Category Archives: Christmas

It’s Christmastime. And the Maurer family sings.

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Christmas is in full swing ’round these parts. As is tradition, we trekked to a tree farm and chopped down our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. That night we played Elf on repeat (I say this ever year, but seriously how is that movie so funny every. single. time?!) until we were finished decking our halls.

Apparently we’re real pros because it only took us one and a half showings of Buddy’s adventures in a magical place called New York City. Our first year decorating in this house, I think we watched it six or ten times before we were finished.

Our tree is darling as usual, and I love to sit on the couch at night and just look at her sparkle. Speaking of sparkle, I’m going to a dinner party tomorrow night at the fanciest hotel in Salt Lake City and I bought a pair of glittery gold spike heels to wear to it. I might be more excited about those shoes than anything else currently in my life. I’m not sure if that means my life is lacking or if the shoes are abnormally awesome. (Of course it’s the latter, duh.)

Christmas music is playing non-stop in my car and at home. I’m strict about my no-Christmas-music-before-Thanksgiving policy and this year was no different. But I feel like every year the holidays come sooner and end faster. (I know everyone says that.) And so now that I can listen to Christmas music, it’s all I want. I just don’t want to wake up one morning and have it suddenly be January (which is actually how most months creep up on me). I’ve been working on a list of things to do and see too, to help that effort. Let me know if you have any good ideas.

Speaking of Christmas music, I was working on my computer tonight, editing some photos with my holiday playlist on shuffle, when all of a sudden a blast from the past came pouring through the speakers.

Long ago, when I was still in college and even before my mission (so we’re talking 15-ish years ago), my family recorded a few of our favorite songs we love to sing together. It was nothing professional, just us standing in the sanctuary of a Catholic church with a microphone and a friend at the piano, but it was so fun to listen to. I hadn’t heard it in ages. I particularly loved listening to the tiny voice of my baby sister, who was somewhere in her elementary school years when we recorded it.

The song, “Sleep Little Lamb,” is one of my favorite Christmas “carols.” It’s a little fast for my preference in this recording, but I wasn’t in charge of that operation ;) so …

Anyway, I thought you might like to hear it too. Click Here to Listen. May the start of your Christmas season be as happy and sparkly as mine has been. xo

 

At Night by the Tree

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When Christmas was close enough on the horizon that I could see it, but still far enough away that I had time to plan, I told myself that this year was going to be quiet. Slow. Deliberate. Just me and a whole lot of hot chocolate, Christmas lights, and a stack of books.

And then I up and committed to the tour. And not only committed to the tour, but offered to hostess and promote the first show. And then I got asked to be the Choir director at Church–which meant I was in charge of the entire service on Christmas Sunday. So I had to pull a choir together (which is like puling teeth, don’t you know) and write the program. And practice it. (Holy Smokes. If it actually happens how I see it in my head, it will be a miracle. Please pray.) And then my sister told me that she, her husband, and their child–i.e. my pumpkin of a niece–were flying in to stay for a week over Christmas. And then there was the invitation for the work party. And then the Church party, that we hostessed a portion of at our house. The night after the concert at our house. (Oy vey) And then two TV appearances to get ready for. And a Christmas meal to plan and make for the family that was now coming.

And … well. All of a sudden Christmas is tearing around the corner and I don’t have any presents for the people who will be waking up Christmas morning at my house. I don’t have a turkey. Or stuffing. Or mashed potatoes. Or pie. I haven’t drunk any hot chocolate. And I haven’t read a book in months.

And while I’m so happy I did the tour–seriously. I love being on tour and I love Mindy’s music. And while I’m thrilled my sister and her family are here (even if my niece still doesn’t like me. What’s that about Laela?!). And while I’ve loved the bustle and energy of the last few weeks. I’ve just really wished, too, for that quiet holiday I saw in my head months ago.

And so at night. When everyone goes upstairs to their beds. I’ve stayed downstairs. And I’ve sat by the tree. And though I’ve been working my laptop overtime with all the “stuff” that still needs to be done, even past midnight. I’ve allowed myself to wrap up in the quiet. And the glow. And just. Be still.

p.s. I was on Good Things Utah again this morning with a little crafty for any of you last-minute (like me) gift givers. They’re these cute little tree pins that I hope I’ll have a picture of later today to post for you. So easy. And so inexpensive. And If you’re just finding me through Good Things. Welcome. I hope you’ll stay a bit. And I hope we become friends. If you want to know more … these are my favorite posts.

