You were warned...

This is a dip that should only be made when you've got a crowd. My sister called tonight for the recipe (she has a crowd coming), and it sounded so good I made it as well. The only bad part is that nearly half the dish is now empty... the boys have gone to the Jazz game... my girls won't try it... and and and... that's right... guilty as charged.
Here is the recipe, but beware, its that good.

Hot Artichoke Dip/Spread

1 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese
1 cup mayo
1-2 cloves of garlic crushed
1/2-2/3 C. fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 15-oz. can artichoke hearts (not marinated), chopped

Soften cream cheese then combine all the above ingredients. Put in pie plate or in casserole dish. Bake at 350 F for 25-30 minutes. Serve with slices of french bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Fifth Disease

Did someone slap that cute little thing? No, she's just got a classic case of "Slapped Cheek Disease" aka Fifth Disease. The crazy part from what I've read is that once the rash breaks out, the virus is no longer contagious. Its only prior to the rash or if there is a fever that it is usually spread, so who knows who we've been around who may also come down with this unusual rash which is red and lacy and is progressing all over this sweet little girl's body. Also, the incubation time is anywhere from a few days to ... three weeks. We may have cases in the household just waiting to reveal themselves.

Where has January gone

The month is flying by, and with just a week left, I'm asking myself where the time has gone. I love looking at the pictures I've taken because it helps me remember what has gone on.

Here is a small sampling...

Playing with friends:










Cute 'do's' for cute girls. Ali has just enough hair now for a 'top notch'. She was so proud.





























Emma exhibiting her pre-literacy skills.















Friday, we ventured out to the SS Winter Carnival. It was packed, but the kids had fun. They had everything from inflatable slides and jumping machines to games, food, balloons and face painting. Bentley was pretty excited about winning a cake in the cake walk. He also thought the dunking machine was the coolest. He gave it a go but without success; however the boy right after him dunked the poor girl sitting on the stand, and Bentley thought it was awesome. Emma was a little hesitant at first, but she won a first prize in a ball toss and won a ring. Finally, during the last ten minutes when we had used all our tickets and Bentley was enjoying his unlimited ride band, Emma declared she wanted to go on the slide:( Oh well, next time. Ali was excited about a hippo she got in the fish pond and a 'dum-dum' she had won.

Outside fun

It has been so cold lately that we haven't spent a lot of time outside. However, the last few days it has been almost balmy. OK, it probably couldn't be considered warm, but compared to the temperatures last week, it feels it. The other day I actually shoveled the deck in shorts; I had boots and gloves too of course.















Today was another warm day, so after school when Bentley wanted to make a snowman I couldn't say no. We went out and constructed our first snowman of the season. The kids were so excited! Emma kept saying things like, "I can't believe we built a snowman!", and Bentley insisted that it was only his. Ali was so excited to, "play snow", and I have to admit I had a blast as well.















After we finished the snowman, I pulled all three kids around on a sled until Ali had had enough, and we went in for some hot chocolate.





























We've been to told to look for the little sweet moments of life that make it all worth it; this afternoon could definitely be counted as one of those.

Skiing

The first time I ever skied was shortly after Tom and I were married. I think it was in November of 2000. Then, the second time I went skiing was, hum, lets see... Saturday. That's right, it has been 8 years since I've hit the slopes with skies. Why was this year different than the past eight?
Let me break it down:
Prego... nope
Nursing... nope
Babysitting... available (thanks Heather)
Ski gear... check (thanks Monica)
Ski passes to Deer Valley... check! (thanks Paul)














With the bases covered, Tom and I decided to go for it. I have to say I was a little bit nervous (who wouldn't be on their near first attempt on the mountain), but it turned out to be a great day. It was a bit cold; we were told the high for the day was 6*!
Well, I'm definitely not a pro by any means, but Tom was patient with me, and it was really fun. I'm already plotting a repeat. Anyone with me?

In the kitchen

Emma got a really cute apron and hat from KC, Brig, and Maddy Pearl. She was so excited to try it on and help out in the kitchen.

Sledding

We decided to get out on the sledding hill on New Years Day. The hill is definitely bumpier than last year, but it was still really fun. Ali went down for her first time; Emma had a blast, and Bentley is an animal. Either that or the energizer bunny. He just goes and goes and goes.

Happy New Year

2008 wasn't so great, but we'll be fine in 2009. OK, so there were a lot of great things about 2008, but we do have high hopes for 2009.














It was great having a break from the routine of school and work and all that. Tom's favorite phrase for the break was "Live it up!".

Someone asks, "Can I have a cookie?"...
Daddy's response, "Live it up."

"Can I watch a movie?"...
"Live it up."

And we did:-)


The boys were the only ones to make it clear until midnight this year. I even fell asleep around 11:00 but then woke up a little after midnight to take their picture.