth or 12 ounces beer or 12 ounces white wine
• 1 -2 tablespoon mayonnaise    

Directions:

1. Place turkey or turkey breast in a roasting pan.
    
2. (I use a foil-lined 13x9-inch pan) Combine melted butter and chicken broth.
   Note: I skipped the foil and just used a heavy duty, non stick broiler pan 
    
3. Pour over turkey.
    
4. Rub mayonnaise all over turkey's exterior.
   Note: I didn't measure this necessarily. Just took out a few spoonfuls, put them aside and made sure I had enough to cover the entire turkey. 
    
5. Salt lightly if desired.
    
6. Roast at 300°-325°F until internal temperature reaches 170°F on an instant read thermometer. (I raise the temperature to 350° for the last approximate 30-45 minutes to crisp skin).
    
7. Remove from oven and let sit for about 30 minutes before slicing.
   Note: Do Not Skip This Step. It's VERY, VERY important to let your bird sit. 
    
8. Note: because the butter and broth are for making gravy, if you need to make a lot of gravy, double the amount of both.
    
9. To make gravy: pour pan drippings into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add 1 Tbls. cornstarch per cup of broth/drippings to 1/4 cup cold water. (You'll usually need 2-3 Tbls) Mix well to dissolve. Stir cornstarch mixture into broth and stir until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. If too thin, dissolve more cornstarch in water and add until desired thickness. If too thick, add water or more broth to thin.
    
   Note: I used the gravy packet that came with the Market Pantry turkey and just added the juices from the pan to that mix and then followed the instructions by adding water. 

I did not take a photo of my turkey, so the photo above is the photo posted with the recipe at Food.Com

Christmas in July Dinner 2014

This year, I wanted to do something different, so we took the idea of Ugly Sweaters, gave it a summer twist and wore Hawaiian shirts. My gals, Shari and Shae took it one step further and showed up with these fabulous coconut additions. Trust me, they we're the topic of endless jokes all evening.

2014 has been a year of change in our family, so our little celebration had to work through a few absences. My best friend Tammy passed this year, so she was absent and Ciara's best friend Konner (our summer Santa) has moved out of state for college. Both we're missed, but in our thoughts. Ciara had a the idea to make this chalk board sign and send it to Konner. 

We played a quick game of Christmas Trivia, but next year we need to amp up the game, because this batch was way to easy.

We all had a blast exchanging or gifts. Everyone did a great job of making them personal and that's what makes it so much fun. 

After dinner and gifts, the kids went outside to try out the new super soakers I gave Shae. They we're an instant hit and I have no doubt that they will be put to great use for the remainder of the summer.

 

Once again, I'm thankful for my friends and family putting up with my Christmas antics and playing along. I love them all!

Christmas Cakes Gone WRONG!

After looking at another fine batch of Cake Wrecks, I thought it was time to share some more Christmas Cakes Gone Wrong. 


Let's start with Santa. Let's just say, there are so many ways to go wrong with a man in a red suit. 

 

 

Snowmen: We might just be better off if they found a way to melt away! 

 

 This last group of photos, is a great mod podge of wonderful, delectable pieces of art!

 (I finally just realized what these remind me of. The little white soldier guys in the Star Wars movies)

Honorable Mention goes to this Grumpy Cat Christmas cake I found at Project-Nerd.  Some might find this utterly amazing and to any grumpy cat fans I apologize. However, I just find it CREEPY! Something about this, is just not appealing to me.