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.