Family Night style...

Last night was so much fun. We invited some of Joe's dearest friends and their families, from high school, over for dinner and Family Night. It was great to see everyone and amazingly enough, we were able to fit 25 bodies into our family room. 

Spence, Al Westenskow, Spencer Clegg, Joseph, Zach Parker, Jamie Mecham and Nate Scott

I asked Steve ahead of time to prepare a spiritual thought and he certainly did. It was so fun to watch his son listening intently to his story telling. Steve did a great job as usually and we all walked away feeling great. Thanks Steve!

Steve Gottfredson and his son Whit

I was actually quite amazed how well behaved the kids were during family night. Everyone sat and listened to the stories and didn't make a peep except this little cu-tie. She was the "musical number" if you will. She's almost 2 and full of life. She kept us quite entertained. 

Kristen Westenskow with Annie and Sam

The Clegg Family came all the way from New York. It was so great to see them again. Also, Merrilee with her daughter who became quick best friends with Hazel.

Merrilee Gottredson with Gracey and Brian and Holly Clegg with Hunter

Seriously, I had no idea there was another little girl JUST LIKE HAZEL. This little princess came to the party all dressed up. Hazel was so excited to have a friend and soul mate to play with. I think we'll be calling the Gottfredson's for a play date!

Hazel and Gracey

Well, these three gentlemen have been BFF's since 7th grade. We try to get our families together at least once a year and the Holidays seem to work well. It's fun and not so fun to let these boys loose, together, to hear their reminiscing of the good ole' days. They laugh themselves into a stupor. It's pretty comical and I'm thrilled they've stayed so close over the years.  

Steve, Al and Joe

Thanks for coming everyone! We missed those who were unable to make it. Hopefully we'll see you next year!

Recipe of the week...

This recipe is from my friend Kristen Muir who is such a wonderful cook. I found it through her Ivie Family Cookbook. It has quickly become a family favorite. Sometimes I omit the meat and serve this dish Vegetarian style. It's delicious and hearty either way.

 The minute I turned 16 I wanted to find a job to show my maturity and capabilities. I eagerly applied for a position at Sbarro's Italian Eatery located at the University Mall in Orem. I started right away and loved every minute of it. My favorite part was making the Pizza's and baked ziti. I was the girl who gave extra large slices and gigantic portions. I think this is where my love affair with food started. Needless to say, this recipe can definitely hold it's own and will hopefully become one of your families favorites as well.

Baked Ziti

I lb. Italian sausage or lean ground beef

1 pound dry ziti pasta

1 onion, chopped (or ½ onion)

2 (26 oz. jars spaghetti sauce)

6 oz. provolone cheese, sliced

1 ½ cups sour cream

6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

2 T. grated parmesan cheese

Cook Ziti pasta in lg. pot salted water, about 8 minutes, drain.

Brown meat and onion in large skillet and add spaghetti sauce. Simmer

15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray Pam on a 9X13 baking dish

And layer as follows: ½ of the Ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, ½ sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheeses are melted.

Bedtime Stories...

How often do you get the chance to take your family to a movie? We really struggle finding the time, but decided to take our kids to see

Bedtime Stories last night. If you haven't seen it yet,  it's worth dragging the kids out into the cold, snowy weather for this one. Even our three year old Hazel was highly entertained. Oh how I love the Holidays!

After the show, we raced home to spruce up our house (disaster) because our dear friends....the Chamberlain's were in town from California and coming over for a visit. The thing I love about these guys is the fact that we see them maybe once a year and it's so comfortable to re-connect. It's like we don't skip a beat. There's never that strange awkwardness and we're able to pick up where we left off. 

Marie, Emily and Sophie

Meet the new edition to the Chamberlain family..... Penny. She is absolutely edible, from a distance. She WILL NOT let anyone come near her, touch her, or even look at her the wrong way and I had to learn this the hard way. I wanted to basically maul her(in a nice way) and she wanted nothing to do with me. She's a momma's girl, but that's a good thing.... I guess.

I love this Emily girl like a sister. She is so smart, witty, funny, talented, creative and we speak the same language. We're the type of girls who hate awkward silence or just silence more than anything, so we're the one's who make sure the conversation is at a constant even flow. It's quite lovely when you're with someone who wants to help keep the conversation afloat just as much as you do. I know it seems funny, but it's awesome!

