A Years Worth of Resolutions...in Review

A year after making several "resolutions" for 2009, I wondered how well I did at keeping them..?? Let's take a look...shall we??

1. I ran for a few months at for the first few months of 2009...then hurt my back and spent a few months in physical therapy...then moved & other than hiking/running a few times, I haven't really done a whole lot but eat. This has been the worst year for me physically...so it is a HUGE goal for me in 2010 to be better (and lose the 10+ pounds I've gained since getting married).

I did do a 5k & plan to actually RUN one this year!!

Those awesome running shoes I got...then sent back & re-purchased...they need sent back again. Ugh.

2. I did graduate from NAU in May 2009!! Yay!!

...and with graduation came THE most AMAZING diamond earrings!! (one of my best goals EVER!!)

#3 & # 3.5. No Wii and thus NO Wii Mario Kart. Sad.

4. I did NOT learn how to sew, but I did get a sewing machine for my birthday...I really need to take a sewing class. Trust me on this one....

5. Unfortunately, there was very little (if any) OT to be had...so the wedding is far from being paid off. Oh well..good times.

6. I did make time for my friends. I was lucky to spend quite a bit of time with Kim the months before she died...which led to some wonderful friendships with new friends. I also have spent more time with one of my oldest friends, Rebecca (or Becky as I know her from our younger days...).

7. I have spent more time with my dad...just not enough. We only went to lunch a few times...and only once or twice with Grandma. This year for sure....

8. Nope. No unfinished projects completed. Not one. Still have a LONG list...and it's growing. I've been praying for an extra non-work day every once in a while, but I haven't been granted one yet. Again, oh well...maybe in 2010.

9. I think I actually drank MORE Pepsi in 2009. Crap. In 2010 I will drink less...for sure this time. :/

10. There were not really any big vacations to be taken with Mike in 2009. We went on a few quick trips (good quick trips), but we were saving every extra penny we could to buy OUR house...so we decided not to take our annual "big" vacation in May...bleh. We are anxiously awaiting our tax return...and my 30th birthday for a nice big trip. Can't freakin' wait!!

So my goals for 2010 are to finish/complete/work on my unfinished goals from 2009 and my projected goal for 2010 is still the same.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how that one works out.

Shooter's World

Mike & I had to pick an activity to be in charge of...the one we picked was shooting. I'm not sure we thought through the snow issue, but other than being cold...the two feet of snow wasn't too big of an issue. Well, it didn't stop us.

Syd shot really well for her first time. Our other first time shooters were Billy, Savannah, Derek, Carsen & Brooklyn. Unfortunately, Carsen suffered a small injury & so did Trent. Trent's was self-correcting...and Carsen was DONE with shooting after his facial injury.

Derek refused to dress appropriately, so I left early to hike back to the cabin with him & Brooklyn...who was cold (& bored...I think). I missed shooting my shotgun, but enjoyed some sisters only time while the boys were still out shooting.

We also spent a few hours this morning, and again this evening preparing to leave this wonderful place. Robyn's family will be leaving in the morning to get Sydney to work by 2:30 and my parents are heading to Phoenix for a few hours to attend my Uncle Jared & Aunt Cheryl's Temple Sealing. Hopefully the snow fall expected for the next few days won't change any one's plans.

This has been such a fun-filled week. The last time we were ALL together to both Christmas Eve and Christmas day was only two weeks before my mom died 14 years ago this coming January. This has been such a great experience...since that Christmas long ago, our family sure has changed.

We lost our mother, but were fortunate to gain an amazing mother also. We've gained two sisters, one sister-in-law, five brother-in-laws...and buried one. We've added 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dad & Robyn both had open-heart surgery (the second time for both), appendixes have been removed, many countries have been traveled to...we have added four more bachelor's degrees and five more Master's degrees...and Raelynn graduated from high school. We've all moved at least once (Ryan wins with their 11 moves in 10 years), all bought and sold new cars, gotten married, and many other assorted life changes.

Our family sure has changed, but the love & respect we have for one another has only grown. Life's lesson haven't always been easy, but we have never been left alone to struggle through them. I can't say it enough times; my family amazes me.

Win, Lose or Draw

We've played many games this week, but one of the most memorable was a boys vs. girls edition of Win, Lose or Draw. We had LOTS of laughs...one cheater...and 50 points later, the boys won. Since the boys team had the cheater (Derek), we aren't really sure we should qualify their win as an actual win. We may need to have a re-draw.

Gingerbread Houses

Nana's afternoon activity on Sunday was for all the kiddos (plus Richelle, Sydney & myself) to make gingerbread houses. I can't remember the last time I made a gingerbread house...we had so much fun!! Nana brought all the fun candy to decorate our houses...each one turned out different, but very cool.

