CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS

Here they are! The official 2011 Christmas cards of the Gordon family. Everyone knows I can't do just one. Actually, this year it wasn't my fault.

When I brought these home, D complained and said they were way too boring (I like to think of them as traditional, but I'm just the mom), so I made up the others at his request. I am not sure why he cares. He doesn't send them to his friends anyway.

I do have to admit that these tell a lot more about our family than do the others, but the others are a bit more formal and there are pros and cons to each style. Personally, I like both.

So, if you normally get a card from us, it will be a gamble to see which ones turn up in your mail box... Wait for it...!

THE TREE HUNT

I LOVE this tradition! We always have such a great time going up the canyon to find a Christmas tree, especially when the weather is sunny and fairly warm like it was yesterday.

The kids went sledding down the road. It was really packed down and icy; perfect for flying down the road, but not great for dodging all the vehicles coming up and going down. I swear, half of Utah was up there with us.

We grilled hot dogs, drank hot chocolate, and visited with family and friends. Here are Princess P, S, Me and Little C enjoying the day.

On our hike out into the forest, we found a leak in the culinary water pipe. It had been spraying for a while and left this cool ice formation. It was taller than Princess P!

And here it is, probably the UGLIEST tree we have ever had. The lights didn't even help it. Oh well. It is serving it's purpose and we had a great time going to get it, so we'll put up with it.

BLACK FRIDAY FUN

I believe you need to be a woman and a true shopper at heart to love Black Friday. I don't know that there is that much money saved, but the excitement and the fun of going shopping is what it is all about. I really do love it! I went with my sister-in-law this year and we just had a VERY good time!

We shopped all day with a little break for lunch at Cafe Rio. I got lots done and had a blast! I'm not finished with all my Christmas gift buying, but I am lots closer now and had a great time doing it- which is the true Black Friday spirit!

THANKSGIVING AT THE BARN

We had a wonderful Gordon Thanksgiving this year. We went up to 'The BARN', of course, and had turkey, a TON of mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, and lots of desserts. We were in food heaven (which is the purpose of Thanksgiving, right?)

Then, the day was so beautiful, we all went outside. The guys and the brave girls had a trap shoot. (BTW, I am NOT a brave girl- I hate shotguns). Here're D, Big C and Grandpa taking their turn.

This is Little C, Medium C, Uncle C and Mid C shooting those poor, defenseless clay pigeons.

Here is Little Miss C enjoying the sunny day. What a CUTIE!!

A had a great time! Food is one of his true loves, so he gives a big THUMBS UP to Thanksgiving.

Big C's cousin came with his family and brought us gifts. He markets these vinyl nail wraps called Tat Toes (you may have seen them in the mall) and he let us all choose some. Here are S (right) and N showing off the latest in nail fashion. I have some too and they are awesome! I wore mine over the summer for 6 weeks and they still looked perfect. We are fans!

FAMILY NIGHT OF GRATITUDE

We had a fun Family Home Evening last night, so I thought I'd share. D gave the lesson on gratitude/thanksgiving and wanted an idea for an activity. Pinterest came to the rescue again. (I know I said I wouldn't post about Pinterest again for a while, but I can't help it. There are just so many great ideas, I keep finding fun stuff).

This is our Thankful Tree we made. D cut branches off our aspen tree and put them in a jar. I punched out circles from scraps of paper I had, then punched small holes in them. We listed things we are thankful for and hung them on our 'tree.' It turned out cute and the kids had a blast.

Earlier in the day, Princess P and I went over to my sister's to make these pilgrim hat cookies (also inspired off of Pinterest). So this was our family night treat. It was a nice evening for all with minimal fighting (which is always a bonus ;).

TIME WILL TELL

Yesterday my oldest daughter and I went north to the big metropolis for some Christmas shopping. And what is Christmas shopping without going out to lunch?

We went to Mimi's and had some very yummy food (I love quiche and never get it because my family hates it, so going to Mimi's is always wonderful for me). Our waiter was also very impressive. He wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, but was pretty darn cute with a very charming personality. His left hand was also free of a wedding band, so... I left S's phone number for him!

We laughed and laughed and decided that he'd never call, but it was funny and reminded us of the movie The RM. We were very entertained.

