Christmas Gifts

We left Long Beach Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. We were all tired and anxious to get back home. It didn't help that an obnoxious family was on our flight but we landed safely in Utah and were back to the cold. After driving home we all took a nap and then had a Southern breakfast before opening our gifts. David got me the Jim Shore Disney Nutcracker collection (so cute) and Michael got me a beautiful pearl necklace with earrings. I got some really cute Disney pajama's from my parents and many other things. Michael was really surprised to get his Jim Shore Sorcerer Mickey from David and me (my mom of course groaned about all the Disney stuff). All in all, the five of us had a very nice Christmas together.

Christmas Day in Disneyland

We didn't make it to the park by 7:00 a.m. but got in @ 7:40 a.m. and were able to get on a few rides in the morning while it was still not very busy. Also, we were waiting for Tyler to call us. Around 11:00 we decided to go to IHOP for breakfast and our Christmas meal. IHOP was packed and we were hungry so it was a great breakfast, especially the pumpkin and caramel pancakes. After a afternoon nap we spent the day park hopping. Daddy was anxious to ride California Screamin (since day 1) but the loop didn't sit too well with his stomach. We were going to ride Splash Mountain again but never got around to it so took all our poncho's and stuff out of our bags. That night, we stood on Main Street to watch the fireworks show and it started to pour. We quickly went into the Emporium and purchased some poncho's and then headed out to A Small World, which is so beautiful for the holidays. There was a huge line because of the rain, and many of the rides had been closed but we slowly made our way forward, avoiding the inside line as it takes about three times longer. Afterwards we were going to end with Pirates and Haunted Mansion but both were closed and so we just called it good instead of waiting around for rides to reopen.
We also saw the Praise to Lincoln show on main street, which gave us all chills. We have decided that we want to see this each time.
The best part of the day was talking to Tyler. He called in the afternoon and after talking to me for @ 30 minutes had to go because his phone was dying but was going to call again that night. We were in line for the train on Main Street but decided it was going to take too long and so got out of line and that is when Tyler called the second time. We sat on a bench by the train station and talked to him. He is doing well and making the best of things. It was good to hear his voice although he was not too happy with us that we went a second time to Disneyland without him. Now we have to pick him up, go to Hawaii, and then Disney World in 2012. Better start saving up.

Christmas Eve in Disneyland

Day two was more of the same as we continued to ride our favorites like Peter Pan. We also went on the Matterhorn, which took forever but made more sense when we learned that our side was shut down. Daddy was excited for all the big rides until he rode them. The Matterhorn is bumpy. He also rode the Tower of Terror with me as Michael was not feeling well. We watched the parade twice because Michael had gone back to the room during the first one. I ran out of video by the second one which was too bad because we had the cow belle with the gingerbread dance the Nutcracker in front of us and then end with the Bend & Snap. It was so funny. We of course had to have the Honey Pot apple from Pooh Corner and ice-cream on Main Street. So much sugar --- but worth it! The park closed early @ 9:00 p.m. so after another great day we headed back to our hotel (1/2 block) with good intentions to get to bed early so we could use our early entrance pass at 7:00 a.m. Christmas Day.

Christmas in Disneyland Day 2

The park opened at 8:00 a.m. We had a casual morning and walked down to McDonald's to get some breakfast. We had decided to not eat as much in the park this time although still tried to get reservations for the Blue Bayou but as you can imagine it was booked through Christmas. We enjoyed beautiful weather as the sun came out and warmed everything up. So we started the day with Indy (of course), Pirates, The Haunted Mansion, and then Splash Mountain. We took water shoes with us so our feet would be dry after the ride and of course lots of poncho's. I let David have the really nice Eddie Bauer poncho and made him sit up front. I sat in the back and had water come over the back and get me although not too bad. David did not get wet at all so I decided the second time to sit up front. I got soaked. Luckily the poncho protected most of my clothing and the sun soon dried me out. Next time I'm taking the good poncho.
We took a break in the afternoon to go back to the room and rest. That evening my parents and Michael left @ 8:00 p.m. to go back to the room. David and I stayed and were able to watch Fantasmic, which turned out to be a good thing as Saturday night it started raining and the show was cancelled.

