A Very Vintage Christmas

As you watch this segment, please keep in mind that about 10 minutes before we went on air, my tree took a face plant. Many vintage owls and a few flamingos were killed as a result. May they rest in peace.

A Letter to the Big Guy

Dear Mr. Claus,

Christmas is almost here--just four days to go. I think I'm ready for your arrival. I have shopped, baked, wrapped, and decked (the halls). The music of the season has been filling my heart with holiday joy for months. I should admit that there still aren't any decorations on my beautiful tree, but the sparkling lights remind me of the star in the north--and that's enough for me. Oh, and I didn't send out Christmas cards--just in case Mrs. Claus was wondering if she got booted off the M.Virtue Christmas card list. Please tell her that I still love her, but decided cards weren't on my priority list this year.

I suppose you're wondering why I'm writing this letter, as my wish list was submitted several weeks ago. The truth is that I have some last minute Christmas dreams that I wanted to run by you. I k now you're a very busy man and there are millions of sweet children who rely on your goodness, but if these simple requests are possible, I'd be the happiest girl in the world.

Last year at Christmas we spent our days making magic for "the boys." I miss them. If you wouldn't mind watching out for them this Christmas, I'd really appreciate it. They deserve lots of sweet memories full of sugar cookies, Prancer sightings, and dancing in the kitchen. Next Christmas I'd really like to give them all big hugs instead of dreams from afar.

This year Kenley will be experiencing his first Virtue Christmas. If you could get him here safely, it would make my heart happy. Rumor is that he has gifts for me--when the truth is that all I need is his hand in mine.

Santa, one final request. Please bring lots of joy and peace to those I care about most. Help them know that I love them--even though they didn't get Christmas cards this year. This is the season when goodness is magnified and the spirit of the Babe in Bethlehem heals, comforts, and brings peace. I want that feeling to stay in my heart forever.

Loves and hugs,

Mick

Holiday Stuffing of a Different Sort

Since I don't think Kenley is a regular WFB reader, I'm taking a chance and asking the world of wonderful bloggers for stocking stuffer ideas. My official Christmas gift purchasing for the handsome man in my life is complete, but now I'm just looking for a few little treasures--you know, the proverbial holiday icing on the cake. Any suggestions???

Just so you don't think I'm all take and no give--might I suggest a trip to the BYU Barbershop where, for just $1.00, you can purchase a shampooer for men. The first time Kenley visited my parent's house, he found the small plastic disc in the shower and fell in love. Trust me, every father, brother, boyfriend, and husband within the sound of my voice should have one of these little babies in their stockings. . . I'm just sayin'!!!

A Taste of Christmas

I'm a firm believer in documenting life through photographs. I think capturing moments with a camera make memories last longer. With so much filling our lives, it's easy to forget fun, excitement, and tenderness. Heavens, I can barely remember what I did yesterday--let alone the Christmas I was 8. So, my family is forced to suffer through lots of snapshots and I'm convinced we remember the happiness that is our life more because of it.

Sometimes when we're in the heat of a reindeer craft, it's hard to see the joy and magic of that sweet time. But when the tacky glue has dried and the googly eyes settle, there's a great deal of sweetness to be savored. Each of the boys made a reindeer can. We filled them with oats, cabbage, and carrots for Santa's reindeer. Tomy's reindeer was a family favorite.
Damien was especially fond of the decorating goodies.Laura is now the proud owner of her own fishing pole. I must admit that I was a little bit jealous.
Sterling's reindeer was actually transformed into an elf. . .go figure.
Speaking of elf transformations--this Brother was clipped into the most handsome elf I've ever seen.
I'm not sure who was more excited--Damian to receive his Life Saver (Light Sabor) OR grandma to give it to him.
Zachy sets out the reindeer goodies. Those must have been some hungry reindeer because when we woke up Christmas morning, all of the food was gone. We were especially excited about Prancer's visit--as we watched the movie Prancer on Christmas Eve. PRANCER Rocks!
Kimmy is turning into quite the little domestic diva--she is now crafting.
Damian was SO excited about presents and Christmas. He would pick-up his presents, hold them, and shake them. At one point, he just sat down on one and stared at the "goods" under the tree.
Dad is now the proud owner of 2 ice cream makers (one he bought himself) and a book from the Jenkins with a very close parallel to his own life as THE PAPER BOY.
Christmas night, we had a special sleepover. Zach, Damian, and Auntie Michelle (accompanied by Grandma V. & Kimmy) spread out blankets, popped popcorn, and collected goodies while we watched Benji the Hunted. The company was a lot better than the movie, I'll tell you that! Please note that Zach and I are wearing Ninja headbands--not to be confused with sweatbands.
This was also the Christmas of M&M sucking, Eric's skateboarding mis-adventure, sloppy joes, paper towels in the toilet, and LOTS and LOTS of snow. It was our first Christmas with sticky hands, B.I.L. #2, and a lot of Legos. It was another Christmas full of joy.

Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night!

A Very Virtue Christmas

My season of hibernating didn't last very long. Afterall, I couldn't miss a very Virtue Christmas, could I? So, I'm blogging on location from the land northward--where the snow is already up to mid-thigh & the weather man is predicting more for Christmas Day. I love a white Christmas, but only when those I love most are safe and sound within the walls of the Virtue Compound. I love the sparkling lights on our banister, the pretty presents already under the tree, and knowing I have no where to be--since there's nowhere better!

Merry Christmas to you all!!! Thank you for your friendship & many kindnesses. I hope your Christmas is magical.

The December Downlowd

Let's face it--I've missed posting some things this month. It's the hap-hap-happiest season of all and I've neglected to record it. So, this is my catch-up post. Please bear with me--or hit the little red X in the corner of your monitor--either way, I'll never know ;)

-Jeff and I had dinner last week at Pizzeria 712. I'm in love with the squash, blue cheese, and rosemary pizza. Sounds weird, I KNOW, but it was REALLY good--even Jeff liked it.

-Winter has arrived with a vengance this week. I'm trying not to complain about it.

-The Passat is back to her sleek self--thanks to the gentlemen of Harmon's Auto Body. I highly recommend them. The bit of body work on her exterior has been completed--though my insurance company & I paid the bill. The little weasel who hit me is still out there evading--if you're on the streets, BEWARE.

-My mom did the 12 days of Christmas for me. It has been such fun opening a treasure each night. Thanks, mom! You're my favorite little Christmas elf.

-No milk in my house.

-Because the Passat was in the shop for a few days, I had to cancel my waxing appointment. Out of sheer desperation, I waxed my arms by myself yesterday. I realized quickly that there's a reason I pay a professional to do such things to my appendages--though now that it's all said and done, my arms do look pretty great.

-I don't want to go anywhere today. It's cold. The stores will be crowded. I don't need anything. I'd like to stay in my pajamas as long as possible.

-I'm officially in love with Primary.

-I went out to Lori's yesterday & wrapped some presents. WOWser, we wrapped a lot of stuff. My fingers turned blue from the Christmas wrap. I love her--and her cookies (see THIS recipe) and pumpkin egg nog.

-Dinner at La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano with LJ& JL from my ward. We visited for three hours. It was so much fun talking and laughing. I've missed having girlfriends (everyone keeps moving away).

-Please note that the Jenkins kids survived another Anniversary Weekend overnighter with Aunt Shelly. We had a great time playing games, making Christmas cards, watching Harry & the Hendersons, and generally just hanging out. What would I do without my Jenkins kids? They're THE BOMB!

-Our ward Christmas party was a night in Bethlehem & my sweet friends, The Miners were the brains behind the operation. It was sweet and fun. My ward is wonderful.

-Mr. Max (accompanied by his cute parents) visited this week. HE is so grown up & completely darling. It's hard to believe he will be turning the ripe old age of 2 this week. What a heart-breaker he's going to be.

-I have a surprise Christmas present for Brother in Law 1. . .

The Lights at Temple Square

Earlier this month, we met the Lewis family for dinner and then a visit to Temple Square. It was a beautiful night.