Speaking of talented and creative..... Emily made me 30 of the most beautiful handmade letterpress cards. Wow..... they are extraordinary and the colors are so vibrant. These are my two favorites, but they are all so beautiful. Thanks Em!

Spence and Owen..... Wii buddies

Joe and Doug had a great time reminiscing of their good ole' BYU days....

Speaking of Bedtime Stories..... next thing we knew it was close to 1:00 in the morning and we're all yawning, including baby Penny. Where does the time go? Until next time..... we love you guys!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Santa's favorite cookie recipe....

 I over heard my kids arguing about what type of cookie Santa would be craving on Christmas eve. Spence thought it would be Oatmeal cookies. Marie thought it was Sugar cookies and Hazel thought for sure it would be "Pink-alicious" cookies. So....I decided to do some research and googled the question, "What is Santa's favorite cookie"?  Well....nobody guessed "Original Nestle toll house chocolate chip cookies".  I guess we'd better get baking for the big night....

Santa's Favorite Christmas Cookie

Original Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 5 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

• COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Candlelight night...

Every year, on the Saturday night before Christmas, our family makes a special effort to get together for "Candlelight night". A celebration to honor our Savior's birth. We start with a beautiful dinner lit only by candlelight, which represents the Light of Christ. Then, we read Luke: 2 and everyone participates by dressing up and reenacting Jesus' birth. Over the years, CC has made darling costumes to wear and they keep getting better and better.

This year Lindsey was the narrator and did a beautiful job with her angelic voice.

Of course Ju-ju had to be Mary and what a perfect Mary she was.... Not only did she look the part, but she and Danny played the part so well....humble and mild. 

Even Joe got to participate by holding the flashlight on the ceiling. This is the "star" a very, very important job!

Little Hazel was a Shepherd this year. Doesn't she look darling? You could have heard a pin drop during the reenactment. It was so nice and I could tell the kids really felt the spirit.

The next item of business is the talent portion of the evening. The little kids loved singing and dancing for everyone. Marie performed Jingle bells on her recorder and then sang Silent night. It was beautiful. She is getting better and better every year. 

 Then, we open gifts.....Yippee! The kids love this part...of course!

The four girls received matching P.J's from CC. They were so excited and wanted to model for us. There is something so sweet about little girls in snugly pajamas. I could just eat them all up!

After gifts comes my favorite part..... dessert! We had a peppermint chocolate cream cake with pink peppermint ice-cream. Awe......

Lastly, we just sit around and interact with each other until we're too tired and lazy to speak. 

Try not to get confused by this hairy guy. It's just Danny, hanging out with Marie. They have a special friendship and it's really sweet.

I think this is my favorite picture of the night. Joseph and Ju could be brother and sister. They love each other so much and get along really well. Ju is due in four weeks. She looks absolutely amazing. I love them both in black!

It was great to see and visit with our "Twin Falls" cousins. We've missed them terribly, although we're lucky they visit often. Our next trip is going to be visiting the Halls, can't wait!

We love Vanessa and Max. They play, play, play with all the little ones and keep them entertained. Someday we'll be playing with their little ones.

Thank-you CC for a night to remember. We truly love being with our family and building strong bonds. loves...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

While the cat's away.... the mice will play!

Joe is always wondering what our day entails (the kids and me) 

while he's hard at work. I thought I'd show him a little snippet 

of our daily events. Nothing too interesting.... just the usual!

Kneeling Santa Prayer...

The sleigh was was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed,
"Dear Father, " he prayed, "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
My sack will hold toys to grant all kids' wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I can do all these things, Lord, only through You.
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
I do this only to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please, Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

I love this poem about The Jolly ole' man. I guess it's important for Santa to say a quick prayer before his long, cold winter's journey. I want my kids to not only be grateful for Santa, but also pray for his safety and well being. I love the fact that Santa relies on our Heavenly Father as much, if not more, than we do. I pray He has a safe and effortless journey as he embarks on another magical year.

 Good luck dear Santa... you will be in our thoughts and prayers!

Spirit of Christmas...

I've decided the quickest way to "catch" the Holiday Spirit is to watch your kids perform Christmas programs for you. This year we got lucky.... Joseph is a member of the Concert Choir. They performed the BEST Christmas program ever. I forgot my camera, but luckily Joe had his phone and snapped a quick shot. Joseph has an excellent voice and hopefully he'll pursue his love of singing for many years to come.  

