Merry Christmas!

Christmas was great.  Long.  But great.  It started at 5;30 a.m. and the last present was opened at around 10:15 p.m.  No joke.  But it was great.  I love Christmas.  Everyone is so happy.  (Even me when I hadn't eaten hardly anything ALL day and was tired and wanted to go home.)

Anyway, we got spoiled.  But that isn't important.  What is important is that we still made sure that the celebration was about Christ and family.

Christmas Eve we were with my family and we focused that on Christ, and giving, and family.  We had a really good time.  The Nativity play was hilarious but Katherine was a good Baby Jesus.  (She is 2 and can NEVER sit still).  And nobody in my family got mad or frustrated with one another the entire night.  Christmas miracle!!!!

Christmas was good.  I was up at 5:30.  Is anyone surprised about that?  Derek and I had our Christmas and went to his family up in Bountiful.  We spent the morning, went to church, and by the time we were home, Austin, Derek's older bro, had flown in from flight school (AF).  It was so great to have the entire family together.  We were there all day and it was great.

Christmas miracle #2 - my mom was supposed to work from 7:00-1:00 (she is a nurse) and at 5:30 a.m. she got a call saying we don't need you today so enjoy Christmas.  YAY!  Christmas miracle for mom and she slept well.  Another Christmas miracle.

We spend the evening at my sister's house.  Addie (my 7 year old niece) was on T.V. for a chior concert she was in and had about 8-10 close up shots.  It was awesome.  We had dinner, played with the girls, and opened presents.  

We eventually got back home and still had to do Christmas with my parents.  And we got spoiled.  My favorite gift is the beginning of the Willowtree nativity.   (Mary holding the Christ child, Joseph, a Shepherd, 2 sheep, and a donkey).  I am so excited.  We will just say Santa and Mrs Claus did a REALLY good job this year.

But that is the thing.  Christmas isn't about what you receive.  It is about Christ.  It is about giving and loving. So what did we give.  Love and appreciation to our parents.  Family calendars and Captain Bob and Mrs. Bob shirts to my parents.  A digital photo frame with all the pictures loaded to Derek's mom and just the flash drive of pictures to his dad (he is on the road a lot for work).   We draw names for siblings so for my sister and her husband we got a new game and their favorite candies (they LOVE games and doing date game nights).   To Derek's cousins (who's names we drew) a remote control helicopter and a gift card to some music store.  To the nieces: a little Nativity box to share.  For Addie (the science buff) we got her a tube you put in the bottle for blowing up diet coke and mentos plus a lot of diet coke and mentos.  For Katherine, the animal loving 2 year old, we got ABC bath toys, and a planet earth coloring book and crayons.

It was a good Christmas.  Hope all yours were filled with as much love, fun, laughter, and family as ours was. Also, I hope you were able to think about and appreciate the reason why we even celebrate Christmas (and I am not talking about a big fat guy in a red suit).  The real reason.  Christ.

Much love to all.  Enjoy the rest of the holidays and have a great New Year.

Temple Square

We went to Temple Square last night.  And we chose the best time to go too.  During dinner time on a week night.  Not crowded at all.  It was awesome.  The lights aren't as plentiful as during my childhood and years past.  But that is understandable.  Bad economy.  And, I think it is more focused on Christ.  We watched the nativity show on the lawn.  Saw the Christus.  Looked at the lights and all the different culture's nativities.  (They had a South American (Argentine for Derek) and  Maori (NZ for me).  Awesomeness.

We also saw the Joseph Smith movie in the JSMB.  And they changed it.  A lot.  I like the new ending better, but all in all, I like the other movie better.  I will say it is still very good and I think you should all go see the new one and see what you think.

We ended the night at the Salt Lake Roasting Co. for over-priced but delicious hot drinks.

It was fun.  A bit chilly.  But fun.  Sorry, no pictures though.

What Others Call It

My dad says, "What were you doing in the middle of a frozen lake?"

My sister says, "Isn't it ironic that the smallest one here fell through?"

