New Poll

I added a poll to my Julie's Sweet Bites blog: http://​juliessweetbites.blogspot.com/. Vote and I will be doing another random giveaway at the end of the voting session on December 8th for a dozen cookies of the flavor with the most votes. So go vote :). It would be fun to see which one gets the most votes

New Facebook Page

I have also created a facebook page to display my goodies. You can look up Julie'e Sweet Bites and "like" it to get updates on my newest creations and I'll even have fun little contests and prizes here and there to make it interesting.

the address

I forgot to post the address. Its: juliessweetbites.blogspot.com

new blog

I opened a new blog displaying the dessert treats I make. If anything, its a little eye "candy" for you. Thanks everyone for being so supportive :)

The Polar Express!!

After Thanksgiving, we went with our friends to Flagstaff, Arizona to do the Polar Express on the Grand Canyon Railway. The first night we got in around 7 pm. It was dark so we couldnt see much but when we pulled up to the resort I was a little iffy about it. The check in building was nowhere near the resort. Once we were checked in, we drove to our specific condo. Again, I was like, what? We pulled up to what looked like a house. When we got inside, I was blown away. It was so nice. It was like a luxurious cabin feel with a beautiful fireplace, kitchen equipped with granite counter tops and nice appliances, and a jetted tub in the master bedroom. Our friends stayed in the two bedroom condo and they had a juliet balcony in their condo and a hot tub on the balcony which overlooked a beautiful serene setting. I was sold! We went to I hop once we were settled in for dinner (I LOVE I hop!) and the next day we just chilled. We slept in then took the kids to a mini indoor water park only it was more like a pool with a lazy river and a toy set for the kids. It was cute though. Then we just went back to the condo and relaxed with the fireplace going until evening. We went to dinner with our friends at Chilis (Again, another fav of mine). The next day we went to Sedona, AZ to hike. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The mountain we climbed had the most amazing views. I was very proud of Kingstonn. He is by far a better hiker than me. Its crazy. That night we went to the Polar Express. We all got on our Pjs which was super fun. The train ride exceeded my expectations. The employees were awesome and played with the kids and sang. When we got to the "North Pole", it was amazing. I got teary eyed when Kingston was so shocked to see it and shouting at Chez and I that we were really there. Santa was there waving at us and then he hopped aboard the train and gave each kid a bell. Kenn was the first kid to receieve a bell but Kingston thinks it was him. Very cool experience and fun little trip.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was my very first Thanskgiving on my own where I did the cooking for a lot of people. As I was putting my frozen turkey babies in the fridge the day before Thanksgiving, a thought ran through my head, "I can't believe I am actually doing this I am growing up". All these years I watched my mom take care of the turkey and most of dinner. I was a little worried it wouldnt be perfect for my family and friends but I am beyond grateful at how truly perfect it all came out. I used a smoked turkey and it came out better than I thought it would and amazing. All of the side dishes were flawless (minus having to fix a mashed potato mishap) and the desserts which I do pride myself on, were so wonderful. The company was excellent, the food was delicious, and we had a great evening. I am proud to say I tackled the turkey!

