Our First Christmas Party.

This year i've also decided to be brave and do a Christmas Party. Not sure what crazy person has decided to take over my body but hey it'll work. i just want to spend time with my family and have fun.

So I'm thinking of doing a Hot Chocolate Bar kind of like these:
  

 I love the display on the right. But i'm not sure what caramel in hot chocolate would taste like... Anyway, I figured this would be pretty simple and fun. I mean who doesn't like hot chocolate right?

I found a recipe for Polar Express Crockpot Hot Chocolate. The instructions are in the Pin description. I saw this great idea for Peppermint Whipped Cream for a creative topping. I figured we could do some of the whipped cream, candy canes, chocolates, cookies, and marshmallows like the ones below.

These are a really fun idea i found for our marshmallows. A lot of pins i've seen say to freeze whipped cream and cut out the desired shape with a cookie cutter. So cute!

Another idea i had was to make a few of these photo props and we could take some silly pictures.

If i decide to do food i saw this cute idea for a snowman made out of pizza.

I thought maybe if it wasn't too much it would be fun to decorate cookies too. Not sure if we'll end up doing it though. 

My main idea was to put some Christmas movies on, enjoy the some hot chocolate and goodies, and maybe even play a few games. I found a blog with a few games for a "Not So Silent Night". They look pretty fun!
That's all i have so far though but i'm sure it would be more than enough. I can't wait!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

For some reason i've really been in the Christmas spirit this year. I've already pulled out my decorations which normally i wouldn't until the middle of December if i did at all. Pretty Grinchy right? Well this year it's time for a change! Especially because our little girl is getting older and can enjoy it with us. So not only have i pulled out all the decorations we had but i've made quite a few new ones! I'm in the crafting mood! Here are a few crafts & decorations i've already done:

Over one of our windows. It's so pretty when all the lights are off. Especially when you see it from the outside. I love this idea quite a bit! It's so simple and easy too!

This idea came from Pinterest. I wanted to change the color of our tree this year so i took our old Ornaments and used them in a few different decorations. I just took your basic ribbon you put on presents & hung them. Then took our blue lights and wrapped them around the curtain rod.

Our Fireplace mantle. We painted our pumpkins this year so we got to keep them around for quite while longer. Mine is the one on the left & Luna's is the one on the right. Bry decided this year he is going to shoot his pumpkins. Yeah, don't ask.

Just a little epsom salt, raffia, cinnamon sticks, pebbles, and candles. 

Our coffee table.

Took a lantern i had and filled it with Ornaments.

The top of our entertainment center. The Candy Cane on the right is a craft i made last year. It's tissue paper modge podged onto a mason jar. Super easy & adorable! Made 3 of them with my sister in law last year.

Here is another one of the mason jars. I have one more as well but it's a little hard to photograph. These really are such an easy & cute way to decorate! 

I've been kind of playing around with this idea. I can't decide whether to put the red/green ones upside down too or keep them like this. And maybe even get rid of the snowflakes? I'm not sure yet. I think i need a table cloth too. That would look much better.

These are my husbands Pistons & Rods. I keep asking him to move them off my dining room table but he hasn't. So i decided i'll use them to decorate too ha ha ha! 

So those are just a few of the things i've done so far. I have so much more i want to do! Here are a few of my next projects:

 

These would be adorable Grandparents gifts! The wreath can be found here along with some other amazing ideas for wreaths! 

 

I'd love to do to this No Sew Ruffle Tree Skirt but maybe in the burlap and red colors. The tutorial to this is so simple! Definitely a tedius but worth while task!

This little guy can be found here. A couple styrafoam balls wrapped in yarn, burlap, buttons and wire. 

I thought this one was pretty cute too! You could put the year you had your kids too with their hand prints. The tutorial is here.

How simple but beautiful is this? I love it! Tulle tied on a string of lights. Find the "tutorial" here.

So hopefully i can get my butt in gear and get all these done! At least the Tree Skirt so we have our own this year. Maybe the energy fairy will pay me a little visit ha ha.

Thursday.