Derek says, "Why did you leave your foot in there for so long?"

I say, "Of course."

So you can probably gather that I was doing something out in the middle of a frozen lake and yes, I fell though the ice.  Luckily for me, it was only to half way up my shin.

You see, here in Utah we have not been being blessed with our usual snows.  It is cold.  It is smoggy.  And there is no snow.  Boo.  I hate it when there is no good reason for coldness.  But we make the best of it.

On Saturday, Lisa, Derek, and I went hiking up Bells Canyon.  Part way up there is a lake.  The lake is frozen.  We walked and slid all over the lake (but not in the very most middle).

Derek found a full on Cabella's hunting arrow under the ice and dug it out with a large rock.  

During our play, I broke through the ice.  Luckily, it wasn't deep and it was mostly mud and I was wearing hiking boots and wool socks.  The funny thing was, Lisa had just been standing and walking right where I broke through.  Guess I found the weakest spot.  Go me!  I win and have the muddy pants and boot to prove it.

We didn't make it all the way to the waterfall because eventually being in so much shade and walking on snow my foot started getting cold for some weird reason.  But it was still really fun.

 I broke through just below this spot.  But isn't it cool how the ice froze?

Deck the Halls

We got our tree on Monday.  Christmas Trees are my 2nd favorite thing about Christmas (Christ of course is #1).

 Isn't it so cute and wonderful?  None of this fake tree junk.  Nope real.  It smells wonderful.  It looks wonderful.  It makes me happy.  And,  we inherited my mom's tree skirt because she bought a new one.  I am so happy I always loved this tree skirt.

 We don't have an angel for the top of our tree yet.  So if you look closely (the lights are a little blinding) you will see 3 birds.  They were birds from inside the ice block flower arrangement at our wedding reception.  

It is tradition in my family for each member to get a new ornament for something they did that year.  So our tree is COVERED is just random things and I love it.  Anyway, I found this one for Derek.  Isn't it awesome?

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

That is right.  He's making a list, and he's checking it twice and I tell you what.  The town of Helper, UT is getting presents, not coal.

What on earth is she talking about is probably the thought racing around in your brain right now.

I shall explain.

It is a Storrs' (as in Derek and I's) tradition (2 yrs. and running) family tradition to attend the Helper Electric Light Christmas Parade and it is hokey and awesome.  It makes the Christmas season official (even though the house had been decorated since the day after Thanksgiving.)  When the Santa float goes by blasting 'Santa Claus in Coming to Town' and covered in lights and people I couldn't help but get up and dance in the lightly falling snow.  That is right people it has at least snowed somewhere in UT this winter.

It was awesome.  I love it.  I would move there, but Derek said No.  I can't understand why...

And, I was prepared this year.  Not only did we dress a LOT warmer, but I brought food for the way down and a big ol' thermos of hot water with cider and tea to drink, blankets for the bleachers...

 Derek eating on the way down.  He wanted me to take a picture of the "awesomeness" of the cracker i gave him covered in homemade hummus and avocado.  

 I was so glad I brought the hot water and drinks.  They were helpful.

 Coca-Cola van.  It reminds me of the commercials when I was little

Sorry the video of the Santa Claus float and my excitement wouldn't upload.  But I am basically acting like a little kid dancing all around and you know what I have to say? "So what if I still act like a kid?  I still look 14, I think I have every right to act like a kid."  (Plus I think it is healthy)

All in all, twas great.  (minus the snow storm we drove through in Spanish Fork Canyon)...

Time for a break

So who goes road biking on December 2 in Utah?

Apparently, I do.

It wasn't bad until the wind him and the sun went behind the clouds (it was almost 4 by the time I got home).  It was fun, but I probably won't bike in this cold of weather again.

Thanksgiving

I love the holidays.  They really are "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."  Yes, it may be a cheesy line but everybody is so much happy, more willing to give, and to serve.  Family and friends seem to be more abundant.  Etc. etc. etc.

