Annual Christmas Dinner & Bowling Night

Every year my Amazing grandparents host a dinner and bowling night. This night is their Christmas Gift to all their children, and grandchildren. It is a night that we are always so excited about when the holidays come around. We usually all meet up at a Golden Corral, enjoy a yummy dinner, and get to visit with everyone. Then we are off to a bowling alley where we (some) get to show off their amazing bowling talent. Unfortunately this night Rob was unable to attend because of work, darn it. He LOVES this night, the food and the bowling. Everyone missed him, he is always such a fun guy to be around.

We love this night, but even more we love my grandparents. They are very special people to our family. We love them so much. Thank you for such a fun way to celebrate the holidays.

My grandparents.

Here we are at the table catching up on all the Christmas hoopla.


Look Out!!! Segi showing some skills.

My mom... sorry to say I think I inherited her bowling skills. haha

Monica, Matt and I (we missed you, Rob!)

My dad, ya just look at that form. impressive.

Thanks again to my grandparents for such a fun night. We always have so much fun.

Christmas Day

We had a fun Christmas morning. Its getting more and more fun to celebrate the holidays with Karlee getting older. Santa Claus brought us all some amazing gifts.

Karlee got her very own 'fully stocked' kitchen. Which she LOVES!!!! This girl played for a good 30minutes before she realized that there were more presents left by Santa.

Santa was good to me this year - he brought me some of my favorite things. Santa surprised me with Photoshop Elements 9. So this year I am going to attempt the world of Digital Scrapbooking. Sounds exciting doesn't it.

Probably one of Rob's favorite gifts from Santa was his 'Big Bang Theory - Season 3' dvd. This guy loves this show. A sidenote: It is also very entertaining to watch this show with him as he laughs almost from start to finish.

Our Christmas was so much fun. We all loved going to Grandma and Papa's house. The weather was amazingly warm, and made for great memories. Thank you to my parent for making our Christmas so magical.

Christmas Eve

Decorating cookies for Santa.

Christmas Eve Grandma made sugar cookies, and the kids got to decorate cookies to leave for Santa. The debate while decorating the cookies was whether Santa would like milk or eggnog with his cookies - funny! So before bed the kids left cookies and eggnog. Karlee had a blast, and was pretty good at decorating too.

Also on Christmas Eve we heard Paige (karlee's cousin) sing Silent Night, and my sister did the Symbols of Christmas. The kids got to open their gift from Papa and Grandma Worthen. Karlee got a baby and baby cradle. My dad made the baby cradle - what a special gift. Karlee was loving on the baby all night, she would rock the cradle and sing 'Rock-a-bye baby'.

Our Christmas in Arizona

We had a wonderful Christmas, we spent the holiday in Page, with my parents. My sister Monica and her family came down as well, which made it fun, to have more family to celebrate with. Before we left we helped Karlee leave a note to Santa and put it on our tree so on Christmas Eve Santa would know where to find her.

Karlee's note for Santa.

We started our Christmas festivities with a Mexican Fiesta (a worthen family tradition). I can't rememeber when we started this tradition, but I don't think it would feel like Christmas without it. We had yummy mexican food, and papa had made a piñata for the kids to break. The kids had a blast. Grandma and papa stuffed this piñata with some of the best candy and lots of chocolate which both Karlee and Rob enjoyed later.

Papa showing Karlee how to break a piñata.

Karlee going solo.

Gathering up all the goods.

The weather was so warm that on Christmas Eve all the kids went up to the park (my old elementary school playground). Rob was pretty impressed with swings, which made me laugh that they were still the same swings when I was a kid. Karlee had a BLAST!!!

Karlee playing with her cousin Paige

Not loving Santa so much. - Maybe Next Year -

This year we had a hard time finding a Santa (I guess I could have really looked hard for one, just didn't so no excuses here). When we lived in Washington the town home community that we lived in had an amazing Santa. This Santa would come every year for the kids to come see and get pictures with. We totally missed out this year (not that it would have given us a guaranteed perfect picture with Karlee as you will see in the below pictures).

