Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas. I love this time of year. I love the shopping and the surprises and the gift giving. The only thing that I could live with out is the traffic. Seriously where do all these people come from? Where are they the other 11 months out of the year.

Anyways today will be a busy day as I will begin preparations for Christmas breakfast. I then have our annual family Christmas party in Salt Lake and then right after we have a drive to Scipio. It should be great fun!

I love this season because so many of our thoughts are turned to the Lord. I wish that as a world we did this more often. When else can you hear songs praising his birth on the radio? I am so grateful that he was born, because that small act set in play a series of events that makes the plan of salvation possible. How grateful I am that we have a father in heaven that loves us enough to make such a great sacrifice, and that we have a big brother who was willing and worthy to do so. I know that he was triumphant over death and that he lives today. I also know that he knows me personally and he is my personal savior. He knows the struggles I have but more importantly he knows me well enough to know how to comfort me. He also knows when I am joyful and he rejoices with me. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have. I will be sure to take a moment this Christmas and thank my father in heaven for the blessings he has given me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS. FELIZ NAVIDAD. JOYEUX NOEL. BUON NATALE

Prince, yeah right

A friend of mine at work sent me this story. I thought it was so cute. I am putting it on here for all to enjoy. I guess that frogs really do turn into princes, but it may not be all that its cracked up to be. All I have to say is, way to go princess girl!

Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: “Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am, and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so. "

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself:

"I don't freakin’ think so!"

Eat your heart out.

Oh yummy!!! So it snowed on Saturday and I suddenly had this urge to stay home, clean and bake some sweet goodness. This is what I came up with. It is my version of orange rolls. It took all day but it was worth every minute. They were delicious and I am super proud (in a humble sort of way) of myself.

P.S. For all of you that are wondering, yes my house did get cleaned as well.

Here is how you make this goodness!(Warning I don't always measure things out when I cook so the measurements are approximate)

Orange sweet rolls:

Dozen Rhodes rolls
Strawberry Orange marmalade (if you don't have this just get orange marmalade and add some strawberry jam, or just use the orange it's your choice)
1/4 cup butter melted
Sugar

Let the rolls thaw out and rise. This may take several hours. when they are thawed take each individual roll and roll it out then pour a little of the melted butter on dough not too much maybe a 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon spread around then take about 1 teaspoon of marmalade and spread on dough sprinkle with sugar. Roll up and cut in half. Continue until you have done all 12 rolls. Put these in a 8 inch spring form pan and let continue to rise for about 45 more minutes. Bake on 350 covered for 25 minutes and then uncovered for about 15 more. They are done with top is golden brown and you can stick a knife and it comes out clean.

Frosting:

Powder sugar
Butter
Milk
Marmalade
Vanilla

Just add about a 1/4 cup butter softened and a splash of milk to about 1-2 cups of powdered sugar. mix until reached desired consistence it should be thin but not too runny if it is too think add more milk. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon marmalade and mix together. Drizzle over rolls. Enjoy!