This year I have much to be grateful for (as I do every year).

The Thanksgiving holiday started as it does every year.

Every year my family (cousins/Aunt and Uncle) go and serve meals at the Salvation Army.  Instead of Meals on Wheels, we served for low income families signed up for the Angel Tree and Toys for Tots so they could have a Thanksgiving too.  It was great.  I served the mashed taters and Derek served the turkey. All my cousins were there, my Aunt, and my Uncle.  It is probably my favorite family tradition.

After the service there was much feasting to behold.  And Thanksgiving can even be great for me as a vegetarian because all my cousins are vegetarians.  Boy am I thankful for that.

As for now, here are some things I am thankful for.  (In no certain order)

My faith, the gospel, and temples

The winter wonderland of Utah.  Skiing.  Snowshoeing.  Fun fun fun!

Accomplishments

The genius of people before me and the amazing opportunities I have had this year

The magnificence of water

The love of adventure and exploration Derek and I share

The beauty of this earth.  And that I got autumn two times this year.

Generosity and pure love

This man right here and his hard work for our future (Derek's 1st day of school)

These wierdos.  AKA my family.

This girl, good education and her love of learning

This girl and her zest for life and fun

The best friends in the world

How close beauty is to my home and that I have the will, want, and ability to go see it

My body and everything it lets me do as long as I take care of it

Southern Utah.  There is no place like home.

And there are so many others things I didn't mention like clean water, a roof over my head, service, food on my table, and living in a free country etc. etc. etc.

We are so blessed.  

Much love.

I have succeeded in making the most unhealthy thing in the history of my life.

Why you all may ask.  Katie wouldn't eat something unhealthy if her life depended on it.

The answer is, it is the Love Of My Life's birthday tomorrow and this cake screams his name.

It is a Reese's Peanutbutter Brownie Cheesecake.

Let me explain.

Start with a brownie mix.  Make the brownies according to the package and set aside before cooking.

Next beat a 12 oz. block of cream cheese until fluffy.

Add a 14 oz. sweet and condensed milk and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and mix.

Mix in a 12 oz. bag of Reese's Pieces.

Put brownie mix in well greased 13x9 pan and evenly spread cream cheese mixture and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Let cool on counter 30 minutes and then in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Combine a 12 oz. bag of chocolate chips and 3 Tablespoons whipping cream

Melt in microwave 1 minutes and mix until smooth.

Spread evenly over brownie concoction.    

Cover with 12 chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

It shall be consumed tomorrow night.

I shall update on how he likes it.

Kaloo Kalay

Kaloo Kalay is the sound of my knee and soul rejoicing.

Derek and I just ran the Snow Canyon Half Marathon in St. George this weekend and no pain in my knee. The course was virtually all downhill I would venture to say 10 miles of the 13.1 was pure downhill.  And that is hard on an injured knee.  I thought for sure I would die.  But thus was not the case.

Derek ran the half in 1:28:38 and I ran the half if 1:47:03.  He only beat me by 17.5 minutes.  Go me.  And go him.

Then to take the cake, Lisa ran a 5k in 19 minutes and was 1st woman overall.

Good day to all.  I can run again.

All 'dem Apples

We have an apple tree.  We've had it since I was a little girl.  In fact, it is the sole survivor of our once 6 tree orchard.  And all this time we have thought that it produces millions of absolutely DISGUSTING apples.  Tis not the case.  We've just always picked too early.  We waited this year and have had our share of 1000's of organic apples.  No spray.  No nothing.  Mostly because we are lazy.  So sure many fall to the ground and get eaten by the lawn mower and worms.  But many make it inside to our bellies.  Golden delicious.  And they are delicious.  I am currently hooked on applesauce Derek and I made (I taught him how to can).  Dried apples, apple crisp, just eating them.  They are divine.  And they keep surviving the cold weather.  So if you want apples.  We still have a ton.  Come get them please.

Shotgun Trip

To Lake Powell.

Left Friday once I got home from work (so about 6:00) and came home Sunday morning.

