Christmas Tag!! You're it!!

My good friend Jacque tagged us Walters girls for this Christmas tag, so here goes it.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? It has to be wrapping paper. Actually, one of my favorite things during the holidays is wrapping the gifts. I love making big bows and having coordinated paper. One of those quirky things. I believe part of the gift is the wrapping. Whether I am good at it or not is another question.
2. Tree--Real or Artificial? I LOVE real trees, but hate the mess, so . . . we have a fake.
3. When do you put Christmas tree up? As soon as possible. Usually, right after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? After the new year
5. Like egg nog? Yes, I have fond memories of my Dad drinking it at Christmas time. I also like the flavor.
6. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, my kids love to rearrange it.
7. Favorite gift received as a child? That's real hard. . . I got a jean jacket one year and was WAY excited. But the year we got our trampoline ROCKED!!!
8. Hardest person to buy for? My father-in-law. Sorry Papa.
9. Easiest person to buy for? My kids, my mom, and my sister. I love to shop for them.
10. Worst Christmas gift?
11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Mail. I love getting all the fun pictures in the mail, plus Costco makes is so easy to send a card.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life, it makes me cry at the end how everyone comes and gives money to him. sniff!! I also love all the little cartoons, Elf the movie, Polar Express, . . . I'm a sucker for Christmas movies.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?August.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Don't think so.
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Breakfast. I love cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs on Christmas.
16. Clear or colored tree lights? Clear lights
17. Favorite Christmas Song? Who doesn't love Bing for the Holidays?
18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? Stay home. Although, I had a short fantasy of going to a cabin this Christmas. One day, one day.
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Hello? Can't call myself a Christmas movie fan and not know the reindeer.
20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Star, it reminds me of that peaceful Christmas night.
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? We always open one present on Christmas Eve (usually new pj's) and then the rest on Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? IT'S CRAZY!!!
Next in line for tag: Humphreys, Brannon, Neilson (you have to let me on your blog so I can read it!)

Our tree!!

Ellie and Parker helped me decorate the tree this year!! They were so excited and very good and helping. Every year we purchase a new ornament to place on the tree. We have some really creative ones that hopefully will remind them of the great Christmas' they had as children.

Starting solids!!

Okay, so this isn't the MOST flattering picture of Tay, BUT I had to document this milestone in her life! She has started eating cereal and it is going quite well. She has been such a wonderful baby I love every minute I have to spend with her. Hopefully rice cereal brings out the hair. :)

Temple Christmas lights!!

Last minute on Friday we decided to go see the kick-off of the mesa Temple lights. It's always such a thrill to see them turned on for the first time. I recorded it for those of you who haven't witnessed it for yourselves. Enjoy!

Our Thanksgiving Day!!

We had a great day hiking, eating and hanging out!! Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Chow!!

A whole new world!!!

On Sunday, Brandon was set apart in the new Bishopric of our ward. We are very excited for this new road ahead of us and KNOW that Brandon will be outstanding in his new calling. Some of his young men were not happy about the change. They love him very much. (how could you not?) He still will work the youth, and he gets to learn more about Primary. So much fun. Congrats, babe.

(picture: from left to right, Brian Mills 1st counselor, Bishop Larson, Cutee 2nd couselor, Shane Church Executive Secretary)

Tay's first campout!!

On friday, Brandon and I went to Camp Lo Mia for a Scout Training. It was Brandon's and Tay's first Camp Lo Mia experience. We stayed in a cabin with 4 other couples, needless to say, it was a HORRIBLE night. Tay cried a lot and so she and I ended up in the Tahoe. I was SO grateful when the sun came up. Besides the sleeping arrangements, we had a good time. We got to know the Stake leadership and some couples in the ward. Plus, I got to hang with the spouse. Not too shabby. I took these pics of tay on Saturday and couldn't resist showing them to you all. Peace out.

