Sunday, December 30, 2007

Christmas in SoCal!

After spending the last 4 years in Philly for Christmas, we decided that it was time to go home this year. This trip was defenitly a long awaiting vacation for us! THe big thrill for Christmas was of course Disneyland. The kids have been talking about it all year! We picked a most excellent day to go--before all the schools let out for the holiday. The weather was of course fabulous, and the longest we waited in line was about 30 minutes. My mom and Owen's mom joined us which added to the fun, and also helped us out with a little kid relief. Maggie is now tall enough to ride all the rides, so that was an added bonus. But she wasn't crazy about the rollercoasters. Maggie's top favorite was Indiana Jones which she rode twice. I of course love everything there--but my top picks have to be the matterhorn bobsled, and Thunder Mountain. Audrey enjoyed everything that wasn't fast, and Drew of course loved It's a small world. We had a great day at the happpiest place on earth!
While in SoCal, we were able to go to the Newport Beach temple. Afterwards, we stopped at our favorite spot--Corona Del Mar and played in the tide pools. I especially loved dropping stones into the sea urchins. We also admired the 5 million dollar homes, and dreamed of living there some day,
For Christmas, Owen's brother Tony hosted a French holiday. The kids were in their chef hats, and everyone got a moustache. We were only allowed to speak in french, and Maggie (Jacque) and Audrey (Pierre) were wandering around speaking in their french accents, and saying "we we" and "bon Jour" We topped the night off by singing "The 12 days of CHristmas" --and everyone had their individual part. --oh and a nice game of monopoly which I kicked everyones bootay! Thanks Tony for making Christmas so much fun.
We had such a wonderful time in SoCal--maybe it will be our next destination when we move in June?

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Sunday, December 9, 2007

Christmas projects

I thought I'd share a few little projects I've been working on lately. Thanks to my friend Amberlee and her always creative ideas. The kids have had fun working on them too! They are great projects for them because they are pretty easy--especially the ornament. They are making them for their teachers at school.

Scrap paper ornament



1. Go to Michaels or AC Moore and buy clear bulbs--they come in different sizes
2. Cut strips of Christmas scrapbook paper 6 inches long and about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Roll paper around a pencil until tight.
4. Fill the ball with rolled paper until full.--paper unravels a little
5. Use some cute Christmas ribbon to make a hanging thingy--I really don't know what to call it!--Inside the ribbon I wrote a little message to Maggie's teacher.


Christmas Magnets


This little project has been a little trial and error. But, I've got it down to a science now.
1. Supplies--Those little clear glass gems--Sorry, I don't know what they're called, but you can find them at Michaels and AC Moore. Scrapbook paper, SOBO glue, Thick magnets, a small paint brush, E6000 glue or Aileens tacky glue, a gift card tin--or you can use an altoids tin and cover it with cute paper.
2. Trace a circle of scrapbook paper to fit the gem. Paint SOBO glue on right side of paper and press to flat side of gem. --SOBO dries clear.
3. After it dries, glue on a thick circle magnet with the E6000 glue.
4. Wala! You have a very decorative magnet! Store magnets in gift card tin.
Helpful hints: If you're paper is too thin, the magnet will soak through and create a nice black circle on your magnet. Cut a small circle out of cardstock to place on the gem before you glue the magnet on. I made a bunch of Christmas ones, but I also have some that are generic that say Friend, share etc. You can be creative.
We are giving these to the kids teachers also. We're also giving them to our neighbors and visiting teachees.

New Do's!


Maggie and I finally decided to cut off our dead ends. I've been up for a change for sometime now, but had a hard time getting the guts to do it. It's just so easy for me to pull Maggie's hair up for school. It's hard enough trying to get her out the door on time, so a quick hair do is always a bonus. Plus it was fun to braid her hair. As for myself, well, most days I have so much going on that spending time on my hair was the last thing I wanted to do. So I spent many a days with my hair pulled back. But, I was so tired of it, and it really was ugly and had no style to it. So now I have to get used to this flat iron thing--takes a little more time, but it's such a nice change. Thanks to my friend Jodee--she always does such a nice job!

Ho! Ho! Ho! to You!

Non-Crappy Starring You! eCards on JibJab