Most people would say, "You drove 4.5 hours for one day of boating?"  and the answer is Yes.  For 12 hours of wonderful boating.  It may not be hot (80 degrees isn't warm enough when the boat is moving) but when the water is good enough to water ski in the main channel...it doesn't matter.

It was dad, Lisa, Derek, me, our friends, Brian and Jess Francom, and Derek's little bro, Corbin.  We met up with dad's good friend, Scott, and his friend, Paul, and Scott's son, Kelly.

We had a rockin' good time.  Lots of skiing and surfing.  And dad ran over a giant mile marker buoy.  Lesson learned, Don't drive into the sun at the end of the day or you won't see the giant buoy until it is 2 feet in front of the boat.  It put a little gash in the front of the boat but that's it.  We were so worried about major damage.  Or Corbin running into it because he was skiing behind the boat.

This is me.  After I first took off my wetsuit in the morning.  (I am hiding from the wind of oa moving boat and changing.  I can multi-task)

Derek doing pelvic thrusts on the surf board

Lisa fell asleep

Corbin cliff jumping

Jess and I at the gas station in Wellington on the way home

Nickschmidt and Ty

Our good friends, Nickschmidt and Ty,  got married to each other on Thursday Oct. 13.

I was privileged enough to attend the ceremony in the Draper LDS Temple.  (Unfortunately, Derek had to be at school and was unable to attend.)

(It was REALLY windy)

I love watching my friends get married.  It is such a happy and beautiful experience and reminds me of how much I love being married and how grateful I am to have my spouse because he is the bomb.

Anyway, ceremony = beautiful.  Reception = fun.  Laid back.  Very them.  Also, I got to be with all my good friends.  No pictures, but they were all there.   It was a rockin' good time.  We have the best friends ever in the entire world.

Best of luck to Nicki and Ty.  We love you lots.

Outsmarting Deseret Book

So I always goffed at Relief Society and homemaking and enrichment etc.

I broke down.

I went.

It was worth it.

I made these

After they were finished I took a poll (from mom and derek) asking, "If I bought these at Deseret Book, how much would ONE cost?"  I got answers from between $40 and $60.  $40-$60!  Ridiculous.

I made them fro $3.00 a piece.  That's it.  $3.00.  I got the pictures from old Greg Olsen calendars that were too beautiful to throw away at the end of the year and the wood was old scrap wood a man in the ward donated and cut.

So, I outsmarted Deseret Book by going to Enrichment.  Totally worth it.

I know, I made dessert

I don't eat sugar...or butter...but that doesn't mean I punish my loved ones.

We have a Granny Smith Apple Tree that is more fruitful than Eve.  For years we thought it produced the most disgusting apples.  Turns out, we picked them too early.  They are delicious.  So, we picked some today and I made apple crisp for dessert.  I made up the recipe and it was delicious according to 3 out of 3.

(It may not look great because by the time I got my camera my family had eaten it all.  This is my mom's plate)

Granny Smith Apples sliced (as many as fit in the pan you are using).
Coat them with cinnamon.

In a bowl combine some oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, 2 T flour, and some chunked up butter (almost a stick for how big mine was).
Mix that all together with your hands (I just eyeballed the amounts until the consistency seemed right).

Put in oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

3 people.  All gone in about 15 minutes.

Good Day

Yesterday was a good day.

It has been raining and cold here in Utah all week.  (My beliefs in Utah being a moody woman with its weather are always confirmed).  It snowed in the mountains...sad, but so beautiful.  No snow in the valley though (wipe the brow).

Anyway.  Saturday it was "supposed to be nice".  So we woke up early.  Picked up our Bountiful Basket (which was plenty bountiful) and then went and did (my first) live session in the Salt Lake Temple.  It was awesome.  I love the temple.  Especially that one (according to one of the man patrons is the only true temple...jokes).

Anyway, after that we toured the SLC Farmer's Market (always a lovely time).

