Christmas celebrations...

We had a really great Christmas! On the 23rd Justin's brother Kyle and his beau Andy came into town for a visit. I was so excited to see them, I could hardly wait till they got here. We ended up being able to spend a couple of hours with them that night. The next night, Christmas Eve we spent with Kyle, Andy and Justin's parents just visiting for a bit. My kids really loved their Uncle Kyle and Uncle Andy. Kyle and Andy left early Christmas morning to St. George. Christmas morning was great we slept in a little bit and we were up around 9am and then we opened gifts. A little later Grandma and Grandpa came over to let the kids open their gifts. Then we headed to John and Marisa's to exchange gifts with them. Next we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house and Grandma made us some Norwegian omelets they were so good! Finally we headed over to my mom's house to exchange gifts with them and then we spent the rest of the day hanging out there. We had a great Christmas dinner and lots of fun playing video games and visiting.

My mom gave Justin a hoody it is the first one he has ever had and he looks really good in it. She made a quilt for our bed and it is really beautiful. It came with a brown bed skirt. John and Marisa gave us brown sheets that match perfectly.

The kids got the things they really wanted the most. Ashton ended up with Legos and more Magnetix. Elyssa ended up with a new dinosaur that is huge.... She named him Rocky

She also got a terydactyl and a triceratops and then my mom got her a set af small dinos that matched the big ones we got her. It is funny how they all came in different sets. Now she has families....

The best day of this celebration for me was the day after Christmas. Justin and I spent the entire day together. It ended up that we really just focused on each other and spending lots of quality time with each other. Well we did have errands to run, First we had to go down and start the refinancing paper work for our house. Can you believe we are going to refi' from 6.25% to 5% or lower we have only lived in our home for 7 months but rates are really incredible right now. Next we went to IKEA and I promised him we would go through the store really fast. We went to get my new mirror. It is really big about 72 inches long by 37 inches wide and it weighs 66 lbs. I really fell in love with this mirror when I saw it a few months ago. And it was a steal at $99.00!!!

After that we went to the bank to pay off my car.... YIPEEE!!!! Then we went to a few pawn shops treasure hunting. Actually Justin was looking for a certain guitar he really wanted. We did not find it at a pawn shop so we ended up going to Guitar Center. We found exactly what he was looking for there. He purchased a Gibson Studio Les Paul Cherrywood guitar. It is really pretty and it sounds soooo nice. I really love the sound that comes out of that thing. After all of that shopping and driving in the really bad weather and awful roads we came home for a bit before having dinner and then going out again to walmart to look for brackets for my mirror. So even though it seemed like a long day of never ending driving and shopping I have to say the time we spent together made me completely euphoric. I can't tell you how much I love being with that man!!! This was the best day of the whole Christmas season. There was no stress, no drama, no problems..... just fun stuff. I hope you all had a really great Christmas and at least one day where you could just enjoy some down time.

Loves, S

Christmas COOOOKIES

Today marks the very last cookie making day of 2008! Well for us anyway.

So I thought I would show you all a little of our handi work. First of all this is our 4th double batch of Christmas Sugar Cookies this season. And well we got a little carried away. We made snowmen and women and a few snow mobsters. We made Gingies in all sorts of fashions. There were stars galore and trees too. And we decided to make some round ones this time that we could use as ornaments or what ever. Things started off well enough until someone who shall remain nameless made it into a contest..... this some one is a dear friend of mine,

(Ok so it is debatable which one of us made it into a contest) and we had a grand time out doing one another as you can see by the photos.

I believe this cookie is what started the contest.....it was my one shining moment!

I am sure we ate way too many cookies today but we saved the best ones for gifting. Thank you Erin for a great day of Cookie Making I had soooo much fun!

I do have one more cookie I would like to share with you.... it was created by our little artiste!

I didn't quite know what to think of this cookie I was quite confused...... do you know what it is supposed to be? At first I thought it was a skull and cross bones and then I thought maybe a ghost? and then the grim reaper like figure appeared hmmmm. Scroll down to find out what it really is.

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If you guessed "Baby Jesus in the manger with Mary" You are Right!!!!

My Christmas Gift to You

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!

This year I plan on giving out my Buttermilk Syrup for Christmas....

However it needs to be refrigerated so I can not send it out to any one that is not local. I can only give it away to the ones I can see in person.

But I thought that as my christmas gift to those of you who are far away I would put my recipe on this blog and you can use it for your very own Christmas breakfast if you wish.

My family really loves this syrup and we do not buy the store bought maple syrup anymore.

We prefer this carmely goodness on our pancakes and waffles. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, from start to finish, and chances are you have everything on hand already.

