Disneyland!!!!

We were SO fortunate and blessed to be able to go to Disneyland while we were in California for two days. The kids have been before, but they are so young I seriously doubt they remember any of the visits.

This time, everything was different. Rylin was not only aware of where she was, but she now had people she HAD to meet. I knew the day would mostly be spend meeting characters, and that was fine. Grandma Russavage (Todd's Mom) was able to spend the entire day with us as well!

We stopped for a quick bite to eat before heading in. Rylin wasn't sure about wearing her ears, but she obliged for a photo at least.

After stopping in my old stomping grounds and saying hello at City Hall, I found Todd and the kids outside in the Firehouse under Walt's Apartment.

We then headed to the new and adorable Princess meet and greet area. It's right next to the castle, and the whole area is themed to look like it could be the village of any of the Princesses. We waited in line for an hour. I know that doesn't sound bad, but it hardly moved, and kids REFUSE to stand still. Plus, I did get a little spoiled being a VIP Guide and not having to wait in any lines at all.

I hate waiting.

While waiting, I ran into another previous co-worker, Marcel. He is so good with the kids and knows every trait about every character. He is wonderful!

At any rate, we finally got to meet our three Princesses!

First up was Sleeping Beauty:

In case you can't hear the video, Sleeping Beauty asked if Rapunzel did Rylin's hair because it's braided. She also told Rylin she liked her outfit because it's pink, and that's her favorite color. Rylin correctly responded with, "Aurora" when I asked her what Sleeping Beauty's name was.

We then got to meet one of the most important favorites: Ariel!!

Rylin: Where's Eric?

Ariel: Oh, he's at work.

Rylin: He'll come back later? 

(She always acts surprised when Todd or I come home from work and says, "You came back!")

I asked Rylin if Ariel had fins or legs, and she looked under Ariel's skirt and proudly proclaimed, "Legs!" I then asked her who gave Ariel legs, and she said, "Octopus!" meaning Ursula. 

We may or may not have watched this movie recently. A lot. 

Then we met a less familiar face: Mulan.

Rylin wasn't as thrilled with this encounter, but that's OK. Maybe she'll watch the movie more now.  

Maybe.

And that was it for 60 minutes of waiting. If you ask Rylin though, it was all worth it. I wanted to head to Pixie Hollow next to meet Tinker Bell and her friends, but there was no way we could wait in another 45+ min line. Instead we headed to "it's a small world" and enjoyed the Holiday version of Todd's "favorite" attraction. ;)

It was time to head to lunch, so we met up with more of Todd's family at Storyteller's Cafe. 

Two seconds after getting there, this was Rylin:

She only woke up briefly at dessert because she heard someone say the word, "cupcake." She opened her eyes, grabbed said treat, and fell back asleep while still managing to eat it. Talent.

Rylin and Evan each got very special gifts from the World of Disney store after lunch from Anne and Great-Granddad Tucker. We had to say goodbye to them too soon because we had the most important Princess to meet still.

There was a mix-up with the tickets which was our only hiccup in the day. They were back in the car in the parking structure. By the time we would be back, our most favoritest Princess would be gone!

Todd headed to grab the tickets and I somehow managed to convince the nice Disney folks to let us in (my hand-stamp had come off via diaper wipes even) and I RUSHED all the way to the back of the park in order to get in line in time to meet:

MERIDA!!!!!!!

She held Rylin for the longest time. I've heard this before, and sweet Merida must have as well. "When a child gives you a hug, never be the first one to let go. You never know how long they might need it."

As crazy as it sounds, it was getting dark already right after this picture was taken. I was finally able to meet up with Todd and the rest of our group.

Rylin then requested to "go on the teacups!" She picked the yellow one.

We went and got Evan his very own pair of ears, and then we headed to our place to watch the Christmas Fantasy Parade!

 Santa Claus!

After the parade we switched over to DCA (the other park on property) and ate dinner. Grandma watched the two kids so Todd and I and his friend could go on the Radiator Springs Racers attraction. It was awesome!!!!

I didn't take any more pictures that night for some reason. Probably because I was too exhausted at that point. Hard to believe I used to pull 16 hour days in heels, tights, and a plaid vest. Ah, to be young again.

We had such a fun day and I swear I ran into everybody I know that still works there. It was amazing and Rylin is watching me post this and has comments for everything. "I saw Merida! I went on teacups! That's Disneyland!"

Mission accomplished.