Back From Tour, Must Clean Spare Room

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I’ve gone through my pictures about forty times today–the pictures I took while I was on tour with Mindy and the band, that is. And I’m having a hard time deciding how to share the awesomeness that was the Mindy Gledhill Christmas Concert Tour.

It’s been a long time since I felt the need to pinch myself and ask, “Is this really my life?” But lately, that’s how I feel. Life is so good. So fun. So fulfilling. So full—full of cool people, cool experiences, and opportunities that make me happy.

When I climbed into bed last Monday night (after our own house concert) I had a feeling it was just the beginning of a great week. Turns out, I was right.

[Media Appearances]

[Tuesday Night @ the Velour Live Music Gallery]

[Wednesday Night with the Teton Chamber Orchestra]

[On the tour bus ... i.e. Le Chateau]

[Friday Night during Soundcheck @ The Rose Room ... I am magic.]

[Saturday Night in Tri-Cities, WA]People sometimes ask what I do when I manage a tour like this and the answer is … I do details. I make sure the band is taken care of, that there’s food when food is needed, that the sound tech knows when soundcheck is scheduled for, that the set looks good, that hotel rooms are reserved, that email lists are passed around, that the baby is bounced, that merchandise is set up, sold, and accounted for, that backs are rubbed, that the promoters know our wherabouts and needs, that photos are taken, and that the media knows we’re coming.

It’s a ton of work and I’m utterly exhausted when I get home.

But then I think … is this really my life? How much cooler could it get?

(Apparently not much cooler at all seeing as how I now need to go change the sheets in the spare room and scrub the toilet. My sister, brother-in-law, and niece are coming tomorrow for Christmas. And I’m guessing they’d appreciate clean sheets and a clean toilet. It’s the least I can do.)

A Smashing Success

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(soundcheck)

I don’t know how we did it, but on Monday night we fit no less than 70 people in our living room for our first annual Christmas House Concert with indie-pop star Mindy Gledhill. I’m still reeling!

Frit and I were up past midnight two nights in a row decorating and baking and getting everything ready, and despite our bleary eyes, it was SO worth it. And even now … every time we walk in the living room, we smile–we still haven’t taken the decorations down. We love them too much.

Spencer Harrison (Mindy’s bass player) and Libbie Linton opened with some delicious tunes. (Check them out here, or here.) And I am, pleased to announce, that I am a new Libbie fan. And Spencer just might be the nicest guy with the greatest coiffure and coolest voice. Ever.

When Mindy took the stage it was like our whole house suddenly went electric. The walls were buzzing neon, I swear. It was palpable. And amazing. And so gosh darn fun! The kick of the bass drum pounded the opening beats of Whole Wide World (which, may I tell you, she dedicated to moi) and I wanted to jump up and down and dance and scream, “Do you feel that? In your gut? Do you feel that?” I’m weird, I know. But like I said. The house was electric and I was, in turn, electrified. Good live music gives me such a rush.

So anyway. Mindy sang songs from Anchor and Winter Moon and Frit and I danced in our seats the whole time. Side note: When Mindy sang the Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” Frit dared me to run wildly through the crowd (run run reindeer, run run reindeer, you can hear it right? And see it?). She said she’d pay me $40 if I did, and I even got her up to $70 by the end of the exchange. But I just couldn’t do it. I was too shy. (Right.) Now I’m thinking I was crazy not to take that dare. It was my concert afterall, right?

So anyway. As if being able to hostess the event wasn’t enough, Mindy invited me up to sing the finale song with her. … One of my finest moments, I’m sure.

This next photo cracks me up every time. Apparently, I was really getting into it. And now I know … I SOO do not sing with a pretty face like Mindy does!

The only thing I’m kicking myself over, besides not taking Frit’s dare, is that I don’t have more pictures. I guess I was just too hopped up on electricity and meeting everyone that this is all the documentation I have. But I so wish I had taken a crowd picture so you could actually see all 70 people in our living room. I’m amazed that we actually pulled that off. But as Frit reminded me, I can fit anything into any space. And it’s true. I can.

