Twenty Dozen

Twenty Eleven. Wow, what an awesome year for us Culbersons! Our little family spent most of the year separated by A and C schools. At the beginning of the year, I remember wishing for 2011 to fly by, and it really did. We were united together for good in September and then the whirlwind really began. The move, Taylor starting a new "job" here in California, the Holidays, and now celebrating a New Year. I feel like we are finally getting settled here in Southern California. The biggest change is the culture. I don't mean this in any way to be bad, but being a minority takes some getting used to. We are enjoying it here though.

Sophie just keeps growing and growing. Talking more and more and becoming her own little person. She has a sweet, loving spirit about her, but at the same time, feisty and stubborn! We cannot wait to celebrate her two years here with us. She is by far the best thing the Lord has given us. Without a doubt.

Taylor and I will be celebrating our 10th New Year's together. I thank God each and every day for him. Sophie and I are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful husband and daddy.

I hope 2012 brings each and every one of you happiness and much love. May the Lord bless you each day this New Year. May you be of strong mind and body, spiritually and mentally. Do something that challenges you. Do something you've dreamed of. Keep your friends and family close to you. Cherish them, because life is short.

Here's to 2012, New Year and new adventures. May He bless you and keep you safe.

Blessings!
Cayla

California Christmas

Merry "California" Christmas from The Culbersons!

Energy Bites

I ran across these tasty (and healthy) little snacks on Pinterest. Of course, where else. I'm always looking for snack like foods to eat before running and these will *hopefully* be perfect. 

Ingredients:

1 cup of oats/oatmeal

1/2 cup of peanut butter (I used about 2/3 cup, because I like PB)

1/3 cup of honey

1 cup coconut flakes (optional)

1/2 cup ground flax seed (I didn't use this because I didn't have it)

1/2 cup of mini choc. chips.

1 tsp of vanilla or almond extract (I used almond, will probably use vanilla next time)

Oats, PB, & honey.

Choc. chips, and extract.

Mixed really well. Then put bowl in fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Roll in to balls. Put them back in a container and keep in fridge.



A perfect little snack, will definitely keep making these!

E-A-S-Y BBQ Chicken

 Another great BBQ chicken recipe. This is a favorite of mine, because it's not terrible for you and it's super easy. Best part, throw the chicken breasts in the crock pot frozen...I said easy!

I like seeing pictures, so I'm adding them. See, frozen!


Cook however many breasts you need.

Mix 1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce, 1/4 c. brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder.

Pour glaze over chicken. And cook for 4-6 hours!

It was delish! So easy and simple. :) Trying out another new recipe tomorrow. Crock pot beef and rice (chinese style). Now if only I could figure out Egg Drop Soup!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I now realize I need to spread around the lights at the top of the tree. I just don't feel like re-taking these. It was hard enough the first time!

Love this one.

And this one.

 A few of my favorite ornaments.

Sophie's ornament for this year.

Coming soon...

Christmas tree pictures! 

Yes, I blurred it on purpose. Having fun tonight playing with my camera and learning more about it. 

I worked pretty much all day setting the tree up and putting lights on it. After two Target runs and 1350 lights later (yes you read that right), it's up. But only after having to replace 4 fuses, hoping and praying no more lights go out! I can't  help it my mother ruined me and taught us that no light count under 1000 is acceptable! (Love you mom) It does look gorgeous though. Can't wait to decorate tomorrow with Taylor and Sophie!

It's the MOST wonderful time....

Wanted to share a few pictures of around the house. Slowly getting Christmas decorations put up. I did all the outside lights yesterday. We are waiting to do the tree once Taylor gets back home.

My new Christmas card holder, cute right??

Our Christmas cards this year. Sophie helped pick them out.

Our 1/2 bath.

Our mantel... ;) I'm cross stitching like crazy, trying to finish Sophie's stocking. I just don't know if it's going to happen this year!

Front door.

Walkway/entrance. 

Took Sophie out to see the lights. Our neighbors have theirs up too.

Our little home!

Love Sophie's expression.

Oh, it was 80 degrees here yesterday. Kind of weird hanging Christmas lights wearing shorts and flip flops!

I'll post tree pictures next week!

Biscuit Mini Pizzas

Another Pinterest recipe...it was yummy! Taylor came home and thought I had actually bought them in the store. :)

Grands biscuit mini pizzas.

I have run out of all my organic breads, so I had to resort to Grands refrig. biscuits. But I used organic marinara sauce, shredded mozt cheese and pepperonis on ours. You could of course add whatever! I baked mine in the toaster oven using the directions off the package. A tip: smash out the biscuits before adding toppings.

Lunch is served!

Just keep sewing!

My latest project...a shower curtain. Now gotta finish up Sophie's pillowcases and her quiet book.

Tennessee themed shower curtain. (For a friend) The orange shower hooks will look adorable against the white fabric.

Crafty!

So, I'm absolutely loving my new sewing machine and learning how to use it! Stay tuned for posts about all my "projects". I'm currently working on a shower curtain for a friend that I hope to have finished by tomorrow. I'm making Sophie a couple of pillow cases as well.

Also working on some Christmas decorations to have ready by this weekend. This week is going to be so busy! But I wanted to wish all our family a Happy Thanksgiving and we miss everybody! Love to everyone!

Quiet Book

Here's a sneak preview of Sophie's "Quiet Book". I'm still adding finishing touches, but it's coming together nicely.

Apple tree page. The apples velcro on/off and you can put them in the basket.

Holds pencils and paper.

Ark page. Have little finger puppet animals that I'm going to place in the Ark.

Zipper page.

Stop light.

Each light will velcro on/off.

Match shapes and colors.

My favorite page.

Count the petals.

Clothesline page. Still need to paint the little clothespins. 

And can I just say that velcro is nearly impossible to sew straight? It moves around and doesn't cooperate at all. So some pieces are crooked and not perfect, but oh well. I think Soph will like it. Still trying to figure out the cover. I ended up using muslin for the pages and used Pelon interfacing inbetween each page to "stiffen" it up.

2-6!

Just a few pictures from our birthdays! :)

Enjoying dinner at The Cheesecake Factory on my birthday.

Dipping her quesadilla in the guacamole. What 1 1/2 year old likes guacamole?

Dada's birthday cake.

It's been 26 great years!

Thanks to everyone who sent cards/gifts. You made us feel very loved.

Fall in San Diego

Beautiful, right?