Christmas Countdown: 2014

Last year, I had what I would consider to be one of my better ideas. I created a Christmas countdown for my blog. 

I decided to really put myself into Christmas. (Meh he he)

Just in case you missed them, samples are below....

Channeling my inner Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

(Remember how I actually did this race this year? Yep. Adult status. JTT fan adult status. 

Be impressed.)

Will Ferrell  Buddy the Elf, just sitting on my lap. No biggie.

Doesn't he look happy? Elves and children- they love me.

Who wore it best? Me or Tim Allen?

And, finally, with my Muppet buddies. 

God bless us, everyone.

(Do you think this is what inspired the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
 to sing with the Muppets this year?)

ANYWAY- I've been pondering and pondering as to what kind of countdown I should do this year. My debating has caused me to start the countdown a week late. Oopsy. My bad. 

So.... I may post an occasional picture like last year (just to keep things interesting). But I wanted to focus primary on Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season of celebration.

(If you have any favorite stories, quotes, movies, etc, I would love to hear about them!)

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Without further ado, Countdown 2014...

December 7th= 17 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!

(By the way, did you know that you can count down the hours, minutes, and even seconds, through this website? http://www.xmasclock.com/  You're welcome.)

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Luke 1:26-38

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

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President Thomas S. Monson has described some of the many, many gifts that we receive because Heavenly Father sent the gift of His son.

“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example, which if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or in distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.

Because He came, we are gathered tonight to worship Him in bonds of brotherhood and love.

May His precious Spirit be with us, and may He ever be the center of our celebrations and indeed of our very lives.”

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I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love Him.

I am so grateful to celebrate Him this month and always. I know that He knows and loves each of us. I know because of Him, we can change. We can experience true joy. We can live with our families forever. Because of Him death has no sting and life is so sweet. 

Merry Christmas season, everyone!

The Classic Debate

Here's the good news: I was making taco soup tonight and discovered that I have about thirty cans of corn. That should come in handy when disaster strikes. I hope everyone likes corn.

The bad news? The soup didn't turn out white as I was hoping. Maybe it was the taco seasoning. Maybe it was the green peppers. Something didn't seem quite right. So... I kept adding ingredients. And adding... and adding. I now have a enough to soup to feed an army. Gah. This is why I do not often cook. (Unless you are a man reading this right now-- In that case, I cook delicious meals all the time. I love to cook. I'm a domestic goddess.)

In other news- I survived dead week! Now on to finals!

For this reason (dead week) I have been lagging in my Christmas countdown. Perhaps you noticed. Perhaps not. Either way, I shall make up for it now. 

Behold:

Marisa asked for Eloise... so Eloise she gets. 

But check me out-- Don't I look smashing beside the wonderful Ms. Andrews?

You may not have noticed because of my great photo-shopping skills... But there are actually three of me this picture. I know, I know, you're shocked. 

But what's more important- Kevin and Buzz. Buzz and Kevin. What is more Christmasy than that?

Say it with me everybody:

"Buzz, your girlfriend- WOOF."

Again. What are the holidays without Kevin McCallister?

I saved the best for last. 

Anyone seen The Santa Clause?

This bod once belonged to the famous Tim Allen. But I think I can rock it. Thoughts?

Okay, okay... So today is the 6th of December. 

That means that we have 19 days until Christmas. 

Ho, ho, ho, everyone!

December 6th also means that it is the birthday of two of my dearest friends. 

A special shout-out to Kristi and Lacie. Love you girls!

One last thing- Allow me to draw your attention back to the lovely Julie Andrews.

What do you first think of when you think of this star?

Sound of Music? I know I do. 

Well, did you know that last night NBC aired "The Sound of Music Live"?

I features Carrie Underwood and Audra McDonald... and some other people that I don't know. 

(Sorry, other people.)

Did anyone see it? And, if so, what were your thoughts?

I just discovered this tonight via Facebook, so naturally I had to look into it. 

Here's a little sample. Your thoughts, please.

Sound of Music Live...

Sound of Music (Old School)...

Personally, I don't think you can mess with a classic. My allegiance lies with Julie.

However, I would like to see the full Live show. I don't think I can really judge it until I fully experience it.

But I want to hear your thoughts! Tell me, tell me!

(And while you are commenting, you could also suggest other Holiday shows to be featured.)

Thank you and goodnight.

One Day Closer

Welcome back to the Christmas Countdown!

22 days....

And today is your lucky day!

I am including not one- but TWO pictures!

(But don't worry-- I put my picture in both. I know you were worried. Fear not.)

Just giving you a little more jolly and jingle.

You're welcome.

{Shout out to Holli for suggesting today's feature film. Let me know if there's one you'd like to see used.}

1. A family portrait

2. Just helping decorate

I kill myself. 

(I know... I'm probably the only one laughing. But I'm laughing pretty hard, so it's okay. It all evens out in the end.)

How did you celebrate the third of December?

