Charlie Brown Christmas

We were a bit pathetic this year with the Christmas Spirit...or maybe just Christmas organization. I threw out my artifical tree last year in hopes to start getting a real tree but what of course happens we wait for the last minute and couldn't find a Christmas tree lot. Until...it was Christmas Eve and we were up in Park City at Paul's dads house celebrating together. They hadn't decorated their freshly cut tree so they offered their tree to us but I only wanted a mini one for Logan so we cut the top 3 feet off of it and brought it home. Paul configured a stand for it, decorated with ribbon and lights and placed a angel Moroni statue on top-ta da we had a tree. We stayed up late wrapping presents for Logan- he really didn't need any more toys but he finally got the concept of opening presents and he loves it. So I ordered a bunch of his favorite Disney Cars so he could open an assortment of boxes. I just had a video of Christmas day so you just get to see a picture of Logan with the tree the day after-its the perfect Charlie Brown Christmas tree (we even took off the lights ba humbug).

Typically we leave town for Christmas but because this month was so crazy we figured to stay put. And we were glad we did. We spent Christmas Eve with Paul's dad and family, did our own thing Christmas morning, did Christmas lunch with my mom and mike and Christmas dinner with Paul's mom and family. So New Years resolution: I am going to start my preparations earlier next year-oh wait thats what I say every year.

Viva Las Vegas!!!

So we were crazy and went to the BYU vs. UCLA game in 40 degree weather. Who would think Vegas got that cold? (We could not consume enough hot chocolate) It was a tough game to watch- BYU was at their finest :) after a few mistakes we were worried. But some how they blocked that final kick and redeemed themselves-thank goodness. The rest of the trip was fun with good food IN-N-Out all the way!!! It is seriously the greatest- we ate there at least 2 or 3 times within 3 days-you have to order animal style its the only way to go. We had a good time...Go Cougars!

The Culprit

The electronic problems with one of cranes kept us in New Mexico a bit longer than expected. So we were there on Paul's 31st birthday with no cake or presents :( Logan was a good sport he hung out in the truck with mommy because everyday we thought we were leaving so we packed up all our items every morning and went to the power plant for the okay to leave (it didn't happen until Friday night).

Logan loved the hotel we stayed in because all the appliances were at his level-the fridge and microwave. He loved putting all his toys in the microwave for some strange reason and he never pushed the buttons-okay once there was a dial in one of the rooms and he put a can of juice in it!!! Paul shut it down before anything happened. Logan I think enjoyed the trip the most 24 hours a day with both mommy and daddy.

Caramel Nut French Toast

1 c light brown sugar
1/2 c butter
2 T light corn syrup
12 slices honey white bread (or use Kneaders)
3/4 c raisins (I like to use golden)
1 c chopped nuts
6 large eggs
1/2 c milk
2 t grated lemon rind
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1 c whipping cream
1/4 c powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves.

Pour brown sugar mixture into an ungreased 13x9 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 bread slices in brown sugar mixture, cutting slices as necessary to fit in dish. Sprinkle raisins and 3/4 c pecans evenly over bread. Top w/remaining bread slices.

Whisk together eggs, next 4 ingredients, and 1 cup of whipping cream. Pour egg mixture over bread slices in baking dish.

Bake uncovered for 40 mins or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean.

Drizzle with maple syrup and remaining chopped nuts-and ENJOY!!!

BBQ Pork Ribs

Sauce:
1/4 c. chopped onions
3T worchestershire sauce
2T Vinegar
1/8 t garlic powder (or clove of garlic)
dash red pepper
dash of chili powder
1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. ketcup

(I typically double this recipe because I like to have extra sauce)

Heat in sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add 1 T flour to thicken. Pour on meat and bake @300 to 325 for 2-3 hours.

Pork: I use boneless country style ribs-lately I have been using boneless shoulder and its good!!!

Herriman or BUST

So we left Sunday the 9th to go to New Mexico so Paul could help with some technical difficulties with one of our cranes and...we are still here 5 days later. I am definitly learning how to get around in Farmington, New Mexico. It is a bit of a shock to me because I have never seen so many Native Americans-in California or Utah- it is a little different being a minority. (I keep hoping to spot Jacob-heheheh if you catch my drift). Logan and I were sitting in a hamburger joint the other day and he kept saying "He Haw" (his donkey impression) but it kept coming out as "Ye Ha" kinda like a cowboy and then I thought this was a bit weird my little white boy with his typical mohawk (which orginates from the Indians) was running around saying "Ye Ha" and suddenly I was hoping no one was being offended by these random things.

P.s. the picture of Logan is from Dec 06 the hair hasn't changed

Flashback Jazz Birthday '06

I thought it would be fun to flashback to the other party in '06.

The carwash and crane cakes were pretty cool.