While my cup of coffee was being filled by my coffee maker, I was checking the latest postings on http://www.pinterest.com/.  I heard noise that I couldn't quite place - I knew it was coming from outside so I walked over to the window to find hundreds of birds up in the tree, all chirping at once.  I wish I had a way to record the sound so that I could include a little soundbite in this post.  I watched them fly from one tree to another and then back again - all chirping as loudly as they could.  It was a beautiful sound - so joyful and fun to see.  Brooke thought that the whole scene was amazing - she pointed and smiled.  What a fun way to start the morning.  Here is a picture!

Now that I think about it, I sure hope the birds weren't in distress!  Leave it to me to feel joy and happiness amongst a bunch of birds in distress because I didn't realize that all that chirping wasn't actually happiness.  I woke up today in a joyful mood- went on a run with Debbie and it was wonderful - the temperature was unseasonably warm.  People on the radio were complaining about the warm temperature and how it doesn't feel like the holidays.  And while I would probably prefer a little nip in the air, I feel like we have a choice - we can either complain about how we WISH something to be OR we can make the most of what it is.  And I'm choosing to make the most of what it is.  We actually sweat this morning while running and I ran most of the time in my tank top!  How wonderful!  Brooke also spent the better part of the morning outside - without a jacket!  These are wonderful positives of warm weather in December!

Lewis, our elf, has been up to his regular mischief.  We bought some misteltoe a few nights ago from a couple of 8 year old entrepreneurs.  We didn't know where we were going to hang it and so it laid on the counter all night.  We woke up to Lewis, the mistletoe and a strip of red velvet ribbon on the molding in between the kitchen and den!

I get kisses all day long now because this is a well traveled area.

This morning on our way out to the car to go to school, we spotted Lewis inside one of the pool floats holding a bag that had some treats in it.  The boys were delighted!

At least once a year, Lewis shows up on a Saturday morning with munchkins from Dunkin Donuts.  Hmm.... maybe tomrrow?  I remember the time when the boys woke up to find Matt's truck parked in our front yard with Lewis at the wheel.  The car was filled with empty soda cans and candy wrappers.  The kids could NOT believe it!!!  That one goes down as one of our all time favorites (I think Matt and I may have been to a party the night before; otherwise, I'm not sure we would have done that).

The boys and I are going to make ornaments this afternoon - out of flour, salt and water.  If all goes well, I'll share our experience soon- I'm hoping to get Brooke's handprint and Sandy's pawprint. 

So, my focus is on the POSITIVE at this time.  It sure is a happy place to be.  Kids are out until January!  We're hoping to stay busy, relax and enjoy time together! 

Candy Canes, Brussel Sprouts and Ice Skating

We woke up this morning and found Lewis outside sitting next to TWO candy canes!  We planted the peppermints yesterday and I guess, overnight, they sprouted into candy canes!  What a fun surprise this morning!  He also left us a note reminding the kids that Santa is watching.

Matt and I ate a late lunch yesterday.  Actually I ate lunch about 4 different times yesterday at our office department party at Sips and Strokes Toco Hills. 

Sips and Strokes was a FUN place to have our party.  We played our Christmas music while we were instructed on how to paint.  Here are a few pictures.

Although it is an adult painting studio where you can take your wine and a few friends and enjoy chatting while you paint your masterpiece, I do think that my boys would enjoy it!  I may look into taking them over the holiday break. 

Anyway, because we ate and ate and ate yesterday, Matt and I didn't want much for dinner, so I ran up to the Fresh Market and bought some wine, beer, bacon and produce.  I LOVE brussel sprouts.   I think they are delicious which is funny to me because when I was young, there was nothing you could make me eat that I detested more than brussel sprouts.  I especially love roasting them lately.  Last night, I wanted to jazz them up, so I looked online and found a few different recipes and melded them into one and it resulted in a lovely and tasty dish! 

First, I bought a "tree" of brussel sprouts - that was fun in and of itself!  It was $6.00 for one "tree."  I used about half of it last night in my dish.  We all thought it was really neat to see them on the stalk like this.

First, I plucked the sprouts from the stalk.  Then I cut off the bottoms and the first layer or two of leaves.  I then cut them in half, or into quarters if they were huge. 

I bought Fresh Market's apple wood smoked bacon, and oh, let me tell you, it is SO good - it's extremely well priced and more delicious than any other bacon you can buy!  I diced about 6-8 ounces of the bacon and cooked it. 

Just before the bacon was finished, I added three big heaping tablespoons of capers. 

I removed the bacon/caper mixture from the pan to a paper towel lined plate.  I got rid of most of the grease and then added the brussel sprouts.  After about 15 minutes, I added balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil to the sprouts. I continued to cook them for another 5 minutes.

Then I put them on a cookie sheet into a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes, turning them once.

I took them out of the oven and put them into a small dish and tossed them with the bacon/caper mixture and drizzled a touch more of balsamic vinegar on it - and a dash of salt and pepper (not too much salt as the capers are really salty in and of themselves).