The Mario Brothers

Ellie has informed me that she has children. Their names are . . . yep, Mario and Luigi. :) Luigi is the oldest, he's 5 and Mario is 3. Luigi goes to school with Parker while Mario goes with Ellie. Mario had a birthday the other day and Parker and Ellie were making cupcakes in her kitchen for him. I get such a kick out of her "pretend" play. I can tell she wants to be big so badly, the silver lining in all if this is that she is eager to help around the house. She eargly unloads the dishwasher, sets the table, helps me cook, does the laundry, washes windows, and feeds taylor. I love having a "little" helper around. We will have to see how long Mario and Luigi stays with us.

So Delicious!!!

I tried a new recipe the other night for Shay and Ty. I found it on Giada's website and actually LOVE it. This recipe isn't really something to make every week, but it's fun for guests and special occasions. I love the butternut squash and the crasins. This is a PERFECT Fall recipe. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

Squash Tortellini:

1 butternut squash, approx. 2 pounds, cubed (3 cups)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons

1 1/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence (mixture of rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil) I just used rosemary and thyme.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large shallots, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

4 small amaretti cookies, crushed (about 1/3 cup) amaretti cookies is the Italian equivalent of macaroons, I used biscotti

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 package small won ton wrappers

Brown Butter Sauce:

3/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons torn fresh sage leaves

1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped i used pecans

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

To make the tortellini, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. On a foil-lined baking sheet toss together the butternut squash, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven until soft and golden, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Cook the shallots and garlic until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.

In a food processor (or blender), combine the butternut squash mixture, the shallot mixture, and the ricotta cheese and pulse a few times to blend. Add the crushed amaretti cookies, the nutmeg, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth. The tortellini filling can be made one day ahead.

To make the tortellini, lay out 6 won ton skins, keeping the remaining skins inside the package. Place 1 tablespoon of mixture in the middle of each skin. Dip brush or finger in water and wet edges of skin. Gently fold the square wrapper into a triangle, making sure the edges are securely closed and there are no air pockets inside. Dampen the two bottom corners of the longest side of the triangle and gently bring them together, pressing lightly to secure. Place the formed tortellini on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Continue until all the squash mixture is used.

To make the sauce and serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sage, walnuts, and cranberries and let cook until the butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add salt and pepper.

Stir to combine. Then, gently place the tortellini in the boiling water and gently stir. When they begin to float they are done, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, gently spoon the tortellini onto a serving platter, top with the brown sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Help make a difference!!

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is selling this shirt as a fundraiser. The graphic is on the front. The cost is $15 each plus shipping, with $10 from each shirt going to the foundation. Some of you have wanted to know what you could do to help with the foundation. This is one thing. If you are interested, email Marianne at marianne@clements6.com with "T-shirt Order" on the subject line with your order and address where you'd like them shipped. All orders are due by November 30. The shirts come in the following sizes: Child--XS, S, M, L, Adult--S, M, L, XL

Happy Halloween!!

WE had a GREAT Halloween!! The kids were so excited to dress up and walk around the neighborhood for FREE candy! Parker, as you can see, was batman and Ellie, at the last minute, wanted to be a witch. We had such fun. Hope everyone had a GREAT NIGHT!!

My trip to Utah and Nan's funeral!

Parker tested for his Blue Belt!

Parker test for his Blue Belt!! He was so ready and very excited to be moving up in the Karate rankings. I unfortunatly missed his test due to a funeral in Utah. I tried to put the video up, but the file was too big. He did excellent and he is getting better all the time. He is a great leader in the class and I look forward to watching him become more confident. Ellie gave him his belt. She loves him so much.

Parker lost another tooth!!!

Parker lost his second tooth!! This time he lost his tooth at school. He told me that he went to the nurses office and he pulled it out himself! What a brave little boy. :) He was reluctant to put his tooth under his pillow that night, because he wanted to show his friends his tooth. I also found out that in his prayers that night he prayed really hard that the tooth fairy wouldn't come and get his tooth. She didn't and he was able to keep it one more day. He was ready to hand over the tooth the next night.

Interesting!!

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're Jasper Hale - You have a calming personality and a simplistic way of looking at life. People like to be around you because you can help keep peace and are friendly to everyone. Although you do have a quiet side, you would be well balanced with a bubbly, spunky mate.
Take this quiz!

