I did something kind of selfish.

I REALLY wanted it to snow before we left so that Brooke could see it for her first time.  I was selfish and hoped that it would come the day before we left so that we could see it but then not have to deal with it and freeze to death….

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My wish was granted.   Back to sunny California 

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We have to start off with the most exciting part of my day.  As soon as we got to my Aunt’s house she said she couldn’t wait a minute longer to give me Brooke’s present.   

Santa costume 2012.  If I had a washing machine then Brooke would be wearing this outfit every single day until Christmas.   Is there anyone reading this that is a seamstress because I will pay you big bucks to make me a matching dress (along with a hat and the leggings) for me.

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Last night we did a pre-Christmas celebration because I am leaving today and my cousin will be in Tennessee with her husband for the holidays. 

I have really missed my family get together spreads of food because I don’t know if you have noticed yet but I really like food.  Veggie trays and cheese and crackers.

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For dinner we had salad, the best carrots (butter, carrots and brown sugar in the crock pot), a pork roast with applesauce and cranberries, cheesy potatoes, salad and sparkling cider (us Utahns sure know how to get crazy).

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After dinner we got busy decorating the tree, playing some games and watching sports.

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We opened some presents and I got the best present of all… my beloved candy corn from Mer.  (PS this was Brooke’s fourth outfit of the day….)

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Magic bars for dessert.  All I know was that there was german chocolate cake mix, oreos, condensed milk, chocolate chips and butter.  Add some ice cream and you will be happy.

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I am going to skip the part about saying goodbye to people because that wasn’t pretty…. especially saying goodbye to my cute little grandma.

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What time are you working out today?

-Early city so that I can make it to the airport by 8!

I have a layover in LA for a few hours today so please tell me a joke, funny story, something about your weekend to keep me and Brooke entertained.

Anyone else get snow this weekend?  Feelings towards snow?

-Pretty to look at it but I can live without it:)  Actually running in it is pretty fun too.

SHARE WITH US YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOOD/DESSERT RECIPE!!! Link away!!!

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60 comments

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I love the xmas outfit for Brooke, and think you should definitely find a matching one!!! No Snow for us in NY, just lots of rain this weekend. My favorite xmas dessert is definitely PB Buckeyes!! I used to make tons of xmas cookies every year, but haven’t in a while. I think it’s time to bring back that tradition! :)

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Saying goodbye at the airport is the worst thing ever. The first time my parents flew back to the UK, leaving us in California, we all cried so badly that we made random strangers cry too!!!! At least you get to see Billy again!!

In Tokyo at the moment…no snow here although it’s BITTERLY cold. I realised that I can no longer handle cold. Thanks for that, Bay Area!

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Favourite Christmas dessert is Candy Cane ice cream with large chocolate chunks. Honestly? More excited about the reappearance of this ice cream each year than I am about Christmas itself. ;)
http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/products.jsp?type=details&productId=17538

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Workout will have to be later… It’s super windy here and that’s the worst workout/running condition ever! Favorite dessert is at myneonrunningshoes.com! It was 80 in tx this weekend so no snow…

Something fun? Hmmm well we had breakfast with Santa yesterday and my son finally liked Santa!!! The best part of the weekend though was my sil telling us they’re expecting their first baby in July!!!!

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I spent the weekend teaching my 4 month old how to sit up, do cartwheels and say “Momma”. We were snowed in all weekend so there was plenty of time for practice! Sounds like you had a fantastic time in Utah! Billy will be so pumped to have you back home. Safe travels!

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your four month old does cartwheels and talks?? That’s amazing!!!

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Haha, don’t all four month olds?!? ;)

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Looks like you had a wonderful time with your family! Have a safe flight home!

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So sad that you are leaving, but you’ll get to see Billy soon! Safe travels!

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About 12 inches of snow yesterday in Minneapolis, MN!!! Safe travels! I wish I was going to sunny Cali :-)

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Send us some snow! I live in South Texas and it rarely if ever snows down here. The most we can hope for is a freeze. :) My husband and I always make chocolate dipped pretzels. They’re healthy-ish? Probably not but we love them anyways!
Safe Travels!

