Shutterfly Christmas Cards

I get the exciting opportunity to review some fabulous Shutterfly cards and tell you all about them!

I have been using shutterfly for years and have never been disappointed. I make photo books for my kids every year and they love these special little treasures.

I have also used Christmas cards in the past and am excited to use them again this year.

They have literally hundreds of designs to choose from.

Some of my favorites are these:

Retro Snowflake - I love the simplicity and yet cute design of this card.

Initially Chic - This one is so sophisticated and chic, and I love the green!

Golly Holly Jolly - This one just screams Christmas to me! I love the greenery swag and the fact that is says "Holly Jolly"

Brighly Merrily - This one is just cute and snazzy. I love the words Merry & Bright.

I am going to have a hard time choosing just which one!

I am very excited to get some fabulous Christmas photos taken this year and put our happy family onto one of these super cute cards. Hopefully after I see the pictures, I will be able to choose the card design.

Tell me, what would you choose?

Check out some of these other cute Shutterfly projects!

Pewter Ornaments - Would be a great First Christmas gift!

Wall Calendar- I have made these several times and they make great gifts for the family!

So there you go, head on over, right now to Shutterfly and find something fabulous to make this Holiday season!

Holiday Baking Ideas

Because I'm sick and consequently bored, I thought I would start posting some holiday ideas.

You never know when you might be the reciepient of some holiday kitchen goodies from yours truly!

Homemade Twix Bars- Oh. MY.!

Homemade Oreos- Killing me softly.

Cookie Dough Balls- Someone may die eating these.

Ginger Molasses Cookies- Different is good.

Christmas Cookie Bowl- I'll never make this, but it sure it cute!

Peppermint House- This got me to wondering...I wonder if you could make a house out of Pop Tarts. Hmmmm.

Yuletide Treat Logs- I saw these last year and thought they were so cute.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna- Ok, so this has nothing to do with Christmas persay....just thought it looked good.

White Trash- Everybody makes it different, but you gotta love it!

That is all for now. There will be plenty more to come this holiday season.

What is your favorite Holiday standby?

Ode To My Dishwasher

Oh dishwasher, my very best friend.

Your shiny silver cover reminds me of a Volvo I once knew.

I love putting my dirty dishes on your top and bottom shelves.

Push a button and come back, how easy is that.

Once filthy dishes have been made clean.

You have cut my kitchen time in half with your wash cycle.

You have made my dishes pretty and pristine with your dry cycle.

A new found love for cooking I have discovered, and its all because of you.

I make a mess with my pots and pans...

Then turn them over to your trustworthy hands.

My counters are no longer cluttered with dirty dishes.

Hepatitis no longer lives on my silverware.

No more wet shirts from standing over a soapy sink.

Yes, my sweet, my precious, my love, you have made my life sweeter.

It is a pleasure to call you my friend.

Snowflake Cake

I whipped this up for our family night tonight. I thought it turned out really well.




Ouch-ug-arg-ooh-the pain-the electricty-shooting through my arm-lighting bolts crashing around me-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaa

Wii Bowling

Our Family has become obsessed with Wii bowling.
We've only had the thing for a week, and we have already hit obsession mode.
Of course when we start back to school on Monday, that will have to change, but for now, we are enjoying the wii!

I won't tell you who the Pro is (me) and who has the highest score (me) and who has the best ball because of the pro status (me), but I will tell you who has the most unique Wii bowling stance and throw of anyone in the world. Weee little Lana. It took her a few days to figure it out, but today the Wii light went off, and she is on fire! She scores really well, but her technique is hilarious. I tried to capture it on video, and it just doesn't do it justice. But it sure is funny to watch her play...and play well!

Happy New Year!

9 Resolutions for 2009:

1. Gain 40 pounds

2. Be a less patient Mother

3. Not make a lot of money

4. Love my husband less

5. Be less organized

6. Have inconsitent time in Gods word

7. Be unprepared for homeschooling everyday

8. Fix nothing in my house

9. Eat food that is bad for me


I figure I usually do the opposite of the resolutions that I make...this way I ought to be doing pretty well next year at this time :)

Happy New Year Friends!

3 days till Christmas

3 days till Christmas and my house is a mess.
The laundry is piled up and we cannot get dressed.

My voice is hoarse, and raspy at best.
My nose is way stuffy, its so hard to rest.

Grocery bags are sitting on the table quite full.
Put them away your miserable toole.