Buttermilk Syrup Recipe

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup or 1 stick butter

2 tablespoons corn syrup

3/4 cup buttermilk (or 3/4 cup milk with 3 tbsp. vinegar added mix well let stand 2 min.)

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla

In a very large sauce pan or stock pot melt the butter add the sugar and corn syrup stir very well. Pour in the buttermilk and stir or whisk until combined add the baking soda and stir well, at this point the mixture will froth quite alot ( the reason for the large pot) just keep stirring over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into a jar or something that you can serve it out of. You can use this immediately or make ahead and store in the fridge. Just microwave for 20 seconds and stir before serving.

I hope you all enjoy this syrup as much as we do. Let me know if you try it....

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!!!!

It's a Christmas Miracle....

I know Christmas miracles exist, it has just been a very long time since I have seen one up close and personal!
Let me tell you about it.
Today while shopping with my mother we found a really great deal on a family size waffle maker. I wanted it really badly, but the very sad truth of the matter is that I can not make a waffle to save my life. I had a really nice waffle iron when we got married but every time I tried to use it, we ended up going out for breakfast. I got rid of that waffle iron after a few breakfast fiascos. I was envious of my little brother who has never had any issue when he made waffles.

Well this waffle iron we looked at was really nice and my mom wanted to buy it for me. She was insisting and I finally talked her out of it. I don't think it is a good idea to have something you can not even use. We finally made a deal. She would buy the waffle iron for herself and give me her older $5 Black Friday special, with the stipulation that if I wanted to use the big one I would borrow it. Great idea.... now I just needed to learn how to make a waffle that was edible, one that actually came out of the waffle iron in one piece.
So now what to make for dinner tonight? hmmmm? Maybe I will try my hand at waffles I thought to myself.
Ok now I am geared up to make waffles and I make sure that I have mac and cheese on hand as a back up.
I got out the box of pancake /waffle mix. And followed all of the directions for waffles. I remembered all of my mother's directions for using the waffle iron.
1. wait for the light to turn on before filling the iron with batter.
2. close the lid and latch it.
3. wait for the light to come back on before opening the lid again.
4. oh and don't forget to spray the waffle iron with cooking spray first.

Well as it turned out I still did not have all of the instruction that I needed because I was still unsure if I had everything right. Luckily I had Elyssa to help me with the rest.
She told me that every thing I was doing looked right so far and that at the hotale (this is how she says hotel) at Disney Land it looked exactly like this when grandpa helped her make waffles. the next thing she said when I asked how much batter to put in was "the amount that a dixie cup holds." Oh good now we are getting some where. I just need to know if it is the small 3 oz. dixie cup or the larger 5 oz. dixie cup. we settled on trying the 3 oz. first and I got a good size for a small child then we tried the 5oz. it was a perfect fit.
I can't tell you how proud I was of that very first waffle. I had to ask Elyssa if it was crisp enough or not and she said it was perfect.
It truly is a Christmas miracle. I can make a waffle!!!!

Aunt Jemima, Betty Crocker here I come. I am going to be making waffles morning, noon, and night. I have been waiting 14 years to be able to do this and now I have some catching up to do! No more Eggo waffles for this family.

My Beloved Protector

My Beloved protector takes his resposibility very seriously......
A few nights ago while the kids and I were frosting sugar cookies, there came a very loud knock at the door. Elyssa decided that she would be the one to open the door. Mind you it is late about 9ish. I told her to ask,"who is it?" She did and there was no answer, she asked again still no answer. I immediately got up and went to the door and asked,"who is it?" Still no answer so I peeked out the window. No one was there so I felt it was safe to open the door. As I looked out I saw a small package on the door step. There were also 2 papers attached to the package that I am now realizing is piping hot. As I turn around to go back up the stairs. I see Justin standing there with a gun drawn and pointing it out the door just above my head, taking a very police officer stance. I have to say I started laughing really hard. I almost dropped that hot package. The papers attached said we had just been "ELFED" and that elfing should ensue all around us once we took part in elfing someone else. But the best part of elfing someone was that you got to hide and watch as the poor elfed person opened their door. I really feel bad for those poor elves. Justin probably scared the elfing spirit right out of them. We probably will never be elfed again due to the violent nature of my gun toting husband.....my beloved protector. By the way the package contained brownies that were still extremely hot, I am guessing they came right out of the oven and landed on my door step. I am supposed to go elf somebody else, I was supposed to elf them within 24 hours by the light of the moon. I admit I probably broke the elfing cycle but I think as long as I do it before Christmas it will all work out just fine. I was also supposed to hang one of the elfing papers in my window saying I had been elfed. Does any one really want to admit they have been elfed? well if I don't elf someone else the kids will never leave me alone about it. The problem is I think Elfing is a highly Mormon cultural thing so there may not be anyone left in the valley that has not been elfed by the time I get around to it. I may have to go to another neighborhood or even maybe to Kearns. I might find out if I can virtually elf someone via email. However it won't be as sweet a treat. . . Maybe I will double elf someone ha ha some one that has posted they have already been elfed.
so if you are out there elfing people I wish you Happy Elfing. A word of warning Elfing Can be dangerous work. Use every precaution and don't hang around to see the elfed one open the door.