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My run was 10 miles at 5 am. It snowed on me today and on Saturday but its not sticking yet. I wish it would snow everywhere except the roads. Driving in the snow is so scary to me.

I’m actually jealous of your layover in LA. I’m from LA so I would make everyone I know come hang out at the airport with me. I don’t mind layovers. I have fun walking around the airport and looking at all the shops and people.

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Hope you have a safe trip, Janae! Saying goodbye is always so hard, but at least you had an awesome last night with your family… and you get to see Billy soon :)

We got snowed on here this weekend, and my feelings towards it are pretty much the same as yours… Nice to look at, but I don’t think I’d miss it too much (except around Christmas). If it only snowed a week before Christmas and then melted right after, I’d be perfectly content. Unfortunately, we get buried in snow for like 5 months…

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That outfit for Brooke MIGHT be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I would buy it in bulk and dress her in it everyday. If only it was socially acceptable for adults to wear it… then again, I really wouldn’t care ;)

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I am sure am! After a week off because we were in NYC I am ready to get back to the gym.
We have TONS of snow!!
These are the BEST ginger cookies – http://ohsheglows.com/2010/09/29/wedded-bliss-soft-ginger-cookies/

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Have a safe trip. Yea! you get to see Billy!!! And Billy gets to see you and Brooke!!!

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I feel the same way about snow-I think we got hit with the same storm you guys did out here in Montana. I’ll be done with grad school soon and am thinking about moving to anywhere where it is warm!!

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This weekend I made the worlds best cookies: Hot Chocolate Cookies. I found the recipe here: http://penniesonaplatter.com/2012/02/29/hot-chocolate-cookies/
You will NOT be disappointed.
I love visiting snow but don’t know how I would survive if it were a constant thing, I think I’d freeze my FL butt off! I am taking a total rest day today to make sure my shins are 100% before running again later this week. This weekend my BF and I hung Christmas lights for the first time and it was like a scene from the Griswald’s Christmas Vacation. Blown fuses and tripping constantly!

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I live in Minnesota and we have gotten almost 2 feet of snow since Saturday night! I love snow usually until about January..then I’m over it and ready for spring ;)

Safe travels today!!

P.S. LOVE your blog and your cutie family!

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I LOVE snow!! I think it is so pretty and peaceful. We had a few years of serious snow here in Maryland but it didn’t snow at all last year and when I went up to Vermont for Christmas it didn’t snow there either. I was very disappointed.

My run today will be at lunchtime. Now that I am back at work after having a baby, lunch time runs are all I have time for.

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I LOVE snow. Cross country skiing tonight after work for my workout!! Safe travels!

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I want all of this food in your post! Brooke is seriously the happiest baby on earth…and she’s cute to boot :)

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Hi – I really could live without snow and cold for that matter. Give me sunny skies and 80+ degrees and I’m happy. However, living in Nebraska that happens about twice a year, ha!
I look forward to white chocolate with peppermint candy bark.
Workout is after work today..hello treadmill, because it is currently 7 degrees outside!!

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LOVE Brooke’s little Santa dress! Just adorable. And those Magic Bars sound incredible… I think we need to find the recipe! ;)

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I’m in love with snow! I wish I lived somewhere where we got it often!

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I am working out this afternoon before I go to my Junior League meeting. I am training for my second marathon (New Orleans in February! You should run it also, my husband can look after Brooke while we run it. I would say run it together however I am much much slower than you). I am using the FIRST training program and love it, so today is my bike day.

I live in Georgia so we don’t really get snow here. Maybe every couple of years or so. Our snow is much different than your snow. Our snow is slushy, wet, and icey. Snow out west is sooo much different. It is fluffy and dry feeling so when you pick it up your glove doesn’t get soaked with water. And not as much ice either. I love “west” snow but really dislike “Georgia” snow.

