A Few of My Favorite {Christmas} Things...

Friends, family, and eating up all kinds of dishes.

Working and wrapping all kinds of wishes.

All of the wonderful joys Christmas brings.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Brothers who make some really weird noise?

Playing games (such as "Balderdash") that everyone enjoys!

Spending the whole day making food better than Beijing's.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Watching sweet young children opening presents.

And even opening a gift that wasn't quite pleasant? 

Hoping my brother gives his girl a ring?

(I know what you are all thinking...well, it didn't happen!)

These are a few of my favorite things...

When the family leaves,

It tugs at the heart strings.

When I am sad that Christmas is over.

I simply remember my favorite things...

And then I don't feel soooooooooooooooooooooooo bad.

I Made Pie for Thanksgiving - Imagine that!

Another Thanksgiving holiday come and gone.  Guess what I made for this festive feast?  PIE!  Imagine that...

Since I have been student teaching I have not had time to slave in the kitchen cooking and baking like I like.  The holiday was upon us and I had a very long (much needed) break.  Thus, I decided, why not make a BUTT LOAD OF PIES.  I was assigned to bring just a plain old pecan pie.  Pecan shmecan - blah.  I couldn't just make a pecan pie this year - that gets old after a while, and I needed to branch out this year.  So, that is just what I did.  (Side note - my Mommy tells me that my lot in life is to make pecan pies each Thanksgiving and Christmas and that I just need to get use to it.  Boo!)

I made 6 pies.  6 pies people!

Count that people - 6 pies!

ONE banana cream pie that was out this world, and will now be a staple at any Thanksgiving gathering I attend.  Move over pecan pie! (P.S. this was not a banana cream pie that consisted of Jello banana pudding.  Come on peeps - I do things from scratch!

Isn't she a doll!  She makes my pie look even more yummy!

ONE coconut cream pie (minus the yucky coconut flakes) that I made because of a request from my cousin.  It was okay, for me.  But, if you happen to be a coconut lover then this pie is for you. (Again, this was made from scratch and not the Jello pudding type.)

ONE chocolate cream pie (from Pioneer Woman) that I have made previous years.  But again, my cousin insisted I make this.

ONE gooey, rich, and very sweet pumpkin cheesecake.

TWO pecan pies for my Mommy who whined about only getting one.  I was a wonderful daughter and surprised her with a second pie on this day of thanksgiving.

All crusts were made from scratch.  I made a graham cracker crust for the cheesecake, a chocolate cookie crust for the chocolate cream pie, two awesome (new) shortbread crusts for my coconut and banana cream pie, and then of course my ever faithful cream cheese pie crusts for my pecan pies.

Don't let me forget, these pies were all dolloped off with a spoon full of REAL whipped cream...none of that fake Cool Whip stuff.

Many thanks go out to my dear Sister Jessie for being my assistant in the kitchen the night before thanksgiving.  I could not have accomplished this task without her!

The cousin Summer and I thoroughly enjoyed our pies!

My Daddio also enjoyed some pie...Pecan to be precise.
He sliced him a big o'l piece and ate it like a piece of pizza.  DAAAAAAAAD!

P.S. I also made two more banana cream pies for Young Women's this week for our activity.  Yep - I have a new calling in the Mormon Church - 2nd counselor.  Should be interesting...

This Can't Be Good....

I'm not quite sure what I drank last night....

Although, my memory is slowly coming back with visions of me drinking.  A lot.  I drank a lot of Root-beer with that Mexican food....

I'm pretty sure this color of "tinkle" in the toilet CANNOT BE GOOD!!!!

May you "tinkle" lot's of Luck on this St. Patty's Day!!!

Christmas to New Years, and Everything Awesome In-Between

The Holidays are over.  It just seems like yesterday we were gearing up for this festive time of year.  All of a sudden everyone has gone home, gone back to work, and life has to go back to a routine.

I have to say, I had a great Christmas, a great New Year's, and everything in-between was AWESOME!  I pretty much just chilled with family - which is shocking, but I also got to see some dear friends that I hadn't seen in a while.  I think that the best thing about the holidays is visiting with everyone, and of course eating.  Speaking of eating I think I might go on a really long fast....

Christmas Eve.

• Finished up at Christensen's wrapping gifts.  Twas bittersweet, but ended on a really good note.
• Had a super yummy dinner, went Christmas Caroling and almost got frostbitten on my feet.
• Played some fun games, "Imagine If," and did some memorable visiting.