Christmas in Disneyland

We had to get up early as our flight left at 7:00 a.m. I stopped at my parents to pick everyone up at 4:30 a.m. and we headed to the airport. Michael and I were the only ones able to sit together on the flight although the rest were in the three rows in front of us on the aisle. Luckily it is not a long flight. It was raining when we arrived in Long Beach but we had checked the weather and as we were taking a free day were not concerned. We got a van across the street and went to our hotel. Although check-in was not until 4:00 p.m. our room was ready and we were able to check-in. We were all glad because we were tired and ready to go back to bed. After a quick nap we headed out to Downtown Disney for some food and shopping. We were going to eat at the bakery but it was now lunch time so after checking the menu's at a few places we ended up at our usual place - The RainForest Cafe. This was my Dad's first time in Disneyland. It was good to see my parents walking together, something that does not happen often.
As soon as we landed in Long Beach we each felt the weight on each of our shoulders lift. We felt very blessed to get away and have a chance to relax. We had a great trip but all things have to end. After walking in my door at home, all the weight immediately came back - but at least we escaped for a few days.

Sub for Santa

A few years ago I started a collection for Sub for Santa at work to replace employee giving. Each year everyone at work would exchange gifts, and although nice, I felt the money could be spent better. So now I encourange everyone to donate to purchase gifts for children in need through United Way. We were able to help four families this year, in various stages of need.
United Way asks that sponsors purchase two new clothing items, two toys, and one book per child. We try to keep it inexpensive and spend @ $60 per child so that we can help more children. The first two families were the better experience, maybe because the parents were at home. One was a single mother with a teenager who kept thanking us, had written us a card, and did not let us leave without giving us some orange chocolate sticks. The second family was Hispanic, also a single mother with two children. We had a co-worker from Mexico go with us as we do not speak Spanish. This family had a lot of needs. The mom works graveyard and has two young children and sleeps in the living room as she does not have enough bedrooms. There was not even room for a Christmas tree. She was also extremely grateful and made us a Flan.
It is interesting how people determine need. The next family we delivered gifts to was a recently divorced woman with two daughters who is going to school. She is living with parents who live in a wealthy neighborhood and had a new car in the garage. Although I am sure she does not have much, it was obvious that a nice Christmas was being provided by the family. United Way still had 2,000 children without sponsors. Anyway, it is not up to us to decide and we had a great time shopping for the kids.

We're Going To Disneyland

Yes, we are leaving Wednesday (22nd) morning at 7:00 a.m. for Disneyland. My mom and I were talking at the Rec Center last week, and I mentioned that I was wishing we could get away for Christmas. One thing led to another and we decided that if Michael and David could get it off that we would go. I felt really good about it and that it was going to work out.
The next morning I called Michael's boss and asked if he could have the time off. We were concerned because Michael works in retail and they rely heavily on him but she immediately agreed to give him the time off. I then called David's boss and that was no problem. My mom then had to make sure my Dad could get it off and after waiting for hours to hear back from him, I finally booked it. We didn't tell Michael and David as we wanted to surprise them.
We sprung the surprise tonight, although I though for sure Michael knew. My mom kept blurting it out in conversations. They were so excited (will post pictures later). I even got a kiss from David and those who know David know how unusual that is. We then went out to finish our Christmas shopping (one last gift for Amy) and talked non-stop about Disneyland. We are so excited and can't believe we are going.

Park City - Utah

More Christmas Parties

Friday night I had my Christmas party with the South Utah County Area. We held it at Preston's house and I had Apple Spice Junction cater. It was a lot of fun. We played a game where everyone sits in a circle and gets 15 beans. Each person says one thing they have never done before and anyone who has done that thing has to put a bean in a cup in the middle. The person with the most beans at the end wins. It was funny. The guys kept trying to say things that was associated with female, like never wearing a dress. But it was pretty funny when two guys got up to put in a bean.
The second party was Saturday night with the division. We went to Cisero's restaurant in Park City and had a nice meal and a good time visiting. Michael went with me to this one and we sat at a table with Preston and his wife. We had a good time. Afterwards the plan was to go see A Rented Christmas at the Egyptian Theatre, which was just next door to the restaurant. There were a few, okay one, who wanted to go bowling so they all went bowling and Michael and I went to the show by ourselves.
It was a really cute story taking place during the Great Depression. A wealthy but single business man walks into a rental shops and decides he wants to rent a Christmas including a family of five children, two home from school, a wife and carolers as well as decorations, presents, and food. The lady at the shop decides to hire actors but the actors cancel at the last minute so she feels in as the mother and has some orphans (one works in the shop) play the children. Of course after everyone leaves the man decides to adopt the children and marry the mother. Lots of Christmas music and singing. They had someone on a keyboard piano, drums, and guitar.
Afterwards we stopped by the Chocolate Factory for hot chocolate and Oreo caramel apples. Unfortunately, the Chocolate Factory does not have seating so we ended up at Burger King and of course had to order something so we could sit down. We ordered a Whopper value meal and shared it. Let's just say we were both disgustingly sick afterwards. Way too much food.

