One Lucky Lady, I Am!

So much to report since my last entry! What a holiday season this has been! We have had party's galore and the fun isn't over yet! I always leave the holiday season feeling slightly exhausted but oh-so-renewed and in touch with family and loved ones. What a great way to end the 2010 chapter and welcome in a new year.

I find it necessary to stop and reflect sometimes and wish I did it more often. But there is no excuse why you can't take a moment (or two! or three!) to say a little "thanks" for this lucky life we live while surrounded by some of the best people (and pups!) in the world. Some things I am thankful for (in no special order):

1.  Brunch with the ladies! We enjoyed a wonderful fashion show hosted by the Board of Visitors and planned by my talented mother-in-law (far left)! She did a great job! Amelie and Sophie (niece's) starred in the show - they were so cute! Mom & Bopper joined in on the festivities - such a great way to start the month of December!

2. Traditions! We marked the third consecutive Christmas Tree cutting excursion on the Rim in Payson! This year's tree may have been the best one yet. And our fabulous Croner friends joined us with their sweet little pips!

Love this pic!  Great shot of the rim

The proud family :)  Murphy's first Christmas Tree!

After a long day of finding the best tree we came home to these beauties!  Thanks to Charlies Handmade Sausages in Payson for amazing ribeyes...they were sooooo yum!

Here she is all gussied-up.  So pretty!

3. I love family fun!  Last week we had our annual Gingerbread House making party with both sides of the family. After three days of making houses (yes, it takes three days!!) we had quite a few cute houses!  In the end the kitchen was a total mess (see below), Amelie was as happy as can be and we had ourselves a winning house!  Mike's dad (the architect) took Gold this year (again!).  Julia made the best cheesecake anyone had ever tasted- she is a masterpiece baker!  Seriously, the girl needs a turn at the Next Food Network Star!

The winner!

Amelie had a blast playing with Uncle Mike's old toys.  Mike's parents cleaned out the garage this summer and we inherited tinker toys (yes, the original) and all sorts of fun stuff. She was in niece heaven!

 I told you it was a mess :)

Our sweet little house. A far cry from last year's Nativity Scene but she will have to do for 2010 :)