Christmas

• Attended a beautiful Church program filled with music.
• Got me some good books, expensive chocolate, and kitchen stuff.
• Gave my Sis the best Christmas present ever - a LOTR Pez set.  (If you don't know what LOTR stands for I will shake my head at you.  I even know what it stands for, and I hate the series!!!)
• Ate some more good food, and visited with family.

I didn't do a tree this year (at my place), so luckily my bro and his
girlfriend put this one up and decorated it all patriotic.

I can count on this chocolate every year.  Who doesn't love chocolate
covered orange gel???  

I shake my head at this nonsense, but this year I helped supply it!!!

 The "In-Between"

• Me and the Audra went and saw "Breaking Dawn Part 1" FINALLY!  We loved every moment of it...I can't believe it took us so long to see it.
• Family from Indiana came to visit!  I was wondering if they were ever going to show up - I was so anxious!
• Ate some good food, visited, watched some interesting YouTube videos, laughed, and played "Balderdash."  (I feel that the game "Balderdash" can only be played with our Cousins Ethan, and his wife Libby Sr. - haven't laughed so hard in a long time.) (Side note, my Mommy bought this game at DI - best $3.00 she has ever spent!)
• We all hit up the movies (again for me), Jessie, Ethan and Kali saw "Sherlock Homes," Both the Libby's saw "Jack and Jill," and Mommy and her friend saw "Breaking Dawn." Libby Sr. and I snuck in and watched the last 20 mins of "Breaking Dawn," so now I can say I have seen it 1 1/4 times.

Ethan and Libby Sr. - cutest pic ever!

Jessie and Kali - funny? 

Thinking hard in the middle of "Balderdash."  Kali, Cash, and Mommy.

Daddio and Me - such a funny pic of my Dad!

Ethan, our MC to the game "Balderdash" - his new role in life.
Seriously, haven't laughed so hard in a while!!!

• Attended our sweet little neighbors wedding and had a grand reunion of seeing old friends.
• Visited sporadically during the week with dear friends I hadn't seen in a while, Alicia, MinDee, and Joni.
• Attended a second wedding of one of my dear co-worker from my two campus jobs.
• Had another random party at my Aunties, combined with our family and the York family.  Played a lot of games, ate, and visited some more.

A "BEAUTY" enjoying another one of my pecan pies of the holiday.

Ain't that a sight - I have no words for this combo!

New Years Eve

• Hit up the DI with Lisa Lou and bought me a new wardrobe!
• Partied it up with more family.
• Had the best meal - Cafe Rio style pork salads, but made from scratch.  
• Watched a darling little 7 year old perform magic tricks. (Some even wanted him to make his little brother disappear - sad.)
• Played more games, and I finally learned how to play "Nertz" although I can't play it by myself.
• Counted down the time until midnight, said our "Happy New Year's," and then just moments after the strike of twelve my Daddio says, "Okay, can we go home now?" 

Singing their heart out with Rock Band...I did a nice rendition of
Duran Duran - "Hungry Like a Wolf!"  Awesome if you ask me!

Sweet Little Girl.... 

Two seconds later....S-C-A-R-Y...

Our entertainer of the evening festivities....Brenner the Magician!

Everyone minus a few.

It was a very busy time this last week, I felt like I was non-stop, but I enjoyed every moment of my week seeing family, visiting friends, and eating lots of great food!

I Graduated From LDS Institute, and Other Nonsense....

I can't seem to graduate from that thing called college, BUT I was able to graduate from the LDS Institute program.  Yeah for me!  It was actually kind of exciting.  I had decided about a year ago that maybe I should try to graduate from Institute.  I talked to one of my teachers and he pulled up all my information and classes I had taken.  He then tells me I am really close to graduating I just need to take a year of the "Book of Mormon."  In all my institute years - there has been many years - I had never once taken a "Book of Mormon" class.  I have taken the "Dating and Courtship" more times then I can remember (and obviously it hasn't helped), but I had never taken "Book of Mormon."  I asked my teacher if going on a mission would count for that year of "Book of Mormon" and he could just pass me through.  No such luck!  I had to sign up for a year of "Book of Mormon."  I signed up, and took a full year, along with my "older singles" institute classes.  I was taking two institute classes a semester along with my regular semester of classes, including chemistry.  You would think that doubling up on the spiritual institute classes would also  help me to pass all my chemistry.  Hmm...Let's not go there....By the way did I mention I took the "Book of Mormon" class...not sure if it was said or not.  ;)

