Our Polar Express Party.....Al Aboooaaard!

Someone asked me once why I do these things. Well you might think I'm crazy inviting 13 children most all between the ages of 3 - 5 yrs over for a party( so I have a few nieces and nephews),and try to retain order and chaos among a gang full of hyper active young kids, or spend a little extra money this time of year for treats and decorations, or risk a beverage or food spill on carpet, then transform my house in detail into the theme of the party.....OK I admit I'm a little crazy....but it's sooooo much fun! It's exciting to imagine it all possible and then make it a reality. The brainstorming, planning and designing is the best part! The results are even more rewarding! Why do I do it? Honestly, it brings back a certain kind of feeling that makes me feel like a kid again. I remember the kid parties my mother's and aunt's put on for all the nieces and nephews and how much fun they were. I remember our yearly camping trips with the family, I remember always being with my cousins and going to new and different places. Our parties certainly never lacked food! I don't always remember the detail of each outing, especially when I was younger but I do remember our families strong bond that I still yearn for till this day. We grow up, move away, have families and simply become so busy with work and other activities. I do these parties for memories...memories for my daughter and hope that someday she can hold on to and treasure in her adult years as I have. I believe she's inherited a little of my party planning because Cailtyn actually initiated this party! It all began with the famous "Polar Express" movie. "Mommy, can Addie and Kylee come over and watch it with me and we can get hot chocolate and cookies? And so it began!

With Sonny being a Union Pacific Machinist, we thought this party was perfect for us and of course Sonny was the spectaular "Conductor" He did an awseome job and tried to have as much fun as I was. He even played the part a few times!



We of course had to transform the house into the movie and I think we pulled it off for 3 - 5 yr olds.



Retaining order and control was all based on this one activity card. Groups of 3 - 4 alternated actvities and it seemed to work very well for our crowd!


Here is Santa's Workshop! My cousin Kristy was so nice to last minute help out with crafts!



Next we had a Winter Wonderland of face painting! Clarissa and Matthew helped out and had creations of thier own. What was suppose to be a small design on the cheek became a full face design for some. Matthew even decided to create his own image of BYU until I informed him this was a christmas party! Great job guys and oh I apologize now for any stained faces on the day's to follow! I promise though all the ingredients are safe!




The Elves Den was another adventure. Cousin Jacob and David were the perfect look and size(Don't you agree)They seemed to have a blast paying games with the kids! Thanks guys!




Mrs. Claus Kitchen was supervised by the one and only Mrs. Heidi Maloy my sister in law who knows exactly why I do these party...She knows because she is just as crazy as I am when it comes to party planning, possibly even more! Thanks Heidi




Once all the activities were done we started the movie. Throughout the movie we played a few games and activies according to the scenes! We of course started with hot cocoa and treats! Surprised and grateful, My brother-in-law Chris played the Chef. With smiles and a tray full of treats he danced into the room! Thanks Chris, you really surprised me! Shall you host the next party!!!!



Once we reached the north pole we had our elves come out with a special surprise! We started with one grand present for Becca who opened her present to find one for Jesse who opened to find one for Matt who....you get the idea. It was fun and exciting to see thier faces. At the end three children had treats in their small boxes and a special note inside saying " Are you Naughty or Nice? Will you share your treats with your friends here today?" Of course all chose Nice!


We ended with writing or drawing letters for Santa. Caitlyn was excited to give everyone a bell as a favor and a note saying of course BELIEVE! Parents...can you hear the bell ringing or did they bring home an old broken one?



We had lots of fun and tons of memories to cherish! Thanks to all who made this party much more memorable for us!
One of the quotes said in the movie by Mr. Tom Hanks is one of my favorites.
"Seeing is Believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can't see"

Part of the party planning process is making our ideas a reality! Well, we didn't have a real train and we couldn't see the real Santa, but I'm positive we could all really FEEL those invisible things among us and that my friends is what life is all about!

Happy Birthday Girls!!!!

So I can't wait...I'm impatient! But I really like this song and it brings back good ol' memories!

