Slumdog Millionaire

Last night I went to a great movie: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I went with my niece Noelle and we both give it four stars. A modern fairytale of an Indian boy rising from the slums to triumph over what seems like insurmountable odds and finds his long lost love.

In Utah this movie might be hard to find in a theatre, but if you can find it, you won't be disappointed. Jamal the main character is the hero of the film and you are cheering in your chair for him the entire film. There is a reason this movie has so much Oscar buzz.....

Off to California

Hey everyone -- we are off to California for the New Year to visit my sister Tina and her family. We'll be up to lots of trouble and of course watching the Utes play on National Television. Whoot! Whoot!

An Angelic Nativity

About the middle of the month, we started receiving little packages every night on our door. The first one had three wise men and a scripture, the second night was the a shepard with a sheep and a scripture, the third night...you get the idea. It was so fun. The boys absolutely loved and looked forward to each present until the whole nativity was compete.

We have an absolutely amazing nativity sets from Adam's Mom which I threaten the kids to even touch with an inch of their lives. (She wouldn't be to happy if she knew that.) But it is a prize possession. So, this nativity is great, because Thomas and Jack have loved looking at the pieces and resetting up the nativity about a 100 times.

The scriptures have been great - not just the standard scriptures but really great thought provoking scriptures about each member of the nativity. At the end we were a little sad, our very thougthful friends never revealed themselves....it will remain a mystery. But a greatful
thank you all the same. Thank you!

Our Tree!

I was so pleased with how our Christmas Tree turned out this year. We even made a homemade star. The boys loved putting that one together. I started making a few ornaments that never made it on the tree, maybe next year. Santa better hurry and get here we have no presents under our tree!

Christmas came early this year and we have had some great happy endings to report beginning with a NEW CAMERA! Yeah for us and getting a Cannon Powershot! We love it. My husband spent yesterday afternoon finding out all about it and snapping away. Adam took all these fabulous photos! In the picture below, you can see Adam in the silver ball taking the photo!

Even better, Adam was offered a new job! Monavie is where he will call (work) home starting January 5th. We couldn't be more thrilled, excited, relieved and just plain exhausted. Thank you everyone for your support.

Finally, to all our family and friends we are the luckiest people in the world. We are so thankful for everyone who has been there for us for...well for always. We love each and everyone of you. It's like you are all our guardian angels.

Christmas Festivities

When we moved into our newest house we started a Christmas Breakfast Tradition. We invited over some close friends and neighbors and had an aebleskiver breakfast on Christmas Eve. The first year was such fun, it is now a much anticipated tradition. For me I get to see all my closest friends as close to Christmas as possible and it really kick starts the Christmas festivities.

I love aebelskivers! Puffy sweet pancakes with lots of hot yummy syrup yes, the syrup has to be hot!

The recipe I have for aebelskivers is easy... the hard part is the pan. I borrow my mom's because it is deep, well seasoned and they cook up perfect. She found hers in a thrift shop, you can purchase them NEW at most kitchen stores.

Here is my recipe:

9 eggs

3 cups Buttermilk

4 cups Bisquick

4 tablespoons oil

1 long skewer

In a large bowl combine buttermilk, bisquick, oil and all 9 yolks - whisk together. Take the separated 9 egg whites and beat until white and fluffy. Add to batter and allow to sit a few minutes. Heat pan on high with a drop of oil in each hole. Once pan is very hot (hot enough that the oil bubbles) drop a large spoonful of batter into the hole. Turning the aebelskiver can get a little tricky. Take your skewer and as the batter cooks make little half turns until the batter cooks making a complete circle. The aebelskiver should be somewhat hallow inside. All the aebelskivers should be done about the same time. Remove from heat, and enjoy! I love to add any and all my favorite toppings: jam, syrup, powdered sugar, butter, fruit, whipping cream etc.

Rocky Road for Christmas!

This year My Family is doing a Progressive Dinner. Appetizers at Jill's, Main course at Mom's and Dessert at my house. I am also in charge of the Christmas Program and I have some great ideas up my sleeve. I am going to try and share some of them over the next couple days.

Since I am in charge of Dessert! and with lots yummy treats on the menu, I thought I would share my favorite treat of all: Van Duyns Rocky Road. I love Rocky Road- gooey marshmallows, crunchy walnuts and chocolate. Van Duyns is a local chocolate shop in Portland, Oregon. So I have my rocky road sent to me via my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Christmas Calendar

Adam and I's trip to Disneyworld last february!

Summer Hike!

Taking a nap in Island Park

Last Day of Kindergarten

Exhausted from playing!

Jet Skiing in Lake Tahoe

Every year since my oldest was about 2 years old we make a Christmas Calendar for the Grandparents. I add a few photos and the kids do awesome art work. Although I know the pre-made calendars you can create on the web are easy and nifty - it just isn't the same for us. Besides we love to really get our hands dirty while making it. Here are some of the photo selected to grace this year's calendar.