Lava Tubes....or Not So Much

In my former life, we used to camp near the lava tubes on a more-than-regular basis. After a few life-altering events...we haven't been back since 1999. Since the cabin is only a few miles west of the lava tubes, the crew made plans to hike down into the tube(s). I, of course, opted out of this adventure...even before I was a total freak I did not participate into small caverns under ground.

Everyone that wanted to go got up, got ready & headed out to the cars to load up. Unfortunately, everyone ended up back inside the house to wait until Mike's truck could be started... After however long, it was decided to take Bill's truck instead...so everyone headed out side and loaded up...again.

After all the preparations...and the truck battery incident...they got to the road leading to the lava tubes only to find out that road had not been plowed...and was closed. Everyone headed back to the cabin for sledding and other activities...Mike & Bill headed to Sam's Club to purchase two new batteries for his truck.

White Christmas Day

Just as we hoped, Santa found us up here in Snowy Flagstaff. He slid down the chimney and left lots of toys for all the girls & boys...or something.

The day started with Bill waking up about 5am to let Harley out...he noticed the Christmas tree had fallen over on top of ALL the presents!! He quickly grabbed Robyn and they lifted our large tree back to the upright position and repositioned the goods Santa left. We all decided the age old question had been answered: If the tree falls in the living room & nobody is around to hear it, does it make noise? The answer is of course NO...

All the kiddos were down stairs and ready to open gifts by 8am...and so were all the grown-ups. It was We had a fabulous Christmas. There's no other way to say it. This was an amazing Christmas holiday...one that will never be duplicated. It was so fun to watch all the kiddos open their gifts & watch the excitement on their faces. I love the innocence of a child.

I was also able to pull of a great surprise for Mike. He's been asking for a PS3 since they came out several years ago. They're $350, so we've always found other stuff we needed or wanted. This year, I told Mike repeatedly (every time he brought up the fact that he still wanted a PS3) we just couldn't afford it this year...with all the house expenses and the new truck, etc. I had been stashing a few bucks away in a place Mike doesn't look (at least I think he doesn't look), so I could finally buy him his PS3.

The smile on his face was priceless...I love making him happy. I also bought him a handful of new Blu Ray movies to watch on the PS3's blu ray player...and the one game I knew he wanted: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Unfortunately because of the language and violence, he won't be able to play his game until we are home and away from ALL the impressionable children.

I told Mike we weren't going to spend much money on each other this year, and asked him not to buy me much, if anything. He bought me a few good purchases and didn't spend too much...he did perfect!! I got the Crocs I have been wanting for a couple years, the new "Eat This, Not That" book for 2010, and an awesome book about Bon Jovi. These Crocs have been a lifesaver up here!! I also got the much anticipated movie, "The Hangover"...very excited about this one too!!

The rest of the day was spent playing in the snow or relaxing...it was a fabulous day. Mike & Trent built a sled run and we all took turns on the toboggan and other assorted items brought to propel us through the snow. The snow clothes we purchased were definitely worth the money...and I even got my 16 year old snow jacket out of the closet. I haven't worn it since January 23rd, 2000. I guess my parents really got their $100 outa that purchase.

We also played Ryan's traditional "money ball" this year. We all collected change and a few bills and deposited into a clear ornament. We each guessed how much was inside and the closest guess won the money!! McKenna was closest with her guess of $19.50 and the total amount inside was $19.98. I'm pretty sure she had help...

After a fabulous dinner (side bar: I think we are all gaining several pounds this week from all the amazing food!! EVERY meal is amazing and all the homemade goodies we've been making are heavenly.) ...where was I..?? Oh yeah...After a fabulous dinner of fried turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing and ALL the other good stuff that goes with it, we played "Do You Like Your Neighbor" and then had our gift exchange.

All the adults put in a $25 gift card, and then we draw numbers. We follow the "white elephant" gift exchange rules...we always have a fun time stealing cards to hopefully end up with a desired card. There really isn't a bad $25 card, but some are obviously better than others. This year we brought a Shell gas card & Carrabba's...we ended up with Carrabba's and Olive Garden. We love to eat out on the weekend, so both cards work good for us.

This year the kiddos also started doing a gift card exchange instead of their regular gift exchange. We thought it would be easier to bring up gift cards instead of all those actual gifts. The kiddos had fun with it, so maybe it'll be the new thing for them.

Like every year, it seems Christmas Day goes by too quickly.

White Christmas Eve

Day two at the cabin was Christmas Eve. The plan for the day included the men heading out to find our Christmas Tree and the women staying home (to stay warm and) to make pies, cookies and other assorted Christmas goodies. It was a fun day spent in the kitchen with all the sisters, Mom and Dad...with the kiddos wandering in and out for goodies.

After the men returned, we got the tree set-up and decorated. Mike said they had a good time hunting for the tree...something he has always wanted to do, but never had the chance until now.