YO Gabba Gabba Fan......NOT! But I am of this song!!!!!
For all the Birthday girls this December!
TO:
My little friend Victoria.. we miss you guys(Oh and I did remember this year it was last month!)
My favorite sister in law Heidi.....have a good one(Are you making any great desserts to celebrate! I'll have to come over and do a taste test for the family!)
My busy soon to be official RN friend Ivanna...... do you remember this song?I somehow remember hearing it on the phone every year and I think of you back at your old apartment by Chaffey!

Love you guys!!!!!
Happy Birthday

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've become my mother in so many ways! I'm sure my daughter will wonder why I made her do this in a couple of years just as I did when my mother put me in this costume and made me take pumpkin pies to our neighbors....Embarrassing!!!!!
Caitlyn, however seemed to have so much fun wearing this to preschool and showing her freinds!

I thought I'd share one of my favorite poems......let's not take anything for granted and simple be thankful for our everyday blessings because...... Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,

Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

~Robert Frost

A Message for Heidi Maloy!!!!!!

I've given up on your home phone and cell phone services!!! They are crappy!!!!Unless your simply ignoring my calls then just let me know so I don't feel like a pest! I left a message on your house phone earlier today regarding Thanksgiving dinner. There are a few changes since I spoke to you last and a few requests from the Desantiago's. We ate at Applebee's today...did you know about the 2 meals and an appetizer for $20.00!!! Oriental chix salad and boneless buffalo wings..yummm! I tried to call you earlier(not to mention the week prior)...I was at Bed Bath and Beyond being it was just down the street and I was going a little crazy in the clearance section. Saw some stuff you might have been interested in but.....you ignored my call again....oh and then I was at Roberts with a 50 % coupon.....and then off to the Quilted Bear with a gift card and again.... you ignored my calls.....OK so I think I get it now....your ignoring my calls! Hopefully your internet services are cooperating with this last resort of an attempt to contact you....but then again it could just be my messages!

Funny.....but Thoughtful!

It has been 4 years since we moved from Cali and I must say we do still miss our out of the blue family get togethers and our what the heck lets hang out tonight dates with friends. However, our new home here in Utah has been great! Our neighborhood is awesome. I can positively say I know everyone in our loop around. The families are great and have become good friends. Caitlyn loves the fact that she can just run across the street play with her friends and then together hop over to another friends house! We have made some great friends that we can truly rely on. So I've been contemplating on what I should do for my neighbors this holiday season to let them know we're thinking of them and how special they are to us. Well, I found this and thought there were some really cute & funny ideas. For those of you still wondering what to give your neighbors, fret no further. Here are some inexpensive but still very thoughtful and original ideas! My favorites are marked with a *****(If your in my neighborhood....I have first dibs!)

Jolly Rancher soft chews — We "chews" to wish you a "jolly" holiday season!

• Mittens (fill with tape, scissors, tags and pen) — Let us "lend" you a "hand" this Christmas season!

• Cheese Nips — We're going to "nip" it in the bud and wish you a "cheesey" holiday wishes!*****

• Christmas ornament — Twinkle, twinkle, sparkled, shine, this ornament comes just in time! Merry Christmas!

• Eggo Waffles and syrup — For a "quick-o" breakfast that will be just fine, when running late this holiday time! Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

• Frozen lasagna — "What's for dinner?" During the holidays we hear this a lot, just heat this lasagna until it is hot!

• Apples and caramel dip — To a most "a-peel-ing" family. "Dip" into a very happy holiday season!*****

• Animal Crackers or Teddy Grahams — This neighborhood would be a "zoo" without you! Merry Christmas to a "beary" "grrreat" neighbor!*****

• Big candy bar or candy cane —"Enormous" Christmas wishes to you!

• 7UP — There's "seven" reasons why you are "up" on our list of favorites! Merry Christmas (list seven reasons).

• Christmas plates — Hoping you'll "arrange" to have a wonderful Christmas this year with a "plateful" of fun!

• Bag of salad and dressing — "Tossing" out a wonderful Christmas wish to you and yours all "dressed" up with Christmas cheer!

• Christmas balloon bouquet — "Uplifting" wishes for a fun-filled holiday!

• Bag of mini carrots and veggie dip — We know you are 24 "carrot" neighbors! What a treasure! Have a happy holiday!

• Set of measuring spoons and cups — Wishing you joy beyond "measure" this holiday season.

