Christmas in California

We had an awesome time in California. It was great to be back there for Christmas. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for a grand time. With lots of food (of course), laughter and baby screaming.  We love you!

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night

To Millers Sanctuary, Palos Verdes

From Millers Outpost, Heber City

Daily Herald article

An article profiling me and First & Girl appeared today in the Daily Herald. Here it is...http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/293303/17/

Worst picture of me ever. Besides that, I'm very happy with it!

This Year's Christmas Card

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, Ruben (the wiseman) and Kathy

Baby Johnson Time

He's here!

Baby Owen was born Dec 17th and

weighed in at 5 lbs 14 oz.

Such a tiny little guy, do they really come this small?

Happy Baby

food


gifts

friends

December 13th turned out to be very snowy! We still had a great time and appreciate everyone that was able to come (or attempted- we missed those that weren't able to come due to weather/illness). Marci should be having a baby any day now, Porter wanted to know if he could be there and watch how the baby comes out... um, maybe next time:)

ORANGE ROLLS!!!

With Christmas right around the corner and several of our family members spread throughout the world, I thought it would be nice to post the recipe for our traditional Christmas breakfast favorite- Orange Rolls. That way, though we will all be in seperate places for Christmas this year for the first time (it still seems unreal that our life-long tradition has actually come to an end) we will know that we are enjoying the exact same delicious oven-hot rolls!!!

Orange Rolls

1 pkg active Dry Yeast (1 Tb)
1 1/2 cups warm Water (105-115 degrees)
1 cup unseasoned lukewarm Mashed Potatoes or 1 cup water + 1/2 cup potato buds
2/3 cup Shortening
2/3 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
6-7 cups all purpose Flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl. Stir in potatoes, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turn greased side up. Cover bowl tightly and refrigerae for at least 8 hours- but no longer than 5 days.

Roll out dough on a floured surface, spread the orange filling. Roll dough and slice into 1 1/4 inch slices. To prepare 9x13 baking dish- melt some butter in a dish on the stove and pour into bottom of dish. Place rolls 3 across in baking dish- you may need more than one pan.

Orange filling: 1/2 cup butter+ 1 cup Sugar+ 1 tablespoon Orange zest. Mix and spread over flattened dough.

If your dough needs to raise a little more, place prepared rolls in the oven at 375 degrees and bake until golden brown. If dough is already done rising, bake at 400 degrees until golden brown.

Orange Roll Topping: 1/2 cup melted Butter, 1 tablespoon orange zest to taste, powdered sugar and orange juice. Mix until thin enough to pour. Pour over hot rolls and serve!!

President Bush in Afghanistan

Ben got to meet President Bush early Monday morning. To read Ben's account, click here.

An article I thought I'd share

cut and paste this: http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-lopez14-2008dec14,0,5418682,full.column

or click here

Getting to meet Santa

Em's camera probably got better pictures then mine but I just wanted to post these cute pictures from the yesterday at the mall. We went to meet Santa, ride the train and ended with a yummy lunch!!! The kids were so cute, Porter wanted to talk to Santa all day, telling him all the things he wanted for Christmas. Ollie wanted all the giant presents that were set up for decoration he kept asking Santa "Are these ones mine?" We had a great time and missed all of you who couldn't come!!!

Happy Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Noelle and Ben!
(This picture is from last year)

Marci's Baby Shower

Saturday December 13th at momma McEuens house at 2:30pm.

Baby Owen will definitely be here some time before Christmas... crazy. At least we think it's going to be an Owen baby and not a Bella baby (I just saw Twilight last night, LOOOOVED it. Words can't describe how much I thought it was seriously awesome. I guess I will just have to read the books now). Her ultra sound tech never was 100% sure.

I hope to see you there!