Hazel's preschool program was on Thursday and it was such a great time. She was super happy, giddy and excited to have her parents watching her every move. 

Hazel was soooooo hyper... I wonder who she gets it from...?

Best little buddies...

Hazel's friend, from the morning class, was there as well. The reunion was precious...

I took this video of Hazel singing because I want to remember how cute she is at the age of three. She is standing next to her "BESTEST" friend. I think they're giggling more than actually singing, but it's pretty hilarious. (to me)

 The lighting is horrible because the lights went out and had to be reset. It took about 10 minutes for them to work again. Darn it! O'well, you'll still get the gist of it. The funniest part is.... you can't even hear Hazel because the kids are SOOOOO loud. I wish I had this group for primary singing time. Can you imagine?

If that doesn't get you in the Christmas Spirit I don't know what would. 

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy each precious moment....

Thankful Thursday...

6 things I am thankful for today....

1.  I am thankful for parents who have been the most loving, kind, non-judgmental, giving, selfless, strong, faithful, honest and pure human beings I've ever met and lucky for me, that's not going to change any time soon. Love you mom and dad....

2.  I'm thankful, especially at this time for my 2 brothers. I know I don't say it enough, but I love them so much and when they're down and feeling sad, I feel sad along with them. These brothers of mine are awesome guys and I'm thankful to be a part of their lives. I'm mostly thankful for a family that is so close, open and honest with each other. We all carry many burdens, but it sure helps when you have an entire family backing you up and supporting you along the way. Love you guys....

3.  I'm so thankful for my rockin' husband, Joe. I know I've been bragging about him lately, but he really deserves the praise. He's been such a rock for me and my family, especially lately and I am so grateful for a husband who has the biggest heart and wants to do what's right no matter what. He seems to love me despite my inadequacies and  shortcomings and sometimes I feel like he's too good to be true. I guess that's why he's my best friend. I love you....

4.  I am thankful for four healthy amazing Children. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I can't believe this is my life. I have so many blessings and sometimes I forget to sit down for five minutes (with tears running down my face) and just be grateful for my kids and the fact that they are such a blessing to behold. They influence my life, for good, on a daily basis and I am madly in love with them....

5.  Along the lines of people influencing my life.... I am thankful for friends. I think it's pretty obvious I love people. I love to talk, hang-out, laugh, cry and be silly and goofy with people in general. I am so thankful for friends who are not afraid to let me cry on their shoulder and more importantly help me be a better person because of their strong influence and good example. I love the quote on my side bar by Dr. Seuss that reads, 

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter".

I feel I've come along way in this life of mine and I owe it all to strong,  loving and supportive friends and family. Thank-you...

6.  I promise I'm not going to write a novel, but lastly, I feel compelled to mention how thankful I am, especially at this time of year, for my Savior and Redeemer. I know for a fact I cannot get through this life on my own. I am so indebted to Him and feel His love and strength more at this time than ever before. I'm grateful for the knowledge I have of the atonement and feel His enveloping love for me and my family. I know there are many families struggling and fighting just to make ends meet and I hope we will do our part and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.  Love you all...Merry Christmas!

Wonderful Recipe....

 When Joe and I were first married and starting out, we lived in American Fork, Utah. Our circumstances were humble and our neighbors were wonderful and in the same boat as us. Life seemed to be quite a bit slower and less complicated. Those were the "Good ole' days" and I'm grateful to have gone through it and be over that hump of life. It's a love/hate thing! 

Anyway, I became quick friends with a 70 year old grandma, named Vernetta, who was the best Visiting Teacher a young mother could ask for at that time. (or any time for that matter) She was so awesome, never missed a month and had a Theme, of her own, each time she came to see me. 

She was known for her exceptional culinary skills.... I was putty in her hands. She brought me treats, snacks and dinners with recipes every single month. It was always very well thought out and tied up with a nice spiritual bow!

I found her recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole the other day and thought I'd share it with you. This recipe may sound strange, especially if you're not a fan of canned tuna, but it's delicious and worth the risk!

 Bon Appetit! 