Having a really hard time tonight. Yesterday on our way home i screwed up my shoulder/arm. More specificly a muscle that both areas use. What was i doing? Putting curly fries in Luna's cup holder of her car seat. I've been trying to figure out why the hell something so simple would hurt this bad. I know its the way i bent my arm around then twisted because once i twisted a pain shot up my arm. But the more i think about it i realize that my shoulders pop and grind a lot from my seizures. So maybe it was just a matter of time before something like this happened. I don't know. I just wish all this crap would have happened before i started working again. What a nightmare and how embarassing! I had to call in sick twice last week because the flu hit our house. Then had to leave work tonight after being there for only an hour and a half. I have the worst pain and my fingers keep going numb. Plus of course it had to be my right arm. Why can't i be left handed?? Sheesh. I am just so stressed and worried that i will lose my job. It seems like one thing after another and i really need to work. I love my job and really hope nothing happens. I would be pretty heartbroken. I know that would add so much stress to Bry too. I honestly just want to crawl into a hole and never come out. I am super upset and hurting so bad. Last night i worked after it had happened. I figured because it wasn't hurting too bad that i could just work through it. I wasn't able to sleep on that side of my body but i was able to use my arm without too much pain. I worked right through it and didn't have a problem until i woke up this morning from my "nap" after work. Now no matter what i do or take for it i can't get it to stop hurting. I cry and cry and cry then just sit there feeling stupid. I am really praying this little SOB muscle that's giving me a hard time will take a hint and get with the program. I am a mom, wife, and person who needs to work and do stuff! Here's to positivity and trying my hardest to work through it! I told you body that i won't let you get the best of me this winter. You should also take a freaking hint. :P

Holidays.

Usually i am a bit of a scrooge when it comes time for the holidays. Mainly it's about the snow and cold weather. My body will hurt like i get thrown down a flight of stairs every morning. My goal this winter is to work through it. I know i don't have a choice this year to lay down and cry because of Luna. But whether i am in pain or not i really want to work on my positive attitude. I know how much that can affect almost every aspect of your life. So hopefully i can meet my goal and really work towards not giving up!

This year i am so excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Last year was technically Luna's first for both holidays but it just isn't the same when they're that small. This year we get to watch her run around and play with family on Thanksgiving. We get to watch her open her presents herself and play with them. Last year she did but this year she'll be close to 2 years old! I can't explain it but it's just different. She'll understand more i guess. I am excited to go out and shop for her presents with Bry! We get to decorate our tree as a family this year and Luna can help. That is probably what i am most excited for! She's older and can do so much more with us. I can't wait to do it all!

Every year since Bry and I have been together we go up and cut our own tree down. Usually most people buy a fake one or grab one from a local store. I am guilty of this. But if you don't know any different then you don't know what you're really missing! I highly suggest it. Even if you get a scraggly charlie brown tree the experience of it all is so worth it. You have to drive up and really look around. Pick a tree out, cut it down, take it home, and decorate it together. Sounds simple and boring to most but it is one of my favorite things. I only wish Bry would trust my judgement more. I always see the best ones! Then again....whenever he cuts one down i pick it turns out to be bald on one side, lopsided, and ugly. I guess it's best we just go with his judgement. But don't tell him i said so hahah.

This Thanksgiving i am considering cooking my own turkey. I know i will regret admitting that and i'll be expecting a phone call from Mom very quickly. I just don't know if i'm brave enough :} Maybe this year i'll consider it a learning experience, head on down to Mom's and have her help me cook one. I can't just jump off the plank head first right? Yeah...i think that's a good idea. I kinda like my husband and want to keep him around...not poison him haha. Maybe next year he can be my lab rat for my real FIRST turkey. Plus we have grandmas who need their turkeys to disappear! We can't let those go to waste ; ) hahah. Anyway, i have been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving as well. I am so excited to see all my family and spend time with them. Now more than ever i realize how important any time i have with them is. You never know what might happen and when! I am so grateful to have the large and crazy family i do. We are a wild and unique bunch but we wouldn't be us if we were any different. I'm sure excited for the holidays this year! Let's do this.

Bottom Line: I am so thankful to have the life i do. Not just because it's mine but because i get to keep it. I have the most amazing husband and a beautiful little daughter. We might not be much but we're us and that's all i'll ever need.

Today & A Few More Pictures.

Before i start off my rant, i wanted to post a few pictures my little brother Aj sent me tonight and few i took myself. We have such a beautiful little girl. We're so lucky! (: 

Big blue eyed beauty.

