holidaze :)

After all this build up to Christmas, I should probably confess now that I'm likely going to be a very absentee blogger for the remainder of 2010.

I've got my sights set on time with my family, Christmas celebrations, and a sparkly start to 2011.  I'll try not to be completely negligent, but just in case... Merry Christmas! and a happy New Year :) I hope your final days of 2010 are filled with lots of love and happiness!
via from portland to peonies

and he huffed and he puffed...

I began to understand how the Grinch must have felt last night as I took my tree down, five days before Christmas.  That corner of my apartment looks so sad now.

Though, when I return after Christmas, I'll be very happy I don't have to do it.

Fortunately, my apartment is not looking completely like Whoville, because Jim and I made gingerbread houses this weekend.

We listened to Christmas music, ate tons of candy (that was more me than him), and talked as we built two happy little neighboring gingerbread homes.  I highly recommend the activity.

You'll notice there is a lot of snow on my house...
Sadly, Jim's house fell right as he put on the final piece. I must admit, though that before it collapsed, it was definitely better than mine.  You can tell by the roof detail...
Beware, it's kind of a messy project. But well worth it...

My bags are [almost] packed and I'm ready to go...

It's my first year flying home for Christmas, and no one warned me just how challenging it would be to pack...

A trip to New Hampshire
A trip to Indiana
Loads of presents to deliver
Christmas Eve service to dress for
Ski clothes required...

I can't quite figure out how to make it all fit!

But even if it means I'll be dressed wrong for a few occasions, I am beyond excited to be with everyone.

I just have to cram my puffy North Face jacket between Lily's Christmas gift and my sparkly flats.  I've got to look my best for all you fine people... :)
via the neotraditionalist