Our New Family Room!

The first couch we've ever bought!

Before the carpet was installed

We just finished our basement family room, an eight-month process! We are SO EXCITED! Last Monday we had our "moving day" to rearrange and assemble furniture and other things in our living room, family room, and master bedroom. It feels like a new house!

The Aaron Family Invades Disneyland

We took the kids to Disneyland in February for four days. It was such a blast! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed himself. Even Rachel showed her approval with various coos and chews on her fists. She was mellow on nearly every ride. Elizabeth was, as always, our little daredevil who fearlessly rode every ride and even begged to go on Space Mountain (we encouraged her to wait a couple years). Matthew, who has always been a bit hesitant about tall or fast rides, quickly overcame his fear after plunging into the briar patch on Splash Mountain. He nervously asked me, "Mom, where is the big hill?" Mom: "Matthew, that was the big hill." Matthew: "No, the really big hill." Mom: "Matthew, that was the really big hill!" Matthew: "Oh." He decided that Splash Mountain was his favorite ride after that. Emma felt somewhat left out of the rides she was too short to go on, insisting, "I am tall enough!". So we had to arrange the ride schedule to ensure lots of opportunities for her to go on rides, too.

Newport Beach Temple

February 9th we left the cold and snow in Utah behind and took a family vacation to southern California. We had a blast staying with Rob (Sarah's brother) and Kimberly and family. On February 10, we drove with the kids to see the Newport Beach Temple. It was a beautiful, clear day, and perfect for taking some pictures.

Check out some of Sarah's successful attempts at baking!

(Belated) Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies

These were so soft & yummy, I thought I should share the recipe:

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Frosting:
1 cup butter, softened
9 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3-3/4 cup milk
Food coloring

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, sour cream and vnailla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, foll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Place 1 inch apart on baking sheets lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool for 1 minute (or more) before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a large mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in confectioners' sugar and vnailla. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Tint with food coloring. Decorate cookies as desired. Makes about 4 dozen.

Cherry Chocolate Mousse Pie- We made two of these for a pie baking contest held in connection with the PTA "County Fair" fundraiser at Matthew's elementary school. All of the kids helped.

We were thrilled when the pie took first place! Each slice sold for 50 cents, and both were gone within the first hour! Here is the recipe for those who want to enjoy a slice of heaven:

1 pkg. refrigerated pie crusts, softened (or use 1 homemade crust)

1 egg white, lightly beaten

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp. milk

1 container (12 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided

1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling, divided

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Roll one curst into 12-inch circle; press into pie plate. Prick bottom and sides of crust with fork. Brush with beaten egg white. Bake 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown; cool completely.

2. Microwave 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for 1 minute or until melted and smooth. Chop remianing chocolate chips. Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar in mixing bowl; whisk in milk and melted chocolate until smooth. Fold in chopped chocolate and 2 1/2 cups of whipped topping until blended.

3. Spoon half of cherry pie filling over bottom of pie crust; spread with cream cheese mixture. Top with remainig pie filling. Pipe remaining whipped topping around each. Melt remaining chocolate chips to add chocolate drizzle or just sprinkle chips on top. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

New Scriptures

Brent gave me a new set of scriptures for Christmas. This is exciting for two reasons: First, I have scriptures with my married name on them (after nearly 10 years of marriage!); and second, because the cover on the old ones had become completely detached from the pages!

Rachel's giggles

We were fortunate enough to capture Rachel giggling on video! Enjoy!

Christmas 2007

At the Living Nativity in Alpine

Emma, Brent holding Rachel, & Elizabeth at Temple Square
The kids in awe of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus in the "stable"

Sarah's caramels actually turned out!
Acting out the first Christmas: Elizabeth, Ethan, Matthew and Emma surround Rachel.

Clayton, Matthew, Emma, Elizabeth, & Ethan all decked out as shepherds, wise men, etc.

Once again we had a truly magical Christmas, thanks to our children. Some of our favorite traditions that we carried on this year included:

• evening drives to see Christmas lights in the area (one that's easy on mom & dad since the kids are all confined in their car seats)


• a trip to Salt Lake for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes, a visit to the children's exhibit of the Museum of Church History & Art, and a stroll around Temple Square to see the lights


• One of our favorite traditions: Going to the Living Nativity in Alpine, where the kids saw camels, donkeys, and other animals as well as scenes portrayed from "Bethlehem" before going into a barn to visit Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus (a real baby) in the manger. It was freezing cold but very memorable for everyone.


• Making Christmas goodies, including Sarah's first success at caramels, and delivering them to friends and neighbors


• Driving through the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights. Sarah's family came over for a Christmas party and we all piled into cars to go see the amazing light displays which even the adults never tire of!


• Acting out the nativity story while it is read from the Bible. Lisa & Steve and their kids came over for Christmas Eve, and we had a wonderful evening.