Her cousin Olive got a really cool bike for her birthday. I am thinking that's what i'll get Luna for Christmas.

Her new thing is to climb up on all the chairs no matter where we are. I am really going to have to keep an eye on her and keep the chairs tucked in! Crazy girl.

Sweet girl.

Now onto the ranting and rambling....

I can't even begin to explain how much i loathe cleaning. I will admit sometimes it can be stress relieving because i can zone out while doing it. But that feeling of relief only comes once i've really started to clean. Thinking of starting to clean makes me want to crawl out of my skin. Bad enough that i will make up things to do so i can leave the house hahah. Yeah, i win. So today i needed to really dig in and get things done we had people coming over later for dinner. I had been procrastinating the actually cleaning for a few days. It's funny how much we really think about things instead of just doing it! I swear i am the queen of avoiding and procrastination. Anywho..luckily Bry didn't have to close and came home to keep me company. I ended up cleaning the house and feeling good at the end of it all. Sheesh....all that for a little cleaning. 

On his way home Bry stopped and grabbed one of those big $5 pizzas from Walmart. I don't care what anyone says i LOVE those and i am addicted. When i was done cleaning, our friends Tyler and Steph came over with their kids Eric and Shaynee. We ate some pizza, Steph & I had some drinks, and then wound down on the couch while the guys looked at car parts. I only wish we had remembered to use our free Redbox code so we had a new interesting movie to watch! Oh well i'm sure my mom enjoyed her free Redbox tonight lol. All in all it was nice to have some friends over to our house for a change and enjoy ourselves. I wish it happened more often!

Just a few things.

I had a few pictures and things to post. All sorta unrelated so i figured i'd just post em' all.

Our lovely jeep hit 200thousand this weekend.

Luna's new outfit she got for pictures. She even picked out her sparkly new shoes.

Poor Luna Bean had her Hep A & Flu shot. Not to mention Bry had the flu and gave it to her. Poor thing.

Little Red Riding Hood. We went to the Trunk or Treat first and a few houses afterwards. She was pretty much a pro. Held her basket out and everything. Love my smart little girl. She was so adorable for Halloween!

The Perry Family.

About 4ish months ago my brother Tyson, his wife Megan, their two sons Presley and Mason moved to Montana. I remember crying so hard. I don't allow myself to cry about it anymore because i know it will be hard to stop. Up until their first visit since moving i was mad. Why? I have no idea. Especially because i took them for granted so much. I never realized how lucky i was to have them 30 minutes away. But after seeing them and how happy they are i am nothing but grateful. Sure i miss them and wish they still lived the short 30 minute drive to Provo. But the change in their attitudes and the happiness that just emantes from them is amazing. Montana is exactly where that little family belongs. I am so happy they found their home.

They arrived Thursday night and made their rounds to as much family as possible. I can't imagine cramming that all into 4 short days! I am just thankful i got to see them as much as i did. We went to Grandma Perry's house and had a big turkey dinner. Mmmm (: ... Afterwards, we went to mom's house and i even had room for one chicken taco! Imagine that hah. All in all it was a great day/night! So thankful for the time we got to spend together. Hopefully we will be able to make a trip up to see their lovely Montana home this Christmas or next spring.

Grandbabies: Jackson, Mason, Presley, Luna.

Dustin, Me, Tyson.

Megan & Luna.

Presley, Tyson, and Mason.

Everyone but Aj, Robert, and Bry. Poor Bry was at work and sick. Glad he's finally feeling better.

Jackson, Luna, and Mason playing.

Finally got him to give me a hug.

Sweet boy. I love him so much.

Got her a cute new outfit for pictures. She even picked out her sparkly new shoes! Target had some good clearance so i picked her up a few things. My poor husband probably wants to strangle me and burn target to the ground. Their clearance always sucks me in!

Mason boy.

P.s. I almost forgot to add...I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT AGAIN! WOOT WOOT! Tyson and Megan announced this weekend they are expecting their 3rd little baby. She's about 12 weeks along. So excited for them. I will finally get rid of some baby items hahah. I don't care what you say DANI...IT'S A GIRL! :}

November.