Rotting bananas are waiting to bake.
Banana bread won't happen today for goodness sake.

Packages are ready to be sent in the mail.
But today I'm moving the pace of a snail.

Floors need a mopping, they're dirty and gross.
But how can I mop when I'm blowing my nose?

3 days till Christmas, at least presents are wrapped.
Maybe I could just go lay down for a nap.

Tinsel Tuesday- Week 4

Hello my friends! Welcome to this weeks episode of Tinsel Tuesday.

(You must know that this is said in my BEST Mrs.Doubtfire voice)



For this weeks TT I thought I would share with you my baking list for this week. Most of the baking I am doing this week is for gifts.

Some of it might even be for YOU! But you will not know until I see you, now will you?!


This week I will be delivering my annual Pastors goody assortment. I assure you no pastors read my blog, so this is definetly not a spoiler. I have boxes for each of them (5) that will be filled with lovelies, of which I am about to share the recipes with YOU!



I also have some other homemade goody gifts that will be ready to go out this week as well.

I will take pictures after they have been delivered. Well actually, I will take the pictures BEFORE they are delivered, but I will post them AFTER they have been delivered. See? Do you see how brilliant I am?



What I have going on this week, goes all the way back to my first TT post about planning.
Remember I talked about planning out your baking for the month?
I did my shopping for this a few weeks ago. Bought my boxes a few weeks ago. And have been working on little projects for this stuff over the past few weeks.
I made my list, and checked it twice, of who I would be giving too, and now the time has come to begin the process!
I love the week of baking. Although, only one of the recipes I am making actually requires the oven. Crazy huh?!
Pastors goody boxes will consist of 4 things, of which I am about to share.
One of these things makes a huge batch and I MIGHT share with some of you.
IF you have been good this year, and I'm thinking, but I don't recall any of my friends being good this year, so never mind.


Recipe 1:

White Trash
(Kim Hill also makes White Trash, but hers is the Mississippi version. Mine is the Alabama version, and yes there is a difference!)

10-oz. pkg mini pretzels
5 c. Cheerios
5 c. Corn Chex
2 c. Peanuts
16 oz. pkg M&M's
1/2 block of White Almond Bark
1 T. Oil
Powdered Sugar-Optional

Combine first 5 ingredients in a VERY large bowl; set aside.
Melt chocolate with oil in microwave. Stir until smooth.
Pour over cereal mixture, and mix well.
Spread mixture onto 3 wax paper lined baking sheets and allow to cool.
Break into bite size pieces, store in an airtight container.

~TIP~ I do not have a bowl large enough, so I bought one of those HUGE disposable roasting pans at Wal-Mart and it works very well.
Also, I don't put my wax paper on cookie sheets. I just spread it out onto my table and do it that way.
This makes a HUGE amount!

Recipe 2:

Rocky Road Fudge
(This is one of those recipes that we have made forever and a day in my family)

12-oz pkg Chocolate Chips (2 cups)
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 TBLS butter or margarine
10 1/2 oz pkg mini marshmallows (or 5 1/2 cups)
8-oz jar unsalted peanuts

In a saucepan combine chocolate, condensed milk, and butter.
Heat over low heat till chocolate is melted; remove from heat.
In a large bowl combine marsmallows and peanuts.
Fold in Chocolate mixture.
Spread in a 9x13 pan that is lined with waxed paper.
Chill 2 hours or until firm.
Remove from pan, peel off waxed paper. Cut into 1" squares with a wet knife.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Recipe 3:

White Chocolate, Peanut, and Caramel Candy Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 c. sugar
1 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats
2 c. AP flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 (1.91 oz) pkgs Rolo's candy
2 (4 oz) white chocolate bars, chopped
1 1/2 cups unsalted peanuts, chopped

Beat butter at medium speed until creamy.
Add sugars and beat well.
Add eggs and vanilla, beating until blended.
Process oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
Combine oats, flour, and next 3 ingredients.
Add to butter mixture, beating well.
Stir in chopped candy, white chocolate and peanuts.
Shape dough into 1 1/2" balls and place on parchment paper lined baking sheets.
Bake @ 375 for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool 1 minute on baking sheets and then remove to wire racks to cool.
Makes 6 dozen.


~ I haven't actually made these yet! I'll be making them this week and let you know how it turns out. I didn't buy white chocolate bars, I am using white chocolate chips.

