Merry Christmas

2009 Family Christmas Tree

Here is our Tall and Skinny Tree. Yes it is real. We love it.

Here is the place where Santa gets to leave little goodies in our stockings. I'm hoping for something good this year, and I'm not talking about coal...

Close up of the top of the Tree~
Here it is!!! Our 2009 family Christmas Tree. This is a real tree from the forest up in Richfield. It smells great and is every cheerful at night when the lights are dimmed down. Only 16 days of shopping left til Christmas. I better get busy..Here is our Child Tree. The tree is decorated with all the ornaments that the kids have made in school. This year McKayla put this together all by herself! It turned out very cute..

Carmeled Apples

McKayla has been wanting to make Carmel Apples. Here is the finished product. She had so much fun making them. She learned that its not so easy to cover the apple with Carmel. After she did that she dipped them in White Chocolate and then sprinkled some Brown Sugar and Cinnamon on them. They were yummy!!! You did great McKayla!

McKayla wanted to make Carmel Apples. She is growing up so fast. She was able to make these and they came out looking amazing. They tasted awesome too..

Here they have been dipped in the carmal. Then next they were drizzled with white chocolate and cinnamon and sugar.. The are so yummy!


This is the final product and She was very proud of herself for making these. It was a little challenging becuse I was making my jelly at the same time, but nice to be able to cook together.

Pomegranate Jelly Belly

I can finally say that I made jelly now!!! Our neighbor gave us a bag full of Pomegranates about a week ago. I had them sitting on the kitchen table, then on top of the washer, then on the bench. Well, after looking at them for a week and wondering what in the world I would finally do with them. Eat them, give them to my mother-in-law, or throw them away after letting them sit around to long. I finally decided to give making one of my favorite jellies a try. I bought the jars, a nifty little funnel, and some Certo Pectin and off to the kitchen it was. After conferring with my neighbor Laurie, I decided to do the inverted process. I am here to say that it looks like it turned out okay. I am in the process of making fresh bread right now so I can see how well the jelly tastes. I will let you know how it all turns out.

Here are the final pictures of my Beautiful Jelly! I can now say that it turned out awesome. I have shared some with friends and they all loved it. I can’t wait to make more. You can enjoy this on fresh bread with real butter and then add the jelly! It has an amazing taste.

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

I just want to say recipe is from Ourbestbites.com They have amazing recipes and very easy to make. All the things I have tried are delicious...

Are you ready for a serious confession?

I don't like pumpkin pie that much.

That may come as a surprise since I'm obsessed with things like this and this and this. Also a surprise when considering that this time of year, I spend about 85% of my available brain power trying to discover new ways to incorporate pumpkin flavor into everyday foods. See, while there's something about mushy orange pie that kick starts my gag reflex, there's also something entirely intoxicating about the combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all strung together with sweet brown sugar and delicate pumpkin in just about anything else. So the other day when my 4 year old and I were looking for a pre-bedtime treat, I reached in to grab the vanilla ice cream and knocked my frozen pumpkin puree off the shelf. One look at my kiddo and his cute little mouth covered in graham cracker crumbs and I knew exactly what we were about to create. That was a week ago. We've had these shakes about 6 times since. So yeah, just about every day. Go ahead, call the diet police. I dare you.


Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1/3 C pumpkin, canned or homemade
1/4 - 1/2 C milk
1/4 t vanilla
1/2 t cinnamon
1/16 t cloves (just use a 1/8 t measure and fill it half way, or do a pinch)
1/16 t nutmeg
2 T brown sugar
2 C vanilla ice cream
1-2 graham crackers

Pop everything but graham crackers in a blender. Start with 1/4 C milk and then slowly add more if needed to make the blender process it all. I used somewhere between 1/4-1/2 C.


A note about blenders: Here's the problem with making thick, diner style milkshakes at home: A lot of times you have to add so much milk to the thing to get the blender to process that it turns into a milk-slushie instead. Or you have to blend and plunge, blend and plunge, etc. You know the drill, right? So if you have any trouble with your blender, I would recommend blending everything but the ice cream first and then mashing it into the ice cream by hand (well, with a hand. Holding a fork or spoon :) If your scooped ice cream sits out at room temp while you measure the other things and get them all ready, then by the time you mash it all together it should be a good consistency.

Sprinkle with crushed graham cracker crumbs before serving. It reminds me of DQ's Pumkin Pie Blizzard!


YUM! I could seriously have this for every meal. When I made this shake, I actually took the time and made fresh homemade pumpkin, instead of canned. I have tried it both ways. Its really good with fresh, but very tastey with canned also.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did..

Thats's what happens!!!

