Neighbor Gifts

We live in a great neighborhood, and I have alot of friends and neighbors I like to give alittle something to during the holidays. Letting them know, Merry Christmas from our family. So....I added Pecan Logs to my  Christmas Candies List. I always make chocolates, toffee and cookies, but this year I wanted to try Pecan Logs. My sister Kitty, who is the professional actually sells them, and she came up with the idea for Pecan Balls. Aren't they cute??

Each of our neighbors received a cute pecan ball for Christmas. Nothing to me says or feels like Christmas like something handmade from the kitchen.

From my family to yours: "Have a wonderful Holiday this Year!!"

Christmas Travels

This year my family and I are traveling for Christmas. The last and only other time we traveled for Christmas was over 7 years ago to my parents in Oregon. Way back then, I had a two year old and we flew. Three kids later and all the TSA regulations (scary!) we are driving our little family of five to sunny California this holiday.

Athough this will be our first Christmas traveling by car we are no strangers to the Family Road Trip. Never Fear: I've come prepared. Here are some simple, handy, tips and tricks to traveling.

No. 1 ~ Never leave a Man behind. With four Men in my family I've got to keep track of them all!!

NO. 2 ~ Let the driver do the driving. The parent in the passenger seat keeps the kiddos happy so the driver can keep his/her eyes on the road.

No. 3 ~ Keep the kids entertained. This year Santa is dropping presents off early. Activity bags for both boys! Drawing paper, favorite new book, crayons and activity books.  

No. 4 ~ Don't be afraid to stop. We are all about the pedal to the metal, but this time we have a 3 month old. Yikes! Lots of breaks for the littlest man. This year we are even spending a night over in Vegas.

No. 5 ~ Prepare a Emergency Kit. You never know what may happen. Although we are traveling to warmer weather stranger things have happened. We are packing extra water, food, first aid kit, matches etc. Just to be on the safe side.

Have a safe and happy Holiday!!

Mid Week Munchies ~ Gingerbread Marshmallows

If you live in my house you love Hot Chocolate. We'll I don't, but everyone else is addicted. They want it after school, after sledding, after racking leaves. (Yes, here in Utah we have snow on the ground and are still waiting for all the leaves to fall off the trees) during game night, before bed. Lets just say, I make alot of hot chocolate in the winter months.

So, when I came across Jet-Puffed Gingerbread Man Marshmallows I couldn't resist. Plus, they were only a $1 at my local grocery store. Warm hot chocolate, a splash of whipping cream and gingerbread men! Smells and tastes like Christmas.

P.S. I changed my profile picture. My friend Ella took it for me!! What do you think?

Giant Gummy Bears

Do you have a massive Gummy addition?? Would you love to eat a 1/2 lb. giant gummy bear on a stick?  I do!! I am ordering these large than life novelty gummy candy for my boys to open on Christmas Day. Who cares that the bear will probably be larger than their faces, they will have a tummy ache half way through and love it.

Want to order your own? Click here.

Chinese Zodiac

My boys are fascinated with the Chinese Zodiac. They love their year's animal and they love to find out everyone elses. Although I really don't believe in it....the characteristics of the animals usually match the person. What is your families Chinese Zodiac? Here is ours:

Me:  Year of the Sheep (1979)

Hubby: Year of the Ox (1973)

Oldest Boy: Year of the Snake (2001)

Middle Boy: Year of the Rooster (2005)

Baby Boy: Year of the Tiger (2010)

If you were born in the years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 you a Tiger.
What animal is 2011: The Rabbit. What's yours??