This year i decided to actually do the 1 post each day for what you are thankful for. I figured i could write a blog post with the entire list but add to it each day. We'll see how this goes. Some of them are long so it may take a few posts! I guess that's a good thing though because i'm not just thankful for cheese. Yeah, don't ask.

Day 1: I couldn't be more thankful to have Bry in my life. I find myself wondering how i got so lucky. I've never met a more forgiving and patient person. We have our ups and downs but we always get back up. It's amazing what you can do when you have the right person beside you. Thank you Bryant Fullmer for being mine. For always standing by me. For taking care of me when i couldn't take care of myself. I will never be able to repay what you have done for me. You are the strongest person i know! I love you sweetheart. Forever. For Always. And No Matter What. 

Day 2: All my life i didn't want kids. In fact i dislike them very much. But here i am a mom to the most beautiful 
little girl. Although she is getting quite the attitude(no idea where she got it)...she is the sweetest little girl. I know
we are given exactly what we can handle. And i am insanely grateful for that as well. She is the most easy going and low maintenance child. Except when she is awnry. Then she has fire in her eyes. In which case you should run...far away....Anyway, if you asked me 4 years ago if i thought i would be a mom i probably would have laughed at you. For me all it took was meeting the one man i knew would be the father of my children someday. And he is everything i knew he would be. So here we are & i am so thankful for our sweet girl. She is such a blessing! Life sure would be boring & quiet without her hahah! Luna Bean i hope you know i love you. Endlessly and Unconditionally. No Matter What Baby! Always.

Day 3: After smoking for 7 years i am more than thankful to say November is my 9th month smoke free. It feels so amazing! Proud of myself. 

Day 4: I'm grateful that my health has actually been good lately! Sometimes my health can be so depressing. But i've been feeling really good and it's been so nice. I know it's been relieving for Bry too and that makes it even better. Hope it lasts!

Day 5: The bond my husband and i share. He loves me endlessly and unconditionally. The kind you rarely hear of anymore. Grateful & Thankful don't even begin to cover it. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world. How i ever got this lucky i have no idea. I hope one day i will repay him for what he has done for me. I love you Bry. Thank you for being my everything & sticking around regardless of all the bullshit. You are the best man and the purest heart. I don't deserve you one bit.

Day 6: I'm thankful for chances. Especially when i'm given entirely too many which i don't deserve. It's time to pay the hell attention.

Day 7: I'm thankful for the patience my husband has for me. Not many people will deal with my anger and crazy lady problems. I only wish i had more control over my emotions and how i experess them. Maybe one of these days i'll be thankful for that ; ) hahah. 

Day 8: I'm thankful to have a job i love. I was skeptical about being away from Luna but it works well with our schedule. I'm also thankful Luna has so many grandparents who help us when we need a babysitter. I'm not sure what we'd do without you. I can't even tell you how grateful i am for you all. 

Day 9: I am thankful to have insurance. And to be able to go to the doctor when i need to! It is such a blessing! Especially given that i am like a 70 year old woman stuck in a 21 year old body. Woof. I am also thankful i have a sweethusband who takes cares of me when i don't feel good. No matter how often i am sick. It's the best medicine. 

Day 10: I am thankful for the power of forgiveness. Not just to maintain or fix relationships. But so that you can let go of a grudge and move on regardless of how the relationship ends up afterwards. It's pretty crazy what happens when you decided to hold onto something and not forgive. 

Day 11: I am so happy to have all my brothers and sisters. I can't imagine my life without them. I want you all to know just how thankful i am for each and every one of you. You all play your own special role. Even if we don't see each other often. I am so proud of all of you & where you are going in life! Love you!

Day 12: I'm grateful to be (partially) woken up by my husband kissing me goodbye in the mornings. Love that feeling.

Day 13: I am thankful for the amazing support we have. I don't know how we would have survived all these years. I have the best parents(inlaws). We may have our disagreements but you guys do more than most parents are even willing to do. I hope you know how grateful we are. I know we will never be able to repay the love, kindness, selflessness, and support you have showed us. I'm sorry if my actions or mouth ever convince you otherwise. I love you from the bottom of my heart! Even when i want to give you a good shake & slap ; )

Day 14: I am grateful to have dishes, toys, and messes to clean up. Because i have a HOME to clean, TOOLS to clean it, and a FAMILY to make it dirty all over again. I only wish i had the motivation to clean more often. If it's a little messy when you come over i'm sorry but we actually LIVE in here.

