one year down....50 + to go

The hubby and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. It was a perfect day with my best friend. What a year! I mean really, insane!!!!!! I am the luckiest of girls. He makes me happy everyday. Here's to 50 more babe!

Christmas Decorations

We have had the best Christmas!!! Such a wonderful season full of new traditions. I want to remember our first Christmas and how we decorated the house.....here are a few picture reminders for next year. I need to remember to take a picture of the front of our house before I take it down. What an amazing time of year to celebrate the birth of our Savior and the blessings we all have.

little holiday treat...

Turned out really cute.

a new tradition

Last night, I was surprised by a new tradition from my handsome husband. He lit candles in the kitchen, poured a sparkling Christmas drink, turned on the Christmas scent (thank you Sar) and laid out the checker board. (We have recently taken up the ever so nerdy hobby of playing checkers together over dinner, while watching tv, etc etc.) It was so sweet and a perfect way to celebrate Christmas Eve Eve. Way to go baby!!! Loved it!

...day before christmas eve

Christmas eve is nearly here. Tomorrow will be a busy day making white snowball cake pops (thank you bakerella), homemade crescent rolls and pistachio cheese logs. I wanted to do something a little relaxing. Tonight was perfect. I sat by the Christmas tree and read Pride and Prejudice while I ate milk chocolate Lindt balls with my own Mr. Darcy. Absolutely idyllic.

Homemade Tree Skirt

With only one budget, I am trying to be frugal with my holiday decorating. I LOVE how everything turned out. It feels like Christmas. One of my favorite things is my tree skirt. I used some thick white and silver pottery barn napkins (a wedding gift from Sar and Em) that were about 22 inches wide and stitched them together, leaving one seam open to fit around the tree. Presto. I have a really clean and classic square tree skirt that looks like I bought it in an expensive boutique. (This pic is using my camphone. Not so good, but he who shall not be named lost our camera.)

NOTE: He who shall not be name did not misplace our camera. My deepest apologies for the mistake. I have added a slightly better picture from our recently found camera.

Apple Butter: Thanksgiving Gifts

A domestic triumph. These turned out really cute. A perfect warm inviting fall gift....picture to come shortly.

• 5 1/2 lbs, apples peeled and finely chopped (Braeburn and Granny Smith makes a great butter. You can also do half apple, half pear)
• 2 1/2- 3 cups sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl mix sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt.Pour over apples and mix well.Place in crock pot, cover and cook on high for 1 hour.Decrease heat to low; cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until thickened and dark brown.Stir occasionally. If desired, whisk until smooth. Spoon into half pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Follow hot-water jarring method to seal jars.