Since I would be out of town on my Institute Graduation I was told to go pick up my diploma sometime after I got back.  I obviously never did get around to it, and now I wish I would have.  Last Sunday, I was surprisingly on time to church, let this be a lesson - stick to coming late!  I had gotten to Sacrament meeting even before my aunt, who I sit by each week.  Totally SHOCKING!  As they we were making announcements I was talking to this senior couple next to me in my ward (who I have buddied up with) when all of the sudden the Bishop calls my name,  "Can I have Liberty Williams come up to the stand?"  What the heck, as I am in full conversation with my senior buds.  The Bishop continues, "Libby has been called to serve in the Mongolia Mission...."  Okay, aren't you just funny Bishop.  I start the long walk to the front - never sit in the very back - not good!  I get to the stand and the Bishop continues..."Libby has actually graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion, and has completed her four years.  The program has presented her with this diploma and we would like to present it to her today."  As I was standing up there completely embarrassed I went on to act like a "sunbeam" (a 5 year old child labeled in the LDS church), and I made some face, rolled my eyes, then shook the Bishops hand and quickly walked back to my seat.  REALLY - HOW OLD AM I - now the face making and eye rolling was embarrassing?  Why did they have to present that in Sacrament meeting?  Well, it's now official - I graduated Institute, and now it's off to get my advanced certificate in Institute.  I mean really, if I can't graduate college I might as well try to graduate in my religion.  Does this mean I have a degree to bash with people of other faiths???

That was exciting?  However, another exciting bit that happened in the month of May was that we celebrated a holiday known as Memorial Day.  I decided on the Friday before the holiday that I would actually celebrate this holiday correctly - meaning, go visit those who have passed on - pay my respects to the dead.  I know, that sounds kind of tacky - "pay my respects yo, to the dead!"  On Sunday, I went to the cemetery and said hello with my parents in toe.  Then, once again on Monday amongst the normal holiday activities of hiking and BBQing my family again went down to the cemetery and walked among the spirits of those who have passed away.  It was a sweet feeling being at the cemetery.  We all took a moment to remember our dear Grandparents, who were so kind and loving, and NOT forgotten.  I'm so glad we took a few moments out of our day to do that.

Of course, as the holiday of Memorial Day has turned into a much needed day off from the busy work week we planned a hike, and an annual BBQ.  It's how we roll in the Williams family.  Around noon we all met up and decided to hike Spring Creek again, since that is exactly what we did last year.  We wanted to hike Kannarra Narrows, but because of all the rain and snow we have been receiving we decided it would be really wet and cold.  Not that Spring Creek was any dryer.  We did a lot of crossing of the creek, and luckily nobody got extremely wet.  It was fun to take all the kiddos, and to be up in a beautiful canyon hiking.  The best part about it was that the hike was free, and right in our own backyard.  SCORE!  After the hike we got back to my Bro's house and fired up the grill for our typical hamburger, and lot's of eat'n BBQ.  I think we all had a great time - it really seemed like everyone had a great time!  The weather was perfect, a little bit on the chilly side, but nothing a jacket couldn't cure.  I have come to love the holiday of Memorial Day, but now as I am older, I have decided that even though it has been made to be just a day off work for people to BBQ I'm still going to make it a point to go visit those who have passed away.

The little Sister trying to make fun of me - so sweet, isn't it!

Some other nonsense....I'm doing my summer of chemistry.  Holy Freaking COW - so much for having an enjoyable summer.  I've met with my tutor already, and had my first quiz.  Passed it - got 10 points out of 10 points.  I'm going to say this is my summer of chemistry.  I may not get to have the summer of fun like I always want/get, but by golly I am going to pass this class.  I'm putting it out there into the universe - I AM GOING TO PASS CHEMISTRY!  I AM GOING TO PASS CHEMISTRY!  I AM GOING TO PASS CHEMISTRY!!!!!!  It's actually not so bad, kind of interesting too.  What?  Did I just say that?  Sure did - you heard me right yo's!

Got Flowers?

I mentioned my summer...well that brings me to working the grounds of SUU, yet again.  All summer long I get to be a "flower girl!"  I started about two weeks after everyone else because I was out on a very long road trip.  I'm now back to the manual labor, digg'n in the dirt, breaking my back, and still screaming at those things called worms.  It still doesn't get easier with time - worms are still gross, but I am grateful for the little guys because it shows that the soil is in really good condition!  