Drum Roll Please! I have saved the best recipe for last!
If you have not had these, then make them!
They are easy, but also a little messy and a little hands on. But SOOOOO good!

Recipe 4:

Chocolate Balls

1 Pkg oreo cookies
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 pkg Chocolate Almond Bark

Put oreos in a food processor or blender and make into a fine crumb mixture.
Place in a large bowl, and with your hands, mix the cream cheese into them.
This is very messy, but using the mixer just doesn't work as well.
For the love, wash your hands first!
Keep mixing until the crumbs are mixed into the cream cheese.
Put in fridge for a few minutes to harden back up.
Line a pan with wax paper.
Roll mixture into 1" balls.
Place on pan.
Put back in the fridge for 1 hour or so.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave.
Dip balls into chocolate.
They will start to harden pretty quickly.
If you want, drizzle some white chocolate over the top for a pretty look, or drizzle the regular chocolate over it again for a drizzly look.
Does that make sense?

Store in Fridge.
Makes about 3 dozen.

I cannot tell you enough how yummy these are!!!!




And there you have it my friends far and wide.
Some yum yum recipes to try.

Later on this week I will show you some packaging.
Until then...Enjoy the last week before Christmas!

Tinsel Tuesday- Week 3

Hello Friends. Hope you all are having a good week and enjoying this holiday season.
I know for me, this week is my most busy week of the season.

Monday night- SS Christmas Party
Tuesday night- Ornament Swap- (Hope to see you tonight!)
Wednesday- Christmas pics, ballet party, Awana, Choir Rehersal
Thursday- Childrens Theater, Art Class, Logan-Window Washing Job
Friday- The Rockettes!
Saturday- Morning Choir Rehersal, Evening Kids Church Christmas Party
Sunday Night- Choir Performance

OK, see really that was for my benefit. The more I see it written down, the more it gets ingrained in my brain what I need to do.

And such it is with Tradition...nice segway right ?!

Yes folks, this weeks installment of Tinsel Tuesday is Tradition.

Websters dictionary describes Tradition as:
1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)
2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.



The Traditions of Christmas are all around us. The mere act in and of itself is a Tradition.
I am admittedly a Traditionalist, ecspecially around this time of year. I have many customary patterns of thought, action, or behaviour that define me this time of year.
I have been handed down information, beliefs and customs, by word of mouth and by example from another generation. I am now endevoring to do the same with my own small brood.

So this week for TT, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Traditions, both old and new. And I would also like to hear from you...what is one of your favorite Traditions.



Old Traditions that where passed down to me:

1. Baking-
I come from a Southern Grandmother and a Northern Nana, so my recipe list is quite comprehensive. I appreciate that my Mom has kept all the recipes organized so that all I've had to do is print them off. I really do enjoy the baking and cooking involved during this time of year. Growing up we followed my Mom's list to a "T" ("T" for Tradition, I'm sure!)
We made everything on the list, and lots of it. I always enjoyed spending the time with my Mom and Sister, and sometimes even friends that we would have over, baking all day long.

2. Christmas Movies-
There are certain Christmas movies that where essential in my upbringing, that I am sure I could quote every line, and yet I never ever tire of them.
White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and Christmas Carol- the George C Scott version, are the 3 that are forever ingrained in my memory from childhood.

3. Our Christmas drink-
I'm not sure when my Mom started this, but we have an orange/coconut drink that we drink on Christmas morning that is indeed a family favorite. We raise our glasses in a toast, and everybody taps glasses before we drink.

4. Christmas Morning torture-
As kids we where not allowed to come downstairs or out into the living room until Mom and Dad had everything just so. In other words, no running out and ripping away. Mom would get the Chrismtas lights and music going, while Dad gets the coffee going...then the camera is poised, and then we are allowed in.

5. Sibling Traditions-
My siblings and I always exchanged gifts with each other on Christmas Eve. This was always fun and gave us time to appreciate what we had picked out for each other.

My siblings and I also all had a "side" of the tree. There where 3 of us, and my side was the left, Lauras' was the right, and then when Adam came along he got the middle.

We 3 also had to take turns placing the tree topper on the tree. Obviously for the first 2 years it was only me...then Laura came along and for 7 years we swapped back and forth every other year, and then Adam entered the picture and we went to an every 3 year system. It was always an honor to be the one to place the Angel, or star on top of the tree.

