Christmas Fun with Friends

This year we went to the Festival of Trees since Ben had never been. I love it and have been quite a few times. If you don't know what it is I'll tell you =) They do the Festival of Trees every year up in Sandy, UT. People donate mostly Christmas Trees that are all decorated and some also come with gifts and then they auction them off for donations to the Primary Childrens Hospital. There's also centerpieces, small trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and much more. They have a Santa and tons of things for kids to do, dancers, food, and lots of fun. The way neat thing is that everything is donated. Last year they raised over a million dollars. Its really neat and if you haven't gone I would suggest going =) Here are some pictures from this year.

 I don't know how they got the tree to stay upside down but it was so cool!

 Loved all the wreaths!!

We also got invited to be in the tradition of making Gingerbread houses with some of our friends this year. There was about 6 couples and we all got together and made gingerbread houses, ate food, and played games. It was tons of fun =) and we hope to do it in the years to come too.

It was a huge mess but tons of fun! Each couple made their own house and they all turned out way different. I wish I could have got a picture of them all when we were done but I forgot.

 Ryan chilling on the couch with the two babies =) the little girl is his and the boy is Katie's

Ben and me could only find a kit that had 4 mini gingerbread houses so we ended up ditching the directions and making our own plan. This is what we ended up with haha

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It's almost Christmas!! 15 Days and counting =) I absolutely love this time of year. I love the music, the snow, the baking, gift giving, the happiness and joy, being with family and friends, and how everyone seems to be a little more giving and nice.

So this being our first Christmas on our own we didn't have much of anything. So we went shopping to give our apartment a little Christmas Spirit =)

We searched a ton of stores looking for the perfect Christmas tree. We didn't really want to get one that was only 3 ft tall because they were about $25 at cheapest and we figured we wouldn't really use it much later. So after buying and then returning one tree after we found a better deal...we finally got this tree. It's 6ft and it was only $20!! Steal of a deal =) We bought some glass balls and our first ornament together =) We still haven't found a star we like. 

 We got some stockings and a garland. You can't really tell in this picture but the candles are white with snowflakes on them as well =) 

Some cute Christmas trees for the side table 

 

 Our little WINTER blocks and a snowman Ben chose out himself =)

 Ben's mom sent us a countdown for Christmas with little treats inside that we love =)

I tried my hand out at doing something crafty and made this Winter Wreath 

AND we finally got some snow!! Yay =)

Happy Thanksgiving

Its a little late but Happy Thanksgiving!! =) I hope everyone had a good day and lots to be grateful for. This year Ben and me stayed in Utah because I  had to work. We did get to go up to Uncle Ryans (Ben's Uncle) in American Fork on Thanksgiving day. It was Uncle Ryan, Aunt Renee and their two boys with Uncle Leon and Aunt Teresa and their two kids Mason and Elise. Grandma Winter was there too and then Ben and me. Dinner was absolutely delicious =) Teresa made these rolls that were amazing and Renee made a ton of other things. Grandmas pies were also to die for. We all ate way too much of course and then sat down and watched the Blind Side. We also got to write cards for Trey and Mitchell, who are both serving missions right now.

Although we weren't able to be with our immediate siblings and parents we were so grateful to be with family. I realize how lucky and truly blessed we are every year. Although we don't have a ton of extra money we are making due and have more then many others. I'm so grateful for my job and that I am able to work while Ben is going to school. I'm thankful that Ben is in school doing his best and working hard to one day provide for our family. I'm so thankful for both of my families that I now have and the knowledge that I will be with them for eternity. I'm thankful for the gospel, our home, friends, health, and so much more. I'm so glad we have November and December to be especially grateful for everything. I love this time of year =)

Sorry I didn't get any pictures this time, but here is a good quote.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the world.

If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, you are among the top 80 percent of the worlds wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

-Author Unknown