One evening Rob and I had a work Christmas party to attend and so Karlee got to go with her Grandma and Grandpa Weston to their extended family Christmas party. This is the best picture of Karlee and Santa. In fact Laurel (Rob's mom) told me that when Santa was coming into the room, Karlee grabbed her grandmas hand and b-lined it to the bathroom. I guess to Karlee the girls bathroom was the safest room in the building.haha.

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Our next attempt to see Santa was to crash Rob's parent and sister's wards Christmas party. Rob did some coaxing to get Karlee to sit on Santa's lap, and to our surprise she actually did sit on this lap, however this is what we got:

Karlee would not look Santa in the eye, she just sat there and stared at the ground. Santa asked her what she wanted for Christmas, but I don't think she made a peep. Hilarious!!!!

Maybe Next Year!

Decorating Gingerbread Houses

My sister, the crafty one that she is - haha, with her kids home, Karlee and I were invited over to decorate gingerbread houses. Lots of fun. Karlee had fun decorating, however she became pretty territorial with the plate of candy. We just gave everyone their own plate to save the experience from any major or minor meltdowns.haha.

My sister Monica, and her kiddos.

Tadda!!!! Pretty Cute.

Thanks to my sister, Monica, for inviting us to come.

Meet our Christmas Visitor

We have a new visitor who is staying through our Christmas holiday. Meet Cocoa the elf, he is one of Santa's elves. He arrived to our home on the first day of December. Cocoa the elf is here everyday and his job is to watch how we act. He also gets to listen to our wish list for Christmas. Then at night he goes to the North Pole and gives his report to Santa himself. When Cocoa comes back he hides in a new spot, and makes it a lot of fun to search for him each and every day Cocoa is a really special elf, and we are so glad that he gets to come to our home. Sadly Cocoa the elf, will leave on Christmas Eve to help Santa get all the Christmas presents in his sleigh.

Christmas Lights on Temple Square

We had a great night walking around and enjoying the lights on Temple Square. This is a tradition that we enjoy every year. This year was especially enjoyable due to the warm weather. Yes we still had to pack on the winter weather gear, however the weather was PERFECT!!! Temple Square is just a magical place this time of year with all the amazing lights. Karlee had fallen to sleep on the car ride there, so it took a bit to wake up and be nice (haha), but I think she had a good time. She was facinated with the water fountains, and got to throw in a couple pennies - but then ofcourse wanted them back, to throw them all over again. Rob's parents came with us this year, it was fun to share this experience with them. We can't wait to go again next year. Here are a few pictures captured that night:

Really? Is there any better place to be as a kid then on your daddy's shoulders?

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Karlee got tired of daddy's shoulders, and being pushed in her stroller, so she wanted out!

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Grandpa Weston, Karlee and Grandma Weston

Here are just a few nativities that we saw while walking the grounds. I just love the uniqueness of these nativities. (only thing - you have to guess what country they are from - No info, still love love them)

Is there anything more delicious at Christmas time?

One of these years I need to remember to take pictures of this before its gone.

Love when the holidays come around, it means its time to make Carmel popcorn and other goodies. We started early this year with our neighbor gifts, but its so nice to have that little extra pressure off. Carmel popcorn has really been a Christmas tradition that Rob and I have enjoyed. I like making it mostly because its just so easy to make, and doesn't take much time at all. I know that i probably post this recipe every year, oh well, it will just save me from having to dig too long to find it.

Yummy 'Gooey' Carmel Popcorn

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups Karo syrup

2 tsp vanilla (will add later)

Smoked Almonds

Store bought popcorn *secret ingredient*

Mix all the above ingredients in a pot over stove. Let ingredients come to a rapid boil. Take off stove and then add vanilla, stir well. At this point you can also add your smoked almonds (yummy). Now pour over popcorn. This will cover generously over the popcorn. (have never measured the amount of popcorn that I have used. I just eye the Carmel/popcorn ratio)

Another yummy Christmas treat that we enjoy this time of year are Shortbread cookies. I use my grandma Jenkins recipe, and can I just tell you how yummy they really are. They literally just melt in your mouth.

