This little post won't take long. I just wanted to say hello. My husband has a few random extra hours of play time today so I plan to enjoy it! Twink is excited because I promised him a trip to the dog park. I know that he can understand me when I talk to him in full sentences. 

I'll admit, I was surprised to see how much backlash came to my little blog from posting one video. This is why I never write anything political on here. If that video got such a response, political opinions would probably make me cry. I know it's a little thing, and people can say you're jumping on the bandwagon, but we have to start somewhere. So why not here? Pick something you care about, anything you care about, and figure out how you can help. It sounds cliche, but we are the future. What we do decides how the rest of the world is going to play out. Ignorance may be bliss, but knowledge is power. This is why VOTING is so important. Yes, we're each just one little person but if you don't try to make a difference you're only hurting yourself. I know it's silly consumerism, but at least when I buy TOMS or Warby Parker's I can feel like maybe I've done a little bit of good. It doesn't matter how you choose to help the world, just choose something.

Wow, I feel a little like I was on a soap box. Excuse me for that! In other news I'm being featured on two other blogs today. I wrote all about Japan for Abby @ Diligent Joy. I've known Abby for years and hers is one of my favorite blogs to read. I'm also hosting a giveaway for Lena @ Mom2MemphisAndRuby. She has a wonderful blog and I love reading her. Go say hello to them both, I promise you won't be disappointed.

And forgive my puppy obsession.

Twink is just too cute when he's playing.

This Christmas was a wonderful one. It was our first Christmas as a married couple and a new little family. It was also the first Christmas I've ever spent away from my parents and brothers and sisters. No matter where I've been in life, I've always made it home for Christmas. It was bittersweet this year realizing that while they weren't with me in person, they are always with me. And I may not have been in Utah but I was definitely "home" for Christmas. It was lovely to be able to spend this holiday with my husband. He is the biggest joy in my life and I wouldn't have chosen any other way. I got so many fun presents for Christmas this year, I was completely spoiled. But more importantly I spent the day happy and laughing with the man that I love. He was the best present of all.

(This was my second best present. It's an upgrade to replace the last necklace I wore every single day. Isn't it beautiful? It came from The Vintage Pearl.)

time spent playing with 2 adorable children - 9 hours

time spent cooking in the kitchen making delicious food - 5 hours

time spent sleeping in my comfy bed - 4 hours

i have my priorities straight

Today has been fun and very unexpected. When I woke up this morning I had no idea I'd be spending the day watching a 4-year-old, twin 3-year-olds & a 1 year-old but that is exactly what happened. And truly, they could not be cuter girls.

We had a very active busy day and they enjoyed every minute of it. Happily, so did I.

Also, my mommy bought me a pineapple. It was heavenly.

I decided to make myself & the girls cheese soup for lunch today. I've been craving something warm and cheesy & this hit the spot just right. I looked through several cookbooks and none of the recipes appealed to me so I took tips from them all and made up my own. It turned out cheesy, tasty & completely wonderful. I ate it with warm french bread & a glass of milk. Perfect, especially since it snowed again today!

I hope that your day was as happy as mine!

Today I made the most delightful sandwiches for the family for lunch. Meatball subs. They're so quick and easy and of course everyone loved them. Sometimes it's the little things that make life so wonderful.