Baby Fever

I've got a fever. No I'm NOT pregnant nor will I be but I certainly wouldn't be opposed. Half of my friends if not more are either pregnant or just had babies. Most of my friends are a few years older than me too. Not that that matters but I thought I'm 27 and getting up there in age maybe too old for kids. Kind of a silly thought that's so untrue. Anyway, I see my friends and I definitely miss the happiness I felt when I was pregnant. Sure I was sick as a dog the first two to three months but in between all of that, pregnancy was one of the most special times of my life. I loved taking the pregnancy tests and watching them turn positive (the excited feeling that ran through my body was always awesome). Nothing more exciting to a woman hoping to become pregnant than seeing a "+" or "ll". Besides that I miss the little baby kicks and ultrasounds, most specifically the gender ultrasound. It was mostly fun. I miss the sound of the nurse wheeling the little bassinet into my room telling me the baby was hungry. I miss smuggling this tiny creature that depended on you 100% for everything. I miss milestones like first smile, first laugh, crawling, walking, talking, and first birthday. However having a baby is a very real thing so there are also things I do not miss. I don't miss getting zero sleep the first few months, I don't miss morning sickness and labor. I don't miss feeling like a constant sucky toy for an always hungry baby, and I don't miss how paranoid about everything with a newborn I was. Now that my youngest is going to be 3 in a few short months, its hard to think of adding a newborn to the picture. I don't deal with diapers hardly anymore, no formula, no binkies, no baby food, no special diet, no car seat, no bulky stroller everywhere, and no crib. Having a baby is hard work and requires serious planning when going on vacations or even just when leaving the house to run an errand. But then on the other hand, the kids would be awesome little helpers, the baby would be adored by all four of us, more memory making with another new one and all our travels, and bringing a life into the world that you know you'll love unconditionally and take care of is a rewarding thing. For now, no baby for me but its definitely fun playing around with the idea. For now I will live vicariously through my cute pregnant friends, babysit for my baby fix and be thankful for my two beautiful kids who help make this family incredible.

Relief!

So my previous post was me ranting about my back issues. I was in so much pain when I wrote that. I went to the doctor yesterday, the day after thanksgiving. I was a bit skeptical because my doctor was out of town so his PA was running the show. I had never met her but I had to think if my doctor who I think is the best in Vegas hired her, then she must be good. So the waiting room was a bit crowded as should be expected on a holiday weekend. We waited an hour in the waiting room (i brought my kids...the ocd I have kicked in and hand sanitizer was used frequently as well as making them stay far away from everyone). When the called us back, the nurse was awesome so it was a good start. We waited another 20 minutes but I was patient. The PA came in. She was gorgeous and young. She had long, blonde curly hair and was wearing a super cute shirt. Not that appearance matters but I felt a little at ease thinking she wouldn't be a know it all who doesn't let me talk. She listened to everything and saw my Xray from months ago so she was on the same page as me. Basically she called it a normal flair up amd usually happens to people with similar back problems when they are overly active. I have been overly active lately so it made sense. She also told me I wasn't taking enough muscle relaxer and anti inflammatory. I always take children's ibuprofen because too much hurts my stomach. She assured me as my brother in law once did that when taken with food I should be okay. She also said lortab really helps for patients like me but as I told her, I'm not a fan of the side effects. She prescribed me some just in case. I guess knowing I have it on hand just in case it gets bad is comforting. She also gave me a steroids shot. I gotta say, this shot was awesome! I went to bed with zero pain...miracle! I was in minimal pain waking up. So I guess I know whenever I'm in this much pain, steroids are good. Now I can look forward to the polar express this Monday knowing I'm taken care of. I would have posted the Xray of my spine but to some it may be graffic since it does show a good sized curve. I can post it if you want though.

Time To Vent...

About 8 months ago I got an Xray of my back. I've had back and neck issues as long as I can remember but the past year has been exceptionally painful. So painful that it ruins my days sometimes. The Xray showed a curve in my spine. Definitely not a normally one...a scoliosis curve. It was the first Xray I had ever gotten. You know those scoliosis tests you did in elementary school, my mom always kept me from doing them for whatever reason. So, I have no clue how long I have had this curve and if I could have even prevented it to getting where it is today. At first the doctor put me on non drowsy muscle relaxers and lortab. Uh....that did not help. Not even in the slightest. The chiropractor did do some good along with a massage therapist. Eventually it got to the point where my pain was cut in half. I quit taking the lortab quickly and switched to non narcotics which was so much better. I've managed to find ways to cope with the pain and its been pretty okay. However, the past week, the pain is soooooo bad. Not sure why. I have been a lot more busy lately with having to run all over town for kid classes and errands along with cleaning and waking up 5 times a night with my kids and sleeping in three different beds before the night is over. These may all be why I'm literally dying in pain. I made thanksgiving desserts tonight and I am so stiff. Been lying down for an hour yet I'm still in pain. On a scale of 1-10 my pain is usually around a 5 which makes it easy to manage but this week it has been around a 9. Chiropractor is closed until next week and we have this grand trip to the polar express we are surprising our son with on Monday and I'm depressed thinking how much pain I will be in. I'm definitely going to pay a visit to the doctor Friday. Hopefully he cab figure out how to make me as comfortable as possible until I can see my chiropractor. Until then, I guess ill complain here on my blog and try hard to find time to rest as much as I can and drink plenty of fluids. Wish me luck.

Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree! Oops!

Every year for the past 4 years I have had to post this picture. It was way too funny. The look on Chez's face when it went down was priceless yet I could not stop laughing. Timber!

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

The title of my post refers to how much we have traveled throughout the years for the holidays. We have traveled by air and car and train...well that was just for the Polar Express but it was a train ride none the less. Every single year for Christmas we have done something. Whether it was Cancun, Chez's parents house, or my parents, we did something. This year we are staying put! I cannot wait to have my own Christmas with my little family. It will literally be the first year with both kids where we wake up in our own house Christmas morning and have a real Christmas. I am looking forward to this relaxing year. I love visiting family but I am also excited to start new traditions with my own. BUT, this doesnt mean we will not be having fun. In a couple weeks we will be doing the Polar Express in Arizona in the Grand Canyon. Should be fun. We will also be doing Disneyland again to enjoy all of the holiday decor and fun. We are also planning a trip to Big Bear. Since last year we went to the mountains in Washington for Christmas, Kingston thinks Christmas=snow. So he cannot wait to see snow. This means a trip to Big Bear was basically a no brainer. I am looking forward to that. We may also be having family visit. Still not sure about that. But anyone is welcome. After Christmas we will be going to Orlando for another fun trip to Disneyworld and then in February is mine and Chez's trip to Cabo. A lot of fun to look forward to and I just love the holidays. I feel so much love, happiness, and warmth during this time of the year, Happy Holidays All!

Disneyland

We went to Disneyland last week (I know, surprise surprise). We just love it there. The first day I took the kids to Thomas the Train. It was a Day Out with Thomas that doesnt happen often. We had such a great time. It was literally pouring down rain the whole morning before we were supposed to be there. I was really bummed. We ran into a nearby store when we got to town to grab a large umbrella. I figured we would just do the best we could. Then....a miracle happened. No joke, as I was pulling in to the parking lot, the rain stopped and never started back up again. We had a great time. I got teary eyed when the real Thomas pulled up and the kids were in awe. The next two days we did Disneyland. It never gets old to us. They had just started decorating for the holidays and it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas which I just LOVE at Disneyland. Another thing I love this time of year there is how calm it is. No crowds, no lines, hardly any people, and the weather is absolutely perfect. We will definitely be returning in the next few weeks so enjoy "It's a Small World" all decked out in Christmas decor. It is the most magical time of the year for Disneyland.

Food!!

So my life is really just ironic. I do things in such funny ways. I recently lost baby weight from Kenna that likes to sneak up on me. Now that I am no longer 18 or even close, my "I can eat whatever I want and look hot" stage is so over. If I eat whatever I want, my behind turns into a bowl of jelly. So I lost the weight through exercise and portion control. Portion control is the ONLY way I keep from gaining weight now. Yet at the same time, I have started taking more of an interest in baking fattening foods. I cook with healthy ingredients yet I am not afraid of cheese and olive oil which is actually not that bad. Anyway, I have been posting my foods on facebook lately for the fun of it. I get proud of myself when I make something that tastes and looks good :). I started cooking when I was like 9 years old and I have slowly worked my way up to where now you can probably bite into my food and say, yes that is yummy. Before, I probably had a lot more sympathy praises on my food. SO here are some pictures of my latest creations (and by the way, I only have small portions of each thing I make or I would be that evil bowl full of Jelly)

Seattle

Inside the Childrens Museum

The house I have probably the most memories of growing up in. I lived in 6 houses growing up

