Here and gone...Christmas Memories

Wow, is it really over already? We had a wonderful Christmas this year but we are sad it is already over. We had my parents, my aunt and uncle, my sister and my grandma over for Christmas Eve and Christmas day - probably the smallest Hulihan celebration ever since most of the rest of our family is out of state (but we got to say hi and see most of them via Skype!)! Then on Christmas day we were able to celebrate with Jon's side of the family at his sisters house! Shayla was a bit overwhelmed all day, but had fun opening and playing with her new presents. It was so wonderful to see everyone and thank you for your gifts, goodies, and especially taking the time to be with us on Christmas! Here are some of my favorite shots and then a link to a slideshow with more holiday photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Larissamay123/Christmas#

Shayla and me on Christmas Day

Shayla with her auntie Rachel

Shayla helping Kelsy open her present Shayla and her new trike! Thanks Nana and Papa!

Shayla swinging with Grandpa!

My mom and dad!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

We hope you all enjoy your Christmas with loved ones and remember that we celebrate this special day because it is the birthday of our Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Shayla's 19 Months Old!

Another month has flown by and Shayla has hit the 19th month mark! This month has been so much fun with Shayla enjoying the holiday lights and holiday get togethers. She continues to be so full of life and is in the repeating stage of talking so she copies new words every day (her favorite words right now - hot, cold, idea). She is also very into taking her shoes on and off, playing in the car in the driveway (at least 30 minutes a day), and copying other kids actions. She is such a joy and we are excited to spend the holidays with our little blessing!

Christmas + Kids = Sugar

Here is Shayla with the gingerbread house we made this week at a friends house! She had lots of fun trying to snag the m & m's from the table - but that was about it with how much she helped (: Needless to say - she was FULL of energy following this activity!


She has already mastered the fake "cheese" smile - I did not know it started so young!

This smile is a little better (:

Mom with her 2 creations (:

Happy Birthday Molly & Megan!

My wonderful two older twin sisters are having a birthday today! I hope it is perfect!!!
Here they are at 6 months old with mom and dad.

Happy 31st Birthday Molly & Megan!!!

How Grandma and Grandpa Cera Meet...their version

Do you like Holiday Music?

If you do and you are not sick of it yet, you can download a bunch of great FREE Christmas music at 25 Days of Free Holiday Music at Amazon. Just

CLICK HERE TO GET FREE MUSIC

It helps to install the downloader, then it will pop into Itunes or whatever program you use to listen to music! There are a lot of great songs, but so far of these, my favorite is "Angels We Have Heard on High," by Sixpence None the Richer. Such a great version! Update those Christmas songs of yours!! Enjoy!

Busy Holiday Fun!

As I may have mentioned before, I LOVE This time of year. Everyone makes time to spend extra time with family and friends and enjoy each other's company and love. I think that is the best way we can honor the birth of our Savior this time of year - by celebrating our relationships with each other! A few of our activities last week included...


Moms Group Christmas Party! Shayla loves the parachute...

...and the giant teddy bear!

Celebrating my friend Jen's 30th birthday - Happy Birthday again - I will join you next year in the 30's...
(me with Shayla, Jenn and our other college buddy Keri!)

Ladies Social and Ornament Exchange (I got a good one) at my best friends Heathers house
(me with Heather and baby Sienna!)

And 10 more days of fun still to come!

A Christmas Recipe Post

Thought I should put some holiday recipes on my blog since baking and sharing goodies is part of the fun on this time of year for me, so here are a few of my SUPER EASY AND FAST favorites to make!

Nutty Clusters
These are really easy to make and very yummy! Also great to put in tin or bags for little gifts!

6 squares chocolate "almond bark" (can buy this time or year at store - or use an extra cup of chocolate chips if you cannot find almond bark)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 cups peanuts or mixed nuts

Combine chocolate almond bark, chocolate morsels, and peanut butter in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Pour nuts in; stir well. Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper. Freeze for a few minutes to set quickly. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Makes about 2 dozen.

Hulihan Family Shortbread
This is a family recipe from my mom and is one of those indulgent treats only to be eaten around the holidays!

2 c. unsalted Butter @ room temperature
1 ½ Bakers sugar
4 Cups of flour
1 package 12 oz chocolate chips (if you are going to make smaller squares, best to use mini chips)
Preheat oven at 275 degrees. Coat cookie sheets with spray oil.
Cream butter and sugar together. Stir in flour. Add chocolate chips. Roll into ¼ inch thick. Poke with fork. Cook for 20 minutes. Cut into squares.

Frozen Cranberry Salad
This is from Jon's mom and is one of my favorite recipes and can be considered kind of healthy because of the fruit and nuts in it. Sometimes I will eat leftovers slightly defrosted with cottage cheese or yogurt mixed in to pretend it is more healthy too! This is SOOOO good!

1 20 oz. Can Pineapple Tidbits (or if you cannot find tidbits, use crushed pineapple)
5 Medium Bananas
1 can whole cranberries
½ C. Sugar
12 oz. Cool whip
½ cup chopped walnuts

Drain Pineapple. Cut Banana into slices. Mix cranberries with sugar, add pineapple and bananas. Fold in cool whip and nuts. Freeze overnight. Remove from freeze 15 minutes before serving!

Okay - eat your heart out!

Shayla's Vocab

Shayla has starting copying a lot of what we say (good thing we have a clean vocabulary). Today on a walk to the park she recited many of her favorite words for me, so here they are for you to enjoy!

*Patting our chest with one hand is our way of saying "I love you" (if you are wondering why she does that when I ask her to say I love you)...