Well hello there!

A good friend recently told me, "Yeah I follow your blog. There's nothing lately!"

Point taken.

Here's where I don't waste your time with excuses.

Here's where I update and try to remember what I haven't said yet...

We moved to Utah at the end of May. Hooray!!

We are in Taylorsville, which is about halfway down the Salt Lake valley.  It's perfectly central to all of our various loved ones.

This is the street we live on. 

I am in LOVE with Fall.
LOVE.

I am working back at the same Macaroni Grill (by choice) I was in 2002. I am a server/trainer again and they are looking to promote me to bartender (aka more $$). I love it just as much now as I did then. The people are amazing. There are even 4 still there from 12 years ago. If that doesn't tell you something, just know that the average restaurant turnover rate is maaaybe 6 months.

Todd started out working with me there, and quickly got to learn how to be a line chef. Unfortunately, they didn't have enough hours for him so he had to look elsewhere for steady work.

I won't even bother wasting time on mentioning that place, and I'll just happily relate that he is now working full-time at a much better and more stable company. He works for multiple insurance companies that provide Medicare part D Rx benefits, on behalf of CVS Caremark, on behalf of Xerox. Say that 5 times fast. I still get lost trying to explain it to people. At any rate, it's challenging and complicated work. He works M-F from 7:00-3:30 which makes it hard in the mornings, but nice at night so that I can still go to work.

Of course we now only see each other for an hour a day at the kid hand-off, but we're finally able to maybe start paying our bills.

My computer died a month ago, and most of my blogworthy photos are still locked in the hard drive, so you'll just have to wait for Evan's 1st birthday (from June) and Rylin's first day of preschool (waaaaah!).

Our car needed some major work done (2 grand worth?!) in November so we could go on our road trip to California and Las Vegas. I'll post separately about those (promise!!).

So that's our life for now. I'm home with the kids during the day while Todd is at work. Rylin has preschool on Mon and Wed afternoons. She took (and was not thrilled with) a ballet class for 6 weeks. I work at nights. We all have Sunday off, which is our family day of rest.

We're maybe (hopefully) looking to move into a house when our lease is up next summer, but a LOT has to happen before then.

Obligatory witty end-of-post comment.

He cooks: Chicken Noodle Soup Pasta Sauce or Soup

So after I figured out how to home make Chicken Noodle Soup, I've been making it for Jena when she gets sick. Only one problem with that is, our kids don't eat soup. I don't know what it is, but they just aren't interested. Worse.. today they are all down with colds, likely due to the snowy weather. So while thinking how best to get a good dose of healthy soup down their gullets, I decided to do it in a pasta sauce.

So first.. the elements of a Chicken Noodle Soup:

1. 2 Cans Chicken Broth (16oz?) (2 Quarts for soup)
2. Butter
3. Olive Oil
4. Oregano (fine)
5. Green Onions
6. Onion Powder
7. Garlic Salt
8. Black Pepper
9. tiny dash of Cayan
10. Shredded Chicken
11. dash Red Pepper.

11. Egg Noodles.

12. Flour and butter

Method:

For the Base of the Sauce or soup I put 2 cans (or 2 Quarts) of Chicken Broth into a sauce pan, and turn on the heat to med hi. I add a bit of Olive Oil and the Spices. I want that group to simmer for a good 45 minutes to an hour. That way all the flavor will infuse with the Soup.

While the sauce is simmering, start the Sautee on the Chicken and Vegetables.

(I personally like to sautee the chicken in olive oil and garlic, Black pepper, Garlic Salt with a hint of red pepper, and THEN shred it. And set it aside (or 30 minutes into the Soup))

After the Flavors have been good and infused in the soup, and(/or) the sauce has been lightly boiling down for a while, it's time to start the pasta, as the next part wont take long.

For Sauce -  I add 2 tablespoons of butter and start slowly mixing in flour. Essentially I'm creating a Rou/Reduction, or a Gravy out of the soup. It takes me about 5-6 tablespoons of Flour and a good portion of the liquid from the soup should be boiled off. I rapidly stir the flour and try to get the clumps out as best as I can while maintaining a good heat. Once I can move the spoon across the bottom of the pan and notice the mixture is slow to return, I add the chicken and mix it up good.

Egg Noodles are the tradition for Chicken Noodle soup, and any other pasta just doesn't taste correct. Mix it in, and serve on a plate.

Pictures to come when I have time.