Well, he ended up texting her about 4 hours later while were shopping at Target! We just about died! We were as giggly as little girls. He seems like a nice guy, but later I really started to worry. What if he's a loon? What if he's psycho? I guess only time will tell, but I think I need to restrain my impulsiveness next time and let her pick up on her own guys. Then I don't have to feel responsible.

MONOTYPE FLOWERS

Here's more art from my class. This is a demo I did for monotypes last week. Everyone enjoyed them quite a bit. I LOVE doing monotypes. I'm thinking about doing a large one for the faculty show in February...

SNOWMAN FAMILY

Okay, this is the last Pinterest post for a while, I promise. But these snowmen turned out so cute I just had to share.

I got together with a couple of friends on Saturday and we made this cute snowman family. I got the info from Pinterest, but we changed them to fit what we wanted. Here's the link if you're interested...

CRAFTINESS

Pinterest strikes again! I pinned these covered light switches on Pinterest and thought about doing them. Then, I saw that my sister had some in her home and they looked SO cute. She bought them at a local store and my decision was set in stone.

Last night I got busy and did almost my whole upstairs. Here are some of my favorites. I am SO thrilled with them. My kids were even impressed and they aren't easily impressed by crafts.

The key is to find cute scrapbook paper. I have TONS in my stash, so that part was easy.

(Sorry about this crappy photo- I'm too lazy to take another one). The other key is to use spray glue. The website I looked at said to use mod podge or paste, but spray adhesive was SO much easier. I tried them both ways.

At the end, you Mod Podge over the top to keep them from getting too dirty too fast and VIOLA! You've covered over 18 years of cracked, stained switch covers and added a fun decorative element to your room. I even used a recipe card one for my kitchen. Will the cuteness ever end?

BANANA SCUM

D got a new outfit the other day and is in love with it so I thought I would share it will all.

His new Nomis jacket and Burton 'scum' hat came in the mail (online order) and the glasses were purchased on a trip to the metropolis last weekend. Big C calls it his banana hat.

What a stylin' dude! Everyone's been trying them on, especially the glasses. They are so 80's its not even funny!!

Here's S in them as well. Lookin' good! (She always does).

Me? Not so much. I'd better leave the scum hat style to those that think its awesome.

I AM A CANON FAN

I think I am a Canon fan for life. As most of you readers know, I have broken the screen on my G11 twice now. Yes, I truly am talented. I sent my camera in for repairs both times because I honestly love this camera. The first time, they repaired it and sent it back within 10 days. It was amazing and fairly cost effective (for a $500 camera). I was very happy with their service.

This time, however, was a little different. I sent my camera in and didn't hear from them for almost 4 weeks. I finally called and the lady said she would expedite everything and 3 days later my camera was home. Only, it wasn't my camera. They said it was more cost effective to upgrade me to a refurbished G12! So now I have a nicer version for the same money! Needless to say I am very happy!! I <3 Canon! It will be so good to have my nice camera back...

TRICK OR TREAT

Our Halloween 2011 was a very fun one and quite laid back compared to some years.

Here are my oldest boys. D has been making that Deadmau5 (techno band) head for weeks. He did such a good job. A is the lead singer from Avenged Sevenfold (M Shadows).

Of course we started out with the costume parade at the elementary school. It was fun to see all the costumes. Here is Princess P as a pirate princess running past.

Here is Little C as a zombie (with half the school). He was a pretty darn good one. The weather was so nice the kids didn't even need jackets til the sun went down. It was perfect (especially compared to last year's blizzard/lightning storm).

I've probably blogged about him before, but this photo (taken by my awesome sister-in-law) is too good not to post. This is our neighbor at the costume parade. He always dresses up as a ringwraith from Lord of the Rings and rides around town on his horse. He is VERY scary (even though we know who it is), especially when it gets dark. He is a very fun tradition in our small town.

Here I am (right) as a hippie with my sister (aka. Morticia Addams) and my niece (aka. Wednesday Addams). They looked awesome!

For some reason, after school Princess P wanted to be a zombie, so we painted her face for trick or treating.

Here is the neighborhood group that went trick or treating together. They had a great time. I'm so glad we live in a safe place with lots of fun kids.