(Our cool shirts we made for our crew full of flower PoWeR!  I came up with the slogan - "Got Flowers?")

However, I'm totally bummed because I don't have an iPod anymore.  Here's the sad story.  Around the first of April my car stereo when kapoot!  I have a dear sweet friend in the car stereo business, he hooked me up and got me thugging once again in the Honda.  Well, about a week before that "very long road trip" I dropped my iPod in the toilet.  I KNOW, I KNOW!  It was completely (and still is) devestaing.  The funny part is I came out of the bathroom just screaming...of course the Bro was like, "What is all this screaming about?"  I say, "I just dropped my iPod in the toilet and I'm hoping a bowl of rice will fix it!!!" (side note:  the iPod got dropped before anything else got dropped if you get my drift...)  He say's, "Who the HELL takes an iPod into the bathroom with them - you take a book!!!  I don't feel sorry for you!"  I say, "Oh just be quiet.  And, yes, I take an iPod in the bathroom, so I can play games!"  It has been that blessed iPod that gets me through my summer job of planting flowers.  What am I going to do?  As mentioned to some of you, I am taking donations.  I've got a plan...if everyone who reads my blog sends me $5.00 each than I should, for sure, have enough money to buy me a new iPod and then with the leftover money (I'm assuming here) I can buy songs off of iTunes.  Totally have a plan...

Please send money via check or money order to:
Miss Liberty Williams
P.O. Box 420010
Kanarraville, UT 84742.

My birthday is also coming up in July (the 18th to be exact), so if you would like to send more than the $5.00 donation please feel free.

Thanks for all of your support!  (I am really not expecting any money - but in all seriously, do think it over.)

That's all my nonsense.  Now get mailing me some money yo's! ;)

To All The Singles Out There - This is Our Year!

(Mommy, this video is for you - it's your main man singing AWESOME AS ALWAYS! You, Jessie, and I are such Gleeks!)

Today is a day of LOVE!!! I don't know if many of you know, but I'm pretty engaged right now, in a super hefty relationship. His name is Chem (for short)...a.k.a Chemistry. What? Shouldn't I be done with chemistry? That's what I thought - nope we are still going strong. In fact I'm technically in what some people call a threesome. I bought me a tutor to help with the relationship - gotta do what I gotta do!

In other words - "To all the singles out there - this is our year." Well I'm not banking on my year of love, (although it would be nice...) but I'm in really high hopes that this is my year for FINISHING chemistry. Let's get me on to the next chapter of my life for crying out loud!

Shout out: Hey Mommy & Daddio thanks for the sweet as can be Valentines Day card and gift certificate to my favorite restaurant, Pizza Factory. You two are the best. LOVE YOU!!!

To all my Singles, Married, or Whatever you call your status -

HaPpY VaLeNtInEs DaY!!!

25 Day's (or things) of Christmas

Fa la la la la, la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Tis the season to to be merry....

1. Put up my tree - this year I went for the the silver and gold theme - pretty, but to elegant for my surrounding???

2. Started working as a holiday gift wrapper. I am officially a pro at wrapping gifts. I have the paper cuts of a seasoned holiday gift wrapper.

3. Watched my fair share of overly cheesy, romantic Christmas movies.

4. Used my "cocomotion" one to many times to have the creamiest hot chocolate EVER!

5. Read the book, Christmas Jar's for book club, and as I read it I was put into the real reason for the season...then I attended book club and became a Grinch???? Figure that one out???

6. Drove around one day (cause I was lost) and ended up taking in the beautiful Christmas lights. Wow, people really get into that. Good for them!

7. Had a family C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S dinner...you should've read about that. (Scroll down if you missed that post.)

8. Sat on Santa Claus's lap...so that was rather interesting...

9. When Santa asked me what I wanted for Christmas I jokingly, YES JOKINGLY said, "Can you get me a man?" He then asked, "Where do you live?" I then said, "I'm from St. George area, but now live in Cedar City area." He then tells me, "Well, that's your problem, you live in Cedar City." Guess I won't be seeing a man under my tree this year. Wink, Wink.

10. After a painstaking long time, or so it felt, I FINALLY got my Christmas cards sent out! Only to find that I had spelt Santa Claus wrong, then to fix that mistake I spelt "oops" wrong. Good NIGHT, what a mess. For those getting my Christmas cards I hope you had a good laugh!

