Chicken Pie Shop

Indulge

Every now and then you just have to indulge. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is crepes. This one has nutella, bananas, powdered sugar and whipped cream. SOOOOOOOO GOOOOD!!! I enjoyed this treat at "The Melt" located at the Eastlake Mall. I highly recommend it!

Need 4 Fun

Sometimes I just need a little fun! We were planning on going out for New Year's Eve and I have been eyeing so many fun hats. I love to wear hats but don't have enough excuses to wear them. Maybe I should move to London : ) Anyway... At the mall today I spotted this hat for only $5 and I could not pass it up.( I am sure when I am all dolled up it will look even better.) Brandon and I were planning on going to the "Shout House" a dueling piano bar but the last seats they had available were really bad so we are still trying to figure it out. Either way we are going to have a great time and I get to dress up. I bought a super fun shirt, earrings and now this hat is just perfect. We all need a little fun in our lives... so go out, smile, and embrace anything that brings you joy ...even if it is a HAT!

Ward Party

We didn't take too many pictures at the ward party this year. We spent time socializing, eating, mingling, singing and just being in the moment. They were expecting so many people, especially since we are in a military ward, that they didn't use the usual round tables but had to use the long rectangle ones that filled the entire cultural hall. I would not be surprised if the count was 300 people. The program was beautiful with the focus being on the Savior. It was a night to remember.

Ice Skating

The boys were invited to go ice skating for the first time. They were so excited and a little nervous. Luckily, since Aidan enjoys roller blading he picked it up really quick. I was planning on joining them but since my friend Sharon was just planning on watching I decided to sit and chat with her. I will definitely do it next time for sure! Noah did an awesome job holding on to the edge going around doing lap after lap. I loved seeing their concentration and smiles. They had so much fun. I loved that they were playing energetic dance music while they were skating. I felt like we were in a club. Such a great time! So Kroc Ice Arena in La Mesa and it was only $10 a person to go. Not bad for a Friday off of school : )

Christmas Jars

Flour, baking soda, baking powder, oats, chocolate chips, brown sugar, white sugar, more chocolate chips and chopped pecans- Check its all here and ready to go!
Its like creating sand art I love making them.

I made a total of 24 hours jars filled with a gourmet pecan bar mix. So yummy!
I still have to decorate the jars with a tag, ribbon, and bow for all the teachers in our lives.

I was tempted to make some extras for food storage. When you are not in the mood to bake but you wanted something delicious and easy you can just grab a jar out of the pantry. It took me about 2 hours start to finish including clean up. I am always surprised how long it takes because it seems so simple: measure, scoop, press each layer down etc but when you are doing 24 its a little time consuming but feels so great when you are done! We usually feel that most teachers get so many goodies to eat that most gets thrown out-- my mom who is a teacher has also admitted that-- so this was the best solution for that. We hardly make Christmas cookies anymore. Every year we get compliments and comments about the jars. I almost didn't do it this year but then I put the Christmas music on and went for it.

Good news!

"So what's the good news?"..... that is what you will often over hear when I call Brandon during the day. It has been an ongoing attempt and desire for us to look for the good that is all around us instead of focusing on our problems all the time. Its easier said than done but it has really helped us cope with the ups and downs of life. So... what IS the good news...well...

1) Brandon has a new job! He has been there a little over a month now and is very happy. He works for FBS which is a property management company. Brandon was hired as a Property Supervisor. He oversees the management of over 160 proprieties and will be getting about 100 more in January. He does everything from renewing leases and contracts, to showing properties, doing move in/ out inspections, meetings with owners about what improvements they need to make to their homes to get the rent they desire, making sure maintenance issues are resolved after being requested and more. He also has a few commercial properties as well. He was given an administrative assistant which is a huge help and quite a perk. I have to admit it is very nice to be on salary again with quarterly commissions. Its been probably over 3 years since he has had a salary position and believe me its a breath of fresh air. Most importantly I am so glad that he enjoys his work! Since he has a Utah real estate license he will have to retest here in California. He has 90 days to get it done and I am confident he will pass the exam.

2) Tammy is pregnant with baby #4. She is due July 15th. We are all very excited for her and her family. We hope she has a healthy pregnancy, a speedy delivery, and a sweet perfect bundle of joy very soon!

3) Sean's show- the Regular Show- was picked up for another season which includes 40 more episodes. So he will be at Cartoon Network for some time and he is thrilled.

4) David passed the Bar exam and will be sworn in as a lawyer tomorrow. He has worked extremely hard despite Carla's cancer and we are so very proud of him.

There has been a lot of good lately but I thought I would just highlight all the recent BIG news. We feel very fortunate and grateful for all the blessings we have been receiving. I don't think I can thank Heavenly Father enough especially for Brandon's job we really needed it!

Pain

Its interesting just when you think that pain has left you it can surprisingly come back in full force. Our beloved dog AJ passed away this summer unexpectedly and it was a hurt that could not be consoled. There has been this void lingering around our family but we have tried to make the best of it. We have moved on, one day at a time, but miss him terribly. Tonight I decided to print out a sketch my brother Sean has been working on in memory of Aj. I knew I was taking a risk of reopening a deep wound, which is why I explained to Sean that we needed this special tribute sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, seeing the drawing started a domino effect of tears and heartache for their sweet friend and companion. It started with Noah who could barely speak while crying struggling to tell us how he feels. After many hugs, snuggles and kisses we still heard them crying in their rooms. Aidan said while sobbing, "why did he have to go" and "I don't want a trampoline for Christmas or a new puppy just bring Aj back!" Jordan walked quietly to his room holding Aj's picture. You can see in his eyes that he has been longing for his best friend. We've had many heart to heart talks with the kids and it saddens us deeply to see them hurting and in so much pain. I have mentioned to my Dad about allowing us to get a new puppy for the boys... ( which normally would not be his decision at all but since we are currently living in his home we need to get his approval.)... and he is not keen on the idea at all. I respect and understand his decision. So we need a Christmas miracle either to have Heavenly Father help heal our broken hearts or somehow help us get a new puppy that would fill the void and bring renewed joy into our hearts. I really don't think my Dad is going to budge on us getting a new dog so I am praying that we find a new home soon in order to get the dog my boys need. Love is all around in many forms but there is something very special about the bond experienced between boys and their beloved dogs.

Happy Thanksgiving

Our traditional chocolate pie: oreo cookie crust, chocolate pudding, cool whip and chocolate chips. Simple, sweet and the boys love it.

We enjoyed the food and company so much that we didn't stop to take any group pictures. I quickly shot this picture through a closet mirror. Our group consisted of our family along with CJ, Rabeka, Alexander, Sebastian, Don, Andy, Ian, Grandma Watts and Grandpa, Uncle Billy, his daughter Laura and friend Missy.

It isn't quite Thanksgiving without a little football and having the boys playing out on the grass.

The view from Grandma's backyard is breath taking and the sunset was beautiful

Happy Thanksgiving!