Favorite dessert! I love them all! No seriously I love anything sweet!

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Brooke’s little outfit is so sweet!! You have the cutest family :) I am spending Christmas away from my family for the first time ever and seeing pictures of other people’s families makes me so nostalgic.

Meanwhile trying to do Christmas alone with bf is turning out to be an interesting experience! We decorated our tree last night – only to have it CRASH down an hour later!! Haha learning lessons the hard way :-P

Have a safe flight back to Cali!!

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Both the cheesy potatoes and the magic bars look amazing! And I’m working out this evening because I’m taking a class with some friends… yoga bootcamp! I’m nervous to say the least. And I LOVE snow, but I like it to either be nice fresh snow, or no snow. The in-between slush is no fun…

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I need the recipe for those bars! I don’t care if you need to sell yourelf to get the recipe…it is a must!

I have been making this for Christmas Eve dinner the last couple of years. It is easy, but very time consuming, but SO worth it! It is both beautiful to look at and to eat :) http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/11/28/red-velvet-cheesecake-cake/

I am not really a fan of snow. I think it is pretty, but I hate being cold. At the same time, I figure if the temps are going to be so friggin cold, there might as well be pretty snow to look at.

I hope your flight goes well and the layover goes by quickly. I miss you already :(

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I have a couple workouts planned today-some running, spinning, and Body Pump. Save travels to you and Brooke!

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I LOVE SNOW! We finally got some here this weekend, but of course it came with ridiculously cold temperatures. I looked at the thermometer this morning and caught myself saying “oh, it already warmed up to 15.” However, I will get out and run in it if the sun ever comes out. The sun at 7,200 feet and this cold is crucial.

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I love that Brooke got to see snow! So awesome :) & perfect timing!
Looks like a fun family gathering, as all of your family events look! And so nice you were able to get together since you will be in CA for the holiday.
You know I can make you a matching tutu ;) How funny would that be?!
Working this morning: Done. Went to the gym at 5am since G was up at 4am to eat…and I couldn’t go back to bed.
No snow here..it’s 84 degrees out. I kind of wish it would cool down a little bit, this is just too warm to enjoy the holidays.
HAVE A SAFE FLIGHT! XO
PS: text me if you get bored- G & I will entertain you!! :)

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I’m so glad that Brooke got to see snow!!

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Yay! So happy for Brooke’s first snow!

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Have a safe flight back! I love snow.. I’m incredibly jealous. It’s going to be a record breaking 67 degrees here in DC today. So mad.

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I’m in MN and we got a foot of snow yesterday. I’m a teacher and we actually have a snow day today! My run this morning was on the treadmill while looking out at all the beautiful snow! Have a safe trip!

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I made homemade Oreos this weekend for a Christmas party and try were divine!! And I finally think I came up with my running blog name, tell me what you think, theblondehairblueeyedrunner :)

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That outfit for Brooke is too freaking cute. I really hope you get a matching costume.

I’m planning on running today at 2…i think.

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I can’t wait for the first big snow of the season! Enough that the boys can make a snow man and then I am over the whole snow thing :)

I used to LOVE the winter and

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I’ll probably work out around 11am at the gym. It’s lovely here in San Francisco, but I just feeling like treadmilling for some reason.
Have a safe trip back!

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I love the snow!!!! I ran 7 miles in fluffy powder yesterday and it was AMAZING! Brooke is so cute!!

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My workout today will be this afternoon. Not sure if its a yoga day or running. It’s pretty cold out. I am jealous of where u live!
I love snow but not when it brings in really cold weather. I enjoy running in snow too.
I haven’t started my Christmas baking yet but I have a couple of good recipes :).

I love the little Christmas dress! It’s adorable!

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Oh, the snow is gorgeous! I live in FL so I rarely get to enjoy the sight of it with my own eyes (only when we travel in the winter every few years. It hasn’t snowed (it was a flurry) here since 1987!).