11. Continued to put off my Christmas shopping because I feel that I work better under pressure?

12. Christmas kept getting closer, and closer. Yet, I continued to put off the shopping.

13. Thought about doing my Christmas shopping online, but missed that deadline.

14. Finally, with three days to spare I got up early and in the worst possible weather traveled to St. George to start and finish my shopping in approximately 3hrs because I had to be to work by noon. Mission accomplished! I never in my life have shopped that fast.

15. Attended a packed Christmas concert in Cedar City to get me more into that Christmas spirit.

16. Continued to work like a crazy person wrapping peoples gifts and trying not to get ticked off when they don't say thank you for doing a FREE SERVICE and wrapping their Christmas presents! (I'm not bitter - in fact, I have been offered the opportunity to go back for every holiday and next Christmas!)

17. Wanted to make some holiday goodies to take around to my neighbors, ran out of time and ended up taking them chocolates from my Mommy's chocolate factory. It's sad that it's only at Christmas I actually get to sit and visit with my next door neighbors.

18. Family arrived to ring in the holiday filled with lot's of food.

19. Watched the Seinfeld episode that featured the holiday celebrated on December 23, Festivus.

20. Christmas eve was spent eating dinner together with the family, and watching a sweet movie/documentary about forgiveness. The Heart of Texas. Rent it, watch it, and strive to be like them.

21. Finally got to sleep in some on Christmas day. Had a wonderful breakfast and enjoyable time opening and giving gifts to each other.

22. Santa heard my plea for not only a "man for Christmas," but I got me a new salad spinner. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! (Do I have a story about getting a man...wouldn't you like to hear it...guess that will be kept a secret for now.)

23. Ate more food and visited with family.

24. Played games for hours on Christmas day, and enjoyed every minute of it.

25. Received a white Christmas...the day after, but it came.

With all those 25 things, my Christmas was really swell!

Merry Christmas!!!

Great Christmas Tradition

On my Daddio's side of the family my Auntie Debbie always does a C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S dinner in the month of December. This year all of us relatives in the surrounding southern Utah area got to be apart of this great Christmas tradition. I was so excited! I always thought this was such a cool tradition, and I have always thought that if I ever get married and have a family I'm going to do this very tradition! The tradition consists of having a meal that spells out Christmas. Oh my gosh the food was so good - and so much! I was sicker than a dog, but that's the norm for me.

Picture was provided, and put together from my crafty cuz, Anisa! Thanks Anisa for letting me borrow this.

Ryan and Anisa welcoming us all.

You don't have to tell us it's time to eat - we all know how to dig in!

Jessie reading her family history about our Great Grandparents.

Visiting - it's what we do best...besides eat!

Joren loves Peyton!

My baby Peyton - I love her. Oh, I'm going to miss her!!!! A tear!

More visiting - or listening...

Trace! This is his "Libby Face!" I love to make him do this - so glad I actually caught it on camera.

Christmas Card Catastrophe

I'm starting to panic because it's almost Christmas and I haven't got my Christmas cards sent out. I wanted to do something similar to last years - take the poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and tweak it to my life this year. But, because of stress from school, working two jobs (now just the one), and trying to just stay sane I haven't got my cards done and I'm FREAKING OUT!!! I want people to enjoy my card, but will they???? I got my picture with Santy, and the envelopes are all addressed, but the poem. The BLASTED POEM is still in the works! Sheesh...

Last years Christmas card - it was a joke, I hope you got that.

The Night Before Libby’s Christmas

By Liberty Williams

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Libby was STILL single, and searching for something called a spouse!

The lingerie was hung by the dryer with care,

In hopes that a man soon would be there!

Libby nestled herself all snug in her bed,

With visions of men dancing away in her head.

With pajamas from Gap,

She had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter!

She sprang from her bed to see what the matter?

Looking out the window on the new fallen snow,

‘Twas a limo of men driving up from below.

The driver drove faster than Edward in Twilight

As he shouted the men’s names in hopes she might find her white knight!

Now, Blue eyes! Now, Tall, Dark, and Handsome, Now Edward.

Now, Clever! Now, Active! Now, Wealthy and Funny!

Right before her eyes, she was ready to call one “My Honey!”

Now hurry, now hurry, now hurry one and all!

So, up to the house the men came running,

They were all just so divinely stunning!