6. The Christmas Story-
I mean this is kind of a given, but I always remember us lighting candles, singing Christmas carols, and my Dad reading Luke 2 to us. I always remember loving to hear him reading out loud to us. I still like to hear him read it now, even as an adult.



There are others from my childhood, but you get the picture.
All of these I am passing down to my kids too, and so far they love all of them!



New Traditions for my family-

1. Pine Hill Farms
Stacy came home from work one day in the December of 2000 and told me about a place called Pine Hill Farms. So from the time Logan was 6 months old and had his first Christmas, we have been going out to Pine Hill Farms. It is one of these cut your own Christmas Tree places. Several times we have cut our own tree, but the reason we go is for the sleigh!
They have a Santa Sleigh in front of a huge Christmas Tree. Every year we have taken the kids and taken their pictures in that sleigh. It's been fun to look back over the past 8 years and see how much my kids have grown. I mean obviously you know that from year to year, but there is something about seeing them in that same spot that really puts it into perspective.

We also take bananas and feed the real live Reindeer that they have. It's a fun family day that we look forward to every year. We'll be going tomorrow! Yeah!

2. Frames
Every year, I take said pictures and I put them in a cutesy new Christmas Frame.
Acutally I do not have a frame from Logans first 2 Christmas's, but I have those in ornmanet Frames.
But every year since Lana came into the picture. I currently have 6 frames, plus I have one of all the grandkids a few years ago. It's a lot of fun to pull those out each year, and I think it will be fun to have around once my kids are grown.

3. Wrapping Paper-
Wierd huh? Actually I guess this should have fallen under Childhood Traditions, but oh well.
Every year I take the kids to the store and they pick out "their" wrapping paper for Christmas.
Then all of their gifts are wrapped in that paper. It's neat to see what they choose from year to year based on their taste. One year we had princess and spiderman...another year was stars for one, and stripes for the other...This year they both picked pretty silver and blues to match the downstairs decor. I thought that was very sweet!

4- Sunday Gifts-
I started this one a few years ago. There are usually 3 Sunday leading up to Christmas. So every Sunday evening I give my kids a gift. It's always predictable too...although I don't think they've caught on to that yet. A movie, A game, and Pj's.
It's fun to watch the movie or play the game all together on that evening. And the PJs are always soft and snuggly! Logan is still not too old for footie pajamas!

5- Baking and Gingerbead house-
I do have my Moms list of all the goodies that we made from year to year, and there are several on there that I HAVE to make every year with the kids. But I also like to change things up and try new things too. The older the kids are getting, the easier it is to do this with them, and they both love to bake.
Lana and I have been decorating a Gingerbread house together for the past several years too, and I will for sure make sure that is a Tradition we keep.

6- Adornments
This is something someone gave me years ago. It is 12 ornaments that open up and it comes with a book. It is 12 names of Christ. "I am the door", "The Good Shepherd", etc...
I love starting this 12 days before Christmas. The kids get to take turns hanging the ornament on a small tree that I have designated just for this. It is something that is different from advent, and reminds all of us of the many things that Jesus is to us.



So those are just a few of my favorites from Christmas past and present, and hopefully will be carried into the future.
Last year I started a Christmas book that I would like to add to and hand down to Lana someday. It's just a binder with all the family recipes, new recipes, craft and project ideas, etc.
Although the defintion of Tradition is information passed down without written instruction, I know she will appreciate having it down the road to keep Tradition alive in her own home.

One thing I would like to point out about Tradition is that if you want to keep it, you need to love it! Traditions can be burdensome and annoying. Seriously, who wants to make a fruit cake every year? Traditions should mean something to you and should show others something about you and your family, about who you are, and who is the center of your holiday season.

If you don't have any Traditions, or if you haven't been keeping up with them because it just gets to be too much, I encourage you to pick one or two that are easy and that you will love and then just do them!
I know it meant a lot to me that my Mom kept up with Traditions, and I can see that it means alot to my family now that I am doing the same.

I do not want to trivialize what the meaning of Christmas is all about. My actions 24-7-365 should be displaying Christ love and sacrifice on my behalf.
If I am not living that out during every month, then really, what good does it do to try to cram it all into December. Tradition means nothing if it is forced and is from a spirit that is trying to live out Christs love because it is the Christmas season. If that is what I am doing, then what happens Jan.1st?

So let me hear from you...what are some of your favorite Christmas Traditions?

