Christmas 2010

Here's a recap of our Christmas Celebrations at HOME....

On the 22nd we went to see Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Ellen Theatre downtown. It was soooo good, it really made me feel the Christmas spirit! I love going to the Ellen, it's such a pretty and quaint theatre. (thanks for the tip Kirsten, it was so fun).

Christmas Eve

Both Brock and I had Christmas Eve off of work so we were able to spend the day together. We got to sleep in for the first time in a really loooong time so we were both happy about that! After some last minute shopping, baking and delivering neighbor gifts we went and saw a matinee. When we got home we had a big yummy dinner and watched some church videos. We also exchanged our Christmas Eve gifts. Brock bought me some sweet Jazz pants and I gave Brock Home Alone! It was a great way to kick off Christmas.

I'm obsessed with my new pj's, they are sooo comfy.

Christmas Day

It was really nice to be home for both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve this year. We are usually at one of our parents or traveling somewhere. It took a lot of extra stress off the season and a lot more money in our pockets to just be home.  

Both Brock and I had a few surprises up our sleeves for each other this year. I surprised Brock with a Scope for his riffle, a Trail Camera, Skyline Chili and a few other odds and ends. Brock surprised me with a Kitchen Aid, a sweet Jacket, a new Hairdryer and I also had some really sweet surprises in my stocking.

This is a jacket that I have wanted for a long time for snowboarding. It is going to be a life-changing piece of attire for my day on the mountain!

 Santa even left our puppies some treats in their stockings. Even Brutus and Booger hat treat overload on Christmas!

....HERE IT IS....the appliance that has finally made me a REAL "grown-up"...my new Kitchen Aid. You know those things in you life that you buy and you realize, "hey, I'm an adult"? For Brock it was his Truck and for me it's been my desire to own an appliance that mixes stuff. 8-10 years ago I would have considered this a SUPER LAME gift but I've been dreaming this now for a good solid year. I'm sooo happy, what should I mix?

 Brock's Skyline Chili

(eat your heart out Matt)

Skyline Chili is a Cinci Delicacy and Brock fell in love with it on his mission. He often craves the stuff but since we don't live in Ohio, his cravings go un-quenched.  So I surprised him with a box of the chili for Christmas. It's not the cheapest thing to buy and ship so it is like liquid gold(with chunks) at our house right now. YUM

Here's the damage....

 The saga of the Everlasting Hair Dryer....

When Brock and I were getting married, my mom bought me a new hair dryer because I needed a diffuser for my curls. Anyway, I've had the same blasted hair dryer ever since (almost 8 years). The silly thing NEVER quits. (If you are in the market for a long lasting dryer go with Vidal Sasoon). Because it still turns on I have REFUSED to get a new dryer. I have felt like it was not a necessity because it still functions and I could not justify replacing it. Although, I would frequently window shop for one and dream of the day that mine would die. It has been annoying to Brock that I haven't bought a new one, especially for the last couple years that it's been missing the main switch. He has called it a hazard and has said that he's surprised it hasn't caught my hair one fire or electrocuted me. The diffuser no longer snaps on so I have to hold it on and I'm always burning my hand and fingers. It's beaten, scratched and and missing pieces but it has served me well. It has had a long term relationship with my hair and now it's time to throw out the old and bring in the new.

  Here's my new dryer, isn't it flashy and pretty? Also, you don't have to hold the diffuser on-it snaps into place! Ya' know when you get a new windshield and you realize how bad your last windshield was? Well,  it's the same with new hair dryers!

 Christmas Brunch

 I made our traditional Dutch Babies for breakfast and I used my new gift!

They look so pretty right when it comes out of the oven but it shrinks down really quickly.