Found this picture of my handsome dad back in the day while I was visiting

Kenna LOVES Granpa "Taig" Craig

In the corn maze

Pike's Place

My mom and Kenna at the pumpkin patch

The bouncy toys at the mall
After Disneyworld and Arizona, we came back to Vegas to relax for a week and a half before the kids and I flew to Seattle. We had a great trip. Normally when I go, I dont plan anything. This time I decided to find something to do everyday. The first night my dad took me to this little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant by his house and introduced me to tamales. Wow! They are so good. The next day I met with my sister in law and her kids and we played at this place in the mall that had those huge bouncy toys. Not sure what they are called. Right before that though, I drove Kingston around to my old stomping grounds. I showed him my high school, middle school, and elementary school. He loved it. Thursday I took the kids to some childrens museum that was located inside of a mall. It was small and quaint but the kids had fun. Definitely wouldnt go back because there are famous larger childrens museums in Seattle that I would rather PAY a visit too. Childrens museums are not cheap. On Friday my sister in law and brother came over and we just hung out the whole day at the house. Saturday I went to this awesome corn maze and pumpkin patch with my sister in law, mom and the kids. Each year they have a new theme for the corn maze. Last year was Alice in Wonderland and this year was an egyptian theme. After the maze we went into the gift shop where I finally found my favorite pancake syrup....butter pecan! I was pretty happy about that. On Sunday my parents and I went to downtown Seattle and walked around the Pike's Place Market. I loved it. I like how down to earth people in Seattle are and they are so.....hippi? I love it. That evening we ate at a yummy fish restaurant on the water. I always have to have good seafood at least once whenever I am in town. Monday, my mom took the day off and we just hung out. We walked around target and had a good time. That night my dad and I went to a restaurant for pancakes. I love pancales these days and it is for no other reason other than probably the older I get, the more most carbs appeal to me! The irony of life. On Tuesday, it was the day we flew home but before that, I went to visit my sister. I didnt get to see her the entire trip which was sad. Usually when I go to Seattle, I always see my sister and her kids. I love her kids so much. It was hard to not have that time with them this time. I did get to spend a couple hours at her house though to chat. It was nice to be home. The flight back was pretty near perfect. Chez flew in from Idaho less than an hour after me so it worked out perfectly. Next adventure is Disneyland. We havent been there for so long. Also, Southwest had a killer deal going on so we booked another trip to Orlando in two months for way cheap and since we already have a great hookup on condos with our timeshare and season tickets, it will be a fairly inexpensive trip. After Disneyworld is our annual work President's Club trip. Chez earned it again this year and we are going to Cabo San Lucas in February. I am pretty excited. I love traveling with my kids but I almost love traveling alone with my husband more. We get this once a year alone trip and we savor every moment. Thank you Chris and Kc Jones for being awesome parents and grandparents and watching our kiddos every year!

Disneyworld!!