So thanks everyone for coming! It was one of the highlights of my year to put this show on and meet so many of you. And just so you know … we’re addicted to house concerts now. So stay tuned for more dates and more artists in the future.

p.s. the morning after the concert, we had to be at Channel 2 and Channel 4 bright and early for some media spots I booked for Mindy and her puppet friends to publicize the rest of the tour. Check out the ABC segment here: (Buzzy Snowman kills me!)

And because I was so happy that the babysister and her lovely ladies came … one more picture:

Buddy the Elf! What’s your favorite color?!

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***Don’t forget to enter to win a new Christmas CD by leaving a comment on on this post. I’ll draw the winner on Friday.***

This afternoon I got the funnest phone call. It was from a new reader who wanted to reserve two tickets for the Mindy Gledhill Christmas concert Frit and I are hostessing in two weeks! (Hi Jessica!) Seriously, it made my whole day. It always amazes me that people actually read this here crazy bloggity and I never tire from meeting those new friends who do. Really, truly. Thanks for reading.

AND … can I just tell you how excited I am about this concert?! Gah!

I am! So. Excited! It’s going to be such a dreamy night of music and I’m consumed with the planning and decorating and refreshments menu. I so hope you’ll come. Tickets are $10 until Dec. 12 and $15 the night of. You can RSVP on the Facebook Event Page, or you can email me, or you can call (801.360.1235).

… In other news …

Tonight Frit and I, for family night, ate a gargantuan amount of naan, tikka masala, and coconut kurma. Then we put Buddy the Elf on repeat, which is tradition you know (we’re on our 2nd time through at this very moment), took down Thanksgiving and began decking our halls with Christmas. Frit is the resident tree light expert. She’s really so good at it. (And she’s such a good sport to do it every year.) While she’s busy with the boughs, I set up the rest. And then we do the ornaments together.

This is one of my favorite nights of the year. I love the glow of the lights. I love the sparkle in the ornaments. I love the hazelnut in the chocolate on the stove. I love how hard Elf makes us laugh every, stinkin’, year. I love the ribbons in the windows, the nativity on the piano, and the feathers round the lamps.

I’m just really, so happy tonight. Happy. And tired. And ready for Christmas … almost.

Christmas Gifts for YOU! [Christmas Music]

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I know a lot of really talented people, particularly musicians. It’s one of my favorite things about my life–getting the inside scoop on new indie music from fantastic up-and-coming artists. So today, when I heard my friend Ryan‘s cover of Silent Night, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I had no idea I could love this song any more than I already did, but this version is without comparison. It’s the most moving musical experience I’ve had in a while. Ryan’s voice is like butter dripping with black forest honey. And as if it couldn’t get any better, not only can you listen to it, you can download it for free…

HERE

You’re welcome. And merry Christmas!

xo

Christmas Gifts for YOU! [2011 Mini Calendar]

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I have wanted to do something for y’all for weeks now. To thank you. For coming. For reading. For being friends. Through everything. All year long.

After a bit of thought, I have a few surprises up my sleeve for these last few days of 2010, but to start off, I created a mini 2011 calendar with some of my favorite photographs for you to download. Like I said, it’s miniature–the perfect size for a quick glance reference on your fridge, bulletin board, desk, or pocketbook.

I hope you like. And merry merry Christmas.

xo

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD your FREE 2011 Mini Calendar by Island Belle Photography

To leave a thought or comment, or to thank me for being so kind, simply scroll down.

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Tutorial: Flannel Heating Bags (Great Neighbor Gift Idea!)

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Good Morning! I’ll be on Good Things Utah today at 10 a.m. (ABC4–Salt Lake City) demonstrating an idea for neighbor Christmas gifts — Flannel Heating Bags.

If you’re finding me through GTU … Welcome! Grab a cup of cocoa and browse around a while. My blog is a big ‘ol mishmash of crafting, photography, life, and faith. If you’d like to be on the mailing list, you can sign up over there on the right. I send out a periodic email with extra ideas, thoughts, and tidbits that you can’t get here on the site. You can also find me on Facebook. p.s. I’m really glad you’re here.

So … the flannel bags. They’re inexpensive and can be easily made in all different shapes and sizes. Plus, it’s a gift your neighbors can enjoy beyond the holiday season. Here’s the simple tutorial.