I didn't expect this! I'm not sure how I feel about it. Any thoughts?

Love you, Nan!

My Nana past away Saturday morning. I have since been reflecting about her life and the time we have spent together. I have nothing but sweet memories of her and her late husband Jim. Some of the things I remember are:

Cottage cheese and peaches

Curvy hard candy

Cigarettes

Playing football in her backyard

Her pink socks

Crossword puzzles

Her feisty personality

How much she loved me

Her scratchy laugh

Her honesty

Her red hair

Those are just a few things I remember about her. Our relationship was stronger when I was much younger, but I will miss her and hope that this next life brings her happiness. Love you, Nan!

I Made This!!

I am so proud of this. . . Okay, so it took me awhile but I caught the fire. I LOVE making bows.

Smores, anyone?

Well, it's that time again. Time when the nights start to cool and the Walters bust out the marshmallows, chocolate, and crackers. We LOVE this time of year.

Mark Clements

At the St. George Marathon, on Saturday, a group of people will be running in Mark Clement's honor. He is the brother-in-law of my brother and he passed with cancer in January. To read more on the subject visit http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695215648,00.html. It is so awesome to see people reaching out to help others. Thank you Mark for being an example to all of us.

Soccer Stud!!

My sweet boy is doing SO well in soccer. Hey had a game on Saturday and won!!! Parker scored an amazing goal right past this player. We are so proud of how he is playing more aggressively. Go baby, go!!

My Mom!

My sister-in-law did this cute Q & A with her 3 year old so I decided to do something similar with Parker and Ellie.

My Mom's name: Jessica (ellie) Jessica (parker)

My Mom's favorite food: Soup (e), pasta (p) (parker was way closer than ellie)

She looks prettiest when: she has clothes on (e, should I be offended?), when she goes out to dinner (p) (so sweet)

Her favorite place is: Costco (e, pretty close), Sprouts (p)

My Mom does not like it when I: hit (e, she's right), push her (p) (doesn't happen often)

My mom is always: Nice (e), happy (p) (no, i did not pay them to say this.)

She cooks the best: cheeseburgers (e)(that's more like dad), Stir fry (p) (I do cook up a mean batch of stir fry)

She loves me because: i'm so cute (e, very true), so cute (p, they must be related)

Her favorite store is: Costco (e)(she's right, I love it there), Bashas (p, not sure where he got this)

Her favortie tv show is: Dirty Jobs (p, quilty as charged)

Watch Out, Here Comes Ellie!!

Ellie had her very first Belt Test last night. She is very young to be testing, but Sigung was so impressed with her that he felt she was ready. Ellie LOVES karate and does very well at it. Everyone at the test thought she was adorable. Duh!

The Time Has Come!!

Well, the day has finally arrived!! Parker lost his very first tooth! He was eating a grilled cheese sandwhich (on very dry bread, i might add) and he came running into our room telling us his tooth was gone. We asked where it was and he wasn't quite sure. So, with the tooth missing we concluded that he had swallowed it. Oops! What were we going to leave for the tooth fairy, you ask? I note from Parker, signed by one of his parents (can't have kids writing notes to the TF at random), and wait for the monetary deposit. I am proud to say that it worked. The TF accepted his note and he was compensated nicely for it. I personally feel that it is a little strange to have a son old enough to be loosing teeth. My, time goes by fast.

Ellie and Tay, which is which?

Just wanted to show pictures of Ellie and Taylor at 3 months. I for one think they look very similar.

Lizard update!

I am very proud to announce that the Lizard is free!! That's right while I was tucking Ellie into bed I lifted her pillow off the ground and there he was, hiding under it's fluffiness. Of course, I reacted and sent him under the bed. Parker, trying to be a hero, ran in and started to move the bed so I could get it. Well, this time I wanted to be prepared if he decided to run (the lizard that is). So we went and got the bucket from the garage. After much convincing, we got the lizard to come out. I place the bucket over him, slid a board underneath, and flipped it over. We took him outside and set him free. I can sleep easy knowing he is gone and I saved it's life. *sigh*

Taylor's blessing.

