Ward Christmas Party

Last Friday was our Ward Christmas party. We had dinner which was lasagna, a variety of salads and vegetables, rolls and Aiden's favorite...cake! The kids were looking forward to the party all week long, they knew Santa was going to be there. In years past, they have also been excited to talk to Santa, but when the time came they ran and hid. This year they talked with him, it was so cute! It was a great kick off to the Christmas season.

Recipe: Sausage Tortellini

Another recipe from www.family.com - this is my new favorite site! My kids have loved every single recipe I have tried, the recipes are simple and simple to convert to use healthier items if you want to swap some things out.

The ingredients:


While you're water is boiling chop pepper and sausage.

While the tortellini is cooking, cook the sausage and peppers, each takes about 5 minutes.

Drain tortellini, mix with sausage and peppers and toss with 1 cup of Italian dressing. I used two bags of the pasta, but if you only use 1 bag, use 1/2 cup of the dressing. Here is my portion along with the green beans we had and a slice of the yummy garlic bread:

Recipe: Cheeseburger Pie

I got this recipe from www.family.com My kids loved it and it was super easy to make. While you're browning your meat, use one can of crescent rolls and line a pie dish.



After the meat is done cooking, add 2 Tablespoons of the following: ketchup, mustard, milk and flour and then add 4 Tablespoons of pickle juice. Mix well and heat to a boil. Fill your pie dish, top with cheese and bake at 325 for about 20 minutes. You will not be disappointed, it is so good and tastes just like you are biting into a cheeseburger.

One Tail!

Karlie has been wanting to grow her hair out for months because she wants to have *one tail* in the back, the other day, I tried and it all went up, she was so dang happy!

Tree Decorating

Nothing says Christmas like a lit tree with ornaments. Karlie and Tyler have always loved decorating the tree and this year Aiden got into it too. Most of the time he just threw them at the tree, but he tried :)

Thanksgiving Weekend 2009

Thursday started early, I was up and ready to start cooking at mom and dad's house by 9am. I walked in and saw this and almost walked back out ;) Surprisingly, we got it all done by Noon and then were able to relax until it was time to put everything in the oven so it would be nice and hot for dinner. I love Thanksgiving!! We had a great day with good food, friends and family.

Before:


After :)



Karlie and Ian


Dorks! Spencer and Sarah :)


Trying on their Christmas jammies!


Aiden


Karlie:


Tyler:


Saturday was a nice day so we decided to hang up lights outside. The kids love it!!

Yum

Last night for dessert we had Sugar Free Cranberry Jell-O.

Aiden, wasn't impressed with the Jell-O, but he sure did love the whipped cream :)

Things I Love #6

Lysol 4 in 1 All Purpose Cleaner:

LYSOL® 4 in 1 All Purpose Cleaner Pourable is the only All Purpose Cleaner product that disinfects when in dilution.*

LYSOL® All Purpose Cleaner with 4 in1 Action:

• Disinfects and kills germs* on hard non-pourous surfaces
• Effectively cuts grease and grime
• Removes tough soap scum
• Deodorizes

LYSOL® 4 in 1 All Purpose Cleaner comes in multiple fragrances leaving a fresh clean scent to deodorize your home.


I used this for the first time last night to clean the kitchen floor...it's amazing, and smells pretty dang good as well! I'll for sure buy this again :)

Things I Love #5

Whole Foods Cherry Vanilla Creme Soda

In a word. DELICIOUS!

Recipe: Skillet Mac & Beef

Skillet Mac & Beef

The Ingredients:


Step 1: Brown the meat and cook pasta

Step 2: Pour soup, 1/4 cup of water and corn into meat and boil. Once boiling, turn down to warm and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix together, heat for 5 more minutes. Serve :)

Halloween 2009

The weekend fun started on Thursday night with a Halloween party and trunk or treating at Church.



Friday was the Halloween party at Tyler's school. Aiden stayed home and napped, but Karlie went with me and is now even more excited about starting Kindergarten next Fall.

Family Pictures

Spencer's brother Jake is trying to get into the photography business and asked if he could take our pictures to build up his portfolio..umm, yes please! He took well over 100 pictures, but I'll just share the highlights :)