Back in the swing of things

Flowers


I love getting back in the swing of things.


I am one of those people that loves the holidays and then loves to put all the stuff away and get back to whatever is coming next. Around here that includes a legislative session for Chris beginning on the 12th, Simon heading back to school on the 6th, and getting ready for a new baby coming soon.


I have spent the last couple of days hanging out with Chris and Simon, re-organizing Simon's room, working on the baby room, reading this, and putting away the holiday stuff.


Chriscooking


We had a very lovely low-key holiday that was just right. Dinner at Chris' parents on Christmas Eve and then dinner here on Christmas Day.


My favorite thing this year? Cooking with Chris a good part of Christmas Day. He made the pie crust (his first one ever and it was awesome) and arranged the pork crown roast. I did the pie filling (cranberry & pear), the apple pecan stuffing, the pureed turnips (which were surprisingly good), and the gravy. The best part was just doing it together - I really loved that. Actually it was probably my favorite present.


The recipes we followed can be found here.


Starwars


It was definitely a Star Wars Christmas in 2008. Books, figures, ships, etc (hence the need for a room reorganization) from family aunts & uncles, friends, and grandparents.


One of the most magical things at our house this year was that Santa
put new Star Wars sheets on Simon's bed while he was sleeping. That
Santa is pretty sneaky and it's pretty amazing that Simon slept through the whole thing. I think this could be one of those really special memories for years to come...


Hope you all had a lovely holiday and have been thinking a bit about a word for 2009. I am pretty sure I have chosen mine and will be sharing it on the 31st.


Dottedline


The last three pages of my December Daily will be posted later today (finished them up last night but wanted to wait for better light for taking photos of them).


Also, look for a very special giveaway this Wedenesday.

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50 thoughts

  1. Gayl Staffler says…
    12/29/2008

    The best thing about the simple word is having chosen one last year, keeping the committment and being ready to move on to a new word in 2009. Deceisions, decisions. Thanks to you for such a life altering idea.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Amy Dow says…
    12/29/2008

    Ali, we had quite the Star Wars Christmas here as well but our Santa wasn't quite that slick (and my boy sleeps on the top bunk so that would be "interesting" ) but I am always amazed at your energy! Really, the holidays and a new baby and your cooking all day...way to go! I wanted to thank you for taking the time to post all those cool homemade Christmas projects a few weeks ago. I made 3 of them for my 2 sisters and my mom. The best was the button tree because I made 3 small trees using all my Grandmother's old buttons. My 2 grown nieces requested trees for next year! I also made them each a Christmas collage and a monogramed ornament. It was really fun to do and some of my favorite gifts to give...so thank you for sharing your creative ideas with people like me who love to create but aren't exactly "creative". I've even saved photos and tidbits from this month and I am quickly creating a Dec. daily for myself. Next year I will start at the beginning of the month and do it the right way but it just feels good to get some of the thoughts and memories down all together in one small book. Enjoy your week of "nesting" and again, thank you for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal) says…
    12/29/2008

    Good Morning!
    Boy you are on the ball! Today is my clean-up day...
    I just had to comment about your oven/stove/range. For some weird reason, out here in 'no mans land' all 'the girls' are getting commercial ovens/ranges/stoves. Things that start at $2,500 and go on up to $5,000. Drives me crazy!!! I mean, do brownies really taste any better??? I'm sure there are benefits, but 'keeping it real' seems to be lacking in my neck of the woods.
    Thanks for being real - meaning, focusing on the important things in life, instead of the superficial.
    (I'm sure I'll get flamed for this! Oh well!)...
    I think my word for 2009 is 'Real'

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. clgarrett says…
    12/29/2008

    star wars christmas at our home too!
    but that sheet idea is a really good one...
    i'm with you on the decorating, always glad to see it but so glad when it's put away!
    can't wait to see more of the album!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Renee' says…
    12/29/2008

    I don't know how you pulled off the sheets...by WTG!!! Can't wait to see your last couple of pages! When are you due again?

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Renee' says…
    12/29/2008

    I don't know how you pulled off the sheets...by WTG!!! Can't wait to see your last couple of pages! When are you due again?

