We may get a little carried away in Utah

So we Utahan's really LOVE to decorate for the holidays...any holiday. While the main story on the news last night was how the Salt Lake county mayor decorates his home for Christmas, here was some of the "breaking news" this morning...

We LOVE our little elf, but this family took things a step further..



A Few Favorites

"Forever Young"

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

 

 

This is one of my favorite songs...and this my absolute favorite version

 

Here are some of my other recently found favorite things...

 

iphone case (goes with the forever young theme) I found this etsy and fell in love with it!

You can find it HERE

 

One of my new favorite books...

 

This book has so many great ideas for your families and reminds you to enjoy every moment! I am taking the boys on a tromp through the woods today to collect treasures to include in our ice wreath (another great idea from the book)

And I know I have mentioned this movie before but it is one of my favorites. It is a true story and it's release was met with some controversy, as Alaska did not want the character romanticized, but it is a wonderful, beautiful movie.

 



Elf gone wild...

Like many families, one of our Christmas traditions is Elf on the Shelf. Our charming little elf, whom the girls have named Cutie, has started getting into some mischief lately. The kids woke up this morning and found that he may have gotten into a bit more than he can handle...
                          

 

And unfortunately he only comes to life when the kids are sleeping, hope he can hang in there.

                                                                      

Birklee

I saw this shirt and immediately though of my little Birklee. My wild, white haired, almost 3 year old. He is most defiantly a momma's boy and I love it. He has the body of 4 year old and the mind of a two year old (he is a giant boy) and he reminds of a cute puppy with legs that are too incredibly long and clumsy body that doesn't always cooperate. This is the lovely little boy who took 300 pics of himself with my iphone and then tried to deny it, the boy who broke his bedroom window twice with a matchbox car, the boy who currently has a giant scab on the back of his head (he probably could have used stitches), the boy who snuck behind daddy's chair last night and proceeded to break every candy cane in half, the boy who drink 1/2 gallon of milk everyday, the boy who sometimes drives me crazy and always melts my heart.

 

 

 

The little cutie pie, laughing like always!

 

                                                    The picture he took and tried to deny...

                 
                 And the mama tried t-shirt from the junk gypsy group that I must get for him!

                                                                                         
                                                                               

 

 

Final two days

Today begins finals week, which only lasts two days for me. There is something refreshing about attending college the second time around. I am fortunate enough to be in a place in my life, and my family's life, to have the opportunity to focus and study subjects that truly interest me. I do no feel the pressure of quickly obtaining a skill so I can earn a living. Seven years ago, when Elizabeth was born, I put school on a back burner. I was only 1o credits away from earning a degree in elementary education. The time off from school (along with lack of thought about school) helped me explore life and find interests that will stay with for a lifetime. Truth being, I have always loved school, learning, reading, and exploring. Yes I will, eventually find a career in my (future) field, but for know I am finding the joy in learning. It is wonderful to go to class and really think about the lectures instead of viewing the class as one more to cross off the list. I am truly grateful that I have such a supportive family who encourage me to explore my interest of learning. While I have had a fun time this semester I am looking forward to the break to enjoy the holiday season with my family.

                                                                                

We should try to stay away from anything that makes us unhappy...i am adamantly against the strive for perfection, some things should be left unfinished...and maybe some things should never even be started

                     

Taproot

I have come across a magazine I love. It is not trying sell anything it is simply about life. The magazine comes is published four times a year. It would make a wonderful present for anyone (including yourself).