I had quite the celebration.

-Jamba Juice (the food establishment I would marry) for breakfast, thanks to a gift card from my mama.

-I made a to-do list AND got things crossed off!

-Came closer to the end of the semester by working on homework and group projects.

-It snowed (at last).

-Dinner with my fabulous roommate, Emily.

-AND...... I purchased a Fitbit Flex.

BEHOLD---->

This is what it looks like on a wrist. 

This isn't my wrist. I am not a man. Nor am I a wrist model. 

I just wanted you to see this beauty in action.

(And also give the wrist model his time to shine. I wanted to be a shoe model when I was young, so I can imagine what he is experiencing, emotionally.)

This is the Fitbit Flex not on a wrist. 

This is what it would look like when laying on a dresser or counter top... which will never happen because it will never leave me wrist. Ever.

And, finally, this is what it looks like in the box. 

I haven't taken mine out of the box yet, because I think it looks nice. 

So professional. And nice. And new. And such. 

But enough of the photos, let's get down to business (to defeat the Huns.... Anyone? Eh?)

I have a secret quest.

(Maybe secret isn't the right word...)

I have been trying to decided what my big goal will be for my 27th year. 

27 goal- It's a thing.

Anyway....

I want to run a marathon. Run a marathon in my 27th year.

And also be more healthy.

So... I am hoping that this will be a handy (or wristy, I should say) helper.

But, if nothing else, it sure is pretty.

I'll be sure to follow up and let you all know how it goes.

Alright. That's it. Back to the grind of Dead Week.

Anyone else excited for the end of the semester?

In closing...

A brief view of what commercials looked like for my very first Christmas.

Does anyone else really want a Pound Puppy?

It's the perfect solution to my puppy blues! At last!

Numero Vientitres

23 days!

23 days until Christmas!

The countdown continues....

(Can you see me? I felt a little more sneaky with this one.)

If you have any suggestions of Christmas/Holiday films that I could use for my countdown, let me know!

As a side note:

I introduced this video to my siblings over the Thanksgiving weekend:

Needless to say, I am the favorite right now.

Who wouldn't want this stuck in their head?

Now I just say the words "boom, boom, boom" and the rest is magic. 

Try it for yourself.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. 

EVERYBODY SAY "WAY-OH"!

Kris Kringle Countdown!

It's December 1st!

You know what that means, don't you?

The official countdown to Christmas.

And what makes it so official?

Easy.

Me. I make it official.

You will have the pleasure of seeing this poorly photo-shopped face in a variety of Christmas and Holiday scenes. 

I know, I know. The holiday is taking on whole new meaning. 

I'm changing your life.

I'm revolutionizing the entire Christmas season.

No need to thank me.

Not yet, anyway. 

We still have 24 days of this magic.

In Defense of Turkey {Day}

Alright, alright. I know there has been a lot of talk about Christmas lately (by me)...

I would just like to make the point that I, too, am a lover of Thanksgiving. 

I, too, appreciate that we have a day dedicated to gratitude. 

And I, too, will be eating a turkey feast.

I, too, love time together with family and friends.

Linus, would you pass the yams?

A Little More Jingle Jangle

Because I think I'm so funny.....

You're welcome.

Obviously, I've got talent. Not with photo editing... But I'm sure I've got talent somewhere.
Merry Christmas /Happy Thanksgiving/ I think I'm hilarious.

The Ultimate Holiday Fesitivities

Question: What is one of the greatest things in the world?

Answer: Dressing up. (Naturally)

Perhaps you have felt sorrow at the passing of Halloween. The best excuse to dress up has passed us by once again. But, fear not! I have the solution for your woes.

And- BONUS- the solution includes a way to be more healthy/active.
At last- a way to stay young forever (mentally and emotionally)! Really, you are welcome.

CHECK IT OUT....

Thanksgiving Point's Pilgrim 5k

Not only does it include one of these AMAZING shirts, 

but it also comes with a buckle hat/bonnet!

AND.... the treats are pumpkin bars and apple cider!

This would be a great event for the entire family! It's a great walk or run.

Find details HERE.

And, remember, this is an opportunity to hang with yours truly. (And be a pilgrim!)

The other event that I would like to point out is the Santa Run!

Why is this something that you should do?

Well.... just look at the pictures. Why wouldn't you want to do it?

ALSO- Anyone seen the film "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with JTT?

Do you not remember how he ran in a Santa run? Exactly.

So, really.... By running this race, it would kind of be like being on a date with Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Why would you not? ALL of your childhood dreams could become a reality in one foul swoop.

Another thought on the matter....

There are three different days that this race is taking place. That means (if you live in this area) you could experience this THREE different times-- and that's just this holiday season!

Really, why would you say no?

Find the information for this race HERE.

And just as a special bonus (aka- early Christmas gift) to everyone...

Santa Angie!

Yep. Consider it.

What better way to ring in the holidays?