Makayla

OK so every day about 1:00 when Dallin takes his nap Makayla starts whining about having nothing to do. We usually have friends over or do some sort of activity together since it is just the two of us. We have been passing around pink-eye so I decided that we probably shouldn't play with friends today. I suggested several things to do all of which were turned down. Then I suggested painting nails (always a favorite). She agreed, but here's the catch, she gets to paint her own. I have to say that she did a pretty good job. You can't tell very well from the pics but they are pink with sparkles and flowers. And yes, nail polish cleans up very nicely off of tile.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I found this recipe online the other day and decided to give it a try. We loved it. Super fast and easy and it was delicious. A bit spicy, but you'll love it.

Chicken Tortilla soup

Ingredients
2 cans Corn- drained
2 cans Rotel tomatoes
2 cans Chili Beans
6 cups Chicken Broth
2 14oz Cans chicken
1t Cumin
Large handful chopped cilantro

Preparation
Throw everything into a pot, heat thoroughly.
Serve in bowls with corn chips and shredded cheese if desired.

Cook's Notes
The chili beans are not ordinary kidney beans. They are flavored, and if possible use Ranch Style Beans.

*I prefer fresh chicken over canned chicken so I would say to cook and cube or shred about three chicken breasts. This makes a huge pot. I would say about 8 servings.
Enjoy:-)

Pine Wood Derby

Tyler had his first pinewood derby this past week. He had a lot of fun making the car and he even won a few of the races. The paint job he did all by himself. I traced around the flames with a black marker, but we were very impressed with his artistic ability. He received an award for most realistic paint job. We all had a great time. Good job Ty!

So now that we have lots and lots of snow up here we are getting all geared up for some snow skiing. Dallin found these boots the other night that are Tylers and tried to put them on. They come up to his knees so he can't walk very well and as soon as he stood up they start sliding out sideways on the tile. He was totally stuck. He couldn't sit down or pull his legs back in. He didn't think that it was very funny, but we sure did. I think that he will be staying away from the ski boots for a while.

Sledding

Christmas day we took the kids sledding. This year they all love it!!! Last year Dallin wasn't to sure, but this year he was flying down the hill (all by himself). They are all able to climb back up the hill which is a huge help. Tyler took some pictures with his digital camera that he got for Christmas so I will have to put some of his pics on here too.

Dallin, Dallin, Dallin

The other day Dallin woke up from his nap and came out of his room looking like this. He said that he was ready to go to Grandma's house. It was snowing outside, so at least he got the boots and umbrella right. Grandma live two doors down and across the street. The older kids go to Grandmas house regularly. Dallin isn't quite old enough, but he sure thinks he is. He actually went to the door and opened it and told us goodbye. I better make sure that I keep that door locked. It was very amusing.

Christmas Morning

We had a great Christmas this year. Nice and mellow. We made sure that we had lots of time to spend with our family and enjoy the holiday. We got to see Grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and spend time with friends. We can't wait until next year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Gingerbread houses

One of our holiday traditions is to make gingerbread houses. This year the kids each invited a friend over and they all got to decorate their own gingerbread house. It was a lot of fun. Hanna piled on too much candy and her house fell in, but we rebuilt it and she got to eat half of it in the process. Yummy!!

Ty's Piano Recital

Tyler had a piano recital this past month. He did wonderful. It is fun to see how much he has learned.

Tyler began by introducing himself and the songs that he was playing. He was so nervous.

He played one song solo and then performed a duet with his teacher. It sounded so good. We are very proud of how well he is playing. He will even practice on his own without being asked. Who knows, maybe this will be his thing.