14 Really Great Years

It's our 14th Anniversary can you believe it?
I am having a hard time believing it has been that long. I guess I should start at the beginning. I will try to keep this post under control.

Justin and I met when we were 17, sure we went to a very small private school together for 3 years before we even said a word to each other.( graduating class of 5) However in our senior year we became friends, he was working on a mural for Dory Anderson's Pilgrim's Progress. I was in the Honor's Room so I did not have the full time private school type of supervision. We had a lot more freedom than any one else. Any way after I would finish all of my work I would head into see if this new found friend of mine needed an assistant. We soon started dating and along with that came all of the typical drama. I ended up moving into Justin's parent's home after I turned 18 more drama blah, blah, blah. Here's where it gets good. One day in December of 1994, (still 18yrs. old mind ya) Justin's Dad caught us as we were about to leave to go out for a while and he told us that we were getting married on Monday, this was the previous Thursday, so we had all of 3 1/2 days to try to prepare. I mean we knew we wanted to get married someday but we were shooting for the next year sometime. So this was a great surprise. I am going to tell you now that I have never had a day of regret! I would not change a thing.
The night after we got married we went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant, my fortune cookie said "you will be happy in marriage" wow that was cool! I kept that fortune taped to the mirror in our bedroom for years and then it moved into the scrapbook and I just showed it to the kids a few days ago.
Then February rolled around and we got our first apartment, next thing you know it is 2 years later and we are moving into our little mobile home. Ashton came to make us a happy little family 3 years after we were married. I always worried that Justin would not be loving with His children because he had not grown up around other little ones as I had. I don't know what I was worried about the kids have him thoroughly wrapped around their little fingers. Elyssa came around and completed our family 2 1/2 yrs. later. We lived in our mobile home for 11 yrs. until last January, we decided to see if we could sell the place and buy a house. That part went so quickly within 2 weeks we had it sold and another 2 weeks saw us completely moved out. I would say this has to have been the hardest year we have ever had. It was very stressful on every one involved but we have very gracious families who took us in for 3 months. That was alot longer than we had anticipated being with out a home of our own. I have never seen Justin under so much stress. To a point where I was not sure I really knew this Justin. I am fairly sure I was not quite myself either. We made it though.... and we are still trying to find a place for all our stuff.

When I look back at us as kids, really just in love and having fun. I remember loving him, but I don't feel the same about him now as I did then. Now it is so much deeper, not the same kind of love at all. Our Love for each other has evolved to a much higher level. The kind of love that can communicate so much with just a look. You know, we have been able to read each others minds for years now. I always know where he wants to go eat and what he wants to do. I know he is trying to make a decision by just a simple hand gesture he makes when he is thinking. I know when there is a shift in his mood, with out him ever saying a word. All of this only comes from knowing some one so well for so long. After all we grew up together! Became adults together.

He asked me what I wanted to do for our anniversary. I told him a nice dinner out would be fine. He also said he wants to take me to see "twilight" the movie. I am really excited to go!!! I am having a hard time getting out of him what he wants to do. He keeps saying "what ever you want to do." I know how much he hates going to the movies. He really hates it. I tried to let him off the hook and told him that the girls and I would go out and see it but he would not hear of it.

This man who loves me so much wants to go see a girlie movie. He wants to warm me up at night when I come to bed and am freezing. He wants to put gas in my car for me every sunday afternoon. (I have never put gas not even once into my PTCruiser not since he bought it for me in august of 2005) He wants to empty the garbage for me so I never have t0 touch the can. These are just a few of the things he does for me..... I love this man with every thing in my being! I don't just love him but I can honestly say after 14 years I am more in love with him than I have ever been.
These are a few of the things that have helped us along the way:
1. GOD
2. For us divorce is not an option. WE are breaking the cycle. We both openly acknowledge it.
3. We always support each other in matters of discipline, even when we don't agree.
4. We never call names or belittle each other when we argue, the facts only.....
5. We Honor each other, that means going above and beyond to make sure we are thinking of the other person in every situation, We go out of our way to please each other.
6. Unity, together we stand but divided we fall.... we take a unified stance for our children.
7. Remebering that love is not only a feeling, it is a choice we make every day it is a verb....
Happy 14th Anniversary Honey, I love you!

