Tuesday, December 13, 2011

NEIGHBOR NICETIES




In the next two weeks little tokens of friendship, kindness, and affection will appear on our doorstep. This little elf was our first token. His cap was wrapped around a bottle of 7UP and is now hanging on my back door. He gives a little jingle every time we open the door. We again are giving Chex Mix in a Mason Jar. I had no time for this "nonsense" when we lived in California, but I have learned to enjoy the giving and the receiving.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas Prep 2011


Front door Wreath



Tree cut over a month Ago
Still Fresh







Wreath on front of Great Room Fireplace





12-6-11



12-13-11



12-6-11



12-13-11



Cookies for the Church Christmas Party Tonight


The forecast is for snow on Thursday. Though our property is brown, it is cold, the sun shines brilliantly most days, and the roads are dry. Not a bad way to spend a winter day.

Friday, December 9, 2011

CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATIONS


Paperwhites

Paperwhites, white amaryllis, white roses, and Christmas greens and twigs will be used in my Christmas center Pieces


Bulbs are being Forced
Tricked into thinking it is time to Bloom
Planted November 29, in pebbles and Water
Maintain water level to the bottom of the Bulb



Placed in a dark space under powder room Sink



Brought into the light after seven Days



Amaryllis

Planted in potting soil and followed the above Directions
This bulb will produce a red and white Flower
Named Pasadena
Fingers crossed for a Christmas Bloom
Thank you Linda and John



Entertaining a different evening after Christmas
Centerpieces similar to the above Arrangement
All of these flowers are Reproductions (Silk)
Although extremely high End
This arrangement probably costs between $300 and $400
Saw them at a shop in Jackson Hole this Summer



I will use red silk amaryllis and fresh red Roses
Red amaryllis at IKEA run about $3.00 Each
One amaryllis bulb runs between $12 and $15

Forcing bulbs is a great way to have fresh flowers growing in your home throughout the winter. Space plantings 3-4 weeks apart to maintain a steady supply of fresh flowers. Narcissus, especially paperwhites, have an extremely STRONG scent, so beware. I often have to remove them from a room for a while. I will force pots of tulips in potting soil in the same manner beginning the end of January. A bag of 90 tulip and hyacinth bulbs at Costco costs less than $20. A huge bargain. The 17 narcissus bulbs above cost $15. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the flowers. Small bulbs are hardly worth the effort. Beware: Do not let bulbs dry out or allow the water level to fall below the base of the bulb; too high and they will rot. Happy Winter Gardening!

Friday, December 2, 2011

THANKSGIVING PART II


Sunny Arizona

Heber: snow, cold, -30 degree Weather



Peyton

A happy little Girl



Chuck and his Boys played Golf


Aly and Jenny shopped Black Friday




Jennifer entertained us with Style


We always enjoy Charles and Jenny's Family



Karen

We loved spending time with Karen's Family




Brooklyn and Aubrey at Lunch



Paige loves her Daddy



Emily coming down the Waterslide at the Pool



So did Aubrey



Ditto Skyler



Macy playing Croquet



We had lunch Together



Jack
Taking care of Business at Lunch


Jenny helped Jack with his Game



Volleyball for all after Lunch



Charlie, Craig, Emily, and Steven



Steven had a strong Team of Players



Jack has a great Swing



Parker and Charlie enjoyed tossing the football Around



Charlie, keep your eye on the Ball



Beautiful Macy



...and Aubrey



Paige and Peyton

Best Friends Forever
..and Cousins



Cousins sharing a Cookie



Summer (13) and Parker(14)
Teenagers



Chuck and Paige

We love visiting our Arizona children and Grandchildren

With the exception of Charles' Family and Karen's Family, all of our children will travel to Utah in the days after Christmas for more food, fun in the snow, and more gifts. We are looking forward to sharing those days with the Carl and Judy Brenner family. They have rented a beautiful home in Midway, Utah and will ski on the "Greatest Snow on Earth" for a week. Charles, Jenny, Skyler, Charlie, and Jack will travel to Florida to spend the holidays with Jenny's Family. Karen, Roy and Paige will celebrate in Phoenix and then travel to San Antonio, Texas to check out the real estate. Roy will begin his PA studies there next summer.

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving Each Day of the Year!!!


Thursday, December 1, 2011

THANKSGIVING 2011.....ARIZONA PART I





Jennifer and Craig hosted us for Thanksgiving Dinner
Jennifer's table was Beautiful



Karen made the mashed potatoes and Dressing


Jennifer and Craig planned and orchestrated the Event
Craig made the Sweet Potatoes
and helped Jennifer with the Rolls


Menu

3 Turkeys/ Gravy
Brined, roasted, and Smoked
Fresh cranberry Sauce
Mashed potatoes and Stuffing
Green beans and Fruit Salad
Rolls





Alyson made the Appetizers
and Cranberry Sauce
Baked Brie with Apples
Spinach Dip



Macy and Steven*



Jack was a big Eater



So were Parker, Skyler, Summer, Peyton and Brooklyn



Smoked Turkey
Highly Recommend





Jenny made four Desserts
Pumpkin, apple, pecan, and an amazing Crack Pie



and.....they Ate
Macy and Aubrey


Chuck and I spent Thanksgiving Week in Arizona with our Arizona families. We were entertained royally. Tuesday Night....Karen entertained all of us with White Chili, Green Salads, Rolls and an Almond Texas Sheet Cake....delicious all. Wednesday Night Charles and Jenny entertained with Beef Tenderloin, Scalloped Potatoes, Gr. Beans, Field Greens with pomegranate seeds, rolls, and Pumpkin Souffle....amazing. Thursday...Thanksgiving. Friday, Chuck and the boys played golf and went to the ASU Football game and I had dinner at Joe's....Fabulous Fried Shrimp....with Roy, Karen and Paige. Saturday fun and games with Paige...swimming with Charlie, Skyler and Jack....last visit with Brooklyn, Peyton, Logan, and Parents. And....out for chicken and cornbread with C. Ellis family. Home on Sunday....10 1/2 hours. As you can see, we more or less, ate our way through the week.

Alisa joined Joey's family for Thanksgiving. We missed her family.

* Why blue????????