When, what to her wondering eyes should appear,

But the twinkling of a diamond, which made her stand up and cheer!

She knew in a moment this must be the one,

Could this be true, could she really be done?

No more searching, wishing, hoping, and dreaming,

Single no more was beginning to look so pleasing.

With a wink of his eye, and a smile to make one melt,

He then began to knelt…

When out of the blue such a beeping arose,

As her alarm clock blared, and her dream disappeared.

Libby woke to a Christmas filled with despair,

In hopes that next year, she might have a prayer!

But until then may your home be filled with cheer,

As I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Music & Christmas Movies

NOW, Christmas can be in the air! As the holiday has begun I am drawn to lot's of classic/fun/sweet Christmas movies. Along with renting/watching all my Christmas movies this month I'm pulling out all my Christmas music as well. What's your favorite Christmas movie, and music?

Top 15 BEST Christmas Movies Ever! (According to me, and in no particular order.)

1. Christmas Story - grew up watching this movie every year..."Ohhhhhh Fuuuuuuuuuuudggggggggggeeee!" "HO!" Long Pause. "HO!" Long Pause. "HO!"
2. Christmas Vacation - HILARIOUS! You should all know my favorite quote, "Why is the carpet all wet TODD? I DON'T KNOW MARGO!"
3. A Very Brady Christmas - a TV made movie that my parents recorded years ago, and is still to this day, a favorite. The Brady kids are all grown up and want to do a family Christmas. (Sadly, I can't find it anywhere on Netflix.)
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Real people version). "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags! Maybe Christmas, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas …. perhaps … means a little bit more!" (Currently working on a cross stitch pillow with this quote.)
5. The Christmas Card - a new family favorite of about two years ago. Acting is silly, (my Bro loves this movie, and during dramatic moments him and I like to say, "Now that was an academy award winning performance!") but the story is just so CUTE! It's about a girl, Faith, who writes the troops in Iraq. One letter in particular reaches a certain soldier...and then love begins, in the heart of Christmas time, of course.
6. Jack Frost - part cartoon, part real people. Grab a box of tissues cause this movie is a tearjerker!
7. A Smoky Mountain Christmas - Dolly Parton stars in this fun family movie. Dolly Parton plays a Tennessee music star who is trying to get out of the camera lights when she comes upon a cabin with runaway children, and we can't forget there is a witch is in the story also. I know what you are thinking, but this was another great TV made movie, that as child, I fell in love with. Luckily my Bro was able to get a copy on VHS.
8. One Magic Christmas - seriously, grab TWO boxes of tissues for this wonderful Disney movie. Set in the mid 80's Mary Steenburgen stars as the Mom of a middle class family just trying to survive. During this time of "making ends meet" her family is struck with a tragedy. Soon a Christmas Angel comes and helps her remember the true meaning of Christmas. Oh shoot I'm crying just typing about this movie. (You can't get it on Netflix - kind of mad about that, but I own a copy on DVD that Santa got for me last year...he found it on Amazon.)
9. Prancer - I remember when my Daddio took my Bro and I to see this movie along with All Dogs Go To Heaven (double feature). The story is so touching and sweet, and it's gotta be if Sam Elliot stars in it!
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas - who didn't wait each year for CBS to play this cute little 30 minute movie. Well, I couldn't wait. My most favorite Christmas cartoon! “If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself—just send money. How about tens and twenties?”
11. The Preachers Wife - with Whitney Houston. Actually, it's been a long time since I have seen this one. I will be watching it this year. Netflix, just added it - top of my QE.
12. It's a Wonderful Life - if you don't love this movie then something is wrong with you. One of the best Christmas classics around! "Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets its wings."
13. Mr. Krugers Christmas - another wonderful Jimmy Stewart movie. I think the LDS church put this movie out long ago. It's a short sweet movie. On this LDS note I LOVE their five minute movie called The Nativity.
14. Home Alone (only the first one). "Keep the change you filthy animal!"
15. The Santa Clause (only the first one). Disney did it again with a sweet story about Christmas and family togetherness. SO many great one liners in this movie!

Top 15 Christmas Songs (Once again, no particular order, and this list is according to me!)

