Phew!

Wow... what can I say... I'm elated that our ward Christmas party is over!! It took over my life for the last couple months... and it feels good to have my life back! Table cloths are washed and returned, meat containers returned, decorations returned, and Justin delivered the Toys for Tots today! It's over!!! If you've ever served on an activities committee, or been the "head" for that matter... I'm sure you can fully appreciate all the time that's dedicated to these activities.

All in all, it turned out really well. There are definitely things that I would change and do better, but I'm pleased with how it turned out. Here are just a few images-- I'm still working on the post for my actual activities blog.

Justin was so wonderful, as usual, to take care of Mylie while I completely neglected my responsibilities as a mother. She had a really rough night-- she doesn't do well when I have to run things-- but she was a trooper all week for me. Mylie was completely terrified of Santa... these pics were actually some of the only moments I could spend with her.

We decided to support our own cause and make a gingerbread house for our "display" at the party. Justin thought it would be fun to make a more "rustic" house and to make it all by ourselves. There was no way I was baking gingerbread, so we ended up using graham crackers. It seriously took us every night that week. Each stage had to dry and harden, and we could only work on it when Mylie was asleep. The night before the party it all came together-- which was a good thing because we were on the verge of burning it down! We were pleasantly surprised at the results-- it wasn't exactly what we had imagined, but it worked!

I'm so thrilled to be able to kick back and enjoy my little life again.. to be able to enjoy this special holiday and to spend some quality time with my family. I owe a special thanks to my husband... who let me hash and rehash the details of the Christmas party for months and months... and for all of his help behind the scenes. And a special thanks to my little girl who didn't fire me as her mom for the times I just had to get "one more thing" done.