Shortbread cookies

1 lb butter (softened to room temp)
1 cup powdered sugar
4 cups flour
1/3 cup cornstarch

Form into a ball – knead a little roll out ½ inch thick. Cut into 1½ inch squares. Prick with fork for decoration. Bake at 325º for 25 minutes.

Enjoy baking this season!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent the morning with my parents who had come up north to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with my grandparents. We climbed into the car and drove 30 minutes to have Thanksgiving. Karlee had a great time at Great Grandma Jenkins home. She played with very same toys that I remember playing when I was a young girl. They just don't make toys the way they used to. Dinner was amazing, Some of my Thanksgiving dinner favorites are: mom's turkey stuffing, cranberry salad, frog eye salad, sesame salad, and dinner rolls. If you noticed we get a lot of salads at thanksgiving time, which are just so amazing. I will have to post these here so they are kept safe for posterity. hahaha. We had a nice afternoon there with my family, we visited with my grandparents, aunts & uncles and cousins.

Our little family - So Blessed!

Karlee hanging out in the kitchen.

We were then off to our 2nd Thanksgiving dinner with Rob's family. They always have their Thanksgiving dinner, at well, dinner time. We had a nice break between the two or I am not sure how we could have done the two dinners. (Yes we paced ourselves, knowing that we would be attending both.) Thanksgiving this year was held at Rob's parents house so again it was a short drive. Dinner was wonderful, turkey, potatoes, gravy, corn, and sweet potatoes, rolls. There was a lot of family there as well, so it was fun to catch up and visit with everyone.

We have so many things to be thankful for this year, new job, Karlee, our health, both our families, the gospel, our little home, food on the table and in our pantry, and the blessings each new day brings. We had a GREAT Thanksgiving Day!!!

1st Snow fall of many, I fear...

November 14, 2010

It has decided to snow with just a couple days to go before Thanksgiving. Looks so funny to see my poor little pumpkin out front just covered with snow - Poor thing! hahaha. Can't say that I am too anxious for this kind of weather to come, however that the winter up north for ya, so I will try to embrace come what may.

Karlee made me laugh... (Karlee standing at the door, pointing at the snow covered lawn.)

Karlee: Mommy, whats that?

Me: Thats snow, Karlee.

Karlee: Oh Snow! - I want some. (to eat of course)

Karlee wanted so badly to go out into the snow, so we bundled her up. She had so much fun. Good think the weather today was warmer than it has been, I know that helped. Karlee got her shovel, and walked all around the backyard. She only came in with 1 glove, I guess we will have to wait until the snow melts to find the match.

Oh to be a child again and not get cold, while playing.

Bring it on... Karlee thinks it amazing and thinks it tastes good too.

November Decor

I am documenting my Holiday Home Decor, so that I can enjoy them longer than just the month that they are out - but seriously, I haven't taken pictures of them, and so I forget some of what I have.

I love November and all the fall colors that we get to use to decorate with. The 3 little turkey pilgrim set I made many years ago, they still are not completely finished, one day though. The pumpkin is the reversable jack-o-lanturn from Halloween, I stained it to give it more tecture. The wooden pilmgrims are new this year. My sister and I each got a set at the wood connection and then painted them one afternoon. The garland is one of my new loves. I have spent hours making them this month. I just love all the different colores it brings into the room..

My two pilgrim were a gift from a special friend in St. George (thanks jamie). I just love them. My Happy Thanksgiving blocks are a perfect match to the pilgrims. The two pumpkins I made with my aunt Jen. She is so talented, and creative - so thank you as well.

The fall blocks here are reversable. They spell snow on the other side. (I will bring those out in January). My turkey is also semi-new to my decor, he was really bright and loud, so I stained him, which helped to blend him better.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Adoption has filled my heart

Adoption is such a blessing to our little family. Seriously not a day goes by that I don't look at our little Karlee and think how blessed I am. I am so blessed to have been entrusted with this beautiful child of our Heavenly Father's. I also think of the special people who have made life changing decisions so that we could have Karlee in our family. I pray for them, that they have peace in their hearts and that they are living a happy life as well.