In the afternoon, Mike and I took Sydney, Savannah and Brooklyn to Target with us. We just ran in to town for a couple forgotten items, and to track down a tube for the snow. We located tiny snow gloves and mittens for McKenna, but we had no luck with the tube. I love spending time with my three oldest nieces. They are so much fun and I love to sit and talk with them...it amazes me how grown-up they all are. One of my greatest blessings in my life has been my best cousin, Pretty Carol. We have been close forever...I looked forward to holidays for many reasons, but most of all- I got to spend time with Carol. It's fun for me to see Syd, Savannah and Brooklyn laugh, play and just love each other.

For dinner, we made several different soups and had Mom's homemade french bread. We made carrot chowder, potato, stew and one of the soups from Olive Garden. I could get used to all the homemade food and homemade bread!!

After dinner, Sydney put together the nativity with all the grandkids. The costumes were super cute and everyone seemed to enjoy participating...except Raelynn. It took some convincing to get her into costume...then she was being such a pain that I agreed to take her spot. In the end, Raelynn was our shining star.

The nativity ended and we each opened our two customary Rodgers' family traditional Christmas Eve gifts; new pajamas and new slippers. Everyone opened matching pajamas- yes, I said EVERYONE (even though some people's weren't wuite long enough).

We had SO much fun!! Everyone participated...and it was one of my favorite memories ever.

My buddy!

My Brother Ryan is the kindest, coolest, awesomeist brother ever!

The Start to Our White Christmas

After nearly a year of planning, the day to head North finally came!! Everyone met at our house at 9am to caravan our way to a white Christmas. After a few stops, a long wait for the snow plow to make a path to the cabin, and a few other mishaps, we finally ALL made it safely. The 30 of us moved into our Christmas Chalet for seven days together.

After hours (HOURS) of unloading two trailers and seven vehicles, we finally "sat down" to make dinner. The first day included Dad getting stuck and pulled out by theplow, keys being locked in a car, having to rescue Triple A (twice...long story), the oven rack not working properly and dropping two huge containers of manicotti all over my dad and the floor, and a few other assorted fun-filled events.

It was a rough first day of travel, loading, unloading, freezing in the snow and figuring out to spend six more days together!!

Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

We started off our Christmas Season this year with dinner at my Grandma Joyce's house. Since Ryan, Michelle & Co. were in town, we thought it would be fun to gather us ALL together and spend some time with Grandma. It was fun to be all together for the first time since July, and Grandma always makes a simple dinner (soup & homemade bread) special.

After dinner, most of us headed over to the Temple to see all the beautiful lights & nativity display. This year there were nativities from many countries on display...China, India, Argentina, Italy (my fav), Kenya, USA, etc. They were all beautiful, and it was fun to see the unique differences in what each culture brings to the nativity.

I am thankful for our Savior and for the opportunity we get each year to celebrate his birth. I am also thankful Christmas gives us the opportunity to celebrate, spend time with & show our gratitude for all we have with those we love.

Carol's Candied Pecans...or Not So Much.

We had our final "planning meeting" for the cabin today...we drug ourselves to my dad's for this one because I figured I should attend at one of these meetings. I volunteered to bring some of the pieces for the salad portion of one of the meals. I usually buy my candied pecans that I like in my salads, but Carol is always telling me how easy it is to make them...and they are much cheaper homemade too. I knew I had pecans at home, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Just like my holiday craft ability, the pecan idea has turned into a FRUSTRATING evening and there will be a trip to the store to purchase candied pecans for the stupid salad.

Here's the story:

I sent Carol a text asking for an e-mail with the directions. I then get a phone call telling me how easy making the stupid candied pecans are...she said it was "simple". I listened, asked a few questions, but thought it did seem "simple"...so I figured it would be a quick and easy way to get candied pecans the cheaper way.

Once again...not so much. Here are the instructions:

Chop my pecans

Spray "PAM" in a pan on medium heat

Dump nuts in and add approximately double the sugar. (ex- if I use one cup of pecans, use approximately two cups of sugar.) Carol even stressed how much sugar it would appear to be...and said not to worry. She said to keep the heat on medium so the mixture didn't burn...but said I could turn it up higher if I wanted. (I didn't want to...)

Eventually, while I am stirring my pecans and sugar the sugar will caramelize (my word, not Carol's)...then dump the nuts and brown goo (also my word) onto wax paper.

Wa-la. Done. Homemade Candied Pecans.

Here's what I got after nearly 25 minutes...burned pecans and a whole lot of browned white sugar

I decided to start over...I must have done SOMETHING wrong. This time I added several sprays of PAM throughout my stirring...after 25 minutes, this is what I ended up with.

From now on, my wreaths AND my candied pecans will be store bought. I'm not a back cook...but apparently "candying" nuts and trying to follow simple craft ideas are NOT easy for my brain to comprhend. **sigh**