Ran errands and got the most BOMBER wedding gift for Nickischmidt and Ty (they better be excited).

Lunch and some clean up real quick and then off to Snowbird for Oktoberfest.

We get there.  It is misty and snowy but nice.  Not too cold.  But Oktoberfest has been put on hold due to a bomb threat?  Really?  That was my first reaction as well.  So we walked around in the snow and trees and after about 20-30 minutes of waiting they let us in.

We don't drink.  Which is what Oktoberfest is all about.  But we still had fun listening to polka music, hanging out with Brian and Jess Francom and just having a good time.

We also got to hear the big horns they play from way up in the mts.  (But due to weather they played them in the lodge.  I can't remember what they are called).

Once home, we went on a bike ride.

Then off to Western's 50 Year Anniversary Party where we hung out with all the guides from Western.  It was really fun.  Good time had by all.

I know.  Good day.

Feeling Crafty

So, at night Derek studies/does homework (my life is fascinating).  So sometimes I try to be productive (except for things that include cleaning my house in any way, shape, or form).

So during a particularly productive few minutes on pinterest I saw this idea and I copied it.

It is both cute and brilliant.  (And yes, those are 3 of our actual socks who are missing their partners in crime).

This was an attempt that is midway between success and failure (a combo of ideas from pinterest)

And this one...well, we'll just say that is my paint smock from when I was about 5 years old...

It once went all the way to my knees.  I promise.

Marathoning

This weekend was the St. George Marathon.  A long held tradition in the Paxton (and now the Storrs) household.

I didn't get in this year.  (sniff sniff.)  Probably a good thing, I don't think my knee (aka IT Band) could have been ready for it.  It hurt after doing 12 miles that day.

Anyway.  Dad and Derek were champions.

Derek ran 3:19:30.  AKA 26.2 miles in 3 hours 19 minutes and 30 seconds.  I ran up the course until I met him.  So I ran up almost 4 miles and then ran back those 4 miles with him and helped keep him going.

Dad ran it in 5 hours flat.  A slow one for him.  But he has been injured all summer and the longest he has run since last marathon is 12 miles.  But he did it, AND this was his 20th St. George Marathon.  So he was inducted into the 20 Year Club that night.  (But it is his 22nd marathon total).

Anyway, it was fun.  I ran the last 2 miles with dad.  (So add another 4 to my 8 = 12 miles).

Another thing that was fun is a good friend, Nate Nelson, was running so we got to see him and his wife, Malorie.  And my good friends Megan and her hubby and baby live in St. G so we got to spend time with them.  And my good friend, Molly, is living there so I spend time with her.  It was great.

And, it was General Conference which is perfect because not only is conference AWESOME but what is better than having a GREAT excuse to lay around for the next day and a half watching TV to heal from a marathon?  But really, conference was really great this year.  Full of hope and encouragement.  If you missed it, I highly suggest going back and watching it.

Sunday Breakfast

So...I have this terrible condition called I can't sleep past 5:30 in the morning lately.  Even on Sundays.  So...what do I do?  This morning, I made breakfast.

Whole Wheat Waffles with Apple Cinnamon Goodness on top.

Waffle Batter
1.5 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tsp. Baking Powder
1.5 Cups Milk (I used plain soy milk)
1/3 Cup Apple Sauce
1/3 Cup Chia Good (chia seed mixed with water)
Honey to taste

Mix and pour into waffle maker, let the waffle maker take care of the rest.

Apple Cinnamon Goodness
2 Apples chopped quite very small. (I want to say they were gala but I am not sure)
Some Cinnamon (to liking)
Some Nutmeg (to liking)
Almonds (a nice handful)
    *toast in microwave 30 seconds and chop small small small)

Mix all with some honey (not too much.  Barely enough to coat it all)

Put in pan and cook until hot and tender and smelling oh so yummy.

Put apple cinnamon goodness on top of cooked waffles and scarf.

And I quoteth my husband who just said, "Dang Gena!  I think that's the best waffle I've ever eaten."
So I can promise, your taste buds will rejoice.