Supplies
Fabric (flannel or heavy cottons work best) . uncooked rice . herbal tea bags (chamomile or peppermint) . sewing machine & thread

Steps
1. Cut two pieces of fabric in the size/shape you want.
Soothing eye pack: 4 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
Mini hand warmers: 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Relaxing neck wrap: 6″ x 18″
Bed Bag: 9″ x 13″

2. With right sides together, sew 1/2″ seam around all four sides, leaving a 3 to 4″ opening for turning.

3. Turn right-side-out and fill 1/2 to 3/4 full with uncooked rice.

4. Cut open a few tea bags and pour into bag with rice. *Note: Do not use lavender as lavender will burn in the microwave.

5. Turn open seam in, pin together and top stitch the opening closed.

6. Move the bag back and forth between your hands to evenly mix the tea and rice together.

7. Tie with a ribbon and instruction card for gifting.

*Instruction Card
To enjoy this soothing heating bag, simply place in microwave and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful with heated bag. Do not place directly on skin if too hot. Heat longer or shorter if needed. Reheat as many times as you like.

Since Thursday

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This is what I looked like after Thanksgiving dinner:

But I’m too vain to post a picture like that of myself, so Izzy graciously modeled.

Thursday was delicious in every way–full of good food (my mashed potatoes and pecan pie rocked the house this year), good friends, thankfulness, and costumes. Yes. Costumes. Last Tuesday Frit sent out a text to her family that everyone had to come to Thanksgiving dinner “in costume … this is NOT a drill.” We were just expecting pilgrims and Indians, but we should have known better …

Frit’s nephew Cooper, came as mashed potatoes (his “favorite”) and his twin brother Cameron, came as a turkey.

(Thanksgiving turkey, pilgrim, and mashed potatoes with 2 pats of butter there on top)

We had a slew of pilgrims and Indians ’round the table, and even an Indian from New Delhi (I think she got confused). It was fantastic!

Frit went as an Indian, complete with a paper grocery bag vest, and I, as a pilgrim, with a construction paper bonnet. The table was filled with everyone’s favorite dishes, new recipes and old, friends and family. We ate, talked, napped, and then ate some more. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

The next morning Frit had to go back to work so I traipsed up the mountain-side looking for our Christmas tree (it’s tradition). It wasn’t the same without her, and it was 1000 times more snowy than it has been in years past–I almost slid down the entire mountain I’d just climbed up when I lost my footing on a slick patch and my feet were numb by the time I climbed back in the car–but success was mine, when I found the perfect tree.

(crappy cell phone picture of our undecorated tree)

That night, we ate leftover turkey, potatoes (mashed and sweet), and cranberries, all rolled up inside lefse (Frit’s family is from Norway and they make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas). Then we popped in Elf and got to decorating (another tradition). After three times through Buddy’s adventures in the “magical land called New York City,” we were done and the house was sparkling Christmas. I have yet to take a picture of the tree lit and decorated, but I’m on it.

On Saturday, we went to the Nutcracker (yet another tradition for the first Saturday after Thanksgiving) and have decided that the pas de deux gets longer and longer every year. But the Waltz of the Snowflakes is always my favorite with Arabian coming in at a close second. And, just for kicks and giggles, I thought I’d share a picture of me when I danced in he Nutcracker as a child. I can’t remember which dance I was in this particular year–Russian maybe? Yes, I think that’s right. Little sister Karly (on the right) was one of the party girls.

Saturday night it began to snow and didn’t stop all day Sunday. We’ve got about 6 inches and our yard looks like a winter wonderland.

And all I can say is … I love this time of year.

Dear Santa: My 2009 Christmas Wish List

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We’re only a couple days away from Christmas and I haven’t written my letter to Old Saint Nick yet! Oy Veh!

(I don’t think I’m getting any of these, but a girl can dream right?)

1. A New Sewing Machine … with all the bells and whistles

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2. This Knife … my kitchen told me we really needed it again the other day.

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3. These bowls … aren’t they just so pretty!?

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4. A tart pan … I’ve set a goal to master tarts in 2010.

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5. iTunes gift card … I always need new music.

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6. Julie & Julia … no wait! Frit already got me this for Christmas, complete with a Julia Child cookbook. Oh how I love love this movie.

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7. This necklace … isn’t it fantastic?! So sweet and romantic.
(And in fact, I have a crush on everything in this artist’s shop)

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And … now I’m off to the beach! Have a lovely day!