1. Jar's of Clay, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen (Their whole album "Christmas Songs" is amazing too!)
2. Sarah McLachlan, Silent Night
3. Jimmy Eat World, Last Christmas (This has got to be my most played/favorite/cell phone ringer song of Christmas.)
4. Faith Hill, A Baby Changes Everything
5. Faith Hill, (again) Where Are You Christmas (From the real people Grinch movie.)
6. Carrie Underwood, What Child Is This
7. Paul McCartney, Wonderful Christmastime
8. Mannheim Steamroller, Carol of the Bells
9. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas/Sarajevo
10. Josh Groban, Little Drummer Boy (Not really a fan of him, but I do own his Christmas CD, and it's good!)

11. Starlite Singers, Christmas Shoes

12. Kenny Rogers, Mary Did You Know?

13. Glee Cast, O Holy Night (I'm a Gleek, gotta support yo's!)

14. Britney Spears, My Only Wish (I know, I know, I know...)

15. Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson, Wintersong (I also like Sara McLachlan's version - her whole Christmas CD is great though.)

NOW, get watching and listening -

Christmas will be here before we know it!!!

Friends, Family, and FOOD Equal a GREAT Thanksgiving!

I'm sure Thanksgiving was just as busy for you as it was for me. My Thanksgiving festivities started last week when I got invited to TWO Thanksgiving parties. Yes, I got invited to Thanksgiving parties. Two friends of mine that are in my programat school had invited me to a feast of turkey, trimmings, and yummy desserts. Kaitlin invited me to the first one. I've now decided that I like going to parties and meeting new people, especially people who share my love for bathroom humor... Her friends were hilarious, and just fun as can be to be around. I also had an amazing dessert/salad.

Me and Kaitlin. Enjoying that yummy salad!

Grape Salad

Lot's of red, juicy grapes

Pkg. Cream Cheese

Small Container of Sour Cream

Powder Sugar to taste/like

Brown Sugar

Directions: Clean grapes place in bowl and set aside. Cream the cheese and powder sugar to thick consistency. Mix in grapes and sprinkle with brown sugar. Enjoy!

Then next shindig was on Monday before Thanksgiving. Another friend Jaime, who is also in my same program at school, had a huge blowout party with lot's of good food, and lot's of music. She also had a tasty salad that I had to get the recipe from.

Me and Jaime partying it up at her place!

Fruit Salad

8oz. Package Sour Cream

Large can of pineapple chunks

Large can of mandarin oranges

Coconut flakes (but I won't be adding this to my salad)

1 Bag mini marshmallows

Directions: Combine fruit, sour cream and marshmallows in a large bowl and stir together. Serve, and ENJOY!

Lastly, the real Thanksgiving day was spent with my family on my Daddio's side. My Aunt Rosalie took it upon herself to be in charge and it was a huge success. We had TON'S of WAY GOOD, YUMMY, WISH I HAD LEFTOVERS FOOD! We also had a white elephant game where some funny presents were given. Uncle Ron picked two pigs "porking" it, complements of Cash and Kali, Aunt Rosalie got a hard hat which was hilarious on her, and Thayne had to open several gifts just to get to two little pooping key chains. I laughed so hard at all three of their gifts. Surprisingly their gifts were the most sought after???

I first picked a cool whip dish with five $1.00 bills, but that quickly got snatched up. I ended up with two candle stick holders. Not bad. Along with white elephants gifts and gags we played some other games for quite a while which was a lot of fun too.

It's actually not me holding Peyton...I caught this picture just at the right time. Peyton is a doll!

Cash and Kali - so CUTE!

Almost the whole fam damily...just missing a few - wish you were there!

I of course made my Grandma Roberta's Pecan Pie that is HEAVENLY - made two, and they didn't even make it home. I also tried a new pie this year from the one and only Pioneer Woman. I made her Pumpkin Cream Pie, that was also a hit! I need to give a shout out to Josh on the macaroni salad that he made. Tasted just like Granny's used too. Well done Josh, well done!

Grandma Robert's Pecan Pie

1 Unbaked Pie Shell (I use my cream cheese pie crust of course!)

2 Eggs (beaten)

1 Tsp. Vanilla

½ C. Sugar

2 T. Flour

1 C. Light Karo Syrup

2 T. Melted Butter

1 C. Pecans

Directions: Mix together eggs, vanilla, sugar, flour, and Karo syrup. Melt butter, and mix into ingredients. Pour in pecans and mix. Pour ingredients into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year, and I'm glad I got to spend it with my family. Have I said how grateful I am for my family? Well, I am! Yes MOTHER, I do love and appreciate my family even though I'm pain in the butt sometimes towards you all!!!