Bored

Every other Wednesday I work late because we show a movie at 6:30.  I know, rough life.  However, I normally leave at 5:00...So I am all alone until 6:00 when I get people ready for the movie.  So as a browsed blogs I stalk while listening to a module on Therapeutic Recreation and found this little do-dad on a good friend, Marcie Glad's, blog. 
So, here we go.

1. If I could eat anything right now, it would be.....granola or a beauty of a ripe yellow peach
2. If I could be anywhere right now I'd be.....not a work wasting time doing this thing 
3. When I was younger I used to love....strawberry banana yogurt and make believe games
4. Someone I love very much is......at home without me eating dinner without me
5. Today, I feel........great, althought right now, very bored.
6. People would describe me as........loud.
7. I think I'm good at .........having fun, being outside, and my job
8. One day I would like to.....have visited every continent  
9. In ten years, I hope that I am.....still be a child
10. My dream is to one day........sleep through the night without having to pee

Hope you enjoyed!

No Words

Derek and I had the opportunity to go see the memorial display at the Sandy City Hall in honor of those who lost their lives in the attack on 9/11.

Sandy City sets up over 3000 flags every year to commemorate and honor those fallen on 9/11.  But have never done more than simply drive by until this year.

Derek had the opportunity to help set up the flags with his boy scouts last week.

There is a flag for every person who lost their life that day.  And if that is not enough, there is a tag attached to each flag pole bearing the name of the person, where they lost their life, their age, and a short blurb about them.  This personalized touch made the experience so much more tender and real.  These were real men, women, and children (yes children) who lost their lives before they should have.

It was a sombre experience.  Walking through those flags we felt sorrow, loss, sympathy, patriotism, bewilderment as to why and how people could perform such a horrific act of terror, and gratitude for the people who fight to keep the freedoms we all enjoy.

This statue, Hope Rising, is a new addition.  It is of the three firefighters raising the United States flag over the wreckage at Ground Zero.  It was sculpted by a Utah sculptor.  This one stands at the Sandy City Hall and another stands in Maryland at the Fallen Firefighter's Memorial.  It is beautiful.

Pickles

Derek made homemade pickles.  And they are finally ready for eating.  According to the poll (dad, mom, and Derek) they are delicious.  I hate pickles, so I can't say.

I Am Thankful

I can't believe it has been 10 years since the attacks on the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and the flight that went down in the field in Shakersville, PN.  The incredible act of terror that was made to destroy this country has only made us stronger.  As my family and I watched the 10 year commemoration of the attacks I was reminded of the day it happened and how thankful I am to be an American and for the people who gave their lives to save others and to defend our country.

Thank you all for everything you have done and everything you continue to do.

End of Summer Part II

Jackson + best friends ever = best way to end summer.

One of my best friends, Brenna, and her hubby, Sven, live in Jackson Hole for the summers.  So, as a celebrations of the end of the summer, a bunch of my best friends went up to Jackson this Labor Day weekend.  It was awesome.

Ali and Dylan, Stucki and Josh, Jess and her new beau, Jordan, Annie, and Derek and I met up with Brenna and Sven.  So awesome.

We camped.  Climbed, hiked, played on lakes in the Tetons on paddle boards and tubes, made immature jokes about the word Tetons, hiked, cliff jumped, went to church in Grand Teton National Park, celebrated Jes' B-day, saw wildlife, and of course Made RAFTING!  It was FREEZING, but Brenna got us all wetsuits so we were ok.  And we had the BEST HIT in Big Kahuna.  Oh baby oh baby.  There was no way I was going out of that boat and Derek, Josh, and Annie went through all on 1 duckie.  It was rad.  Such a great way to end summer just being with all our friends again.   We get kind of spread out over the summer and busy so it was just great to have us all together again.

Cheez Its proved to be the group favorite snack

Climbing

Sunday hike in the Tetons

My best gals

A moose!

Jes wins best jump pose.

It was a sweet trip.