Some Christmas fun

I saw this idea in this months' Friend. Using the same technique as cutting out paper snowflakes, you can make snowflake shapes out of flour tortillas. Of course I love the fresh ones from Costco that you bake yourself. I also saw them at Walmart by the refridgerated Hispanic food. Using clean scissors cut designs on the folded tortilla and around the edges. Put small amount of oil in pan and fry till crisp. Put on a paper towels and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. These are so yummy, the kids thought it was fun to eat a big snowflake.
I have such fun memories of making gingerbread houses so I want to do the same for my kids even though I absolutely hate the mess it makes.
As part of my Christmas gift to my presidency I wanted to make a nice Christmas dinner for them and their spouses.
Menu:Tri-tip, mashed potatoes and gravy, yams, green beans with almonds and mushrooms, rolls with cran-raspberry butter, jello salad, and three pies for dessert. Pumpkin, Pecan, and Lemon.
We of course had to do a white elephant gift exchange. Had lots of laughs.

Family pics

Here are some of my favorites from Heidi Lynn Photography. These were taken at Murray park.

Hoffmann happenings

I surprised Chris with a special date, The Forgotten Carols. Unfortunately he struggled with it. This man does not care much for plays or musicals. This is some of his humor for ya. He said," The Forgotten Carols, a night that I can't remember." "The Forgotten Carols......Must be forgotten!"
Yep he can't remember because he slept through part of it, I on the other hand was soaking it in and truly felt the spirit of the music. It is the perfect musical for reflecting on our Savior and all that he has done for us. Many tears were shed. I guess in the future I'll stick with my girlfriends for these type of events.
Madison's first ballet class.
Her cute twin friends who she would have attached at her hip if she could. I love them in their pink, so girly.
She enjoyed it so much, she keeps asking me, "Mom we need to go to ballet class tonight!"
Trent putting shoes in the dryer.
As you can tell, he's pretty proud of himself. P.S. You have to check out this blog, this woman is so talented, I love the way she decorates for the holidays. So classy. http://creationsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/

Girls Christmas Brunch

My good friend Anne came up with this darling idea for a Christmas party. We were invited to bring a favorite brunch food on a new Christmas dish, then we were going to do a dish exchange after we enjoyed all the food. We also were instructed to bring 10 small gifts of your favorite thing you can't live without, or something that just makes your life easier. Then we were to do an exchange with all those as well.
This is the dish that I came home with from the brunch.
This is the dish I bought, you gotta love Target!
What I made, Toffee Apple Dip. I'd be happy to give out the recipe.
I decided on hair clips since by the middle of the day it drives me crazy and I just want it out of my face and off my neck. So I wrapped those along with some gum, (another thing I can't live without) in these cute little takeout Christmas boxes. I also love good music especially when I workout, so I made everyone a CD of my favorite songs.
Anne of coarse invited 10 girlfriends but only a few could make it. We had a great time and got to go home with some fun goodies. This was such a cute idea, I can't wait to do it next year!

Been tagged!

So here it is, my fourth photo in my fourth file. Nothing to exciting. This was our view when we went to Cabo 4 years ago. Man would I like to be there right now! So now I tag Meghann, Erica, and Mindy.

Gobble, gobble!

Some of my favorite cousins who are always a blast to hang out with. Wilson, Jocelyn, and Nathan, love them like my own brother and sister.
Chris watching the game, still a little grumpy from last weeks loss as you can see.
Jocelyn thinks Trenton looks like Jimmy Neutron.
The kids were quite entertained with Aunt Brenda's fun stash she has for her grandkiddos. Of course they loved the Wii the best.
My contribution, hooray for the pumpkin(and pecan)pie!
The girlies hard at work.
My aunt Brenda's set table for the big meal. I am so grateful for my Aunt Brenda and Uncle David who always think of us for the holidays since my family is in CA, and Chris' family is in TX. Because of our many get togethers we have grown to love them even more and always have a good time with many fun memories.

She's crafty

Some pants I made for one of my best friends who will be having a girl soon. I saw a pattern like this in Pine Needles and thought that I probably could make them without one since the pattern was 12 bucks. I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby, I was real surprised to see some of the cute prints they have.

Finally....

I went to see Twilight!!!!! Can I just tell you that I am on cloud nine. It ended and left me with wanting more. I can't believe we have to wait at least a year to see the next one. I hate to admit it, but I can't get it out of my head, and want to go see it again and again. In Erica's words, I am so twitterpated. I almost bought a 25 dollar t-shirt at the theater, pathetic. I forgot to bring my camera so I could remember the night with the girls, so sad. The only charcacter that I thought was out of place and not like I imagined was Jacob. Everyone else was right on, Bella and Edward were perfection. But can we please get a trim on those eyebrows? A big thank you to Chris who watched the kids for me during the big game (huge sacrifice on his part) P.S. Does anyone know where I can find a reasonable priced Twilight t-shirt?

