Getcha Head in the Game!

Corny title, I know. But, I couldn't resist. It seems we watch High School Musical way too much around here!

Josh just finished basketball season - and he LOVED it! He learned a lot during his practices, drills and games. I was impressed with how much he'd progressed during the season. He had a great coach, actually 2 great coaches. Kevin coached Josh's team, with a little bit of persuasion from me, though it didn't take much, seeing as how this is his favorite sport. Kevin also asked his friend, Mitch Price to help him. They were awesome!
Josh really liked having his Dad as his coach. And I know Kevin enjoyed every minute!

"WHAT TEAM?" Raptors!
"WHAT TEAM?" Raptors!
"Getcha Head in the Game!"

(Team name has been changed from original movie script.)

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

We LOVE the snow! Luckily we live in Utah where it snows a decent amount in the winter. At least this year it has. Yeah! The kids love to walk around in it, play in it, eat it, and shovel it - yes, even shovel it! They actually fight over who gets which snow shovel. I'm encouraging this for as long as I can, because I know there will come a time (teenagers!) when shoveling will not hold the same excitement as it does now.
Neither Kevin nor I mind driving in it, though I usually make him drive. And it's tons of fun building snowmen in the yard with the kids, going sledding with our friends on the mountain - I love living this close to the mountain. It's practically in our backyard, okay so actually my neighbor's backyard, the Larson's, but all we have to do is cross the street and voila! it's sledding in the mountains!
We have also made it a yearly habit to turn our driveway into a sled run, a.k.a. "the luge." Many a sled have been crashed and trashed attempting its icy slope. It's great!
The kids will stay out for hours playing in the snow. When they come in -exposed skin all bright red - I'll ask if they're done and they emphatically reply "No!" (They usually come in to get something to eat, go to the bathroom, or ask if they can have another carrot for their snowman's nose) I have been known to let them play outside in the snow til 7 or 8 p.m.! Shocking I know, but come on, it doesn't snow every day! Errrr, maybe sometimes, but that's not the point. I mean, this is the stuff our childhood memories are made of right?

David

Baby David

Izzy, Kev, and David

Ben

Me and David

Dinner with the Sanders Clan

Last Saturday, Kevin and I got together with his family (brother & sisters and spouses) and had dinner. We all had a good time and the food was yummy! Steak, roasted potatoes, asparagus, salad & bread. How can you top that? Oh wait, we did! I forgot about dessert - mixed berry tart and coconut cream pie!

Mark & Natalie

Stephanie & Lys

Debby & Steve

Earl & Lucille

Mark & Sonya



Angie & Kevin

Ken & Michelle

Me and my Hubby!

Crazy Hair Day!

Gotta love "Crazy Hair Day" at school. Finally, a chance for Josh to wear his hair 'spiky' and Isabel gets to wear all the different barrettes, clips, & ribbons that she's always wanted - all at one time!

Valentine Fun

Every Valentine's morning, we have pink heart shaped pancakes with whipped cream and strawberry syrup, and strawberry milk. It's a fun tradition we have and the kids always look forward to it. During breakfast is also when we give the kids their Valentines from us. This year, in addition to their cards, Josh got a light up pen, Isabel got some heart socks, and Ben got some "Cars" pencils. It was a FUN morning!

While Josh and Izzy were having lots of Valentine fun at school, Ben was having his own Valentine party at home with his friends.

(Oliver, Halle, Jacob, David, Travis, and Ben)


We decorated sugar cookies and the kids could put on whatever and however much they wanted. Which of course means - I am all out of red and pink sugar, sprinkles, and other edible Valentine decors. It is honestly amazing how kids can eat some of their "creations!" But, as you can tell, Ben obviously LOVED his!

And though I don't have pictures of it, another one of our Valentine traditions is delivering cookies and cards to some of our neighbors and family.
I used to do that as a little girl. Everyone in my neighborhood would be out delivering valentines, knock on the door and then run! It was so much fun. But, it seems that neighborhood tradition is dying.
The first few years we left cookies on someone's porch and ran, they were utterly confused. Later, they asked us why we ran and I was the one confused. Don't they know about Valentine's day traditions? I guess not.
But we continue to do it anyway. The kids have a great time and by now most of the neighbors don't think we're "weirdo's."

Happy Valentine's Day!

A little love and laughter for you on Valentine's!

One Semester of Spanish Love Song

Happy Chinese New Year!

Just thought I'd share a yummy "Chinese Food" recipe.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Marinade:

1 egg

1 T. cornstarch

2 t. soy sauce

dash pepper

Mix ingredients together, stir in chicken and refrigerate 1 hour or longer.

Batter:

1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. water

1/4 c. cornstarch

1 T. oil

1/2 t. baking soda

Mix ingredients together.

Pour oil into wok and preheat on medium heat. Line a cookie sheet with paper towels and place in 200 degree oven. Put 8-10 pieces of chicken into batter; coat well. Drop chicken into hot oil one at a time. Cook on one side until golden brown, then turn and cook til golden brown. Remove and place on cookie sheet to keep warm until ready to serve.

Sauce:

1 1/4 c. sugar

1 c. chicken broth

3/4 c. white vinegar

1 T. oil

2 t. soy sauce

dash of salt

garlic

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch and water; slowly stir into sauce. Stir until thickened.

1/4 c. cornstarch

1/4 c. cold water

Serve chicken with rice and pour sauce over individual servings.

YUM!!!!