Stay tuned for next week's TT. Any suggestions?

Saw it, Tried it, Like it!

I saw an idea on the cover of Southern Living Magazine the other day. I didn't have a chance to really look at it closely, so I have done my own variation. I thought it turned out really cute.

I used green construction paper and wax paper, because that is what I had. I am quite sure that SL used heavy green cardstock and velum, but hey, you use what you've got right?!
They had plain brownies, and I had made Rocky Road Fudge for a Christmas event at Church tonight. This is going to be fun to transport huh!!!

I think I will do it again next week for my ornament swap and make Creme De Menthe brownies, and get some cardstock and velum. But in the mean time....I am pleased.

Tinsel Tuesday- Week 2

Is it really Tuesday already? This week has flown by.
Todays Tinsel Tuesday is dedicated to Decorating.
Now really, I know many of you and therefore know that many of you don't need any decorating tips. I know some pretty creative people. But I thought I would just share some of my favorite Christmas decorating tips.

I had pictures for you, but blogger is not uploading pictures today. I had this problem yesterday too trying to email a picture, so maybe it is my computer.

Anyways...you can catch on without pictures I'm sure.

For me, there are a few decorating essentials at Christmas.

1. Garland- I love garland.
Garland is relatively inexpensive. It can also be cut with a good pair of wire cutters. Why would you cut garland you ask? I like to put small strands of garland on lots of things.

~Cut a piece of garland to fit just on top of a mirror or a frame.
~Do you have a plate rack? Line the plate rack with garland.
~You could put just a small piece tucked into the side of a tray or candle holder.
~Put larger pieces over doorways.
~Little sprigs of greenery like that scream Christmas, and add an inexpensive nice touch.

2. Lights- Sparkly lights
Hey guess what...lights look good on garland! Lights are cheap! Don't buy the garland that is prelit. It is more expensive and you can't cut pieces off. Lights are cheap, garland is cheap. Lights and garland together...yep, you guessed it. Cheap!

~Wrap a strand of lights around a long line of garland and drape it over a banister, over a window, or even place it on a table or other surface.
This last way is actually one of my favorite ways to use lights.
~I love lights mixed with a strand of berries or garland, and then placed on the piano.
I also have a strand on a small table that would otherwise go unnoticed.
~Lights are a good highlighter.
~Put a small candle light somewhere that you want highlighted.
~Put an electric candle light directly behind your nativity set to add a special glow.
~Put lights in your windows.
It doesn't even have to be visible...its the effect from the light that you are wanting to show off.

3. Balls- Shiny Christmas Balls
Christmas balls are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to go festive.
~Fill a glass bowl or a glass pitcher with balls.
~Fill an oven mitt with balls and hang it in the kitchen.
~Hang some balls with ribbon on a chandalier.
~Hang some balls with fishing line from a high ceiling or a doorway.
~Set a random ball on a shelf.
~Place some balls in a decorative container with a candle in the middle.
~Hang small balls from cut branches in a tall vase.

4. Ribbon- Save that scrap!
I know you have scraps of ribbon that came off of package and was too pretty to throw away.
Save it in a box or drawer and use it at Christmas.
~Hang balls with it.
~Tie a piece around a plain candle to add a festive touch.
~Tie some around a glass candle holder with a small sprig of garland or berries.
~Tie some onto your garland.
~Hang little knick knacks with ribbon.
~Tie some onto a Chrismtas mug with a festive looking tag.

5. Collections- What do you like?
6 years ago I was in PA with my Mom and Sister and the kids. We where visiting my Grandparents. It was during this trip that I started collecting snowmen. I saw some a cute family of them, and got 4. 2 big, 2 small. This kind of started a little collection.
You don't have to be all out crazy.
I really don't even buy them anymore.
It's just something that accumulates, but I love pulling them out every year.
Do you have something you like to collect?
If you don't, start something.
It doesn't have to be big. If you just pick up one snowman a year, or festive mug, dessert plate, specialty ornament, santa, whatever strikes your fancy.
It really is fun every year to pull the things out and remember when you got it, or who gave it to you.

