For Patient People Only

This is my favorite Jell-O salad/dessert/whatever Jell-O is.

(Click here for the recipe if you're patient enough to make it. :) )

Sadly, I only make it about twice a year. It's not hard, but SO time consuming. Then the layers get frustrating when the previous layers break into the new layer creating all kinds of swirls not intended to be there. It also takes for-EV-er to make. If you make it for a party, make the day before (especially on a fun day like Christmas or the 4th of July). Trust me. You'll be so much happier.

Redeeming qualities- You can't see the messed up layers from the side and the top is covered in cool whip. It's delicious. And even better-I'm going to eat some tonight!

Just in case...

I don't have your current address, here's your card. Merry Christmas!!

Decking the Halls part 2

This is my very festive and cheery living room. I love being in there with the lights and fireplace on with Christmas music playing in the background. It makes me happy.

What's making you happy right now?

The Spirit of Christmas

May it be with you and those you love this season and throughout the year.

The Christmas Spirit

Peace on Earth-Greg Olsen

The Nutcracker

Lyndsi and Sophie had their dance recital Saturday night. Lyndsi has been bouncing off the walls in anticipation for this for months now. She's been going to class 2x a week for an hour each class to prepare for this. She leaps and points her toes all around the house, but she would never show me her dance. She said she wanted it to be a surprise.

This was also Sophie's first time on stage. She's been a little stubborn in class-sometimes participating, sometimes just observing. Her eyes about popped out of her cute little head when she received her sparkly pink costume, though. I still wasn't sure if she would actually dance on stage, but dance she did. And she was adorable. Later that night she was throwing a big fit about going to bed (I thought). When she calmed down long enough to tell me what was wrong, she kept saying she wanted to go back on stage. She has asked me when she gets to dance on stage again at least twice a day since.

The honorable mention goes to McKay. He sat quietly and nearly complaint free (other than drink and potty breaks) through 2-2 1/2 hours of dancing. Way to go McKay!!

My little ballerinas

Sophie with our friend Ella. A first for both girls!

Sophie, Lyndsi and our cousin Krystal post-show. They had fun posing for us.

Decking the Halls part 1

Monday night for our FHE activity we had the kids decorate the Christmas tree. I need to go move a few things still, but overall I think they did a pretty good job. Jeff got the manly job of putting the star on top.

For a surprise treat, we ate our first neighbor gift, white chocolate covered pretzels-delivered just as we were getting ready to decorate. Perfect timing!

I decorated my Christmas tree without the kids help (much to their dismay) and got the living room all festive. I was so happy with it when I finished I nearly cried. Pictures coming soon.

The only thing left needing some Christmas cheer is my kitchen. I'm hoping to do that in the form of homemade caramels and other seasonal candies and baked goods. :)

Happy Bday to Me......4 Months early

My next birthday I will be turning the big 3-0. It's still a good 4 months away and already people are starting to ask if I have any big plans.

Well, I do. Now that is. The other day I opened my email to a Christmas miracle-an updated tour schedule with new US tour dates for Muse. One of those recently announced dates/locations included Salt Lake! My fellow Muse-nut got online this morning when tickets went on presale and scored a pair for us!! We screamed and jumped up and down like a couple of preteens meeting Rob Pattinson. This is going to be SO awesome!

For those of you unfamiliar with Muse, let me educate you...


And This: