Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Past

You already know that I love this time of year and lately I have been thinking a lot about about past Christmas times.  It is such a wonderful time of year full of so many happy memories! 

I have been thinking about the Christmas that I spent in New York. I spent a good part of my weekends in December exploring the incredible sights of that city. There really is nothing more magical than Christmas time in New York City.  If you don't believe me, just go watch Elf!


This time of year always brings so many fun emotions when I think about the Christmas that Brad and I spent more time counting down to December 28th then we spent counting down to the 25th.  For some reason getting married was just a little more exciting that year than Christmas was.


And I can't help but think of Christmas time when I was growing up.  I love how simple and magical it was.  I kind of wish it could still be like that.  
(I may not look like it, but I was seriously so excited for that little tutu.  I probably wore it everyday for a long time!)

But this year I am trying to spend a little more time thinking about this Christmas:


Because that's really what it is all about.  What an incredible thing to be celebrating!  I am so grateful for the birth and life of Christ.  I am so grateful to have a knowledge of his sacrifice for all of us and to know that he lives and loves all of us!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Peppermint Anyone?

I love love love this time of year!  I also love to bake!  And thanks to finals being over with I am actually able to enjoy both of those things!  Lately I have been on sort of a peppermint kick.  I think that I have decided that everything is better with a little peppermint extract and crushed peppermint sticks on top.  So here is what I have been up to lately.  (Since I am no longer a captive to maintaining sterile fields, memorizing side effects, or waking up at 3:30 in the a.m.)

Peppermint Swirl Cupcakes:

Homemade Candy Cane Oreos

Peppermint Bark
My sister and I got together yesterday and made 12 pans of this stuff!  It is probably safe to say that we were on a peppermint high by the end of the day, but we had fun doing it... at least I did! And maybe if you are lucky you will get to try some of this stuff!

We will have to see what else is in store for this week!  It just feels more festive in my house when I make something yummy!  And it is always better with some fun Christmas tunes in the background!  I just love this time of year!  Yay for finally having time to enjoy it!