Christmas Break so Far …

It has been a very busy time around here as I’m sure it is at your house too!  This has been a pack it in Christmas Break at our house.  Here’s a little look at what we have been up to!

Santa came to Rick’s work so we stopped by to say hi!

Cole’s school put on a beautiful Christmas program!

Christmas Eve we stopped by my parents house to exchange gift since they were spending Christmas elsewhere.  The boys loved their new legos and a Telescope for Cole.

Christmas Eve night the boys opened their one present the new PJ’s.

Rick worked Christmas Eve at the Football game and came home in time to take the boys and me to Fantasay Lights.  Who knew Christmas Eve would be so crowded!  It took us a 1/2 hour to get in and then we took about a 1/2 to drive around.  The person behind us was riding our behind to go forward faster. I say if I spend this much I’m taking my time .

Christmas Morning was an explosion of paper and gifts.  You can see my feet with the coffee to prove I was there since I was picture taker … lol. 

Christmas night we bundled up the boys and hit the zoo for Zoolights!

Cole’s school bought a few rows at the Thunderbirds Hockey game so we took the boys!  Since Rick works security there his boss grabbed the boys and took them to the front to shake hands with the players.

Wowzer and we still have a few more days until peace comes back to my house.  How I can’t wait for school to begin soon .

What are your plans this weekend?

Humble Pie Serving Up a Slice for me …

Sometimes a little smack is what we need … lol.  When Christmas approached I complained about a not so full card tree … and guess what I have here after Christmas with a full Card Tree!

It’s funny how we can sometimes loose what Christmas is all about and get wrapped up in that.  I saw myself the day before in a mood due to a present saying it was delivered but no where to be found and just in a pissy mood over spending the holidays with people etc.  I found myself in a being a moody turd … even posted a snippy comment on FB.  A friend called me and I saw myself threw the looking glass.  Yup God sure has a way of sending us that humble card when we get too big for our britches.

Thank you all for the beautiful Cards that have loaded my tree and sometimes fall to the floor with the weight .  Just what I needed, thank you again.  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed it with family and the true meaning.

As I’m typing this up I was watching Soul Suffer and just at the right moment she said people say the Lord works in mysterious ways, and she thinks that is understatement.  I must say I agree!  Many Blessings!

Soup and a Side (not your normal side)

Some comfort foods to help keep us warm and full bellied here!  I’ve been waiting to try this soup and I finally did.  The boys kind of liked it (more the rice then anything).  I really enjoyed it but that is me … lol.  From my favorite site Skinnytaste.com comes this Stuffed Pepper Soup.

And a healthier side that was super easy and so yummy I could eat for dinner anytime!  Again from Skinnytaste.com comes this Turkey Stuffed Zucchini.

Enjoy these made for a nice dinner here!  It’s been a rough time with everything going on to make a good meal instead of take out.  I’m hoping to get us on the bandwagon today. Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (2 Points) I believe is on my to do!

So what is on your menu for tonight?

Cookies & a Tray for the neighbor

My dear neighbor asked if I could make some cookies for her family cookie exchange.  She loved the Snickerdoodles crème’s I made before and wanted them. Instead of making the ones I made last time with the betty crocker mix.  This time I made Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles first.

Then I found this Quick Vanilla Buttercream frosting on the food network that worked perfect for my center!

Then I assembled them!   8 Dozen cookies made for 4 dozen whoopie pies.  I used the poor man pipping bag, AKA ziplock bag with the corner cut off.

Then I found this on Pinterest to do a peppermint Candy tray.  I took the green ones and shaped a cross.  At first I started with a small pan and had to go to the big one!  NOW be very careful it will break as you can see in my picture below!

So there you have it some simple fun things to make!  Sorry I skipped yesterday was running around delivering cookies .

Caught Santa Video Giveaway (First Five win)

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is waiting up for Santa, but of course I would always pass out before he came.  I would wake up to find presents left for me.  Wouldn’t it be great to catch Santa?  I just watched a movie last night about a girl that did just that.  Well instead of making a contraption to tie up Santa why not take a video?  Would your kids LOVE to see Santa filling their stockings?  A video of Santa in YOUR living room is easy to do!  And guess what for the first FIVE people who reply to this post will do just that!

The Santa Video gives you a gallery of different options to choose from to please every little boy and girl!

For you who are not lucky enough to win these first five spots don’t worry you can head to their site or their Facebook page. 

Now all you need is:

1. Upload your picture (Supported Image Formats: .gif .png .jpg .jpeg, Image must be taken Landscape Style (lengthwise) Upload File Size Limit = 10mb)
2. Choose a Video (Collection of Scenarios)
3. Add a Song (handful of classics)
4. Finish and Share!

Super easy I promise, it took me around 5 minutes to do (and that was only because the boys kept walking in and out and mom had to switch screens quickly)!!  For $14.95 you will have a memory that will last a lifetime!  I can’t wait for my boys to see this!  Merry Christmas All and to All a good Night (sorry just had to say it!)

Thank you The Santa Video for a memory my boys will be talking about for years!

Now first five here is your chance, come over and leave a comment on what song you would choose:

1. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies
2. Jesus, Joy of Man Desiring
3. Jingle Bells
4. Oh, Little town of Bethlehem
5. Silent Night

Christmas 2011 Gift Jars

Finally I got my gift jars photos together to post them.  I found these really cute jars at the dollar store that I used instead of the mason jar’s I usually do.  First off I made an Oatmeal Craisin Gift Jar.

Next on the list was a silk Hot Cocoa Gift Mix, I didn’t have the chocolate jello so I used the jello mousse caramel flavor, figured that would be  nice touch!

Then for the coffee & hot cocoa lover. I made this Spicy Mocha Mix.

Then I found these peppermint mallows that worked prefect for this Peppermint Dark Hot Chocolate Mix.

So there you have this years gift jars!  I think I’m done, maybe  few little treats for my church friends.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!  I’m going to put up a giveaway tomorrow for icaughtsanta pictures!