Wow. It's Almost Christmas!!

Well, it seems that we have all been pretty busy with shopping, cooking, baking, planning, partying, etc.  I can't believe Christmas is almost here.  I wanted to jot down some of my favorite Christmas traditions.

1.  Christmas Eve:  Old:  Every Christmas Eve we open a few gifts: a pair of pajamas and an ornament.  We are carrying this tradition on to our kids.  I love it.  New:  Now that our family is growing (8 grand kids in almost 4 years and one on the way) we spend lunch at the Pizza Factory and bowl after at Phat Cats.  Such a fun day out.

2.  Christmas Day:  Old:  When I was little, we used to see at least one movie in the theaters, sometimes more depending on what was out.  I loved that but haven't done it since I got married.  New:  My husbands family tradition has always been a big Christmas dinner.  Ham, funeral potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, jello salad and Chocolate Roll for dessert.  I am very much looking forward to that.

3.  Other Traditions:  Seeing Christmas lights(Temple Square, neighborhood lights, etc.), making and frosting sugar cookies, delivering neighbor gifts, lots of Christmas music.

What are your favorite traditions?

Quality Time

What's something you and your husband do as a couple to spend time together? Read books? Go on walks? Play boardgames? Put together puzzles? I'm looking to add some new ideas to my list so give me all you've got!

More time with the husband!

Do you ever feel like you don't get enough time with your husband? I know I do! Between his work schedule and our son, I feel like we never get enough quality time! For us one thing that has made a huge difference is his lunch hour. I know what your thinking... really his lunch break, its only an hour how could it make that big of a difference? We'll my friends, allow me to enlighten you!

Everyday, my husband calls me when he's on his way home for lunch. We talk on the phone clear up until he pulls in the driveway. Then he'll walk in the door and give me a hug and a kiss, and usually say something mushy. Then I'll make him a sandwich on homemade bread (my contribution to being a stay-at-home-mom) and we'll spend that hour together, talking, catching up on shows we missed. etc. The point is we spend it together. Usually the baby is napping and it is a complete hour of just us! It is pure bliss. It breaks up the day so I don't feel like he's gone for 8 hours, and gives me a chance for some adult conversation! This simple hour spent together has made such a difference to us, and has become one of my favorite times of the day! I wouldn't trade it for anything! If it's an option for you then I challenge you to try it! It works for us. Just think of how fun it would be to get an extra hour with your hunny!