Christmas Cookies

Every year for Christmas we are in charge of making the Phefferneus! Known by my nephews as 'Scooby Snacks'.  (I think that I might be excommunicated from the family if I forgot to make them.) These are an old fashioned gingerbread cookie from Denmark. I would share the recipe, but the only way I got to have it was to swear that I would keep it to myself. Sorry.

My niece started helping us about 3 years ago. Now she thinks that it's 'No Fair!' if we don't include her. If you are lucky enough to be related to, or live by us, then you know just how tasty these are. And from the pictures you'll see just how much work they are! 

From start...

 

to

......finish!

And here are my fine little cookie makers!

Shane, Heath and Jesse

the 'Girl with the Cookie Dough Teeth'

As you can see, we have way too much fun in the kitchen! What kind of goodies do you make every year?

Party on!

Connie 

Playing Catch Up

I guess that if you have a blog, that you must keep it somewhat updated? I know, what a slacker! So here's my attempt at catching things up really quick.

October: I adore all things about autumn. And my favorite holiday is Halloween! Why, you ask? Because it is the beginning of months of celebrating!! Here are some of our favorite pics from October!

 

Me and the Hubs! 

We attend a couples party every year with some of our favorite peeps! Wish you all could have been there. We have more fun than should be allowed! The costume competition gets to be pretty fierce! These 'costumes' were so last minute, but I love them.
After being divided into teams we were sent on a digital scavenger hunt! What craziness! I thought for sure that we were either going to injure each other or the police were going to start pulling us over!

at Fresh Market with the Church's

one of our last tasks!

What an incredibly fun night! I love the large group of friends that attend this party! We had way too much fun with Jake and Ana!
Trick or treats came next.......I love all of the little 'beggars' that come to my door! This year was fun because I got a phone call in the afternoon from a niece. She couldn't find the cape to her witch costume so she had to change plans at the last minute. Can you guess who she is??

Me and Chani

That's right!! She is being Auntie Connie!! She had on her stylist smock, big earrings, and high heels with her jeans! She knows me so well! I love this little lady! Here's a few of my girlfriend's kids and other little trick or treaters that made it to my door. And that, my friends, is October in a nutshell.

Shawna's girls

family and friend

Nic's girls  

Oldest of my crew

Seriously, I don't know what I'd do without this young man. He has been an absolute light in our lives.

Heath

At the age of 12, he was finally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. We had no idea how this would affect the 'plans' that we thought we had for this boy.  He would actually go on to amaze the psychologist that was helping our family. 

Partying at Grandma and Grandpa's house

He wasn't supposed to master some things that he has.  He graduated high school with his class and was even the prom king.

Playing Goofy Golf

He is the family/neighborhood electronics specialist; plays the piano at  home and at church; and keeps all of our computers running. 

Would love to drive a real car

He can usually be found with little kids crawling on him or hanging out with the 'older' folks.

Playing games with the kidlet.

There are things that he probably won't be doing in this life.......but that doesn't matter to us. We are all just glad that he is part of OUR family.

One of our fav pics.

 

 

I feel quite honored to have him call me Mom.
Connie

Love of My Life

Just a quick post here about the absolute love of my life. 

Fierce Competitor

I seriously don't know what I'd do without him  He supported me through going back to school while being the Relief Society President.  I know, not a smart move on my part. 

He is also a fabulous example to our boys.  He has taught them to quietly serve others. And to respect not only Mom and the Grandma's, but all women.

All of my boys!

And now that I have ended up with a wicked head cold, he has made sure that I have tissues and medication so that I don't have to go to the store and get them my self. 

What can I say? He's one in a million and he's all mine! I am truly a spoiled little princess!

Livin' the good life!
Connie

Quality Family Time

Little Creek Ranch

I absolutely love spending time with my family. And if it is in the mountains.....     This weekend was a chance to do both.  We rented the cabin at Little Creek Ranch and had the family reunion there.  

This cabin is amazing, it has the room for 30+ people to sleep and some amazing scenery.  So sit back and enjoy the pics from our mini vaca. 

the bunk house

my bed

Shane on the seed planter

mean game of slap jack

cute litte country girl    

 

watching the cows unload

target shooting    

Skeet shooting   

 

My little family

We had the best weather, and we were able to hike, shoot skeet and enjoy one another.  I was able to relax, read a book and get some much need scrapbook time in.  I also listened to the coyotes at night and was grateful to be in a cabin and not a tent this time.  I can't wait to go again next year!

Thanks for stopping by,

Connie