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Now that I don’t live in the mountains anymore I miss the snow, just not driving in it. Ick!

Brooke’s santa outfit looks so cute and I’m sure you’ll figure out a way to have her wear it as much as you can before Christmas :)

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Did you give Brooke her first “white wash”?

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Of course:) see you soon love!

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I ran at 8:45 this morning. I was going to go at 8:30 but the Today show had the cast of Les Mis on and I couldn’t miss it. It was SOOO cold out today. Brrrrr.

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That picture of brooke seeing the snow is so precious!!!! I hope you enjoyed your last day in Utah!

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Ahhh I need that recipe for magic cookie bars. My favorite Christmas dessert is pies. We usually have three of four at christmas dinner.

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How sweet that Brooke got to see snow! I remember when my kids saw it for the first time… they were older than Brooke and their reaction was hilarious! We were driving to Tahoe and didn’t say anything about there being snow. They were both asleep and once we saw white, we woke them up. They were so confused and excited. The look on my son’s face and his stuttering response was priceless! Is is is that…wait…what?…is that snoooooow?!
My absolute favorite Christmas dessert that I make every year is Pannetone bread pudding with butter bourbon sauce. I use the New Orleans Bread Pudding recipe out of The Joy of Cooking, but substitute pannetone for the bread. This is the book’s description “Like a warm sticky bun drenched in butter amd bourbon” Um, yeah. It’s amazing! The pannetone just puts it over the top. I always gain at least a few pounds just from that one dessert ;)

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So glad Brooke got to see the snow!! Safe travels home!! :)

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Awwww cute outfit! Yes the snow is so pretty here :)

Have a safe trip back to billy!

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Our Christmas tree fell over at 12:30 am Friday night and I was pretty sure it was the fault of our 2 cats since they were both standing downstairs looking guilty when I went to check on the noise. I scolded them both, got the tree back up, and filled the tree stand back up with water…. Soooo it was definitely surprising last night at 8 pm when both of the cats were sitting on the couch and the tree went crashing to the floor again! Now we have it lashed to the wall. Anyone else have a ridiculous tree story?

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Hope u had a great flight :D

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I love hot chocolate cookies!! I discovered them last year and they are tasty!

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/11/hot-cocoa-cookies/

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This weekend, my brother and I hosted our 4th Annual Cookie Party! Its where a bunch of instructors from 24 Hour Fitness get together for 4 hours of cookie baking, merriment, and a white elephant gift exchange (gluttony, of course, is included!).

We made chocolate dipped pretzels, sugar cookies (which all baked together on a pan….oops!), Rugelach, and MONSTER COOKIES!! My faaavorite!! :) Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips, Oatmeal, and M&M’s. Soooo good! I would send you some, if I could!

Most disgusting white elephant gift: A book called, “What’s Your Poo Telling You?” Hahahaha! I’m glad I got a foot massager! :D

Safe travels!

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I wanted to work out early today, but then I took a three hour nap yesterday and it messed up my sleeping schedule and yeah, early workout definitely didn’t happen. Snow is beautiful for like, the first or second time a season. Then I’m ready to be done with it. Hope you have a safe trip!

http://www.whenwewander.blogspot.com

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I did a quick workout this morning while my little guy had his gym class at the Y. Then I will be heading back up for round two when my middle guy has basketball tonight.

I live in WI and we got about 6 inches of snow this weekend. It was the first major snow since last January for us. I love to have snow for Christmas but then after mid-January I am totally over it and ready for it to be gone. My three boys on the other hand are loving it!

At our house we love peanutbutter cookies with chocolate stars for the holidays! We don’t really do much holiday baking. If it isn’t around it isn’t tempting to overdue it!

Safe travels to you and Brooke! I can’t wait to see pictures of her in the new santa outfit!

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Is Mer flipping channels while the family hangs out? That picture absolutely cracks me up! She reminds me of my sweet grandma whom I adore!

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That is so awesome that is snowed while you were still there! So fun!

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