Thanks for allowing me to reminisce for a minute.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

 1/3 Cup onion, chopped small

¼ Cup green onion

1 can Cream of chicken soup

¼ teaspoon salt

1 can Tuna

1 Cup grated cheddar cheese

1 Cup celery, chopped small

2 Tablespoons butter

½ Cup milk

½ Cup mayo

6 oz. egg noodles

 Sauté onion, peppers and celery in butter. Place veggies in bottom of casserole dish. Top veggies with broken pieces of Tuna. Layer noodles over veggies and tuna. Combine chicken soup, milk, salt and mayo. Pour sauce over all. Top with cheese and bake at 425 for 20 minutes. 

Cookie Heaven....

Today has been one of those days where I could potentially have a sugar overdose, sit in bed hoarding my box of goodies while watching crappy T.V. and feeling like a total loser for the rest of the day type of day. (sounds kind of fun huh?) 

Well, that's not exactly how I feel, but close because I can't control myself when it comes to home-made cookies. I know I'm going to be pretty depressed tonight after eating....so....many....sweets! 

 My friend Lori hosted a "cookie exchange" at her home today, with 15 friends and I haven't felt this excited in a long time. We had a lovely lunch and then the exchanging began. Each friend brought 6 dozen cookies to share and they were all as gorgeous as the next. 

Andrea, Angie, Lori and Heather

I had to take a picture of my boxes to show how yummy and scrumptious they look before we devour them.

The table beautifully displays 15 different types of cookies to share and now I have all of these cookies at my house. Help! What's a girl to do?

Mmmm....

I think we may keep this tradition going year after year. 

To me, this is what the Holidays are all about.

Great food and even better friends.

Thanks again Lori!

Holiday recipe of the week....

If you are looking for a yummy holiday treat.... look no further. These Home made Oreo cookies are one of life's "Must haves". They are quite easy to make and  will definitely please your families pallet.  Celebrate the season in style....don't hold back.... just enjoy the Holidays!

The best part, these cookies turn out exactly like the picture... They're gorgeous!

Candy cane Chocolate sandwich cookies

 

1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. devils food cake mix

1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. milk chocolate cake mix

½ pkg. of semi-sweet chocolate chips

4 eggs

2/3 C. vegetable oil

1 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

2 Cups confectioners’ sugar

1 tsp. peppermint extract

Enough crushed candy canes to dip edges

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325. Lightly grease cookie sheets.

In a medium bowl, stir together the chocolate and devil's food cake mixes. Add the eggs and oil, mix until well blended. Then add chocolate chips and stir. Roll dough into 1-2 inch balls, and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a spoon.

Bake for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

To make the filling, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and peppermint extract together until smooth. Spread between two cooled cookies and roll edges in crushed candy cane.

Makes 12 large or 24 small cookies

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Oh snap!

This post is dedicated to family---because---Hazel said the funniest thing today and I'm pretty sure only Parents and Grandparents will appreciate the humor.

This is Hazel's favorite seat in the house. I don't know if you can see from the picture, but she's sitting on the kitchen garbage can, watching me cook. Hazel is such a funny girl. I get her all to myself during the day while the older kids are in school. She has my undivided attention.... ALL DAY LONG! 

So.... today she was sitting in her spot, playing with Marie's glasses and said, "Ouch! Mom do you know what snapped means?

Clearly I could see she pinched her finger in the hinge of Marie's glasses, so I said, "Yes, it means your finger got pinched".

She looked at me in amazement and said, "Yeah, that's what it means, good girl. I'm so proud of you!

Hee hee! I think it's so funny, especially since everyone knows Hazel thinks she's my mom. The girl spends her days bossing me around, so of course she's going to praise me when I do something right! Funny girl...

Happy Birthday to CC

We want to wish CC a very Happy Birthday!  Grandma CC is such an amazing mother, grandma, sister and friend. My kids would rather be with CC than their own parents. She is happy, confident, sassy, spunky, spiritual, positive and unique in so many ways. A few things I love, love, love about CC is her determination, spontaneity, optimism, willingness to serve and vigor for life. We want to thank her for a wonderful evening and hope she had the best Birthday ever.(What could be better than a cozy night with CC and take-out from Bombay House?) Thanks for all you do and for your continual love, generosity and example. We love you truly.... 

Joseph and Spence

CC is gorgeous on the inside and out!

Spence, CC and Hazel

Marie, Hazel and me...

Ju-ju, Denny, Vanessa and Max...

We love you!

Happy, happy Birthday....