Christmas in the Mountains

Levi and I just got home from visiting his dad in Colorado for Christmas. It's always been a Wilkins tradition to go on a snowboarding trip around Christmastime, but this year was a little different. Now, Levi's dad owns a house in Pagosa Springs, which made the trip easier.

We first visited Pagosa in October, and just one trip later it's already beginning to feel like our home away from home. It was fun to go snowboarding this year and think about how that is the mountain and those are the ski runs we will revisit for years to come.

I was pretty proud of my snowboarding skills this year. After not having boarded in two years, I was worried that I would fall every ten feet. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't fall down on any of the runs, and I only fell once getting off the lift (a BIG accomplishment for me!).

Levi and his dad, Steve

Me and Levi

I also got to try out my baking-at-high-altitude skills. I have to say, I'm glad I don't live at a high altitude all the time, because changing recipes is a pain! Almost every ingredient must be altered, as well as the baking temperature. Despite all that, baking chocolate chip cookies at high altitude was a fun and yummy challenge.

The only thing missing from the trip was a hot tub. I told Levi's dad that I'll give him a year to get settled, but there should be a hot tub by next Christmas. We'll see!

A Creative Christmas

This year, I decided to make several of the Christmas gifts I gave. It was an effort to save some money and also give more thoughtful gifts. Pinterest filled me with inspiration, and I quickly fired up my sewing machine, hot glue gun and kitchen utensils. Here are some things I made, along with their tutorial links.

Coffee Sleeves

With Starbucks gift cards, of course!

http://craftystaci.com/2011/01/10/reversible-coffee-cup-sleeves/

Bath Soak

http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/01/spa-scrubbie-and-bath-tea-soak/

Cookie Jars

I put this jar of cookie mix with a plastic Christmas platter, snowflake pot holder, red spatula and Christmas cookie cutters to make a complete gift.

http://www.loraleelewis.com/blog/?p=9435

Sewing Kit

This is the tutorial picture. The one I made was in a slightly larger mason jar with more sophisticated fabric and a fabric store gift card inside (along with the rest of the sewing items).

http://www.momtastic.com/diy/168161-diy-mason-jar-sewing-kit

Infinity Scarves

I failed to take pictures of the ones I made, which were solid apple green and solid plum.

http://comeonilene.com/2011/10/17/american-apparel-circle-scarf-knock-off-tutorial/

Superhero Cape

I made one of these last year, and it was such a hit that I made three this year!

http://www.soyouthinkyourecrafty.com/2008/01/super-tutorial/

Santa Hat Party Mix

Yummy, but a pain to make!

http://cookiesandcups.com/santa-party-mix/

Why, hello there. Who are you again?

Since Levi's last day at EMSA on the 14th, we've had an interesting transition. For example, last Saturday Levi and I ran errands all day and had a great time talking and laughing with each other. We both felt so freed just knowing that we'd get to have days like that more often for months and years to come! But, when we got home, I (subconsciously) plopped down on the couch, turned on the TV and starting ordering Christmas presents online, looking at Pinterest, etc. About two hours later, Levi pointed out that I hadn't spoken to him since we got home. Woops! I am so used to doing my own thing when I'm at home (because I've gotten used to being here alone), that I didn't even realize I was completely ignoring him.

As Levi so eloquently put it, "It's like being first married and learning how to live with each other all over again, except it's harder the second time because you don't have as much emotional good will." That's pretty accurate. I think we both expected to be having a blast with each other all the time when Levi's schedule changed, but it turns out that life still happens.

We also discovered that in our eight years together, we are just now experiencing the largest amount of time we've had together ever. It's weird and wonderful all at the same time. Despite our occasional frustrations with each other (that everyone has with people they live in such close proximity to), we are loving seeing more of each other. I never really considered it, but we could have had a much, much worse transition.

Here's to many more days, weeks, months and years of spending time with my wonderful husband, Levi!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

I won 1st place in the office decorating contest and bragging rights and $20! My sash is super fun and says "winner" on it. I think I'll display it in my office for the next few months.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to win the decorate-your-office-for-Christmas contest