Sleeping on Sheep

So it's Saturday morning & as usual, I have a list of "to dos" that stretches from here to Chicago. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I've spent my morning enjoying one of my favorite Christmas gifts. What, you might ask, could possibly keep Michelle from her Saturday morning chores? Well, it's the most amazing wool bed fluffer (that's the most technical term I can think of) you've ever met. Ever since I broke my back in high school and had to spend the summer sleeping in my parent's bedroom, I've adored their bed. In fact, whenever I'm in Blackfoot, one of my favorite things to do is to curl up in their room and just soak in it's goodness. Well, now I have my own goodness & I never want to leave. I thought my bed was pretty wonderful before, but yesterday I finally had a minute to put fresh sheets and the new wool wonder on & I've officially decided to see if I can get a new job that can be done from the comfort of my very own Seely Pillowtop. A big thanks to mom & dad for sacrificing your bed for the summer of 1996 and for breaking the "no gifts" rule of Hawaiian Holiday 2007. I'm officially spending my nights in my own version of paradise.

Our Country Christmas Store

One of my favorite things about Christmas this year was the hand-printed sign my grandma posted under her Christmas tree. It read, "Christmas Country Store." I thought it was sweet & characteristically wonderful of her. Sometimes when I'm at home in Blackfoot, I feel like we're in our own little world. The winter weather keeps us close to home and I love to curl up on the couch with a blanket to soak it the sounds and smells of the holidays--Virtue style. This year was no exception. We had some lovely outings this year. The Nutcracker performance was wonderful. . .though I slept through the first half. Our cold evening at the live nativity certainly did bring us closer together as we suffered through the pains caused by the sizeable woman in line behind us. The best part of our time together was just that--spending time watching episodes of House, fulfilling Ryan's Christmas wishes, laughing, reading Christmas stories, playing UNO, and looking forward to our upcoming family vacation. I'm telling you--these alternating days of snow and frigid temperatures are making that week of 80 degrees and sand look better and better.

Ryan Rocks

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas wishes from the Virtues!

Christmas Pabooza 2007

Remember last year when Lori & I made chocolates? Remember how it would have been a harrowing experience it it weren't for the spendid company? In a semi-desperate attempt to erase the memories of last year's escapade, we set off this morning to make sugar cookies. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Well, considering the element in my oven caught fire the other night (another story for another day), I haven't felt so hot the last few days, & our rather frightening track record together in the kitchen--today's bebenture (as the kids would say) was indeed a leap of baking faith.
Will-son was the best helper. He really likes to get into his work. . .quite literally. I think he used about 3 cups of flour to roll out his tiny ball of cookie dough. My, that cookie was oh, so flaky.

Awesome pose! Christmas Pabooza is a handful.
The finished product was not only beautiful, but tasty, too. In fact, these might have been the best sugar cookies in the history of the world. They were soft (but not cakey) and the frosting was perfect. Mmmm. Another Christmas culinary success.

Lori has already suggested making homemade taffy bows next year. I'm beginning to wonder if I should look into getting a new set of friends. I think the fumes are starting to get to this one.

A Few Things

Michelle's Pillow PaloozaBad blogging week with no real excuse--other than things have been busy. I sometimes wonder what I would do with a husband and kids. As it is, I don't have time to keep my own head above the proverbial holiday water. Here are a few things I've been thinking about and noticing the past few days:

1. Why do people have large dogs in small condos? It's rude, ridiculous, inhumane, and filthy.
2. Ever since WFB went private, I've been missing some friends. Granted, I don't really know who they are, but I can strangely sense their absence.
3. Studio 5 yesterday was great. . .quick, but great. Brother-in-law Eric made a superb showing. Word is that they showed the segment again on the 4 o'clock news. Must have been a slow news day.
4. I have developed an exercise routine that is flawlessly consistent. I meet a girl from our apartment complex MWF to go to the gym & my friend Jerilyn and I head to the smelly BYU track to run TTh. My conscience won't allow either of these girls to suffer in the cold of winter if I don't show up--so I do. It's a brilliant workout tactical move & it's finally paying off. I feel good again.
5. I've been invited to go to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert by three different people. I have had to turn down all three invitations. It totally stinks because I REALLY want to go. Oh, well.
6. Remember how I feel on the ice on Monday? Well, I think I hurt my shoulder. It about kills me to take off my bra (I know--more information than you wanted). My shoulder feels old.
7. I'm in love with Febreze Air Effects.
8. I went to the mall on my lunch break to drop off some pants that need altering & there was not a parking spot to be found. It was mid-afternoon on a weekday. Curses.
9. Kimmy & I are back into popcorn eating. Mmmm.
10. I'm having a sleepover with the 5 Jenkins tonight so the 2 marrieds can getaway for their anniversary. Pray for me.