We blessed Taylor on Sunday. Though I sometimes don't understand the fuss that is created over the "blessing", I do admit that it is a special time. I love the idea that my child starts life off with not only a blessing from her Heavenly Father, but her earthly father as well. She looked so sweet in her dress of white. I am grateful for her and pray that she will be protected as she enters this world. I am also grateful to our family who supported us that day. It is always nice to get together.

Labor Day!!

On Labor Day we went to the new Brunswick bowling alley. It is HUGE. There is a full size arcade, Bar and Grill, pool tables, and lots of lanes. Being Labor day there was a 2 1/2 hour wait for a lane. Being the AWESOME parents that we are, we decided to wait the time. It was worth it. We had so much fun. I just love my cute bowling buddies.

HELP!!

I have a lizard loose in my house!!! I tried to save it's life and now he's in my house. How do I find a lizard in a basement? What do I do? Will I come across him in the middle of the night? I am in such a panic mode right now it's ridiculous. I can't believe this . . . . .

Raspberries, yummy!!

Ellie and I made some fresh raspberry jam on Saturday. Ellie was an excellent helper and I enjoyed the time together. Not to mention how domestic I felt canning my very own jam. . . yummmmy!!!

Bumbo?

My good friend Jacque let Taylor try out this cute Bumbo seat. The seats are shaped in such a way that a baby (who can control their neck) can sit up earlier than normal and be supported. Taylor enjoys it and so do we, it allows us to see her cute face. She is starting to smile a lot more and Parker even got her to laugh.

Happy Birthday, Baby!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite man!! I am so proud of who you are and what you stand for. I admire your ability to lead and to inspire. You also are a wonderful father who adores his children and loves to be goofy with them. I am grateful for the friend you are to me, listening and loving. I hope you have a wonderful day and know that we love you deeply.

Bath time

Sweet Taylor taking her bath. We are enjoying her so much and love her sweet spirit.

Sweet Angel

Ellie starred in her very first dance recital. She participated in a dance class put on by some young women in our ward. It was very cute and Ellie did wonderfully. In fact, while the others were stunned with stage fright, Ellie danced her heart out. We were very proud of her. Her dance numbers were Lolly Pop and Splish Splash. Good job, baby.

Parker's Birthday Fun!!!

Gunner is here!

Our close friends Jacque and Skye just had their sweet baby boy Gunner. We are so happy for them and can't wait for Taylor and Gunner to get to be good friends.

(Doesn't he look just like Alexa?)

Happy 6th Birthday, Parker!

Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy!! I love you Parker for the sweet little boy that you are. I admire that you want to be the best in everything you do. I marvel how you watch out for your little sisters. And I cherish how you love each member of your family. I can't wait for the many years we have together and all the growing you will be doing. Have a wonderful day. Love you, Mom.

You be the judge.

Here are all three kids around the same age. Ellie's is a little bit older than the others. So . . . what do you think? Do they all look a like or do each posses their own identity. Hmm . . . . . .

a rare moment!!!

It's not everyday, nor even once a month, that we get a steady drizzle in AZ. So, I made sure that we enjoyed every minute of the rain. As you can see, I didn't have to twist too many arms to go along with my plan. I had their full attention. Needless to say, they had a blast and I got some great pictures out of it.

You talkin to me?

I can't help but be so proud of Ellie. Not only is she WAY to young to be doing Karate, but she is also really good. Sigung was so impressed with her in class that he awarded her a white belt. I thought she was going to pass out with delight. She truly loves to be on the mat and is continually begging me to "teach me mom". Of course I am so excited to pass this art on to my children, and I am pretty sure that both Parker and Ellie will surpass me in ability. Can't wait for the day. :)

Cutest Kids!!

I have to say that we have some of the CUTEST kids that have ever existed. :) There are so many moments (like the one above) that make me smile when raising children. I can't help but be jubilantly affected by them and their energy. They truly are fun to be around.