Annual Bacon Beaver Creek Trip!

Case and I had the privilege of spending last weekend with his parents at Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Colorado. Our Condo was gorgeous and the resort was so charming.

There were two master suites so Case and I got
the upstairs suite. The view was awesome...

and so was the king size bed!

This was our view from the living room area!

I was a little nervous to ski because I hadn't really skied before. Casey was such a perfect and patient teacher. We had a few mishaps ( okay I had a few mishaps) and there were a few tears shed, (look people I'm emotional ok?) but all in all it was actually a ton of fun. I was so sore the next day that every muscle was throbbing. I walked like and 80 year old who had to go poo poo. :) It's definitely time to get in shape!

I knew I loved Costco!

So last night Case and I made a quick trip to Costco for a few things. It actually was a pretty frustrating trip. I wanted to get eggs, socks, and razor blade refills. They were out of eggs, the only socks they had were halvsies...you know the work out socks, and the razor blade refills were a crappy deal. I could get them cheaper at Walmart. I was feeling pretty bummed. While we were checking out Casey asked if I'd go get him a polish dog. I glady obliged. Somehow in the process of paying for his hotdog and filling up his drink I sat my wallet down and left it! It was closing time and not very many people were around. I didn't even realize it was missing until this morning when I was getting ready for work and packing my flight bag! I was sick because I realized immediately what had happened! At this point it was in the hands of the Costco workers.....Well they did me right! Casey called later this morning ( I was flying around the country) and they had it there and waiting for me with not a penny missing of the $250 cash I had inside! Way to go Costco. I truly love you!

Yummy soup for Yucky weather

The weather has been horrendous all day and both Casey and I were under the weather yesterday. Needless to say we both wanted some comfort and something soothing for our sick bellies. I was searching for chicken noodle soup recipes and found this one on the food network. Courtesy of Tyler Florence. I made it tonight and not only was it fast and easy it was delicious!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 2 celery ribs, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs ( I didn't have fresh so I used dried and it turned out fine)
  
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 quarts chicken stock, recipe follows ( I used store bought chicken stock because I didn't have the time or the energy to make my own)
  
• 8 ounces dried wide egg noodles
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken ( I used a rotisserie chicken I bought at Walmart. They also sell them at Costco. The chicken was really moist and seasoned very well)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Place a soup pot over medium heat and coat with the oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme and bay leaf. Cook and stir for about 6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the liquid to a boil. Add the noodles and simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Fold in the chicken, and continue to simmer for another couple of minutes to heat through; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Chicken Stock:

• 1 whole free-range chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), rinsed, giblets discarded
• 2 carrots, cut in large chunks
• 3 celery stalks, cut in large chunks
• 2 large white onions, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, halved
• 1 turnip, halved
• 1/4 bunch fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Place the chicken and vegetables in a large stockpot over medium heat. Pour in only enough cold water to cover (about 3 quarts); too much will make the broth taste weak. Toss in the thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and allow it to slowly come to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, partially covered, until the chicken is done. As it cooks, skim any impurities that rise to the surface; add a little more water if necessary to keep the chicken covered while simmering.

Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board. When its cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones; hand-shred the meat into a storage container.

Carefully strain the stock through a fine sieve into another pot to remove the vegetable solids. Use the stock immediately or if you plan on storing it, place the pot in a sink full of ice water and stir to cool down the stock. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze.

Yield: 2 quarts

New Year's 2009

We had another crazy, busy, and super fun week! My family all got together for New Years this year. Everyone arrived Wednesday and we started the party at Kim and Mat's place. We had a delicious turkey dinner and tons of yummy snacks and treats.

Hannah enjoying the fun!

The Kids had tons of fun gaming it up downstairs with the Wii and Air Hockey

Uncle Casey in action

Ben and Jason playing Air Hockey

So much joy in this little face!

Ben's up 4 to 1!

Baby Brent and those sparkly blue eyes

Josh in his party gear

Cole bustin a move

Hannah enjoying the New Years Slush

Work it Alexis

Case and I were in charge of a balloon drop for the

festivities. Case spent hours blowing up balloons.

His finger was blistered and his jaw ached the next day...

but it was so worth it when it was all said and done!

We had poppers and streamers and balloons
and don't forget the Martinelli's for toasting!

Toasting to a Happy New Year!

Taylor working the feathered tiara!

What a cute couple eh?

After midnight we put all of the balloons from the
balloon drop into the kids jump house.

It was a big hit....until someone got hurt. Oops!

The kids pretty much attacked Uncle Casey all week long.

We went sledding on Friday

The kids had a blast despite icy cold conditions

and a few minor injuries

It was the perfect day for sledding!

Tanner and Carter sleeping on the LuvSac at our place!

We really had a great week with the Fam! We are happy everyone came up to share a lot of laughs and to make a ton of fun memories. Case and I want this year to be the best yet and will do everything in our power to make it that way! Happy New Year everybody!

Christmas 2008

Casey and I had a wonderful Christmas. We spent lots of time with family and friends. Casey spoiled me and got me everything I wanted for Christmas and more. Our first Christmas as a married couple was perfect. We had parties everyday starting the Saturday before Christmas until the Saturday after. We spent some time with Casey's extended family as well as a lot of time with his immediate family. We had the opportunity to get together with our old " Game Night" crew. We went to Tuccahno's and then down to Kevin and Audrey's for some pictionary and some Rock Band!