A birthday for Chris

I am so excited for this day because it is the day when Chris was born into this world. Chris never remembers his birthday till the day of when we are wishing him Happy Birthday that morning. That is how selfless he is. It's a day when we get to spoil him because this is a man who rarely treats himself and always goes without. He is a wonderful father, husband, friend , son and brother. We love you, and happy birthday!

A shout out!

I had to give a shout out to my girl Alison in Logan for her amazing fish tacos. She posted these on her blog, I love to try new recipes and this one is a keeper. They were sooooo good. Chris was a happy man that night. The only thing I did different was use the tortillas that you brown yourself from Costco. I also used the tillapia loins from there which is a very mild tasting fish. These tacos are packed and full of fresh flavor! Here is her recipe:

Pico De Gallo- Chop 1-2 tomatoes, 1/4 white onion, cilantro to taste, and 1-2 cloves minced garlic. Add all this together, cover and put in fridge to let the flavors blend.


Coleslaw- 1/4 head of cabbage shredded, 3-4 baby carrots shredded with cheese grater, 1/2 jalapeno seeded and finely diced. (Wash hands really well otherwise you'll wind up with burning body parts.) Toss veggies in a small bowl and coat with seasoned rice vinegar, and a bit of lime juice. Again, cover and chill so flavors can meld together.


Dressing- There are lots of good recipes out there for the creamy cilantro dressing (like Cafe Rio's), but here is the simple version I use for Fish Tacos... Take 1/2 cup ranch dressing and put in a small food processor. Add the other half of your jalapeno, a handfull of cilantro leaves and perhaps a little parmesan cheese (or cotija if you have it). Blend, cover and chill until tacos are ready to serve.


The Fish

Coat any firm white fish meat with the Old Bay seasoning of choice. I like to mix a little Blackened Seasoning with a little Garlic and Herb Seasoning. Then cook on the grill or broil in the oven.

Flower Power

I went to a class to learn how to make flowers for Maddie's hair at Curdz and Whey. I took some of her clothes so I could match the flowers to them. You can also go there to make the really fluffy tutus. They provided frosted sugar cookies, apple cider, and lots of fun ladies to talk to. It was a great girls night out. Do you like the nice, big knife scratch on the table from Maddie?

Weekend events

I was able to go to a Hollywood Couples Party but without my other half. Chris's brother came into town for just a couple of days, so they spent time together while I got to party. Can you guess who I am? Katherine Zetta Jones from Zorro. (Chris was supposed to be Zorro.) The party was fun filled with a red carpet, paparazzi, food, costume awards, and karaoke.
Don't these look scrumptious!! I had to make some cookies for a fireside, and if anyone knows me well, I like to think outside the box. So I dipped Peanut butter cookies in chocolate. YUM!!!
A birthday cake I made for a dear friend, Banana Pudding Cake. If you would like the recipe, just let me know. I baked a lot this weekend and am ready for a break.
Chris's brother Trey came to visit us from Washington State to go to a BYU game. Trey got back in February from serving in Iraq. I was able to sit with him for some time and hear some of the trials and challenges he faced over there. He also shared with me some of the physical challenges he now has. WOW!! He had some very humbling stories to share. This guy is amazing and I am so incredibly grateful for his service and sacrifice and all the other military men who serve on our behalf so we can be free.

Our Halloween

A week before Halloween we got to dress up for the ward Trunk or Treat. The Activity commitee did a great job, lots of fun games for the kids and a potluck chili cook off. I had the best white bean chili made by Jennifer Elison!!
Jace, our next door neighbor tagged along.
Corella Devil and her little dalmation
I bought some stencils from Harmons this year to try something new for our pumkins.
How do you think they turned out?
Madison wanted to be Cinderella for Halloween, how original right? I found the dress along with the cheerleader costume(which I really wanted her to be) at Kid to Kid, a consignment store. I spent 24$ for three costumes, McKay's superman included! I don't like to spend a lot of money on Halloween costumes when they only wear them one night. So I was excited about my great deals.
We went to watch McKay at his Halloween school parade. It's so fun to see all the kids in costume.

Madison and her twin friends, Brooklyn and Eli Bocchino. These three little girls love the Disney princesses. Princess Power!