Charles Dicken's Old Towne Christmas

So as a Primary presidency we decided that we would take on the task to throw a Family Christmas party because no one else was! We went really set a high goal to do a Charles Dicken's Old Towne Christmas! Boy was it a lot of work but oh so much fun. So many people helped out & it turned out amazing!! A special visitor even showed up at the end when we sang Christmas carols around the town square Christmas trees. We had a Post office where everyone could write letters to santa and missionaries, a Toy Store where they could make toy trains, a Sweets Shop where they could choose from many delicious old favorites, a Bakery where they sold bread and tarts and there was also a park, cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate & an Inn where they could sit and listen to the story teller while they warmed themselves by the fire!



A lot of people got really into it! I loved it.



We also had Carolers that sang throughout the town! They are so cute.












The Town Center






These two enjoyed the park all night!



The Town Crier!



We brought so much Christmas cheer, we made Santa appear! If you look closely, perhaps you will see a family resemblance?



These two girls are my fav! Karissa was taking Kelsey for a night on the town, but I am sorry to say, she was DEATHLY afraid of Santa this year.

Yum

These tasty guys go so fast I am already on my 3rd batch! Very unhealthy, very rich & very amazing!

Oreo Balls

Makes 25-35 Walnut size balls

2 hours to make

Ingredients

• 1 package regular size Oreo cookies, crushed (Mint & Peppermint are so tasty at this time of year!)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 package white almond bark or white chocolate
• 1 package chocolate almond bark or semi-sweet chocolate

Directions

1. Using a blender, blend 1 package of oreos together. You may want to do sections at a time. Using a hand mixer, mix the cream cheese and blended oreos together.

2. Roll into walnut size balls.

3. Chill for an hour.

4. Melt approximately 4-5 squares of white chocolate or 3/4 a package.

5. Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white chocolate.

6. Allow to harden on wax paper. This takes about 15 min, put in fridge to make it go faster.

7. While waiting, melt about 1/2 package of semi-sweet chocolate.

8. When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and/or white chocolate. I just use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the chocolate.

A Trot Victory

So I want to catch up a little bit and tell about Thanksgiving! It was an action packed week with my sister in town, my aunt & family & Craig's brother & fiance! Needless to say it flew by, but we started it all of with a great run in the Turkey Trot! I have been "training" for the 10K for the last couple months because it is the longest run I have attempted and remember, running is just not in my blood. Emily vowed to do it with me and I am so glad she was by my side, along with Sara Steiner. It was also fun because we found out last minute that Doug's fiance, Sarah Harvey (whom I love!) was going to run it too!

So it was somewhat of a rough start for me, we ran from our car to the race down the street because we didn't want to be late. Then before the race had even begun I had to go to the bathroom SOOO bad and there was literally, a mile line to the "porta's" and I hadn't even checked in. So I ran and got in line at the bathrooms by the race line and was freaking out because Emily & Sarah were waiting for me at the check in's while I was going to the bathroom. Well the girl in front of me told me there were bathrooms by the check-in, so I ran back to the check-in's and the line was long there. Emily was able to check me in and I grabbed my shirt and realized that now I had to carry it and I already had 2 shirts on (I heard it was going to be cold). So then I had 3 shirts on. Great. So I threw it on and ran back to the bathrooms by the race line, hoping to get in before it started. Luckily, the girl that had been in front of me saved me a spot in line and I waited as the race announcer kept dropping the time until start. So with 1 minute left I made it to the bathroom! I did my thing and just as I closed the door, the gun was shot! I ran over to Emily and Sarah Steiner and we just hopped into the race! We were lucky because we sneaked into the huge jogging crowd of thousands of people and had a good start. But by the time I started the race, I felt like I had already ran 1 mile, lost everything in my bladder & bowels (sorry for too much info) and hadn't stretched a whole lot! Needless to say it was a tough run, I think because of all that and it was super humid and drizzled here and there. But I feel so proud because I didn't stop the whole time and I made it under 1 hour! That was mine & Emily's only goal this time, to not stop. Simple enough but I am so proud that I did it. It was fun too because I ended up jogging with not only Emily but my future sister-in-law Sarah. We decided we would be jogging buddies from here on out and we also convinced Craig & Doug to run it with us next year! I think I want to make a habit of doing runs like this, it is fun & helps me to stay in shape.

Action Shot!

