White Christmas

It was definitely a white Christmas in Idaho Falls this year.
We made it there safe and sound on Christmas Eve (thank goodness).
We happened to pick the best travel days of the holiday weekend.

But, before we left for the Falls, we spent Christmas morning with my dad, his girlfriend Jan, her son Jake, Anna and Steve, and little Sophie. We had a delicious breakfast at Mimi's Cafe and opened presents. I decided I love Mimi's breakfast, I haven't eaten there for any other meal I don't think, but, breakfast is delightful.

We arrived in IF just before seven which made us late for dinner.
Though it wasn't too late for cute
santa and reindeer cookies for dessert.

In Davey's family, stockings are full of
breakfast on Christmas morning.
Santa brought us little cereal boxes, donuts, an orange,
and hot chocolate.
(Have I mentioned I'm supposed to watch my carbs? Yikes!)

Does anyone have any room in their house for this?
Ma and Pa Saunders gave her this castle which she absolutely loves.
Now, as I said, does anyone have any room?

We went over to Nanny's (Davey's grandma) house
Christmas afternoon so she could open her present.
Can you see the excitement on her face?
That would be because she gets to go for a ride in a
helicopter in a few weeks.

Davey and Kip built a fort.

Ma and Adelaide made Christmas trees
out of frosting and sugar cones.

Finished product.

We managed to freeze our butts off sledding.
The kids had a great time.

We went to the museum which has an adorable room with
fun things for kids. Can you believe she wanted to ride the horse?
(Those hot red boots are a Christmas present that are
about two sizes two big but, she HAS to wear them now.)

I would have to say this was her other favorite present
(can you tell by her face?)
The Tinkerbell Movie. What else?

We were able to stop by my grandma Liechty's house
on the way home from the Falls to do Christmas with her
and my mom and Jake.
We had a delicious roast dinner with the fam
and opened some fun things.
(Thanks for the ice cream maker grandma!)

Christmas was great and I can't believe it's over!
Where has the year gone?
Time is flying by too fast, can we take it a little slower next year?

Snow Days

When I was in high school, I was in french, architectural drafting, varsity p.e., and wood shop. And now my daughter gets to reap the benefits. I know when she is older to NOT let her take any of these classes.

Now, on to today's post. We have had non-stop snow. I haven't seen the sun in a while. So what do you do with feet of snow, a 3 year old daughter, and all the time in the world? Thats right. But when you're done drinking the hot chocolate, the popcorn is all gone, and the days cartoons have finished, you go outside and build a snowman.

And for those of you who always ask for the recipe:

61 gallons SNOW
10 small ROCKS
1 DOG DISH
2 STICKS

Candyland

My mom came down yesterday so we could make some scrumptious candy (thank you weather for allowing it to happen). We made southern sour cream pralines, panuche (is that how you spell it?) fudge, chocolate peanut butter fudge, Christmas toffee, cream cheese truffles, cashew clusters, peanut butter cups, and........... I think that's all. My house smells like straight up sugar. Delicious.

It's true when they say kids need to actually touch the stove to never do it again. Adelaide has always reminded me that the stove is hot, hot. Well, regardless of her warning, she touched a burner today (on purpose) and has two little blisters on her fingers. The Curious George Band-aids made it all better.

This displays only a small portion of the ingredients we used.

The final products (plus some in the fridge).

The final disaster. Even after we re-washed many dishes.


It was so much fun! Thanks for coming mom. We ended the night with a little Center Street Musical Theater's, A Christmas Carol as well. I am feeling the Christmas spirit!

Lots of Snow and Some Tacky Sweaters

Today was a good day. I discovered that so far (don't quote me on this) winter has been ok. I have not been depressed about the cold or the snow (so far). I am always freezing but, I am not boohooy about it like I have been in the past........oh, my whole life. Today we went out to shovel the driveway and had some fun in the snow.


What kid doesn't like to eat snow? This one does for sure.

She refused to wear her gloves (they are a little big). She wanted to pull them in the sled with her horsey. I think she could get frostbite on her hands and she wouldn't notice. She has too much fun.


Davey couldn't join us at the party at Ethan and Natalie's house tonight. He had to bring home the bacon. Aren't these sweaters super rad? I think I want to wear mine every day for the rest of the season.


The girls are having more fun together every time we get together. I think they might be friends.




Doesn't everyone look hot? I think Ethan should enter a contest. I don't know what for but he would totally win.


We even made reindeer and polaroid picture ornaments.
We had a great time tonight.
Thanks guys!

Sugar Cookie Recipe as Requested

No, this is not a secret family recipe. Maybe I should make it that way. These are that good. No secret ingredient but, there are a few tips that make them oh so delicious.

My Mom's Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever

1 cup butter (real butter please)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla ( a little extra makes them extra good)
2 3/4 cup flour

Cream butter and sugar together (remember only real butter)
Beat in egg and vanilla
Add flour and baking powder (add flour one cup at a time)
Dough should be stiff but not dry

DO NOT CHILL DOUGH

Roll out 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick on floured surface
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 6-7 minutes @ 400

DON'T LET COOKIES BROWN

Note: These cookies are for soft, thick sugar cookies. If you like them a little crisp, these are not the cookies for you.

If you are making a buttercream frosting, once again, only use real butter and add a little bit of milk. It makes the frosting very creamy.

Now don't worry about calories and dig in! They are so worth it.

A Tree and Some Cookies

I love to sit in the living room and enjoy the lights
on the tree at night.
(One strand is out and I can't find the short!)

I have been craving some sugar cookies.
Tonight was the perfect night.
Adelaide helped for the first time and she loved it.

I think decorating them was her favorite part.

Can you guess who decorated what cookie?

I can pick out at least one that Davey did.

P.S. These are the best sugar cookies in the entire world.
My mom's recipe. Buttery fabulous.