wagons rides and cocoa for everyone

Last night was our annual church Christmas party...... at Wheeler Farm wow it was a really busy night!!!
It was a little crazy for some of us. meaning I was in the kitchen I was heading up the silent auction and I was doing sound....
all of the little ones were invited to take a wagon ride and have hot cocoa, I got to volunteer at the last minute to go on the ride. YIPEEE!!!! I was so excited I can't tell you. I got to head up my own little group of little ones or not so little ones if you will. Most of them were 7 or older but my littlest buddy got to come along for the ride...... Marshall. He is sooo adorable and he is so teeny and so quiet when he talks. He kept on saying "moon inda sky" "goose, goose" "tractor" but he was so good. He loved his ride and his hot cocoa. The funniest part was when we got to the wagons we had to wait for the second ride so we got our cocoa first. Well I was holding Marshall and I realized he was chewing gum and I said do you have gum in your mouth he said yes and showed me, funny thing is it smelled like a mouthful of chicken, So I realized it was chicken and not gum. I kept asking him if he wanted to swallow it or spit it out and he just kept on chewing that chicken. I think when the hot cocoa came around he finally did away with the chicken he had been working on for the last 15 minutes. This kid is getting ready for winter I think. Like a little chipmunk he was storing it in his little cheeks.
We had a really great time and it was a much needed break from all of the busy-ness of the party.
Thanks Jesse for letting me take Marshall as my partner.

p.s. if you ever go to Wheeler Farm check out the guy in the kilt, he has spun all of the yarn for his sweater that his wife knitted for him. you can find him by the fireside at night spinning wool into yarn, by the way his wife is currently knitting him some kilt hose. This guy Mike I learned his name after I called him "my kilted friend" lives behind the farm and he is really friendly, you will love talking to him.

penguin joy / closet desk

Ok just a quick post to let you all see the latest in happiness and joy for me!!!!!!!!

Last year I was determined that I was going to have a penguin Christmas tree this year. However after the move and our new budget kicked in, it was virtually impossible to get my penguin tree. Well my dear friend Miss Connie found out I wanted a penguin tree. And she made me open her gift early..... inside I found the cutest little penguins. 4 of them to be exact and they just made my heart sing! I really love these little guys..... they change colors too!

Ok now for my desk!!!!!

Justin finally made my desk in the school room closet, I am just thrilled about this. I now have a full length desk to work on. Right now it is a little crowded until he is able to put up a shelf above my computer monitor, it will be for the printer..... Yea!!!! and then he is going to build a few extra shelves for me above that so I can store all of my scrapbook stuff..... But I am just pleased as punch right now.

for some reason I am not aware of the photos make the desk look alot smaller than it actually is.

look this is where I blog from.....

Thanksgiving Update

Well I have been told I need to post a Thanksgiving update..... You all are right!!!

We had a really great First Thanksgiving. After the Frozen Turkey Fiasco everything worked out really well. The turkey was a little dry, but not too bad. The atmosphere was awesome there was not one single drunken brawl, not even a mild argument in the house.

Every one brought their own brand of delish to the dinner.

My mom made, Sweet potatoe pies and ranch mashed potatoes they were soooo good.

Miss Cheva brought her famous Bread rolls they just melt in your mouth and they were the big hit during dinner, she also made my favorite green bean casserole, we can't forget her homemade strawberry jam, and everyones favorite deviled eggs.

Marisa brought the best desserts ever..... Carmel apple cheese cake with toffee bits, White Chocolate pumpkin cheese cake, a pumpkin pie and a carmel pecan apple pie. Her yams were really great also.

Oh and Justin made the White Punch:

2 containers frozen pineapple juice ( prepared as directed on can)

2 bottles sprite

1 container of peach sherbet

Mixed together well. ( this punch is yellow not white I don't know why they call it white punch)

We had a really good time and I felt sooo blessed to have every one in my home for this special day of giving thanks.

Miss Abi is in this photo and as you can see she does not have any signs of the Chicken Pox but I was sitting in the spot right next to her, for the whole afternoon. The next day she came over to let me me have a looksee and she was definitely covered in the Chicken Pox. Poor Girl is just miserable today, she even has them in her mouth..... My kids were immunized against the chicken pox when they were born but not since then and the vaccine only lasts 7 years. If I count it right about the time our 14th anniversary rolls around the kids will be breaking out with the pox if they are going to get it. BGAWK.... BGAWK..... BGAWK..... BGAWK