There is not a better feeling than being done with a good hard run- We all went out on a family bike ride - I remembered how fun it was to ride a bike! I would love to invest in beach cruisers sometime. Cute pic of the soon-to-be newly weds

I also worked at a food bank in Phoenix last week! It was sad at times to see people that were there that really needed help and were so grateful for the food. But of course there were some grumpy ones that were definitely living off the government. It was a really cool experience thoguh & they gave us all free turkeys! Oh how I love extra turkey, it makes for extra easy dinners.

My List

Things I need to get done this week:

-Finish & do presentation tomorrow for all of Maricopa County Dept. of Health staff
-Plan Sharing time for this Sunday & work with chorister on songs
-Go to store for Ward Christmas Party
-Make calls for Ward Christmas Party
-Pick up after myself, after Craig cleaned most the house
-Iron clothes for tomorrow
-Sleep more than 6 hours
-Read scriptures longer than 10 minutes
-Gather things for Health Fair on Saturday
-Write a journal article for Maricopa County Newsletter
-Exercise
-Make dinner
-Get deodorant (or end up using Craig's) & toothpaste - asap
-Orientate new Primary leader

I am just feeling over-loaded. Please know that I am not trying to boast or anything, just merely venting! I really feel that everyone is super busy, no matter what stage you are at in life. But it is extremely busy times like these I just have to take a deep breath and remember Sister Elaine Dalton's (Gen. YW Pres.) talk in general conference. She talked about how we can do ALL things with the help of the Lord and as we strive to be more virtuous. I can definitely get caught up in the stresses that seem to wait just until they can all come together, and test your priority abilities and attitude. I am just sad that I don't have more time to post all the things that have been going on and at the same time a little tired of not sleeping very long and working all day. But no worries! It is just one of those times that you just got to take it one day at a time and things will work out with the Lord's help & mercy.

Just know we are a live and well, Craig did a fantastic job on the lights around our house & our Christmas tree is up! So fun-

Friends Reunion

So I am trying to catch up from past months when Craig & I got to hang out with some of our old highschool/neighborhood friends! It was a lot of fun and perhaps one of the funnest nights I have had hanging out in such a long time. I really don't remember laughing that hard with a bunch of friends in such a long time. Marc Faveareu, Wayne Dobbins and Kreig Lewis came and so did beautiful Katie Salmon! We spent the night watching Eric's band show and played the funniest game, Telephone Charades. Even though it doesn't happen often with everyone moving around and in different stages of life, it was so good to be together and remember good times. I am so grateful for good friends in our life.

Yeah I guess I wasn't ready to take the picture and Craig looks like he's choking me... But it is cute nevertheless!

Two Greenies

How could you not love these two?

The Boys

The Gals - Me & Katie felt like we were back in High School being at a band show and all... the memories were flowing

Ode to Kate

I have so many amazing friends that I could spotlight, but I wanted to talk about this sweet gal for a bit. She moved back down to Mesa for a couple months and we loved having her over. In fact, we called her our little pet! We fed her, nourished her and brought her in from the cold... j/k

I was just reminded what a truly strong, thoughtful, easy-going and fun friend she is!! She is the type of friend that is always there to just listen and is always striving to do what is right. I think that the entire time she was in Mesa she served. People don't know it but she was constantly taking care of her grandparents, she took them to the hospital and to the doctors like 15 times. She also watched her cousins kids for free for at least 3 weeks and did little things for me and Craig as well. I know if she knows how much I loved having her around. She is such a great friend & example. What a Gem!! Love you Kate-

Caramel + Apples = YUM

So here is the Caramel recipe I used for my caramel apples. It is so delicious, just remember to use a candy thermometer and follow the recipe exactly for #1, but then see Caramel Apple Directions Below. This caramel is great because the toppings don't slide off after you coat them on, whereas the caramels you unwrap usually slides off the apple. Have fun!

Chewy Caramel

Submitted by: HARSHMA Rated: 4 out of 5 by 92 members

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 40 Minutes Yields: 32 servings

"Rich, chewy caramel to individually wrap or use in candy making."

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter or margarine 1 pound light brown sugar 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup light corn syrup 1 pinch salt 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1.

In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Cook for 2 minutes at that temperature. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.

2.

Meanwhile, butter a 9x13 inch baking pan. When the caramel is ready, pour into the buttered pan. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Remove from the pan and cut into squares using scissors. Wrap individual pieces in waxed paper or cellophane.

DIRECTIONS for Caramel Apples

1. Insert wooden sticks 3/4 of the way into the stem end of each apple. Place apples on a cookie sheet covered with lightly greased aluminum foil.
2. Make caramel using "Chewy Caramel" recipe. Dip each apple into the caramel and gently run apples around insides of saucepan to scrape off some of the caramel. Scrape excess caramel from the apple bottoms using the side of the saucepan.
3. Roll the apples in the candy mixture of your choice to coat. Place on the aluminum foil and chill.
   To drizzle chocolate: Put the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. For ease, put the melted chocolate into a plastic baggie and snip the very tip of one side off. Gently drizzle over the apples and return them to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Eric's Mission Call

Eric got his mission call!! He is going to Seoul Korea, the same mission as his Dad! What are the odds, honestly. I am so proud of him, he is going to be an awesome missionary. I just love him so much, not only is he the wittiest person I have ever met but he is so sweet.
He leaves in January- It is going to come up so fast!

Halloween '08

Happy Halloween!! Here are a bunch of pics from the festivities-

I made yummy caramel apples! I made caramel from scratch for the first time- it was a lot of fun! This was called "rocky road"-

The finished product! Tell me if you want the recipe, it is fabulous!

Freeman Pumpkin Carving Contest - Craig did the American Flag on the end, so patriotic...

Dad judged it and we won! Applebee's & Best Buy gift cards! Very nice for poor students like us.

The result of Mummy Dogs (see previous post), they were so much fun and good.

The end result of our halloween costumes - pretty corky and fun eh? I was trying to play off the fact that Craig's brother's called him "The Good Egg" growing up. I made them with my mom and pretty much made them up! I was impressed even if we do look dorky-

The Udall Costume Contest

Eric - love this boy, he always has the funniest constumes. I will miss him when he leaves on his mission.

It's Dad Udall's bday on Halloween - we all presented him with an air compressor! I don't really know what it really does.

Laura & Jonny - their's were so cute!

My two mom's - I thought my mom looked fabulous considering the fact you can't even recognize her. It is so great that my mom's are friends and have been since highschool.

Mummy Dogs

So I found this in in a recipe book last year and found it about a month ago. I thought it would be so cute for those of you who have kids to make around Halloween. I think I am going to make it too for Craig! It is EASY & cute, gotta keep life fun! Enjoy-

Highlights of the past months

Me & Craig have had a lot more time on our hands lately. Actually, we probably don't have that much more time on our hands but in reality, I am probably just less busy than last semester. Craig has been busy busy though working on secondary applications for med school! Exciting I know! Although all the schools do is ask for more money that we don't have. He did get an interview for U of A though! I will keep you updated on that-

Anyways, I just wanted to blog about the highlights of the past couple months.

We celebrated my Nana's birthday by going out to eat as just all of us girls! It was a lot of fun since Emily was still around. Oh! And for the fact that we ate at Crackers & Co. - My ultimate fav!

I was also so lucky to go do a Temple session with one of my best friends, Ashley Stoker. She is always in and out of town but it was so nice to go spend time with her at there. She is more like a sister to me really.

We celebrated my Mom's Birthday! She is the most amazing person to me, it is so fun to celebrate her! She really never spends a second thinking about herself and is constantly out with the sister missionaries in her ward, making people meals and serving her children.

I had the "honor" of making her her favorite Strawberry cake! It looked a sad but it tasted delish!

The Champion! Craig one first place at our ward's pine wood derby! I'm so proud...
His car literally looked like a hollow log or piece of poo. But I guess it's not what's on the outside that counts! ha

It was so fun, we went with Laura & Jonny to his cabin for a weekend. We went to this Mexican restaurant that people have raved about. Mexican is usually ALWAYS good. WRONGO- it was so nasty. It tasted like cafeteria food AND it took them like an hour to serve us. We are so tactful in this picture.

A beautiful field by Jonny's cabin on a beautiful sabbath day!

That night we went home to have a celebration dinner for Ashley's baby boy! Mom Udall thinks of the cutest things. They all had to wear these during dinner.

My talented bro-in-law, Eric, had his last band show before his mission! He is so good on the bass guitar - and don't worry that he can also play the drums and lead guitar. It was so fun to support him and go back in time to high school days.

Lastly, we celebrated baby sister Jen's birthday! I still can't believe she is 19 years old. Don't worry that I thought she was turning 18 this year. She was a little disappointed in me. She is so cute and the smartest one in our family. She got a full ride to ASU & is studying Biological Engineering! Wow. And she loves it.