Well last night we were all laying around and the door bell rang!! Jason gets up and checks it out. He says its the Bishopric! I was laying on the couch sleeping in my PJ's. Well how could this get anymore embarrassing. My hair was sticking up all over. I just rolled with it.. I must admit though when Jackson started telling them about his frozen marshmallows I had to laugh. Jackson asked Bishop if he wanted one, and then his
counciler(our good friend)says I think the Bishop wants to try one. So the Bishop ate one. It was so darn cute. You could hear it crunch. After this I wondered how many times these guys would do this to each other. Offer something to each other while they are out visiting. Thanks guys, and I hope you don't have to eat to many interesting things while your out doing your visits.

Love, The Leavitt's

Acorn Snacks!!

This is from the Lipstick and Laundry Blog!!!
I think it looks so cool. I can't wait to try these little acorns. If any of you try these before me let me know how yummy they are..

You will need:

• box of mini Nilla Wafers
• bag of Hershey Kisses
• Chocolate Frosting

Place a dab of frosting on the bottom of the Nilla Wafer and attach to the bottom of the Hershey Kiss. Then add a dab of frosting to the top of the Nilla Wafer forming a "stem"

A bowl full of YUM!
These are MOST wonderful using mini Nutter Butter's for all of you Peanut Butter Chocolate LOVERS...

Is it worth it???

I saved 175.32 today!!!

I got 50 items
23 boxes of Cinnamon Life Cereal
10 boxes of Granola Bars
10 jars of Emerald Peanuts (the best tasting)
5 bags of Chocolate Chips
2 boxes of Popcorn

I spent a total of 20.22!!

I am not done with this sale yet either... I have to wait for them to get some stuff restocked. I love Albertson's Sales

I love Fall!!

Fall is in the air
You can feel it everywhere Apples, Pumpkins, Falling Leaves
It's that time of year Cozy up to ones you love Snuggle close and tight
Let's go on a Hayride on this very special night.

Sunday Quote

"Tomorrow's joy or tomorrow's despair has its roots in decisions we make today. Perhaps some people think to themselves: 'I know I need to change some things in my life. Maybe later, but not now.' Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land. Today is the day of decision."

--Joseph B. Wirthlin

After I read a quote on my good friends fridge last night,( I would have used it, but I can only rembember the first part of it.) Everyone has trials and tribulations. Misery is your Choice. I couldn't remember the end of it. So I was reading a bunch more on the internet. I have been thinking alot about the way I have been in the past and how I have been such a fence sitter and just not really here or there. I'm not talking about my testimony, just life in general. My goal is to really get out and be more open and aggressive and not so worried about everything. I wanna make more decisions. Okay not really, but I hope whoever is reading this knows what I am talking about. Happy Sunday

School Programs and Talents Shows!!

I was running is circles yesterday two programs on the same day!!!

McKayla had one awesome 5th grade school program about the states and freedom. They sang about 10 songs and talked about voting. Our rights and freedoms. We are all not really that different after all .. I almost started to cry at that point. It takes me back to old days and new ones too... It is so true for each one of us at all times in our lives that we are really not that different after all. We all have one heart that beats the same.. They sang a song about this.

I went to Parker's Talent show and I was over taken by the talent these teens had at this age. The singers, musicians, drummers with buckets, gymnastics, comedians, Hawaiian dancing, and then my son on the unicycle. He sure love to ride that for people to watch him. He loves to see people smile. He just loves to do it. In fact, he is having a new one delivered in by UPS today on the front door step as I type this. So Laurie, If you see it get dropped off make sure it stays there..lol.. I just had a really fun day watching my kids. I was happy to see them so happy and enjoying life as a pre-teen and pretty much a teen... I am a proud mom today, I love you guys... Keep it up.. Love Mom *Ü*

4 More Days

Okay I'm having my own little party right now. There is only 4 more days til Summer is here for our little family. I can't wait. Its been great working at the school, but now I can't wait to sleep in and have my little boy Parker make me breakfast and McKayla clean-up after him. You have to agree that this sounds so great. Okay I'm just kidding about the kids. I won't take advantage of them. I am very excited to be able to have a break though. Yippee.... Hurray!!!!

Sunday Song

Well I have decided to post a song I am thinking about on Sundays. Today I am thinking about this song. I hope you enjoy it!!! Click on the link for the sheet music and turn your volume up.

Come Come Ye Saints!

Master Bathroom Pictures

Tub Surround: How do I decorate this? Any have any ideas?
This is the true color of the walls on this picture. Creamy Tan!
Another mistreatment. I really love the way this turned out. Its my favorite. What do you think? I need decor on the walls... Help me someone. Comments Welcome.
I guess I need to move my clock down after looking at this picture. That is a total no-no!

Both windows in my Master bathroom have Mistreatments on them. I totally love them. What do you think? Should I leave them as is or change them up a bit. The one by the shower curtain really makes me nervous? Does it look good. I switched it out with a smaller piece of fabric and so it just has little pokey outs now and isn't draped. What do you think???Thanks so much to the Nester and the linky on mistreatments....