6. The Small Things- This is where it gets personal.
The small touches are what makes your decorating style, your decorating style and your house your home.
~Display your kids crafty creations.
~Pull out your favorite childhood craft and set it out.
~Add a paper tag to a candle.
~Make a paper chain countdown to Christmas.
~Hang a star over a doorway.
~Put a small Christmas tree in an unusual place.
~Don't hide your wrapping paper...display it in a small bucket or prop it up in the corner of a room.
~Put your Christmas cookie cutters in your window sill for a cute decoration and easy access.
~Don't forget the kids rooms. Kids love to have their own trees, and its also a great place to send decorations that cramp your style or that you don't have room for.
~Get a package of "Angel Hair". It can be used on everything...garland, shelves, around the nativity. One package will go a loooong way.
~Festive tableclothes make great tree skirts.
~ Tree skirts make great table toppers.
~ Think outside the box. Don't be confined by conventional decorating. Everything doesn't have to be red and green. Lime green and bright pink are fun whimsy Chrismtas colors too.

The most important aspect of decorating, in my opinion, is that it is you! Don't try to decorate like your friend if it truly is not your style. Find your style, and then incorporate these little things the way that makes you feel festive.

Even if you think you don't like to decorate for Christmas, I challenge you to do do this.
Buy 2 strands of garland, 2 strands of lights, a pack of balls, and a spool of ribbon.
See what you can do with it...you may be happily suprised!

You know I'm all over this!

Woohoo! I don't usually do the MeMe things...but this one is about Christmas, so I am all over that stuff.


1.) Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I love a nicely wrapped gift.

2.) Real tree or Artificial?
I love a real tree, but I have an artificial one that my Grandmother gave us, so it is free.

3.) When do you put up the tree?
Thanksgiving day

4.) When do you take the tree down?
Sometime in January

5.) Do you like egg nog?
yes - I love Quinn Hills Egg nog!

6. )Favorite gift received as a child?
Cabbage Patch Doll

7.) Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes- Its just one of those one piece deals, but Logan gave it to me, so its special!

8.) Hardest person to buy for?
Dad

9.) Easiest person to buy for?
Stacy

10.) Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail


11.) Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Stacy bought me "Sleepless in Seattle" 3 years in a row! Bless his heart.


12.) Favorite Christmas movie(s)?
White Christmas, Its A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol with George C Scott.

13.) When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I like to be done before Thanksgiving except for small things.

14.) Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I'll never tell

15.) Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Our families special coconut creme orange drink and Johncies Jello. Plus I LU-V me some Ham.

16.) Clear or colored Christmas lights?
Both....I do mostly clear, but I like colored in the kids rooms

17.) Favorite Christmas song(s)?
O Holy Night, Breath of Heaven, O Come O Come Emmanuel

18.) Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Both- Last year we traveled, this year we stay home.


19.) Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and Rudolph!

20.) Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star

21.) Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Siblings open presents from each other on Christmas Eve- all else on Christmas morning

22.) Most annoying thing about this time of year?
WAAAYYYY to much commercialism. It's getting really ridiculous. Also this whole "Merry Christmas"- "Happy Holidays" debate.


23.) Favorite ornament theme or color?
I love my old nostaligic ornaments and the ones that the kids make


24.) Favorite dinner for Christmas?
Ham! Remember I said I LU-UV ham! (just like my Aunt!!!) Mashed Potatoes, PA Dutch Style Grean Beans, and a Shoe Fly Pie!


25.) What do you want for Christmas this year?
A dishwasher that works


26). Do you bake lots of goodies during the holidays?
Does the sun shine? Seriously, I just filled an entire over flowing shelf in my pantry with baking stuff for the Holidays. White Trash, Sugar Cookies, Creme De Menthe Brownies, Rocky Road Fudge, Candy Cane Cookies, and a few new ones for '08.


27). Do you decorate different rooms of your home?
Yes! Living room, den, kitchen, and the kids both do their rooms.


28.) What decorations do you put outside?
Garland and bows on the railings. I don't have any outdoor plugs so no lights for me. My poor kids ask for them every year though. Maybe some day.

29.) How do you spend Christmas Eve?
Enjoy a nice dinner and dessert, read the Christmas story, kids exchange gifts between each other and watch A Christmas Carol.

30.) Is Christmas your favorite holiday?
I'd have to say yes.

