Merry Christmas

A nearby Stake puts on a great production of The Nativity and we went to see it for one if it's few precious nights. It is always so well done. There are beautiful narrations, music and lighting, angels up high that appear from no where who sing and make me cry, ...the set was really cool complete with live animals AND the best part is? It's under an hour. We bundled up the kids and went on a beautiful, calm evening. Isn't it amazing how something like this can create such a beautiful spirit? It was a great prelude to the season.
We had some friends in the show and, as an interesting side note, my friend Katherine was Mary. They took professional photos from the evening for the cast members and I loved this one of Kath +her husband (and a baby from a family in our ward. See? We're even pals with the wee King). Isn't it beautiful? This is untouched and from the live performance.

I also loved the music from the Christmas Devotional that our church broadcasts every season. This song is so, so beautiful. I suggest as you sit here online while escaping the world, that you stop you for a moment - click the link to listen - and feel the purpose of this season and bring a peace and calm into your soul. And if you like it, you can download it for free here.
Happy Christmas Eve! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas among family and friends you love and find comfort in all of your blessings!

Little Luke

So, we signed up Luke for Basketball season this year. He is in the youngest group and it shows because the poor kid has never played the game in his life. He's enthusiastic as ever, though... runs all over and he has an awesome coach that has taught him quite a bit already! Last night he was telling me about his "Z" drills and defense stuff.... it's so cute it makes my mouth water.
He is a foot shorter than any of the other kids. Look at those shorts. Oh he's so adorable. I love my little Lucas.

Me Oh Moi

I am telling you... 2011 has some wicked awesome tunage awating.
Here is a peek of more to come.
This track from the upcoming Toro Y Moi release is off the hook!
*via Stereogum

Wii Can't Wait

This is wrapped & waiting under the tree with a tag saying, "To: Everyone".
Elliet has picked it up and guessed that it is this movie.
I told her it is a Wii game that teaches kids how to clean toilets. She's not buying it. Butcha know what? I am quite savvy in computer graphics so to ME, her response has become a challenge. I think I'm going to make a fake sleeve of 'said' game, slide it into one of our old games and wrap it up to really throw her off.
I love Christmas.
For realsies, though...I can't wait until we all watch this together.

Gingerbread Houses

Well, this year the Gingerbread houses were a little less of an execution, which was just fine with me. I had all the supplies on hand and we happened to have an open evening so we had a last minute get together and let the kids go at it. I am a loser Mom because I have to exercise major restraint when we do things like this. I watch the mess form : crumbs and sprinkles going everywhere...eegh.
They love it and it's fun to see what they come up with.

Mallow Out

So the week has been crazy but it's over. The kids are now out of school until after New Years so I was trying to get as much done in order to enjoy Christmas time together next week and relax. Is that even possible the week before Christmas?? I'm going to try.
This week was full of meetings, appointments, visiting teaching, helping with class parties at school and parent teacher conferences. The latter motivated me to get some baking done and delivered. One of the things I made this week were homemade marshmallows. I'm not fond of them, mind you.... S'mores, fluorescent peeps, mud pie cookies or rocky road... blech. Then why would I want to try them? Curiosity. And most people like them, right? Hopefully the receivers enjoy them anyway...Plus, I hear once tasting them, they convert non-mallow lovers into believers. So I googled this recipe by Alton, whipped them up with Luke one night and they worked wonderfully. Since I am giving them away I didn't venture into funky flavors or coating, but I really want to try some clever combo's. Alas, I have enjoyed a few and they do taste great in cocoa & postum. Too bad (or maybe it's good) I won't eat them because I really want to keep playing with it. Think of home made Peeps in the Spring!
Anyway, the point of me posting this was to say: they are really easy, fun to do with kids and taste yummy.

I wanted to share this idea for teacher gifts that I *ahem* sort of swiped from a source online. It is hard coming up with new things every year to give teachers and I always appreciate finding something to inspire me so perhaps this will inspire you in the future. My talented and very nice friend (Thanks, Jackie!) cut these out of vinyl for me so all I had to do was find a big, heavy cup (Ikea), stick them on and fill with pencils. Check!

Sans Red

Have you seen this picture circling the web of the "Desaturated Santa"? Thought this was really clever. This is not photoshopped in any way. She made this B&W Santa costume and wore make up to look completely void of color in a sea of red Santas.
Brill.

Why Notsy

I did it. I succumbed and created an Etsy shop. I have a few of of these shield necklaces left and thought it would be an easy venue for that.
Go have a look if you'd like.

Kids Are Cool

I have had these sitting in my office for months (you can tell by the date), waiting to be scanned.
Thought you may get a giggle out of them.
Highlight from the first:
"frod". Awesome.
Highlight from the second:
Apparently these punctuation questions came off more like a personal interview. Needless to say, we never 'finished & returned'. I selfishly kept it. Or, perhaps I should say, I didint return it.

Ear Prezzies

Until lotsa good stuff comes out early next year, I have been foraging to and fro for music discoveries.
Thought I'd share some things I have been enjoying lately. Wanna hear them now? Click the links.
-Crystal Stilts - Shake The Shackles
(I am in serious love with this one right now.)
-Cut Copy - Take Me Over
-Erol Alkan MGMT Remix - Congratulations
-Alexander - Truth

Colorful Bums

Despite the mass Pantone branding everywhere, I can't help but to like it.
These chairs are the most "cheeky" yet! So cool.
*via DesignSponge