Keeping it Real

Out of Control:
In Control:

Christmas Topiaries

I saw these super cute topiaries at Gardner Village after Thanksgiving. I absolutely love them. However, they were $80 for the set. I'm going to make them. The bases are regular candle holders in 3 different sizes. Each tree is a styrofoam cone. From what I can tell, the fabric was dipped in liquid starch and scrunched and pinned with a metal staple.
I priced out some similar candle holders, I can get all three for under $25 (paying full price). I have gone to 2 different craft stores and no surprise....all sold out of cones!
The staples are metal and are "squiggly", not sure where to find those. I haven't gone to Home Depot yet to see what my options are. I also need some fabric. If anyone has some cute remnants of fabric, I am accepting donations. I want to use similar colors because they really look well together.
I'm hoping I can make them before Christmas, if not, I have a full year 'til next Christmas.

20 Years!

Today is Ed and I's 20, yes you hear right TWENTY year Anniversary. A couple years back, I started to save up for a big celebration of 20 years. I thought, we're gonna do this right....well then the economy tanked and Ed's income got cut by more than half, so my $$$ that was tucked away was used for things like groceries, clothing for growing boys and utilities. No fancy trips, cruises, weekend away to celebrate 20! Do I sound bitter? I am! I really was thinking ahead and had saved up a lot of dough, but oh well, we still got a roof over our heads!

Ok, on a more serious note, there was a time in the very recent past that we didn't think we would make it this far. We've had some extremely rough patches lately, lots of heartache and headache. Alot of facing our demons, being honest and confronting our fears. Two solid years of therapy so far, and here we still are. There are days when I'm not sure we have another year in us, but then there are days when I feel we have an eternity ahead of us. Not sure, where we'll end up, it's been a wild ride so far, but I'm glad to be on the ride and have Ed beside me. Our marriage is stronger than it has ever been, yet I am more aware of how fragile our relationships are. We have to care for them, nurture them, take risks, be vulnerable and nourish them daily. I have learned so much these past 2 years that I wish I would have known sooner, but at least I know it now and for this we must celebrate! Happy Anniversary to Ed and me!

Christmas Decorating - Phase III

Christmas Tree #3 is up this week as well. This is my favorite tree. It's colorful and bright. This year I put this one upstairs in a little corner. I still have visions of 2 more tree, but not this year. Maybe in years to come. I would like one in the kitchen and one in the basement (shhh, just don't tell Ed! He thinks I'm crazy).

The first thing to go up after Thanksgiving was the Nativity. Brennan set it up, which was good because we get a chance to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. All the decorations are up now, the garland, the mini trees and knick-knacks. There are a few things that still need a little tweaking, but I am relieved that the big stuff is done, now to enjoy it and look forward to taking it all down.

Christmas Decorating - Phase II

Tree #2 is up. I call this tree the Family Tree. There are ornaments on this tree that are close to 20 years old. It has a mish-mosh of ornaments that the boys have made over the years, we've received as gifts, we've bought because they were cute or had some significance. Last year I didn't put up this tree because by the time I got done with the 2 other trees I was tired. I really didn't think anyone noticed or cared until cute Ryan that is generally quiet pointed out after Christmas that he missed the 'family tree' and how it's his favorite. I felt so bad and guilty, but it made me happy that someone does notice and does care. So Ryan...... this one's for you! And thanks for putting it up and decorating it. You did an awesome job.

Christmas Decorating - Phase I

Tree #1 is up with the help of my little helper elves. I love this funky tree. Ryan calls it the Target tree, as in Target the store. Ed, thinks this tree is very 'modern", whatever that means? I think it's fun!

Thanksgiving Holiday

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. This year, Ed's brother John and his family were here from Tucson. We had such a great time. We really love those guys. I wish I would have taken more pics, but sometimes I get so wrapped up in the moment that I forget to take pics. Everyone was busy doing one thing or another or participating in something. Our long weekend included Zumba, movies (2012 and/or Old Dogs), football (lots of football on TV or participating), boomerangs, 'man massages' from Brennan, Temple, BYU Basketball, shopping at Gardner Village and University Mall, skiing/snowboarding at Brighton, Wii bowling tournament, money extortion from Brennan, visits from the tooth fairy, food....lots of food!

The Callahan brothers & Family

The Callahan cousins: Ryan, Simone, Chad, Brennan & Natalie