• Bag of pistachios or peanuts in shells — Don't go "nuts" this Christmas! From your "nutty" neighbors.

• Fresh grapes — A "bunchful" of wishes for a "grape" holiday!

• Christmas paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils — A bit of "disposable" Christmas cheer! What could be better? No dishes, my dear!

• Bolt of Christmas ribbon — This simple gift is meant to help you "tie" up those loose ends this Christmas season!

• Bag of ice melter and scoop — "Scoop" up a safe and fun holiday season!

• Snowman — There's "snow" better folks than you! Merry Christmas!

• Christmas potholders — "Hot" holiday wishes for you! Happy holidays!

• Magic Markers — Friends are the "magic" of Christmas!

• Christmas cookie cutter — "Cutting" out a perfect Christmas wish for you!

• Bouquet of flowers or cookies — We're sending a "bouquet" of Christmas wishes your way!

• Winter scarf — Hoping your Christmas is "wrapped" up in fun! "Warm" winter wishes to everyone!

• Note cards or Post-It-Notes — Take "note!" We're thinking of you this holiday season!

• Christmas towel — Sending "clean" and "sparkling" Christmas wishes your way!

• Snack mix — Here is a "mix" of holiday wishes for you! (or) May your holidays be "Chextra" special!

• Bag of potatoes with tasty recipes — Hey, "spuds!" We think you're awesome! Merry Christmas!

• Symphony candy bars — Just a "note" of "sweet" Christmas tidings!

• Package of pens — Whenever you need them, they're never around, so here is a supply ... 'cuz you're Christmas bound!

• Toaster Struedel or English muffins — May your holidays be warm and "toasty" Merry Christmas!

• Santa — Just be "Claus" we think you're neat! Merry Christmas!

• Starbursts — We are "bursting" with wishes for you to have a "starry" bright Christmas!

• Baked item — It's a Christmas miracle ... I baked! Warm Christmas wishes to you and yours!

• Frozen item — You're the "brrr-y" best!

• Cream of Weber Chug chocolate milk (individual or six-pack) — "Chug" a lug of Christmas cheer, Santa Claus will soon be here. Just warm one in the microwave, to have hot chocolate you'll surely crave! (You could attach a bag of marshmallows.)

• Rhodes frozen cinnamon or orange rolls — "Rise" to the occasion and celebrate the holidays in a "tasty" way.

• Pepperidge Farm cookies — Homemade cookies would be so fine, but these are so much better than mine! Merry Christmas!

• Bagels and cream cheese — "Spreading" a little Christmas "shmear" to our friends who are so dear!

• Package of Milky Way reindeer — For won-"deer"-full friends from the whole herd!

• Poinsettia — Our friendship is forever "blooming." Hoping you have a wonderful holiday season!

• Oven mitt — For a "warm" hand of friendship just as you've given me, and the wish for a joyous season with love aplenty under the tree!

Tis the Season......

Tis the season to be.........FAT & JOLLY!!!!!
I love this time of year because of the obvious....FOOD! Isn't it just great! Treats, good food and more treats! With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away and Christmas around the corner I want to try new recipes and simply enjoy a good home cooked...anything! Soups have been my most recent attempt.....Baked Potato soup, Chili(copycat Wendy's which turned out great), Onion soup, and some good ol' Chicken noodle! I've also been a little crazy with pumpkin!Not to mention that I have become apart of the canning world! Thank's to Cally for her super helpful tips and her pressure cooker I was able to can pumpkin like crazy! Pumpkin bread , pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pie have taken over the kitchen. Sonny even bought me a water bath set and now I can consider my self an offical Utard! I have the van, I started my own canning...oh wait I haven't hunted, made dutch oven and said..."Oh my Heck"! Well, not quite a utard I guess. I am so looking forward to our Thanksgiving dinner! Especially the desserts.
Today I had to make a treat for our Young women and Men...we had a food auction which was pretty intense! Depending on how much donated food they gathered in our neighborhood resulted in how much money was given! Well I just had a try to make a good one! So I made these......

Sorry, so I need a lesson on adding pictures....help their too big!!!




Caitlyn helped just a little!