We had a super Christmas together and with our friends and family. It's always fun to buy each other gifts but Brock and I know that the reason we have CHRISTMAS is to celebrate the birth of the Savior. Our greatest gift is the love that Jesus Christ has for us. We hope and pray that we can become more like him everyday and learn from his example. To learn more about Jesus Christ click HERE

Christmas Lights

Brock really got into the Christmas Spirit this year and really spiced up the front yard! He added a fishing Santa to his dead dear scene. It's official...we are defiantly the trash of the street! I like it though, I think it's fun. (Minus the HOA knocking our door 2 days after he decorated his boat).

Families in a FLASH

Brock and I decided that we wanted to be home for Christmas this year so we made plans to make a single trip to Utah to see our families. It was a super quick weekend filled with fun, family and A LOT of driving.

We stopped first to spend a day with my family and party. We were in charge of the Christmas party this year and my big brother, Marlon, volunteered his house for us to use. We had games, gifts and a lot of food. It was soooo fun to spend the evening with everyone.

The next morning we got up bright and early and headed south for breakfast with Brock's side. We were served the best pumpkin/chocolate chip pancakes ever! YUM! We spent the day catching up, eating yummy food and exchanging gifts.

We headed home after that to start the work week. It was a little crazy and really quick, but we were both relieved to have the traveling out of the way. We were also looking forward to having Christmas at home and starting some traditions together.

Party #1

Ugly Sweater Party

Nick and Lexi and their cheesy smiles.

Bella Bear

The kiddos playing the candy bar exchange game.

Everyone in their ugliest sweaters!

Mike & Nik looking fabulous!

Nette & Keyner in their ugly sweaters.

Brin won the ugliest sweater award. She was a little disappointed in the "Major Award".

Cookie Game

Mike's White Elephant gift- "a Briefcase".

Party #2

Hanging out in Sanpete

Grandpa, Kindred, Brocko

Uncle Brock helping Mr. E take some great shots.

Tal played a Christmas song for all of us.

Our nativity

The kiddos were super involved in every white elephant gift that was opened.

Trevor & Nicole even made it to the big bash. We were all surprised because Trev just had surgery.

Christmas is a great time to reflect on the blessings in our lives. Both Brock and I agree that our greatest gift is our family. We have the best family out there and were are so blessed to be able to spend time with them.

Merry, Merry!

This Makes Me Happy!

Merry Christmas:)

I love that these people did this in a VERY public place...awesome!

Party Animals

This time of year is action packed with shopping and parties. We've definitely had our share of fun thus far. I'm so grateful to be surrounded by awesome friends that we love to spend time with. Thanks for including us in your Christmas fun!

Here are some of the highlights...

My Gal Pal, Kirsten put together a super fun "Ugly Sweater" Party at Johnny Carinos last weekend. It was so much fun to see everyone in their ugly sweaters. I think people in the restaurant got a good laugh too.

(note: my camera is horrible, so a couple pictures look blurry).

Yes, Brock is wearing women's clothing:)

The cute Morrison's in their super UGLY sweaters!

Me and Kirsten:)

Me and Halz

Kirsten & Aaron got these cute Elf hats in the White Elephant exchange.

Bill & Sherlyn looking fabulous!

Bill won the award for the "Ugliest Sweater".  I agree, it's really ugly!

DUSTIN LEE'S PARTY

Brock and Jason being SUPER CHEESY!

Dusty had us all over to his bachelor pad:)

Carla and Ash

Our little pal, I can't believe how big he's getting!

YAY for Christmas Parties with good friends!

Christmas Stroll on Main

Every year the City closes down main street for the the Christmas Stroll on Main for a few hours. Santa comes and lights all of the lights, the stores all hand out sweets and hot chocolate. Although Brock and I have been here for 4 Christmas', we have never been before so we thought we'd give it a shot this year!
We got there just in time for the lighting of the city Christmas lights. Everyone lines up behind Santa and his sleigh, and walks behind him as he lights the lights at every intersection. It was nice to have some free cider to warm us up because it was soooo cold.
After the lights came on Brock and I headed into Ted's for dinner...YUM! Our friends joined us which was a pleasant surprise. If you are ever in town I'm taking you to Ted's, its the bomb!

 Good Food, Good Friends and Fun!