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!