Merry Christmas!

My New Favorite Treat

So this recipe is actually a "Becky Higgins original" that I changed for a little holiday twist. They are easy and yummy, my two favorite recipe requirements. You'll have to try them fast though, I don't know how long the holiday kisses hang around.

1 bag Candy Cane Kisses (or Hugs)

1 bag Holiday mix M&M's

1 bag Synder's Snap pretzels (or small pretzels)

Arrange a foil lined cookie sheet with pretzels. Add a candy cane kiss or hug to each one. Place in a preheated 250 oven for 5 minutes. Remove immediately and top with 2-3 m&m's. Let cool. Resist eating the entire batch in one sitting.

Recipe Tips: Hugs require a little more time like 7-8 minutes. Regular chocolate kisses don't work because they don't melt in the oven. Trust me, I tried. The white chocolate kisses melt in the oven, which is the base of the candy cane type. These treats are the best because they work all year round. Just use the hugs and top them with the current holiday m&ms.

Let It Snow!

The kids and I went sledding today and had a lot of fun. My kids were the only ones there with helmets on! I figure they'll wear them as long as they don't care that nobody else is. Of course, Nathan has battle wounds on his face from a "lightsaber/beanbag" fight they had yesterday. Maybe I should make them wear helmets at home too...

Little Lukey watched happily from his stroller.

Santa Claus...again

I had to post this picture because this was Luke's first experience with Santa Claus at the ward Christmas party. Obviously, he wasn't too big on the idea!

Swim with Santa

On Saturday I took Lauren and Nate to the rec center for Swim with Santa. I know, the concept seems a little strange, but the kids had fun. And yes, Santa with his big beard, hat, and swim trunks, did get in the pool!

Bake n' Wrap

My mom and sisters started our first annual bake n' wrap on Friday night. We had so much fun baking treats for our neighbors and wrapping gifts. We finally made it to bed around 4:30 am and got a few hours of sleep. This was definitely a tradition I think we'll continue!

I have the four best friends anyone could ask for...my mom and three sisters!

Making my favorite Rolo treats....

Trying a new recipe that turned out so good

Mom stirring homemade fudge...

Pounding chocolate...

My sister takes gift wrapping very serious...

Ann's Cheese Ball

This post is a tribute to my great mother-in-law. This recipe has kept me married for 11 years!

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

1 tablespoon pimiento chopped

1 tablespoon chopped green bell peppers

1 tablespoon chopped onions

2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Dash salt

Chopped nuts

Combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese until blended well. Add pimento, green peppers, onions, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and seasonings. Mix well. Spoon onto plastic wrap and form into a ball. Chill. Roll in chopped nuts and serve with crackers.