I will cry the day I take my tree down

I finally have a Christmas tree! With the exception of the very first year we were married, we have not had a Christmas tree at our house...until this year. I am absolutely ecstatic! It makes such a difference in making it feel like Christmas in our home. We have had the lights on since we set it up last week and Christmas music playing nearly non-stop as well. I love the Christmas season! I love the treats, the decorations, the music, the coziness, the gatherings, the gifts, and the very special spirit that feels the air as we reflect upon the Savior's birth and in doing good to others.



The decorations on my tree were hand-painted by my Grandma, which makes them extra special. I added some snow flakes and berries and think it is simply the perfect tree for me.


The girls decorated their gingerbread house last night...and have already started to eat it!

November

It felt like the month of November was over before I realized it had begun! Here's a quick re-cap of some of the month's events:


I enjoyed a wonderful birthday with many birthday wishes from family and friends -Thank you! My family spoiled me...the girls wrapped up a variety of things from their play room, including a couple pair of their pink and purple sunglasses since I'd lost mine in the ocean last month. Alexis also gave me a "Snuggie," the blanket with sleeves and let me tell you, although I know you've likely laughed at the commercials, it is awesome! I love my "Snuggie." Aubrey gave me a beautiful necklace, Allie gave me an iTunes card and Adam took me out shopping and to dinner. Adam's parents sent a food dehydrater, which I can't wait to try out, and my parents sent me a pink tool box filled with pink tools! That has got to be one of the coolest things I've seen! I was SO excited for it as I have been learning to love learning to fix and repair things around the house. I've always got some project up my sleeve and now I'll have more equipment to take on new challenges. :)

I made my first pumpkin pie...and we did it all from scratch. We cooked a "pie pumpkin" to make the filling and prepared a tasty crust. We whipped up the cream and when it was finally time to eat it (it took ALL day to make), I was a little nervous to try it out. Alexis, with her mouth full of pie, told me not to be because it was delicious! And I'd have to agree. It was a very positive experience.

We traveled to Phoenix, Arizona for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful meal at my brother's home. My parents and younger brothers came from Utah and my Uncle drove down from Sedona. It was a great weekend that went buy WAY too fast! Thanks again Nate and Lauren for being great hosts!


While in AZ, I got to do some early morning Black Friday shopping with my mom, get an hour long massage from my sis-in-law, meet up with a good friend I met while working at a golf resort together in Tucson, and Adam got to golf with the boys as well as watch both the AZ State/U of AZ and BYU/Utah games at a Sports Bar. It really was a fantastic weekend!