Ohhh.... I felt like I was eating a dish that could be served in a fine restaurant.  They were DELICIOUS!  I can't get my kids to touch them with a ten foot pole, but Matt really liked it.  I would definitely do this as an adult side when entertaining.  It was beautiful and so tasty!

So, I've covered candy canes, brussell sprouts, so let's talk about ice skating!

We took the kids to The Rink at the Park Tavern down by Piedmont Park.  For $15.00, the kids enjoyed skating for an hour and a half while we watched them and enjoyed dinner and a couple of drinks.  The $15.00 includes skates.  They had a fire pit going and holiday music playing.  It was SO FUN - for the kids and for the adults!  I highly recommend it.  You can go online and select the date and session that you want to attend, and you buy tix online.  I recommend showing up about 15 minutes before your session begins so that you avoid the long line for skates.  It was a FUN, easy and inexpensive holiday outing that the kids loved. 

We saw Santa today and Brooke would still be sitting on that comfy lap of his if we hadn't picked her up when they were done.  She did great!  We thought she would cry her eyes out - she's proving to be tougher than her big brothers :).  Here is a picture of the kids right after we saw Santa.

Please notice how Champ is already unwrapping his candy cane.  It was 100% in his belly before we made it to the car.  He inherited mommy's sweet tooth. 

Happiness and French Dips

Happiness is....

The leftover piece of orange rope that hangs from the luggage rack of my car that everyone likes to point out and offer to take down.  But I won't let them because it is my December "happy string."  It is the little piece that's left from buying our Christmas tree two weeks ago.  What is more joyful than buying a Christmas tree?  Champ picked ours out this year and he did such a great job.  What is typically NOT so joyful is putting it into the tree stand and getting it to stand just right.  It is that task each year that makes me doubt the integrity of our marriage.  I say that in jest - but the truth is that it's a bit stressful for us- in fact, just last year I was flipping through a magazine and saw a product called, "The Save Your Marriage Christmas Tree Stand."  This year, we got a super small tree.  It's the perfect little tree and we love it, AND it took no time to situate it just right in the tree stand.  Here is a picture of Brooke admiring the tree.  She loves the lights and has quickly learned not to touch the ornaments. 

Happiness is seeing Christmas lights everywhere!  Last weekend, I spent almost two hours wrapping a tree in the front yard with lights.  I had visions of the finished product looking similar to something you'd see at the Ritz at Reynolds Plantation.  I wrapped and I wrapped and I wrapped that tree.  The boys played together while I did my thing and I loved every second of it!  Here is the finished product which is NOTHING like that of the Ritz, but we all love it and it makes us so happy!!

Happiness is our elf, Lewis!  He has been pretty tame so far this December.  We found him riding on the big bronze sculpture in the den, complete with candy canes and everything!

He found our Christmas stockings and hung them on the mantle in the living room which was a big surprise to the boys as they thought our Christmas stuff was packed away in storage!

And this morning, we found him outside with a hammer (suppose he was looking for a shovel and couldn't find one?) and some candy.  It looked like he even planted some peppermints in the soil.  Hmm.... I'm thinking that tomorrow, there might be candy canes sprouting through!

 

Happiness is being with my high school gals at our annual Christmas party.  They all shied away when I tried to point and click my camera, so here is a lovely table decoration from the party....that's just about the only picture I got.  We had a ball catching up and chatting about our goings on.  This year was our 20th year of doing this - wow - that makes me feel so thankful for this great group of women and also makes me feel really old.  Yikes.

Happiness is this recipe for French Dip Sandwiches, from my friend, Kerri.  Get out your crock pot because this is one you'll want to cook over and over!

First, you put your meat into the crock pot (I choose pot roast or oven roast).  Place an entire bag of fresh rosemary in the crock pot. 

Pour one envelope of dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix on top of the meat. 

Add water or chicken or beef stock to the crock pot - enough to cover 2/3 of it. 

Let it cook on low all day.  When it's time to assemble the french dip sandwiches, take out your meat and strain the au jus so that you remove all the rosemary and little pieces from the soup mix.  I usually put the strained au jus and the meat back into the crock pot and shred the meat. 

Take some fresh french bread and slice it lengthwise.  If you're a mayonnaise fan, spread some mayo on the bread.  Add your meat, a fresh slice of provolone cheese and you have yourself a sandwich!  Serve with a little bowl of au jus on the side for dipping (unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the final product because I got too busy serving everyone while trying to keep an eye on Brooke - so sorry!). 

My kids and Matt LOVE this meal.  I usually serve it with steamed broccoli.  Enjoy!

Stuffing

Stockings, that is...

I picked up some great stocking stuffers for my boys.  I went to the Container Store and Ace Hardware this morning and aside from a few candies and lottery tickets, their stockings are ready to be stuffed!  I love when my friends share with me their gift ideas and purchases, so I will, in turn, share mine with you!