Each new day with Karlee is a gift to experience with her. Karlee is at such a fun stage in life, that I try to soak it all up before its gone. I tell her that I love her, and she tells me that she loves me too. I give her hugs, sit and listen to her tell me how good she slept, so darn precious. We get to read books together, eat popcorn (her favorite treat - right now), play princess, and rock-a-bye her babies. So much Fun!!!! I am loving every minute of it.

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One song that comes to mind for me with Adoption is the song written by Michael McLean, From God's arms to my arms, to yours. The words are so perfect, and bring a tear to my eyes everytime I hear it.

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The only way that I can express what adoption means to me is that:

Adoption has filled my Heart.

Here are the words to this beautiful song:

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours

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So many wrong decisions in my past,

I'm not quite sure

If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore.

But lately I've been thinking,

Cause it's all I've had to do.

And in my heart I feel that I

Should give this child to you.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,

When you love him so,

that he's been loved before,

By someone, who delivered your son,

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

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If you choose to tell him,

If he wants to know,

How the one who gave him life

Could bear to let him go.

Just tell him there were sleepless nights,

I prayed and paced the floors,

And knew the only peace I'd find,

Was if this child was yours.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,

When you love him so,

that he's been loved before,

By someone, who delivered your son,

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

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This may not be the answer,

For another girl like me.

But I'm not on a soapbox,

Saying how we all should be.

I'm just trusting in my feelings,

And I'm trusting God above,

And I'm trusting you can give this baby

Both his mothers' love.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,

When you love him so,

that he's been loved before,

By someone, who delivered your son,

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

(This poem was based on the writings of a young birth mother, whom she shared with songwriter Michael McClean. It has been set to music and comes with a 100% guarantee that no one who has been involved with adoption in any way will make it all the way through with dry eyes! )

© Michael McLean

Halloween Trick-or-Treating

This year has really been fun with Karlee getting so big. She has really caught on to the fun aspects of Halloween. Yay!!! Rob and I couldn't have been happier. We really, as I have mentioned before really LOVE Halloween. Trick-or-Treating was a big question mark, as we didn't really know how well Karlee was going to do. Now don't get me wrong we didn't lose sleep over the idea, and No we did not coach or practice, haha. It is just that Karlee does have somewhat of a shy nature to her (I know its the age).

Our ward had their Annual Trunk-or-Treat on the Friday before Halloween - the weather was perfect! We invited my sister Monica and her kids to the event. Karlee was so excited that she got to wear her Halloween witch costume. It took Karlee a bit to figure out why people were giving her candy, but not long, in fact soon after we started she would give out a little shrill after each time someone would give her candy. Too Funny!!!

On Saturday we went Trick-or-Treating with Rob sister Holly and her two boys. The weather was rainy and stormy so we were hesitant to really get out there, but we ventured out. We had a really fun time. The rain had slowed down so we went around Rob's parents neighborhood. Now this was what we were most curious about, the actual walking up to peoples homes, ringing the door. Yep Karlee would only do it if Rob was either holding her hand, or carrying her. She did get a little braver the last couple houses.

Love these guys!

To finish off the night we went to Rob's parents home for a Halloween Weston tradition of Chili and Breadsticks. It was a fun night, and yes Karlee did get an obscene amount of candy.

Hope everyone else had a fun night!

Happy Halloween 2010

Our little Halloween Witch

This year I got busy sewing Karlee's costume. She was a little witch. I had a lot of fun sewing it. I pulled some really late nights, but got it all done in just a couple days. With a few days before Halloween I decided I would make her a bag to match, the spookiness of her costume (haha) and came up with this little black felt ghost trick-or-treat bag. I must have a lot of time on my hands, huh. I had a good time, and am pleased at how everything turned out.