Monday, December 10, 2012

Menu Plan Monday December 10-16

The flu has invaded my little world (church and work) and I'm trying my absolute best to avoid it.  Unfortunately SOMETHING has got me DoWn :(  I'm hoping that it is NOT the flu!!  I am a little worried though,  fever, chills, aching, headache, cough, and congestion...............UGH!!!  But, enough whining!!!

This also puts a big damper on all my plans for the week.  It does NOT pay to be a procrastinator!!  I have so much to do this week; baking, shopping, wrapping, laundry,  packing, shipping, crafting, and of course working!!!  I'm fairly sure it will not get ALL done!!

So once again, this week's menu is super simple:

MONDAY - hot dogs, grandma's hot dog sauce, mac n cheese, and green beans

TUESDAY - hamburgers and homemade fries

WEDNESDAY - chicken gravy biscuits, mashed potatoes, corn, and peas

THURSDAY - taco night

FRIDAY - ravioli and garlic bread

SATURDAY - Out to eat

SUNDAY - Pizza at church (The kiddos will be spending the day at church preparing for the Christmas program)

Again I am linking up to Menu Plan Monday over at Organizing Junkie.  Head on over and find some more recipes and menu ideas.

Only 14 more days shopping days til Christmas!!!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Favorite Thing Friday

This week's Favorite Thing Friday has a theme: favorite Christmas ornament or decoration.

So,  I'm going to share two.


The first one is our Christmas Tree.  It's not the actual tree I love,  but all the special ornaments on it.  Since I got married,  my Grandma has given us an ornament every year for Chrsitmas.  They are all on there.  Plus,  there are the handmade ornaments from the kiddos.  I may have to get a fatter tree in the future.  Here is just a sample:





The one I should have put first is our nativity set.  I put one out EVERY year.  I've had this one for a long time.  It's been through many children and pets and unfortunately it shows.  I would love to get a larger one and keep this one down for the kiddos.  It usually sits under our tree,  but with the new kittens and little fingers this year,  it's up on a shelf.
I know you can't tell in the picture,  but the poor cow is missing an ear as is the donkey and lamb.  One of the wings on the angel is chipped as well.  Maybe a new one next year?


I'm linking up to Favorite Thing Friday this week over at Sippy Cup Chronicles, go check them out!!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

2012 Christmas Card Photos

Hard to believe another year has passed and it's time for the "painful" Christmas card photo session.

Why "painful" you ask? Well,  first there is the outfit coordination (which this year, isn't so great).  Then, just getting them all ready takes ALL day and I just hope no one gets "messed up".  Finally,  my children are NOT camera bugs.  The actual idea of pictures makes them turn and run!!!

Obviously,  that would make you think I would start early,  right?  WRONG!!  I am a procrastinator to the core.  I keep telling myself I'll do better next year,  but the same cycle rolls around and here we are.

This year,  we did the standard Christmas tree photo, then took it outside to a covered bridge not terribly far from our house.  I'd been wanting to get some pics of the kids there and this was as good a time as any.

So, without further ado:














Not too bad.  Turns out I got a couple of good ones to put on the cards.

Until next year...............................................................................................................

Monday, December 3, 2012

Menu Plan Monday December 3-9

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..........Well,  not weather wise.  It's another beautiful day here in the south and the rest of the week looks pretty promising.  I must admit,  it's hard to get into the Christmas spirit without the colder weather.  A few snow flakes wouldn't upset me either!!

I've finally got our house starting to look a little like Christmas.  The tree is up and the girls did a super job decorating it.


I've also done a pretty good job not moving any ornaments (well, except the ones baby Samuel takes off and I "put back").  

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care!!  Well,  we don't have a fireplace,  so they are on the wall, but they are waiting to be filled.



Elvin the Elf has arrived to watch over the children and report whether they are naughty or nice (I'm guessing naughty).


I still have so much to do, but it's a start.  This week  is looking to be just as busy: school,  work, and Christmas prep.  That means easy prep meals since Mr Helper will be assisting in the kitchen.

MONDAY - Whole Chicken in the Crock pot, green beans, carrots, and corn

TUESDAY - Chicken gravy biscuits and mashed potatoes

WEDNESDAY - Chicken noodle soup (in the crock pot)

THURSDAY - Potato soup and grilled cheese

FRIDAY - Pizza

SATURDAY - hamburgers, homemade fries, and mac n cheese

SUNDAY - Spaghetti n meatballs, garlic bread

I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday over at Organizing Junkie.  Head on over to get some more meal planning ideas.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Snickerdoodle Bread

A new take on an old favorite.  Well, new to  me anyway.  I'll have to be honest here and admit I've never actually made snickerdoodle cookies,  but I do enjoy eating them.  This recipe is quite delicious as well.  Being that it is Christmas,  they would also make a yummy gift for a teacher, neighbor,  pastor,  boss,  friend,  or anyone!!  

Here's what you need:
      2 1/2 cup flour
      1 tsp. baking powder
      1/2 tsp salt
      2 tsp cinnamon
      1 cup butter (softened)
      2 cups sugar
      3 eggs
      1 tsp vanilla
      3/4 cup sour cream
      1 pkg Hershey's cinnamon chips
      3 TB sugar
      3 tsp cinnamon



1. Cream butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until fluffy.
2. Add eggs and mix well.
3. Add vanilla and sour cream and mix well.
4. Mix flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix until all combined.
5. Add cinnamon chips and stir into batter. Set aside.
6. Spoon batter into 4 mini loaf pans until about 2/3 full.
7. Mix 3 T sugar and 3t cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle over the batter in each loaf pan.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Let cool before removing from pan.

In all honesty,  I completely forgot the last step and didn't put the extra cinnamon and sugar on top,  but no one complained.  They were still good. 

Put one in a cellophane Christmas gift bag, add some ribbon, a handmade name tag, and cheerfully give!!!