I found these fun drinking straws at the Container Store for $3.99




These fun ties stick on to a t-shirt for "dress up" and can be used over and over.  My boys aren't really into dressing up, but I thought it would be a fun thing for them to mess around with.  Normally $3.99 for one tie, they were on sale this morning for $2.99! 



These drawing tablets are perfect for restaurant or car entertainment - or for a rainy day.  You just need a black pen or marker - the kids can draw anything they like and when they look their creation through the 3-D glasses, their image jumps off the page!  $6.99 at the Container Store.



At Ace Hardware, I grabbed some fuzzy socks and gloves for the kids - socks for a buck and gloves for a couple bucks.  The kids have always told me that Santa leaves the coolest, most unexpected gifts in their stockings. 

I ordered a couple of samples from a company called Snack Taxi.  They make cloth snack/sandwich bags that are reusable and washable (safe in the dishwasher or washing machine).  They come in a wide variety of patterns - you can buy patterns suited for a boy or more feminine, girly patterns for a girl.  I don't know about you, but I pack a lunch and a snack for my boys daily, and I go through a TON of plastic sandwich bags.  I have not totally switched over from plastic, but I'm trying.  When I finish my current box of GLAD sandwich bags, I'm switching over to these bags from Snack Taxi.  You'll save money in the long run and it's MUCH better for the environment!  I thought they would make good stocking stuffers.

Our elf, Lewis, has been here for three days already.  The first day, we found him in front of the fireplace.  A bunch of rocks and ash had spilled out onto the hearth (LEWIS!!), and he had in his satchel a book called, "Christmas Stories for Bedtime" (thank you, Kerri!), a collection of Bible based Christmas stories for kids. 

The second day he brought battery operated candles for the boys' bedsides ($3.99 for 2 at Target).

And this morning, he flipped over Brooke's pack-n-play in the kitchen and he was inside with a half eaten bag of marshmallows, an empty Gatorade and our open laptop with this website open:  www.claus.com, a fun website for kids to visit throughout the Christmas season. 

Happy Shopping and Elfing!!

Holiday Gift Ideas and My Love Affair with...

Chicken Broth.

Yes, chicken broth.  It has been going on for years and people are always surprised when I disclose this "secret" ingredient in my recipes.  I'm not sure I can even pinpoint when it started, but I cook with it quite a bit!  I use it when I make grits, noodles, rice, soups, etc. I have found that it gives a depth of flavor to simple tastes.  I have always added these little chicken bouillon cubes to water (1 cube per 8 ounces of water) in many recipes.  There is an organic version out there that is a bouillon paste and while it tastes good, I always go back to this one below.  It packs more of a punch which I like.



Every year for Christmas morning breakfast, I make grits casserole from the cookbook, Tea Time at the Masters.  It is super simple and amazingly delicious - always a HUGE hit - both with adults and kids.  Instead of cooking the grits in water, I cook them in chicken broth (or water combined with chicken bouillon cubes).  I wanted to go ahead and share this recipe with you so that you can prepare it this holiday season.  I won't have any pictures because I haven't made it lately, but trust me when I say that it's delicious!

Before we get to the recipe, let's talk small gifts perfect for neighbors, friends, or teachers.

How fun is Christmas soap?  This is something that I LOVE getting because I never buy it for myself.  Bath and Body Works has a deal right now where you can buy 4 for $15.00.  One soap wrapped up in a cute holiday hand towel (think TJ Maxx, Marshalls or Target) makes a lovely gift and the price per gift is under $10.00!



A mason jar filled with holly, Christmas tree trimmings, and magnolia with a shiny red bow makes a heartfelt gift for anyone.  Again, your cost is minimal!  Any venue that sells Christmas trees happily gives any of their Christmas tree trimmings at no cost.  A little of that coupled with the berries of the Nandina bush - in a jar with a red ribbon - it's just beautiful!

Find it hard to buy for a male teacher?  A homemade card with a $5.00 Starbucks card says, "I appreciate you."




A cute mug (Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx, Marshalls) with some fun holiday tea and a cute little tea topper from the Container Store - wrapped up in cellophane with a holiday bow - BEAUTIFUL for under $10.00!



More gift ideas to come. 

And rumor has it in our home that our elf, Lewis, should be coming soon for his annual stay....

Now back to Grits Casserole... mmm mmmm.  While I always serve this alongside a sausage/egg breakfast casserole on Christmas morning, I do make it throughout the year as well - it's great as a side dish to pork or chicken.  I will say that I usually TRIPLE the recipe for Christmas morning and double it any other time I make it.  I use either Quaker 5 minute grits OR special stone ground grits that I've been fortunate enough to receive as a gift from a neighbor every year.  

Grits Casserole:

1 cup uncooked grits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups beaten eggs
 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
paprika to sprinkle on top

Cook grits according to package directions, cooking them in chicken broth instead of plain water.

Mix cooked grits with 1 1/2 cups of cheese.  Add beaten eggs and cayenne pepper.  Spray a Pyrex with Pam and add grits mixture.  Top with remaining cheese.  Sprinkle paprika over all and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.