We had such a blast in Orlando. We flew in on the 8th around 5 pm. Got our rental car and drove to the resort we were staying at for the following two days. It was sooooo large and super nice. We got all settled into our room and quickly hit the pool. It was so nice. the sun was setting and the pool felt great after such a long flight. After we were done there we drove over to Walmart and got a ton of groceries to use for the next week and a half. The next morning we all slept in then headed straight to the Magic Kingdom. It was so perfect! Hardly anyone was there so the waits were basically non existent. We played there all day then headed back to swim. We told the kids there would be a surprise guest coming. They had no idea who it was. We drove over to the airport, pulled up to passenger pick up and we had Kingston scope out the place. As soon as he saw the guest he shouted, "Grandma!". The guest was my mom. We took her to the resort and we all got a good rest. The next day we sent allof our luggage and food to the resort we would be staying at the rest of the trip which was the Disney Beach and Yacht club. While waiting to check in (which was forever), we headed over to Chilis for lunch, dropped off the rental car at the airport, then took the Disney Magical Express back to the resort. We checked in and headed straight up to our villa. I loved it! Disney resorts are so awesome. They are decorated very classically and vintage. My mom got to occupy the suite and the kids, Chez, and I in the regular room which was perfect for us. Once we got the food put away in the kitchen and our clothes in drawers, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool which was soooooo awesome! The pool area is ginormous. There are a gazillion (like my words?) different pools but they all connected. There was a whirlpool, deep pool, large kiddy area, and an area where the slide dropped you off. The kiddy area is where we spent the majority of our time. The floor of the pool is all sand and they give the kids fun sand toys to play with. Kingston and Chez loved the slide. They went down it over and over. It came off of a pirate ship and was pretty long. After swimming we went over to the beach where they roast marshmallows for the kids every night then watch a movie on the beach. That night was the movie Tangled. Kingston had an absolute blast. He met a lot of friends and they played in the sand and watched the movie. The next few days we did Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood studios, and two different Disney water parks. We seriously had the best time ever. We also met up with our friends a few times at different parks with their kids which was really fun. The highlight of the trip for me was lunch with the characters in the magic kingdom. The kids dressed up so cute and got to meet Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, and Piglet. BEst time ever. I am sooooo glad we bought season passes for Disneyworld. We are already planning for another trip there soon and plus these tickets also work for Disneyland. We did break the piggy bank but you really cant trade money for making magical memories with your family. I heart Disney!!I also heart my husband who has such a passion for vacationing with his family. I feel truly blessed that we are able to plan, save, and make time for these important family times.

Arizona

We flew from Orlando straight to Arizona. It was a long flight but the kids did well. The first night we got there we pretty much went right to bed. The next day was Sunday and grand,a and grandpa had some church meetings so the kids, Chez, and I just hung out at home which was good because they all had really bad colds. We did go to sacrament meeting with them but I felt kinda bad because the kids were coughing so bad that the family behind us actually left. I am never a fan of going to church when the kids are sick but it was for grandma and grandpa :). We woke up the next day and did a feeding zoo with Grandma Jones where we fed deer, donkey, ostrich, goats, and birds. We bought feather dusters as a souvenier (my kids like the most interesting toys). Later that day we went home and ate dinner with grandpa where Kingston pretended to be our waiter. It was so cute. I even gave him $20 afterwards and he gave it back. That night we decided to check into a nice Wyndham hotel (Chez gets a good discount) because the blow up mattress wasnt working too well for Chez and Kingston. The hotel was super close to the house so it worked out perfectly. We all slept very well that night which was so needed because everyone except me was so sick. The next day we went with grandma and grandpa to the zoo where we saw a lot of cool animals. We saw a cute little otter whose name was actually Makenna. When we told Kenna that she said, "no that not Kenna, I Kenna". She didnt totally understand. Kingston did so good feeding the giraffes carrots. After the zoo we went to a cave and had a tour. I was a little scared because it was pretty dark and there were some drop offs in different places but we ended up okay. I was pretty stern making sure someone held Kingstons hand at all times. The next day, the last full day, we went to the desert museum where we saw a lot of different types of cactus and animals. Kenna loved all the little animal statues. That night we went back to grandma and grandpas house to eat and play games. Kingston loved the pig game as did Kenna. You simply roll two pigs in a cup, shake them out on to the table and however they land determines how many points you got. So if they both landed on their backs, it was called a double razor back and earned you quite a few points. The next morning was a packing day. We got all of our laundry done, spent some times with Chez's parents then headed to the airport. The flight was delayed an hour but that was okay. We allentertained ourselves pretty good. Kingston pretended to be my barbor and did my hair with his pretend blow dryer and curling iron. Everyone watching thought it was pretty cute. The flight was short compared to what we were used to. It was nearly a 5 hour flight to orlando from Vegas and this flight to Vegas from Tucson was only 1.5 hours. The kids slept most of the flight. We got home around midnight where Chez discovered his Cadillac had a dead battery and I found a scorpion in the kitchen. No worries though. The battery was covered by the warranty and the scorpion was dead in a trap. Now we clean, unpack, grocery shop, and get ready for our next adventure to Seattle in two weeks.