Trying

Today I'm trying to love Christmas. Sometimes it's not easy.

V is for Virtue

We have a new doormat . . . LOVing the pattern.
Kimmy & I also have a V wreath (part of my December Studio 5 prep) greeting us when we return home from a long day. It serves as a reminder that we're virgins--I mean Virtues . . . damned Freudian slip.

A Very CCF Christmas

The Campus Craft Christmas Party was another amazing spectacle of fun. A special thanks to the decorating committee, awards panel, and entertainment crew. It was such a great evening. Merry Christmas from all of your friends at Ccf!How is it that one photo can say so much?

S is for Studio 5

For those interested, I'll be showing 5 ways to use traditional garlands in an untraditional way next Thursday, December 13th at 11:00am. This is one of my favorites--a monogram wreath made from a piece of garland. Loving the season.

Time Flies. . .

Excuse me--but does anyone else think time is going by at warp speed? I swear we just had Christmas. Don't get me wrong. I love this season and am especially grateful for the warm hearts and willing hands of those I associate with. I love the excitement of children and the smell of pine mixed with cinnamon. I'm in love with the color red (outside of any sports arena), Michael Buble's new Let it Snow CD, and holiday wrap. I suppose I'd just like time to slow down just a bit. . .so I might enjoy the things I love a little bit longer.

President's Christmas Party Palooza

A big thanks to my favorite Christmas Crafters. . .the girls of CCF. We had a great morning distributing and creating with hundreds of children at our annual party. It was another smashing success.And one of my favorite parts of the Pres. Party is the Jenkins clan. This is what Christmas is all about. Good friends, happy times, timeless traditions, and the spirit of the season.

A Piece of Heaven

OH, the joys of having a computer back in the house. OH, the the rapture that fills my beautiful bosom. OH, let us get caught up.

I suppose I might begin this post with an ode to my computer.

The box of white that sits so still,

Getting you back well worth the bill.

You know how there are just certain things and certain circumstances where money is no object? The perfect pair of shoes. A cup of ice at the hottest football game ever. Cheesecake Factory. Lipo. Need I say more? I would have paid almost anything to have my photos, internet access, and music back. . .priceless.

Now that the motherboard has been repaired and returned to the mothership, here's what I've been thinking.

1. I love the smell of Christmas. Our holiday greenery arrived in the store yesterday and every couple of hours, I just walk over to our cooler, open the door, and drink in the scent of cedar and pine. It is heaven on holiday earth.

2. 5 weeks. Hawaii. Heat. Sand. Pineapple smoothies. HEAVEN.

3. Have you ever wondered if you've dismissed someone as a romantic interest and then regretted it after it's too late? Am I letting good ones get away?

4. Sometimes when no one is watching, I eat Elizabeth's Reese's cereal. Shhhhh.

5. Laura introduced me to the greatest salad in the world. We had it at Thanksgiving dinner and it was a hit. I sure wish she would post the recipe on our food blog.

6. Work Christmas Party on Thursday. Huh. Didn't we just do that?

7. I think my bedroom is getting cuter by the millisecond. I just put my new red sheets on my bed with a lovely sequenced paisley red pillow. It rocks!

8. Remember how BYU beat Utah on Saturday and I've been smiling ever since? Remember how Eric is treating me to cheese fries at Training Table?

9. I secretly wanted Marie Osmond to win Dancing with the Stars. . .even though Kimmy didn't. Marie and I once talked in Deseret Book.

10. I really love this season. Who wants to go see the lights in Salt Lake with me?