A long awaited trip back home

If you know me, you'll know that I love the place where I grew up.  Southern California still feels like home.  Although the clean air, no traffic, slower pace of Southern Utah is appealing, I have to get  down south every once in a while.  The end of May we were able to make a trip to Orange County with Mike's family.  It was a week crammed with an Angels game, a couple of trips and a bike ride at Newport Beach, 3 days at Disneyland, and visits with family and friends.  It was a much needed trip, not that relaxing but much needed. I am so thankful for my home here in Utah, but in my heart I will always be a California girl! I downloaded way too many pictures, but I couldn't decide which ones to leave out. Enjoy!

Why I Love Him

The top 10 15 things I love about Craig -

He grabs my hand and places it on his chest in his sleep

He calls me "Girlfriend"

He goes above and beyond to help me with anything

He enjoys his food (I know weird but you have to see him eat)

He gives me the remote for the TV in his man cave just so I'll sit next to him

The way he looks at our Grandkids

The way he loves our life together and isn't afraid to show it

He actually likes to go shopping with me, even if it's just to the grocery store

He is easy going and understanding

He respects and believes in his priesthood and isn't afraid to share it

He's compassionate

He tolerates and has patience with me

He makes me feel safe

He has courage and has endured more than most

He's been my best friend since I was 17

I love him

J is for Jayden!

Jayden Michael NebekerBorn - January 12, 2011
7 lbs. 9 oz.—20 in. long

We have been blessed with a new grandson. Thank you Tammy and Michael, he's beautiful.

BTW - Tammy is beautiful too!

Lucky Jayden to have two wonderful big sisters that will spoil him rotten.

Tea Party!

I have three beautiful granddaughters. Kylie and Hanna's birthdays are one year and 3 days apart. I wanted to do something special for both of them so I gave them a tea party. It was so fun! These are such special girls, they are such a blessing to me, they make me smile!

They were served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut-out to look like teddy bears, hot chocolate, marshmallows, sugar cookies and lemonade. I bought jewelry, purses, hair pretties and other girly stuff from the dollar store. After the tea party they played dress up and gave us a fashion show. I was lucky to have Tyler take some pictures so I could blog about this special day. I hope my grandkids look at these pictures and remember the fun we had.

Its always a party, when my Grandkids are here,

We don't need streamers or balloons floating near,

Cause when we're together, there's fun everywhere,

Our dreams are confetti, tossed high in the air.

Of course Tanner had fun too. This is one of his poses during the 'fashion show'. He's either posing as a dinosaur or a super hero.

Finally, the Spirit of Christmas and more......

We had the opportunity to attend the Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake a couple of weekends ago. It was just what I needed to get me into the holiday mood. The sweet spirit there helped me put my feelings in order and remember what the season is all about, Jesus Christ. This year, for no obvious reason, it has just been a stuggle to get excited about the holidays. We also had fun visiting with Becca and Devon. Their apartment is so cute.

The lights at Temple Square were gorgeous! We took alot of pictures! There was just enough fog to make things cold and beautiful.

Before the devotional I made the most amazing Butternut Squash and Corn Soup and..........

'Corn Stuff' I know the name doesn't sound very impressive, but trust me this is so tasty!

Don't be fooled by the picture below, it is seriously to die for! Recipes below:

Corn Stuff (a cross between cornbread and corn pudding)

1 - Cup Sour Cream

1 - 7 ounce box of Jiffy Corn Muffin mix

2 - Eggs

3 Tablespoons Sugar

1/2 Margarine or Butter

1 Can of Creamed Corn

8 inch square pan

Preheat oven to 375 and melt margarine or butter in pan. Mix all other ingredients and pour over melted margarine or butter, which will then surround the mixture. Bake for
approximately 40-45 minutes, until the top cracks and the side are golden brown.

Butternut Squash and Corn Soup

(from Taste of Home)

12 - Bacon Strips, diced

1 - Med. Onion, chopped

1 - Celery Rib, chopped

1 - Tablesppons All-Purpose Flour

1 - Can (14-1/2 ounces) Chicken Broth

6 - Cups Mashed Butternut Squash

2 - Cans (8-3/4 ounces each) Creamed Corn

2 - Cups Half and Half

1-1/2 - teaspoon salt

1/2 - teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan, cook baconover medium heat until crisp, remove to paper towel and drain fat reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. In the drippings, saute onion and celery until tender. Stir in flour until blended, stir in both and bring to a boil, cook for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the squash, corn, cream, salt, pepper and bacon. Cook and stir until heated through. Makes 8 servings or 2 1/2 quarts.