We had a really fun Thanksgiving in Ogden this year..we still missed St. George though. On Thanksgiving morning I ran a little turkey trot race and then we ate a delicious meal with the family in the afternoon. The day after, Black Friday, we just played with Daddy and went to the BEE Movie, which we loved, then did a little shopping. We decorated Gingerbread house too. On Saturday was the BIG VICTORY of the Cougars. Then at night we went to the Ogden Christmas Parade. It was a fun filled weekend..we made lots of great memories! We are so so so excited for Christmas!!!

Recipe Monday

Eggplant Parm
So I found out that at the Macaroni Grill Eggplant Parmesan has 1,200 calories per serving, no sides. Yowzers!! Who would have guessed eating vegetables was so unhealthy. Well they are dipped in butter, bread and junk. Well anyways, this is skinnier recipe with only 170 calories for a whopping 1/4 of the recipe and a huge 13 grams of fiber! You gotta love that..plus lycopene, vitamin A, calcium. Plus it is totally yummy. Even Preston loved it..he couldn't even tell a difference.

Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 large egg whites)
1 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original); ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in the blender
1 cup canned tomato sauce w/ Italian flavoring (I love Shar's Prego Tomato Basil)
1 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup reduced-fat grated parmesan-style topping
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Optional: dried Italian seasonings (basil, oregano, etc.)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice ends off of eggplant, and cut it lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips. Use a paper towel to blot eggplant slices on both sides (to remove excess moisture). Spray a large baking pan with nonstick spray. Season crumbs with garlic powder, salt, pepper and, if you like, additional seasonings. Coat eggplant slices on both sides -- first with egg whites, and then with Fiber One crumbs. Place slices flat on the baking pan, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, flip slices over and bake until browned on both sides (about 10 minutes longer). Remove pan from oven, but leave oven on. Spread 1/4 cup of sauce over the bottom of an 8" X 8" baking dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange half of the baked eggplant slices evenly over the sauce. Continue to layer ingredients evenly in this order: sauce (1/4 cup), mozzarella and parm topping (half of each), sauce (1/4 cup), eggplant (remaining slices), sauce (1/4 cup), and cheeses (remaining amounts). Cover dish with foil and return to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until heated throughout. Allow to cool slightly, and then cut into quarters. Enjoy! MAKES 4 SERVINGS

My Celine!!!

So if you didn't already know this already, I am an avid fan of Celine Dion! I am still slightly devastated that her dad died the day we went to see her in Vegas. Her new album comes out this week. Here is a new song I saw on Oprah and I love it! What do you think? Her voice is so amazing!

Christmas Cards

So the other day my parents had their friend come over and take some family pictures for their Christmas card. The friend is like the funniest man ever and Katelyn loves him. She was sorta being a showoff for him.

Recipe Monday..Or Tuesday for me

So Megan Shaheen had a fun idea to do a recipe every Monday..so hopefully I will remember to post. If not, I will try to put one up every couple weeks or so. So all of my friend and family or anyone who reads this should do it too. These are the best cookies ever. You will be thanking me for years to come. PS. They are definitely not light, so don't blame me if you gain a few!

Homeade Oreo Cookies
1 box devil's food cake mix
3/4 cup butter softened
2 eggs
1 8 oz package cream cheese softened
1/2 cup butter
2 t. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
In large bowl combine cake mix and 3/4 cup butter and eggs.
Chill about 10 minutes and roll into small balls.
Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 7 to 9 min.
Cool.
Prepare filling by beating cream, 1/2 c. butter and vanilla together, add powdered sugar and mix well.
Spread filling on top of cookies then top with another cookie.
Makes 2 dozen.

New Shoes!!

So we have had an extremely difficult time getting shoes to fit Tate's massive feet. We have received a surplus of comments on the fact that he doesn't wear shoes and we are aware that winter is coming up too..so our problem is solved at last!! I had to go down to Bountiful to get these babies, but it will be worth it. And they are cute too!