They taste even better...I think! It's a copycat recipe for Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls! So I thought I'd share the recipe. But in return I ask that someone share a photo and recipe of their favorite food! I'm not limited to just desserts!

Dough: 2 Pkg active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water(105 - 115), 1 tsp sugar, 1 c. warm milk, 2/3 cup butter, 2 tsp salt, 2 eggs slightly beaten, 7 cups flour/till dough forms

Filling: 1 c melted butter(I just use half...seems like I always have too much butter left over),
1 3/4 c sugar( I do an even share of white and brown sugar), 3 tbl cinnamon, 1 1/2 c chopped walnuts optional

Creamy glaze: 2/3 cup melted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla & lemon juice, 6 tbl hot water or more if needed

In a small bowl mix water, yeast and sugar set aside. In a lrg bowl mix, milk, 2/3 sugar, butter, salt and eggs. Stir well and add yeast. Add flour a little at a time until dough forms(Dough will be slightly sticky) Knead dough and place in a buttered bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk about 1 1/2 hrs. When done punch down and let rise another 15 minutes. Roll out dough on floured surface into a 15 x 20 rectangle.

For Filling:
Spread dough with melted butter. Mix together the 1 1/2 cups sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over buttered dough. Roll up jelly style and pinch edges. Cut into 12 - 15 slices. Place slices close together and let rise for 45 minutes on baking pan. Preheat oven to 350 and bake 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown.

From Creamy Glaze:
In a medium bowl mix powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Add hot water 1 tbl at a time until desired consistency, Pour over rolls!

ENJOY and happy eating!

For my Daughter

OK....so I'm not a big Celine Dion fan (the girl can sing) but this song makes me think of how important I am to my daughter....what kind of role model am I for her...my everyday actions, words...how am I shaping her future and personality her LIFE! More so is how she is everything to me! What I would do for her. This song says it all!

RESULTS FOR CHRIS

My vote, your vote.....unanimous! Obama took my vote along with mickey mouse and the rest of the Disneyland crew for all the other candidate positions on page 8 I should have researched! Obama hopefully can commence the dawn of our promising future! We shall see...we shall see!

Thanks Chris for reading my first blog ever...kind of exciting even if I am the only person reading my blogs....This could possibly be a way for me to keep the journal I always try to stay on top of. This way I'll just write, print and store in my Journal File! No more journals forgotten under the bed!

MY VOTE MY FAMILY

Those of you who have a hard time sitting down at the computer without interruptions....due to ...oh...I don't know... children, husbands, dinner, work, on going activites and sleep will understand why I have just decide to post this now. I wrote it a few days ago saved it and now finally I've taken the time to post it! Hope you enjoy my first BLOG ever.....could be my last!

OK... so I swore I was not going to have my first blog be a political one but when it comes down to it it's inevitable! Without going into detail on every topic of debate I will only mention one and you will understand why this one concern involves every other issue you can think possible for debate....MY FAMILY! With voting just a few days away I did my research. I wasn't searching for a democratic or republican stance but rather values and morals that fit MY FAMILY! When I think of our economy, education, health care, jobs and energy sources I think of how these critical topics affect MY FAMILY and our future. I want my husband to be able to have a steady and reliable job, work hard(like all AMERICANS or whoever chooses to come to this country should) and reap the benefits by taking family vacations to new and exciting places. I want to not be limited to traveling within my own city because the gas prices are just a little to high. I want to be able to buy a gallon of milk and a carton of eggs and not have to make it last all month due to our ever changing economy! If by chance one of us were to get sick I want to be able to attend the doctor's office, receive the appropriate medication and not worry if our monthly paycheck will allow it! I want my daughter to have a great education, attend the college of her choice and not have her talents and interest be limited by finances. When the time comes I want my husband to be able to retire and receive a comfortable retirement from all his years of hard work. I want our country to a lead safe, healthy and eco friendly way.... I want to enjoy life...I want to enjoy MY FAMILY! My wants are simple, plain, down to earth and probably like most other families. I want freedom..freedom to decide what is best for MY FAMILY! I want a change.... a change that will attempt to move our country forward with innovative and prosperous ideas for the benefit of MY FAMILY! Change and progress for my country, my friends, MY FAMILY our future!

Not this!!!!

I've been suckered in!!!!