Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Last night we had, what I hope will be an annual tradition, an after-Christmas party with many of our children and grandchildren. And even though it was supposed to be a sleep-over party that didn't happen (two legs in casts, ear infection, icy road conditions and a fear of leaving dogs home alone) - we had a blast. There was a lot of yummy holiday food, a few more presents to open, a movie and plenty of Wii gaming. Especially Rock Band...check out the photos and you'll get the drift. We love our family!

He's A Natural

Carter turned 4 years old on his birthday a few days ago and Michael (Pops) and I (Nani) gave him skis for his birthday. Carter and I plan to hit the slopes at Brighton in the next couple of weeks but until then our little hill in the backyard works just fine. 

Grandpa & Grandma's Holiday Pizza Party

It is a not-to-be-missed annual event. It's an evening filled with catching up with extended family, chaos, games, chaos, presents, chaos, pizza and a dash of chaos thrown in to make it more fun than allowed by law. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for keeping the tradition alive!

Our Favorite Things - Blog Style

Happy Holidays to One and All!

The other day I was thinking about Oprah and her annual My Favorite Things show. You know, the one where she gives all the guests in her audience fabulous gifts that she has found during the year. Well, I'm certainly no Oprah, so there will be no fabulosity-slash-generosity here...but I can share with you some of our favorite finds of 2008:

*There's this little hole-in-the-wall candy manufacturer in Ogden that makes a creamy and oh so delicious black Licorice Caramel Chew. We bought 40 lbs. this year and no I haven't gained 40 lbs but I could be well on my way. See www.jmorganconfections.com for your own personal indulgence. Credit: Carolyn

*Michael and I can't get enough of Guy Fieri and his show Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives on the Food Network. Guy is the winner of the second Next Food Network Star Challenge. Recently Guy filmed in Salt Lake City and one of the establishments that he showcased was the Blue Plate Diner located at 2041 S. 2100 E. You can bet that Michael and I will be paying a visit to sample the breakfast menu very soon.

*Recently a dear friend gave us a box of Sun Valley Chocolate Foundry hand-dipped magic. I'm not going to lie - I'm thinking about hiding the rest of these chocolates - they're that good. You can only get this wonderful treat, in person, by making a visit to the Sun Valley Mall or by calling 208.622.2147.

*My Mom introduced me to the Bee Bar about six years ago. And Recently Michael's Mom gave us another one. What's a Bee Bar you ask? Only the most wonderful lotion in a bar that there is on the whole planet. It smells good, feels good and is made of good stuff like sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba, lanolin and bees wax. Get yours at www.honeyhousenaturals.com. Credit: Mom x2

*Debbie Meyers Bags are amazing. A few weeks ago my Mom gave me some of the bread and vegetable bags. Their story is that the bags absorb the gas (who knew - vegetables have gas?) that is released by the food so that it stays fresher much, much longer. And guess what? They really do work. You can purchase them for about $10 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Credit: Mom 

*Cafe Rio Salad is the recipe of the year. Just about every time the family gets together - this main course salad is requested. See the recipe on the side bar of our blog.

*Michael and I recently attended an Empty Nester's FHE where we watched a stunning DVD called Reflections of Christ. The production is a photographic recreation of the ministry and life of Jesus Christ by Mark Mabry. This is a must-see, must-own book and/or DVD. They can be purchased at www.deseretbook.com. 

*I've read about 20 incredible books this year but I have to admit that the one I keep thinking about is Creek Mary's Blood by Dee Brown. Although many of the characters are fictional - this novel is a historically accurate account of the various Native American tribes and their travails from the early 1700 to 1980. What a powerful, compelling story. I simply love this book.

*Last year at Christmas, Michael and I gave Carly a panini press. I borrowed it a couple of months ago and now Carly may have to arm-wrestle me to get it back. We've used the press a lot - with my personal favorite being sourdough bread, muenster cheese, smoked turkey, thinly sliced onion, artichoke hearts and pesto. Yum! This product is called The Griddler by Cuisinart.

*Last on my list of favorites is Revitalash, a formula created to help eyelashes grow long and lush. Last May, my family gave me lash extensions from Got Lash? I loved, loved, loved the extensions but at $65 a pop, I could no longer justify the 4-6 week replenish appointments. Once the extensions grew out, I was left with little stubs of lash. So Carly gave me Revitalash and I've been using it religiously for the past three weeks and I've already seen a positive change. Contact Carly for your own supply or see www.skincarerx.com.

Well, that's the list. Next year, I'll get more input from Michael so that there will be less about food and more about golf, sports and adventure. Until then, May Your Christmas Be Merry and Every Hope Be Realized!

Love,

Christine

Carter's Walk On The Wild Side

Like clockwork, Carly dropped Carter off this morning at 6:30 a.m. He was still in his pajamas and wrapped in a blanket. He crawled in my bed and sleepily told me that he had tattoos. I thought maybe he was still remembering some dream that he had. A little later when we were both more alert, I said, "Let's see those tattoos." Let's just say that I'm glad that Carly only purchases waterproof markers. After a nice, long bubble bath we had a nice discussion about why tatoos are not a good thing. It was hard to keep a straight face when I took these photos.

Thanks for Thanksgiving

Especially when one does very little cooking, enjoys fabulous food and doesn't have to wash a single dish. Our Thanksgiving Day in 2009 consisted of myself, Michael and Mom taking a beautiful drive up the Ogden Canyon to our dinner destination - at the top of the mountain at SnowBasin Resort. We rode up the Gondola to the Needles Lodge and enjoyed a chef-prepared buffet. And even though we ate until we were ready to burst, the only one to get his money's worth was Michael - in what approximated a pound of crab claws. What a wonderful afternoon!

For the record, I did cook a turkey, stuffing and a couple of pies so that we could enjoy those yummy leftovers.

Tigger's Got Bounce...

And a bunch of medals that she earned at her State Gymnastic Competition a couple of Saturdays ago. Tigger a.k.a The Adorable McKenzie was so good on the vault, bars, balance beam and floor exercise that she is now moving up to the next level of competition in 2009. Way to go beautiful girl!