Day 15: I am grateful for the power of healing. Also for how relationships can grow, evolve, and become stronger than before. Especially for the better. I want you to know that i love you Mom. I am so thankful for you in my life and the relationship we have! You have taught me so much as a mother and best friend. Thank you so much for being mine and an amazing Nan! I love spending time with you and just hanging out! Not many people get that! Here's to the future ;) !! Can't wait for our insane gingerbread houses and Christmas party!

Day 16: I am thankful for honest people. Sometimes it pisses me off but i sure as hell appreciate it. I am thankful for you Chelsey Bennett. I am glad that being with Bry brought you into my life! I do wish we talked more and that you still lived in Heber. But i am so happy for you & your little family. You finally got your house & John is so happy with his job. People don't realize how important

that is! I'm sorry we don't visit often...hell i'm sorry we haven't seen your house yet! But I want you to know that i love you and i appreciate you in my life! You are a great friend and i'm glad you aren't fake with me. Just be a little nicer ; ) I'm sensitive! hahahah Just kidding. Anyway, I just needed you to know you are important to me! How about we talk more. Jerk! : )

Day 17: So thankful that on days i'm feeling down i can drive to my mom's house. Enough said. 

Day 18: I'm thankful for my sweet husband. Yep, once again. Sorry folks. I am entirely too grateful i have a man who accepts me and loves me for who i am. Especially when i am sick or hurting. I know it has to be annoying after awhile but he never shows it.

Day 19: I'm thankful that at some point Luna will take a nap today. And shortly after, later on tonight i will be able to go to sleep for the day. Woof.

Day 20: Grateful to have a counselor who talks me off of numerous "cliffs".

Day 21: Thankful for my sweet little girl. Poor girl is teething and going through a growth spurt. Woke up at 11 and went back to sleep at 3 for almost 3 1/2 more hours. Poor thing. Here's hoping she feels better for tomorrow!

Day 22: We decided to cook our own FIRST Thanksgiving dinner this year. It turned out amazing and we had such a wonderful day. We had a Brown Sugar + Pineapple Ham, Mashed Potatoes + Gravy, Stuffing, Yams + Marshmallows, and Rolls. Plus we had a gigantic assortment of pies! It was delicious! Mom stayed over last night & helped with the cooking too. And she's even going to stay the night again tonight! Lucky me! It will be so nice not to be lonely. Love my family! I wish the rest of them could have been here. Maybe next year!

Day 23: I am so thankful for Luna's laundry soap. One wiff of her clean laundry and it takes me back to her newborn days. The smell of that could make me smile so big and cry even on my happiest of days. Love you Luna bean.

Day 24: Those times i get to be an older sister. Even if it's something small.

Day 25: In all seriousness i am thankful for Pinterest. It serves so many purposes in my life. Inspiration to get off my butt. Ideas for every project I will ever do. Creativity when i'm in need of it. A source for thousands of mom's sharing their parenting tips and advice. A source for money, time, and supply saving tips. It literally has so much to offer. Even if i don't do everything i pin, i know someone who follows me or someone who follows them will need it. I can't say enough about how much i love Pinterest. But i'm sure it's pretty obvious with how often my pins pop up on my Facebook LOL.

Day 26: Our warm bed.

Day 27: I'm thankful i have big shoulders. Not always but sometimes.

Day 28: Memories. Closest Things to My Heart. Most Cherished Possessions. I only wish my body didn't pick and choose when i get to remember them all. That is the most scary reality in my life. The possibililty of having them ripped away so easily is terrifying. Having them is such a precious thing. 

Day 29: Acceptance. I'm Always Chasing It. When i finally 

get it the relief is amazing. When i finally accept myself will be the defining moment in my life. I hope i can get around to that soon.

Day 30: Peace of Mind. Taking a Time Out. For once instead of my body taking control in a bad way it helped me take a little siesta. I'm just hoping i adjust soon and it's not a bad thing. The past few weeks have been so hard. I'm lucky to have my amazing husband, mom, and counselor. I'll keep crossing my fingers for an opening to this darkness.