New Years Resolutions

This has nothing to do with baking but I thought I would share.

My New Years resolution this year was to take a picture everyday. Anybody want to guess how long that lasted? Yep, you guessed right, one day.

Here is Ty and I on New Years Day. HOORAY FOR RESOLUTIONS! =]

Sad part...it's not ever a good picture.

2 Months and 5 Odd Days Later

Were you guys worried about us? Sorry for the scare! We (Krista and I and the rest of the Duffey clan and adders) are doing well.

We have been very busy, obviously too busy since we haven't blogged, however with what, I am not sure...I cant even recall a darn thing.

So we will just start with the first pictures I found on my camera.

My mother had my two "brothers" Brady and Brock over on New Years Eve to make gingerbread cookies and trees. Brock was quite adamant that Suzy have them over. The boys are quite artistic and did a great job. Suzy even impressed me with her decorating skills.

Brock Man so proud of his tree

Check out the mass pile of sprinkles on the left. He may have just dumped the entire container.

Braden Matthew

So Proud!

I couldn't resist this picture. Talk about a Cheese Ball

My boys

This is my favorite creation of Brady's. Check out the eyes. This kid is clever

This is Suzy's snowman. She was very intricate with her details.

The eyes, nose,  and mouth are all individual sprinkles

My creation.

Brady was mad I showed him up.

I thought I had some mad skills.

Inside Surprise

Little Bethany requested cake balls for a potluck she was attending. Bethany likes her cake balls very very straight forward - white cake, white frosting.

While browsing the aisles at Target, this is dangerous by the way, I came across Green Funfetti frosting (I will admit the Pink Funfetti frosting is a guilty pleasure of mine), I knew I had to use this for Bethany cake balls, she would get all worked up about it and provide a good laugh.

These cakes ball turned out AWESOME! I will be driving to Target to get more of this frosting. From the outside its just an ordinary cake ball, but once you bite inside its just an extra surprise that will bring a smile to your face.

Green Cake Balls Pre Dipping

Inside Surprise

Red Candy Melt, White Stripe

I forgot to mention, Bethany doesn't even like sprinkles!

I just love the color contrast of the red and the green.

Slew of Inside Surprise Cake Balls

Holiday Baking

The Holiday Baking has begun in the Duffey household. I made two different variations of cake balls the past couple days.

These first ones are very very simple. Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Heaven! These were dipped in red candy melt, drizzled with green, and adorned with Christmas sprinkles.

Little Baby Christmas Trees

Holiday Balls



These were very simple, but a great way to get the ball rolling for the holidays.

Goin' to the Chapel & We're Goin' to get Maaaaaaaaarried

Yes, you heard right! There is going to be another wedding in the Duffey household :) My wonderful boyfriend Mike proposed with a gorgeous ring on November 26th.

See proof below.

[Pretty Ring]

Now who wants a close up??

Didn't he do a great job?? He picked that beauty out all by himself and surprised me at home with a clever proposal and a night out on the town! Dinner at Pazzaluna (my favorite) and a night at the St. Paul Hotel (gorgeous!)

We are so excited and have already started planning!  Come next August 24th I will either be Mrs. Krista Weinkauf or Mrs. Krista Klotthor.  But the last name issue is a story for another blogpost!  On that note, I'll leave you with this small tidbit of glory from one of the best movies of all time. :)

 George: A cake, Franck, is made of flour and water.  My first car didn't cost $1,200!

 Franck: Well, welcome to the 90s Mr. Banks!

:)

Christmas Cookies

Our family is nuts. When I tell my friends about my weekend it always involves stories with my family. And I am not just talking about my mom, dad, and sisters, I am talking about my whole extended family.

Every Sunday afternoon my Grandparents cook dinner for the family. There are 19 grandchildren (1 married in), 12 adults, plus my Grandma and Grandpa. That is a whopping total of 33 people getting together every weekend.

This past weekend my Aunt Joan made homemade sugar cookies and frosting and let all of us kids decorate them. We have some real beauties! Check them out!

Brady and Auntie Patty.

Jamie

She really liked the pink frosting

Blake and Auntie Joanie.

Thanks Joan for bringing the cookies, they were so much fun!

All the kids asked if we were going to do it again next weekend.

Jenna and Katelyn Rae

Sprinkles GALORE!

Brady and Brock

Brady decided he couldn't have enough sprinkles

Brock only wanted his sprinkles in the center

Breanna and Ashlyn

Ashlyn's favorite part, licking the frosting off the knife.

Nate

He has no shame!

  

Krista and I really hated showing up the kids, but we did.

The Gang

This picture was taken mid-song. Yes that is correct we busted out in Christmas carols while decorating cookies. And if you know the Rubbelke clan...we cannot carry a tune! =]

December 5

December 5th is an exciting day for the family. We are lucky enough to celebrate the day of birth for two very special people.

First we will honor Uncle Rick, because he is older, but is only turning 40. Happy Happy Birthday Uncle Rick! Thanks for always supporting our baking adventures cross country and being a loyal HH follower. Come to Minnesota, we miss you lots!

Uncle Rick and Haven Marie

This little girl has her Papa D wrapped around her finger

Next up on the Birthday Role Call is Tyler's brother, Steve!!! WOOHOO! Happy Birthday Steven! I hope your day is awesome, and Emily spoils you rotten! Also, please come to Minnesota, because we miss you too!!

Steven and his girlfriend Emily

And because I am in the celebrating mood, lets celebrate a new ROTM! Hooray, for Christmastime! I love Gingerbread Cookies and only allow myself to make them in the month of December. So in honor of Gingerbread Men and Women everywhere you lucky folks get a recipe to make them yourself. This past weekend our whole family had a little decorating extravaganza, yours could do the same, keep this recipe in mind. Check back tomorrow to see our cookie masterpieces.

Gingerbread Cookies