Twilight, Toes, and Christmas Decorations

Topic One: Twilight-
I went again this week. Loved it even better the second time around. I will go again. I tried to go today but Mary didn't answer my text. Mary why didn't you answer my text?
Anyways...I just have to say this about Twilight and then I will move on...
I love that they are vampires, and could have, do, act, however they like, and yet they CHOOSE to be upright, moral, non killing, vampires. It adds this human dimension to them of fighting their flesh, and I like that about them.
I think that Stacy and I are going to see it together next week for his birthday. Happy Birthday Missy, I mean Stacy. ;)

Topic Two: My Toe-
Crissy graciously offered to take me on Wednesday to have my toe taken care of. It was comforting to know that she was in the waiting room listening to Rob Pattinson sing, while I was having half of my big toenail removed.
I must say that I never knew that something like a toenail could cause so much pain. I had been trying to treat it at home for 2 weeks to no avail.
The worse part was them giving me 3 shots in my toe to numb it. And then as he started to remove the nail, I could feel a digging pain. Yeah, not supposed to feel that. So he had to give me another shot, straight down the top of my toe. Then he proceeded with the removal. It was a horrible sound, and feeling. I could hear the tools, and feel the pressure of him ripping out my nail. Pleasant. Then he bandaged it up all big and fat so that I couldn't wear a shoe. So I've been shoeless since Wednesday.
I even went to Thanksgiving dinner at Kim Postons with no shoes on. Which by the way was such a fun time having Thanksgiving dinner with that fun group of people! Kim Poston made everything imaginable! It was amazing!
Back to the toe- Hubby is about to remove my bandages and re wrap them smaller so that I can wear shoes. I must go grocery shopping tomorrow, and I've already been to Wal-Mart once with no shoes, I'm not doing it again.

Topic Three: Christmas Decorations-
Tuesday the kids and I decorated the den, and the kids did their rooms. Very cute they are by the way. Then yesterday we put up the tree and decorated while watching White Christmas. Can't get any more festive than that! Then today, I decorated my living room. I think I've mentioned before that I do my den, living room, and kitchen, and I do them all differently. It's just something I like to do. I like the differences. Downstairs is snowmen and silvers. The living room is golds, and more rustics. The kitchen is whimsy and fun.
And lest you all think I am rich, a lot of the stuff I have inherited...the rest I have gotten gradually over the past 10 years.
I look forward to a lot of you coming over to my house on the 9th for the Ornament Swap. If you didn't get an email invitation, consider this your official invitation! (unless you are a crazy person)

Alrighty then, I have covered my desired 3 topics for the evening. Now I will go let Stacy bandage my toe. Fun for him huh?!

Tinsel Tuesdays

I'm feeling festive today!
Can you tell?
Not even Thanksgiving and I've already put up my Christmas blog. Deal.


I have never done any of the day of the week blog thingys.
But during this Christmas season I have decided to do "Tinsel Tuesdays".
Yes, I made that up. Shocking, I know.
On Tinsel Tuesdays, and there will be 5 of them, I will share Christmas ideas and tips.
Edge of your seats...I know you are!


Today's Tinsel Tuesdays tip is Planning. Come on friends, say it with me, Planning.
If there is one thing I have learned about this time of year, it is Planning.
I always have kept a notebook or binder with Calendar pages in it. This year, sweet Virginia gave me a handmade planner that I have already filled up and LOVE! Thanks Virge!

Anyways...things that are in my planning notebook:

1. List of people I need to give gifts to-what the gift will be and how much it will cost.

2. Recipes and how much each of those recipes cost to make. (trust me, this is helpful!)

3. Parties- the date, time, what I need to bring, how much it will cost me.

4. Entertaining- the date, time, what I need to provide, how much it will cost me.

5. Baking Schedule- I need to pace myself and don't want to make everything at once, I gotta spread my baking love!

6. Craft ideas- Any crafts projects I or the kids want to do...again how much it costs, and a general day we might do those.

7. Christmas Eve and Day Menu- This year my parents are coming to our house for Christmas, so I need to be prepared. I have been writing down ideas for our menu.

8. Christmas Budget- This is just me and my financial analness, but I do highly recommend making a budget for Christmas. Include any baking, entertaining, parties that require gifts, giving, and misc holiday stuff.

So my friends, I give you a week to PLAN! Check back every Tuesday between now and Christmas for more Tinsel Tuesdays.