Everything Etsy

I just wanted to share a post that has all the information about how to use etsy. I they are having a drawing for an awesome tassel that would have a wonderful home in my bedroom. Its perfect, blue, and creams, golds. I'm totally in love with it. As some of you know I have struggled on how to accessorize my bedroom.

Now on another note... For those of you who would like to make extra cash, all you have to do is make it and sell it on etsy. I am thinking I might have to start using this. I have always been an ebayer, but maybe its time to call myself and etsyist(not a word I know..)

Read post at The Nesting place on Etsy to get all your info..

Feather and Egg Print Mr. Linky Party!

Check out these blogs!!!

The Nester is having a linky party over at the Nesting Place. Check out her blog. She is awesome and so is lherbertdesigns. This girl is awesome. I love her eggs, feathers, and nest pictures. I hope I win!!!
This is my bedroom, I redid it last year. The picture above my bed is not real, I was trying to see if a big art picture would work. Also, the headboard is drawn on in the picture. I actually have a real life brown padded headboard and it looks just like that. Sorry no updated pics, my camera's out of life..lol I would be so honored to put the prints in my room, or my master bath that is painted the same color and has a u-shaped wall area around the tub. I am really struggling with decor. This would solve my problem. I love the prints. They are beautiful. Oh by the way, everything is either second hand or redone, except for the bedding. I got that for a christmas present.

(Oh the curtain panels are both the same fabric in real life, its the one on the left side.)Bedding is from Target, sure wish I could find that shower curtain that everyone is looking for with the birds on it. I would be perfect in my bathroom.

Plant Shelf
(see the bird cage!!)

This wall to the left is totally empty no art. It is about 15ft long. I will try to upload a picture of the bathroom too. I would love to know where I should put the prints. Bedroom or bathroom?? Wish me luck everyone...

LoW MeIn UpDate!!!

I just wanted to give a little update on the ChickEn Lo MeIn!!
I made this last week as I mentioned in my last post. To My surprise and my families, we all LovEd It. It was GrEAt! I encourage all of you to give it a try. The one thing it didn't have listed on the recipe is Hot Sauce. It's a new found love of mine. Its very hots so just a couple drops will do for most of use. Its in the asian or chinese food isle. Its a clear bottle with a GreEn Lid. I can't even ReMemBer how to say the word. So check it out and BuY some...
GoOd LuCk!!!

Chicken Lo Mein

I am going to try making this yummy looking recipe this week. I will post back on how it turned out. If you have ever used this recipe or have one similar will you share it. I love Chinese and Asian food. I would love to try some great recipes.

1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
1/4 cup KRAFT Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen bell pepper and onion strips, thawed, drained
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp. peanut butter
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp. chopped PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts

Make It

COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic; stir-fry 3 min. or until chicken is no longer pink. Add peppers, onions, broth and peanut butter; stir-fry 3 to 4 min. or until chicken is done.

DRAIN spaghetti; return to pan. Add chicken mixture and soy sauce;
mix well. Spoon onto platter; sprinkle with cilantro and nuts.

Kraft Kitchens Tips Variations
Spicy Chicken Lo Mein: Add 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper to the hot dressing along with the chicken and garlic. Pork Lo Mein: Substitute 1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into strips,
for the chicken and reduced-sodium beef broth for the chicken broth.
Note
To make the lo mein easier to serve and eat, break the spaghetti in half before cooking.

Well today I have to admit that I finally took my children to the Public Library. I haven't taken them since they were very little. We all got our very own Library Cards. The kids were so excited. Parker got 3 movies and a comic book. McKayla was looking for the book Number the Stars. It wasn't in so she got 2 books and the audio to Number the Stars. She needs this book for Activity Days. If anyone out there has this, let us know. We would love to borrow it. She is a very quick reader.. It turns out he Audio tapes aren't working.. Oh well we tried.

So for all of you who haven't been to the new library I would highly suggest going and checking it out.. Also, next week the new Washington City Library is opening. Sweet Huh...

To the HoOp TwO!!

Last weekend Parker had his first tournament. We drove to Cedar City. Well lets just say that in all my years of travelling on the Freeway to and from Cedar I have never seen so many cars slide off the road. I was only scared once on the drive up. My hubby is a great driver and he makes me feel safe most of the time. Everyone should know that I'm not allowed to be in the driver seat if he is in the car anyway. Right? Which is not really fair, because until last year I was accident free.. Oops!!! Oh well, Now I am back to setting my new accident free streak.. I sure hope it never happens again.

Well back to the basketball game. We have some really athletic boys on the team. It was their first game so they were a little uneasy I guess. Bless their Hearts. They really played hard. I am sure that this next weekend they will be amazing.

It is so exciting and scary to see Parker growing up. I love to watch him play sports. He has such a good attitude. Go Parker~~

Love, Mom