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Emily says…
    12/29/2008

    Ali, that is awesome about the Star Wars sheets that Santa put on Simon's bed. When I was little my parents built a whole new canopy bed for me and put me in it in my room and I never woke up throughout the whole process and that is something to this day over 20 years later I still remember and am in awe of. :) Glad you had a nice holiday and Happy New Year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Juju says…
    12/29/2008

    I´m far far away from Oregon - in Europe and sitting at work in the office. I just saw the picture of Simon unwrapping his parcel and I had to smile. I remeber when I unwwrapped my LEGO Police Station (well... it was about 25 years ago!) and I was so proud and happy! Thanks for sharing with us your christmas memories!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Ruth says…
    12/29/2008

    Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas Ali. How on earth did you get those sheets on the bed without Simon waking up???? Hope you have a great New Year too!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Laura in Chicago says…
    12/29/2008

    Ali,
    I have been finishing up my 25 days of Christmas project. Our sons are 21 and 24 and it's still been a lot of fun, different than it would have been at 1 and 4 but still lots of information and activity during the month. However I feel that stopping on the the 25th really stopped some great photos and journaling.... Since I've used your 25 Days of Christmas photo overlays extensively in this project I was wondering if you would consider creating an add on set for days 26 through 31???? I would love to be able to order those from Designer Digitals. Thanks and have a great New Year....
    Laura

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Jenny says…
    12/29/2008

    Just wanted to say thank you for the inspiration and positive messages you send out into the world. Thank you!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Colleen says…
    12/29/2008

    Oh I sooo need to get my hands on that Wally Lamb book as he's one of my favourite authors. His last book I just couldn't put down!
    Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Kim says…
    12/29/2008

    ...lovely... so wonderful looking in on your Christmas. And just the table alone - in your first photo warms my heart! Merry post Christmas to you Ali! ~ kim

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. casie says…
    12/29/2008

    Everyday around my house is a Star Wars day so Christmas was no exception! My curiosity is piqued with whats in the giant box, but the look on his face says its the best thing ever!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Jennifer Stewart says…
    12/29/2008

    Ali,
    I love that you and Chris cooked together. How special! I already told my dh that next year I want us to do more of it together instead of doing things separately and then it all coming together on Christmas Day only.
    Have a wonderful new year's eve!
    Jennifer

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. KarenB says…
    12/29/2008

    What a precious little smile on Simon's face! I have loved watching him grow since I began reading your blog. Simple things, like cooking with your husband, are wonderful gifts. Enjoy the rest of your break and have a happy new year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Nanie says…
    12/29/2008

    Hi Ali,
    I often read your blog but I don't post comments all the time lol !
    I love the first picture you've posted, and I love Simon's face too :-)
    This year I've decided to choose a word too. I can't wait to discover what's yours !
    Enjoy your break !

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. maureen says…
    12/29/2008

    My 2nd son was a StarWars fan about 30 years ago and it's fun to see such a revival.
    I am working on documenting this last week of the year while on vacation but I do, in some ways, envy those of you who can start on the decoration removal. That awaits me when I leave the balmy beach. It'll wait!
    I do have my 2009 word...Relax.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Linda F says…
    12/29/2008

    I just LOVE the look on Simons face. Oh how I miss those "magical" Christmas mornings when the kids were little. My youngest is 17 and though I do enjoy it, it's just not the same. And this year, all my kids were at their dads for Christmas which was hard for me. I had my husband and step-son, but just not the same - I missed them. I too have almost all my Christmas put away. Just the tree up until my daughter #2 gets home and we can finish up opening presents. I'm ready for a new year - a fresh start. Just love that!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. alexandra says…
    12/29/2008

    New Star Wars sheets on Simon's bed??!! Santa is something else!! Well done, Santa!!
    Happy to read that you and Chris had such a good time cooking together - times like that are good for the soul.
    Happy Holidays!
    A.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. sue Treiber says…
    12/29/2008

    Oh I wish I was one tenth as organized as you are!
    It sounds like you had a fabulous Christmas!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Sandi says…
    12/29/2008

    Santa is full of great ideas! I have two boys (7 and 5) and it was also a Star Wars Christmas around here. I think it is amazing that a movie I saw at the age of ten is the favorite of my boys 32 years later. Will my sons children be getting Star Wars games?!?!
    Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. I am off to start putting away some of my decorations too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. poopsicle says…
    12/29/2008

    Ali, happy to read and see that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. I had a wonderful Christmas too because i came across your site and blog :-). i work nights and enjoyed the 4 days off to catch up on emails and other stuff. I like to say Thank You for sharing your creativity with the rest of the world and congradulations on your new bundle of joy and enjoy your R&R. It has become a ritual to read/view your site before i have my nap now :-). Thank U for being real and true to yourself.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. jennyrainbow says…
    12/29/2008

    Gotta love a man who cooks! My dh and I cook together too. Aw, Simon looks so excited. I'm looking forward to my word for the year again...last yrs. was right on.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Liz Ness says…
    12/29/2008

    Man! That's awesome that he slept through the Santa sheet change -- bet he was sooooo surprised when he awoke to find those!
    Happy New Year to you all!

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