Christmas Top Ten

10. I got an MP3 player. Yes, I am cool now!
9. Stacy was suprised by the movie "Tombstone" that I got him. Suprsises are always good.
8. I succesfully made a Red Velvet Cake complete with Cream Cheese Frosting. Yumminess!
7. Lana was very cute singing "Away in a Manger" at church Sunday. She has no stage fright.
6. I am a hero because I spent $8 on a pocket knife for Logan. Hopefully I don't spend $800 at ER.
5. My brother brought his girlfriend to Christmas Eve festivities and she's sweet. I like her!
4. I got to at least see a snowflake mixed with sleet on Christmas day. So it was a wintry mix Christmas.
3. Despite the rain the whole way home, the drive was nice and hubby and I chatted contently! Ah, companionship.
2. We ate Ham, Turkey, and Rib Roast. Can't beat meat!
1. Enjoyed nice time with family. Craziness and all! That's what it's all about.

I'll be home for Christmas...

Isn't it funny how we say we're going home when we're going to our parents house?
I've never even lived in that house, and yet I say I'm going home.

Oh well...It feels like home anyway!

We definitely enjoy being there.

The presents are wrapped.

The suitcases are packed.
The car is loaded.

We're about to take naps to prepare for our journey tonight.

There is a slight possibility of snow for Christmas.

We are stopping at Starbucks before we leave tonight.

AH, all is right with the world.

Well except the fact that I'm irritated with my husband.

I'm leaving a lot of laundry to deal with when I get home,

and it will most likely be raining when we leave tonight.

All was almost right with the world.

By tonight I will get over my irritation. I have no choice.
That is what you have to do when you are married. Like it or not.

Sometimes you have to do things for the greater good.

Maybe the Laundry Fairies will come down and take care of my laundry while I am gone.

I deserve at least that right?

And we will pray for safe travels and get out ahead of the rain.

So maybe all is at least tolerable with the world.

Merry Christmas all of my fellow bloggers. It has been a joy journeying with you guys over these past few months. I look forward to being blessed by your blog company even more in 2008!

I pray you all know God's love and grace even when all is not right with the world!

Love to all!!!

Ornaments and Snowman

Here is the link for the Ornaments. They say to use Pie Plates. I thought you could get more out of Cookie Sheets. The templates are included.
FamilyFun: Pie Plate Ornaments - and More Family Fun

And here is the picture of the snowmen.
The one on the left is Lanas's. She is using it to hold "special" stuff.

Christmas Craft Day

Make a slideshow!

Thanks to all of you who came out and helped with Craft day.
I think all of the kids had a good time.
It was nice to get together and hang out with everybody.
Plus, we proved that our kids are socialized! ;)
Enjoy some pictures of all your kids having a memorable day.
Oh, and Heather...We really missed you and the boys!

MISSING

One Chrismtas wreath.
Green with Blue and Silver ribbons and balls.
If you were the person that drove by my house and stole it please return.
I will not press charges.
I will not scream at you.
I will even bake you a batch of "special" Christmas cookies...
You know, to thank you for bringing it back.
Hope to see you, and my special wreath soon!

Kicking of the Season

Ah...the house is quiet. I finally have time on the new computer. We finished eating Ice Cream, drinking Hot Chocolate and watching "White Christmas." I got my Turkey dinner at Cracker Barrell, and the day was good. When we started watching White Christmas I started giggling, which of course my family thought was crazy, but I just at that moment felt so happy and content to be sitting with my little family, all cozied up in blankets, sipping hot cocoa and kicking off the Christmas season with my favorite Christmas movie of all time!

Today I also started phase 1 of Christmas decorating. Ok, something you should know about me. I like too many styles of Christmas decoration, so I have divided my house into themed zones. Zone 1 is the kitchen. The Kitchen is more bright and vibrant colors. Whimsy if you will. Lana and I had a lot of fun today decorating and listening to Christmas music. I am a little anal though, so I had to come up with something for Lana to "decorate.". I was quite pleased with the idea. I had some clear glass balls that I bought last year and never did anything with. I gave them to her, along with a bowl of sugar, a funnel, and a spoon. She spooned the "snow" into the balls, and then placed a little piece of garland into it to look like a Christmas tree. We then tied them off with pretty ribbon assortments and hung them on the chandalier. At the end of the season I will just dump out the sugar and she can do it again next year. HMMM.... I think I just started a new tradition. Lana is now all about the sugar. She also filled a votive and made one for her room.

So it was a good day. Still missed Laura. But Stacy and I shared with each other and the kids how much this year has meant to us and it really made this day special and full of new moments and memories.
Tomorrow...Phase 2! Any guesses on which room and what style???