R.I.P. Provo Tabenacle

This afternoon we went to pay our respects to the former Provo Tabernacle. At 3:00 a.m. on Friday December 18th, the building went up in flames. At 6:00 a.m. the roof collapsed. Luckily, no one was in the building and no one was hurt.

Quick history lesson, the Provo Tabernacle was built in 1883 and took 15 years to complete at a cost of $100,000. Twice during its life, it was condemned due to a sagging roof, however was repaired and put into use once again. It was a building of historic significance to the city of Provo as well as a very functional facility. The building was used for church meetings and performances. Since we've lived in Provo, we've even had a couple of stake conferences there. Its a very significant loss for the community and I was sad to see this beautiful building destroyed.

Goodbye Provo Tabernacle.

A Friday Night Christmas date

Last night we had an amazing, Christmas date night. Our original plans with friends fell through, but we were undeterred. Its amazing what a difference it makes to be done with finals and to have absolutely nothing hanging over your head. All cares just go out the window.

We had some yummy Cafe Rio for dinner. It's definitely our date night go-to.

Then it was home for making some delicious Christmas sugar cookies (for our original plans) and decorated them with festive Christmas sprinkles.

We needed a gallon of milk so we decided to head up to Days Market. Much to our surprise, when we walked outside it was snowing like crazy. The roads were completely covered and we had quite the entertaining time sliding our way up to Days. While we were out, we decided it was definitely an opportune moment for looking at some Christmas lights in our neighborhood.

This was our favorite house... I could definitely see us living in a home like this sometime in the future. It was beautiful, and beautifully decorated. I love the straight white lights. Its my favorite.

Then we came home to our own little house, cuddled up in our bed, and watched Prison Break on our lap top.

Merry Christmas!

Dark Chocolate Orange Sticks

Chocolate and orange is one of my most favorite flavor combinations. I was raised on coveting the dark chocolate orange that my mom always received for Christmas and love any flavor that compares. I saw the recipe for these dark chocolate orange sticks on a friend's blog and knew I wanted to try them. The recipe is here.

Slice the ends off 5-6 oranges, peel them from one end to the other, and remove the peels. Slice the peels into thin strips. Definitely save the orange innards for future snacking. (Sorry the lighting in my pictures is so awful, I made them on Thursday night in order to celebrate finals being done.)

Using a medium size pot, place the peels in boiling water and blanch them for a few minutes. Rinse the peels under cold water and then repeat this process a second time. This is done to remove the bitterness of the peels.

Prepare a simple syrup by combining 1 c. water and 1 c. sugar in a pot. Bring the syrup to a simmer and place the peels in the pot. Allow to simmer for 1 hour. Check back periodically to stir the peels around to prevent burning. Once the peels have cooked, remove them from the pot, and place them on a plate or rack to cool & drain.

Melt 16 oz. of chocolate (I prefer semi-sweet), in a double broiler or any other set-up similar to double broiler. Dip the candied orange peels in the chocolate, remove them quickly, and place them on a sheet of wax paper. Store the orange peels in an airtight container.

They are so good, your husband may try to steal a few while you're attempting to take pictures.
... and then go back to studying for his last final while you're taking more "decorative pictures". That's one thing about husbands that are so handy, they don't really care what they look like or if they're displayed all pretty on a plate. As long as they taste delicious, that's all that matters!

I love Christmas treats!

Birdie vs. Waterfall?

Last night we had our favorite Rileys over for homemade pizza. I wish I had taken pictures, I made a spinoccoli pizza (Spinach/Broccoli with a white sauce) and Chad made a "man pizza" with lots of cheese, bacon, and sausage. I have to say that the Spinoccoli pizza blew the man pizza out of the water. It sure was tasty! However, after the pizza was done and the Graham Canyon ice cream was broken out (BYU creamery win!), we came upon a slight disagreement.

What is it called when you drink water without putting your mouth to the bottle/cup?

My sister and I firmly believe the answer is a "birdie" sip. However, the boys would not relinquish their hold on the term, "waterfall". We decided to bring the matter to facebook and both Rileys posted on their wall a survey to see who was more correct. The stakes are high... whichever team wins (girls or boys), gets to throw 10 snowballs at the losing team. That is, if it does actually snow at some point this week.
The survey will end today at 5:00 p.m. and then we will see who has come out victorious. And so the Birdie vs. Waterfall battle has commenced.

the gift that keeps on giving?

[cell phone call on Tuesday night]
Riley: "Alyse...you're not at your house."
Alyse: "That would be correct, I'm on campus until 8. It's a long day."
Riley: "I went shopping at DI today and I left a present for you at your house."
Alyse: "Really? What is it?"
Riley: "It's a surprise, obv."
Alyse: "Why can't you just tell me now?"
Riley: "Because then it wouldn't be a suprise."
Alyse: "whatever."
Riley: "You just have to promise me that you will never ever get rid of it or throw it away. Ever. If you do, then you just don't love me."
Alyse: "Wow, it must be a good present."
Riley: "Obv."

When I came home, this is what I found waiting for me on my kitchen table. I have no words other than, yes, you really do pour liquid out of its beak.

We make gingerbread houses.

What says Christmas more than making gingerbread houses with family and friends? On Friday night we had the Rileys over for some gingerbread-making festivities to really get into the Christmas season. I made the gingerbread and frosting while the Rileys used their dining plus to provide the candy for decorating.

One of the funniest things of the evening: Chad pulling out his ruler with calculator included to ensure that all of the gingerbread's proportions were correct. He's such a cute nerd.

Girl Riley helped with the frosting.

... and boy Riley brought dinner.

Then it was time for the construction to begin.

Once it was completed, we took a ton of pictures. We were so proud.

Precious.

We love having the Rileys around. They are a kick in the pants.

Its been so much fun to have Riley around. I love the Christmas season.