Christmas Snacking

Christmas snacking has begun. My aunt (Tante Magda) each year, for as long as I can remember, has mailed us a package from Nuermberg, Germany filled with different kinds of lebkuchen and cookies. It has arrived and I have been sneaking lebkuchen each night when I'm at my parents.
Today I put together a chocolate bowl for a work party with all my favorits: Rocher, Raffaelo, all flavors of Lindt. Of course I have been snacking on it.

Kate's Grave

After our Kiwanis dinner we went by Target to do a little Christmas shopping and then drove by the cemetary. Michael had put up Kate's tree but the lights had not had time yet to charge. Looks really cute.

Kiwanis Christmas Dinner

On Tuesday evening was my Kiwanis Christmas dinner catered by MATC. Michael went with me and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Seriously, my stomach hurt afterwards from all the food. Josh, sitting with us, is on the board with me.

Orem Rec

I joined the Orem Rec Center on December 1st, along with my mom. We have gone every day to workout. By day three I ran 21 minutes on the treadmill. After about 12 minutes I started increasing my speed every minute. I was so surprised at how quickly I was able to get back into running. We are also doing water aerobics, which is a fantastic workout. Saturday, they had a water class, which was more of a dry land dance class; didn't work well in water. Plus, it was Latin dancing. Really no resistance in the water. So we swam laps instead. I helped my mom with her free-style, a stroke she did not learn as a child. She did really well. The next step will be getting her used to a cap and goggles. Of course, I am loving the steam room. It is nice to have someone to go with me and it has thus far worked out well. We are planning on running the 1/2 marathon next year. And I have gotten down to my old weight, which of course I'm really excited about. Still trying to not eat sugar during the week and low carbs. My one indulgence is Cocoa Pebbles.

Women & Children in Crisis

I received an email from the Women & Children in Crisis Center. United Way of Utah County had given them my name as a possible board member. I have not received an official invitation yet but am really exited to serve on their board.

Disney Tree

Christmas Village

David has put up the Christmas Village and the Disney Tree downstairs. The village looks so adorable and he even created Pooh Corner. I love it! Feels like Christmas. Yesterday was the First of Advent. We forgot to get out the wreath and candle.

Thanksgiving is for the Birds

We had a great and relaxing Thansgiving. As there were only five of us we decided to not cook a huge meal but all our favorites, including Rotkohl (so yummy!). We of course had deviled eggs and green olives. While we were cooking we noticed a ton of birds in the back yard at the feeder. The photo doesn't show all of them because they kept flying away when I took the picture.

Carrots from the Garden

We struggle every year in getting things to grow. Sometimes we have luck and whatever we have planted grows really well. There were a couple of plant beds where the seeds didn't sprout. In one we just dumped a variety pack of flowers that was left over from something. Well, to our surprise they were not wild flowers but carrots and they grew really well. My mom harvested them and we enjoyed them roasted on Thanksgiving. The one we thought looked like Piglet.

Easy Yummy Apple Dessert

I made this for a dinner. It was really easy and yummy. Here is the recipe:
1 pkg 20 oz. Pillsbury refrig. sugar cookie dough
1 pkg 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/4 c creamy peanut butter
1/2 c brown sugar packed
1/2 t vanilla extract
2-3 Granny Smith apples
1 can Sprite (optional)
1 bottle squeezable caramel ice cream topping
1/2 c pecans, cashews, or peanuts

Bake the dough in a round 9" cake pan. Mix together the cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. After the cookie has cooled apply the creamy mixture to the cookie. Slice the apples thin and put on top of the creamy mixture. Apply the nuts followed by the caramel sauce. Use only the desired amount of caramel topping. If you are not eating the dessert right away, soak the apples in sprite to avoid browning.

Disney Pic's

Kate'