Monthly Archives: January 2011

Jan 6

3 Christmases

This year I had planned for one Christmas celebration with all of the family, but we ended up having three. It was really fun though.

On Christmas day it was just the five of us, and it was great, even though we were still feeling a bit sickly from the flu.

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The big kids have this present-opening-thing down.

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They tore through wrapping paper as fast as they could.

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Even the Little Miss tried her best at tearing apart the red wrapping paper.

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All of the kiddos (James included) loved the Yo Gabba Gabba! tent. It was really cool, and has become a hide-out in the boy’s room.

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I got some pretty rad gifts from my hubby. He is the best.

When it was New Year’s eve Grandma joined us for some more holiday fun. The kiddos couldn’t wait to see her.

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Oh yes, there were more gifts to open, and two bouncing boys that were having a blast.

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The Little Miss was getting better at opening gifts too.

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We had a fantastic afternoon filled with food, fun, and lots and lots of presents. We had to call the evening short though, snow looked like it was moving in, and we wanted to make sure that Grandma was home before the weather turned.

New Year’s Day we had one more Christmas celebration. This time it was with Nana and Uncle Rob.

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The kiddos were beyond excited to see Uncle Rob, and Nana too ( now I’m going to be in trouble) Just in case you didn’t know, he is my super-rad brother.

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More presents, and the promise of Wii, Thade was a happy-camper.

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Dylan was all smiles.

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Agnes loved her Hello Kitty blanket from Uncle Rob. It is so cute, I’m asking for one for my birthday.

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We had a fun day, and ended up hanging out in the dining-room catching up over tasty goodies, and laughing about everything.

Thanks again to all of our family for such wonderful holidays! Love you all!

Jan 5

Yay For Cherry Pie!

It is truly the year of the Pie.

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I tried out a pie crust recipe that I hadn’t made before, and whipped out my new granite rolling pin to make a tasty Cherry Pie.

So stinking good, sadly there are only 3 slices left. Guess this one is a keeper.

Jan 4

The Great Chili Debate

Chili is one of our favorite dishes during Autumn and Winter, but the way that I eat mine, always creates a stir. Maybe it’s a Missouri-thing, but I prefer mine to be Spaghetti-red.

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Yum a bowl of Chili served over Spaghetti! So good.

James says I’m doing it wrong though…

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He is the Chili purist, just crackers only.

So which do you prefer, Spaghetti-red or just Chili?

Jan 2

December’s Tasty Treats

I wasn’t in the kitchen quite as much in December, but I have big plans for January. I did get a few tasty treats made just in time to host three Christmases. Here are some of our favorites from December.

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We made super sticky indoor Smores. The kids loved these, so I am going to have to make them more often.

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I like to keep Banana Muffins stocked in the fridge for a fast breakfast, or snack. They are Dylan’s favorite.

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Agnes loved the corn bread muffins. I served these along side a big bowl of Ham & Beans. This dish is becoming a Winter staple around here.

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I made a few loaves of Banana Bread to serve at the Christmas celebrations, Agnes liked these too. She is taking after her momma with her love of baked goods. Time to get her a little kitchen of her own.

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I finally made some cookies on the very last day of the year. I made White Chocolate Cranberry Almond cookies, and I tested out a new recipe for Vanilla Sugar cookies too. The boys liked the Sugar cookies the best.

Now that it is January it is all about the PIE! I’m baking a Cherry Pie for dessert tonight. I can’t wait to get started.

Jan 2

January’s Monthly Menu

I’m always so excited to break out a new calendar and start my menu planning all over again. This year I’m trying to spend more time in the kitchen, and less time sneaking off to the nearest drive-thru. That also means a lot more dishes for me to wash, but it is also a great opportunity to try out some new meals too. So without further ado, here is the first monthly menu for 2011.

January’s Monthly Menu

  • 1/1/2011: Chili, Saltines, and Cookies
  • 1/2/2011: Pot Roast with Potatoes, Homemade Bread, and Cherry Pie
  • 1/3/2011: Panko Crusted Chicken Cutlets, Rice, and Green Beans
  • 1/4/2011: Chicken Chow Mien, Chow Mien Noodles, Rice, and Sugar Dumplings
  • 1/5/2011: Chili, Saltines, and Brownies
  • 1/6/2011: Grilled Chicken, Hominy, and Green Beans
  • 1/7/2011: Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Toast, and Cinnamon Rolls
  • 1/8/2011: Beef Stew and Homemade Bread
  • 1/9/2011: Ham & Beans, Cornbread, and Texas Sheet Cake
  • 1/10/2011: Pulled Pork Tacos, Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, Tortilla Chips, Cheese Dip, and Salsa
  • 1/11/2011: Salmon Cakes, Corn, and Fried Okra
  • 1/12/2011: Nacho Bar
  • 1/13/2011: BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Potato Chips, and Vanilla Cake
  • 1/14/2011: Breakfast Ham, Scrambled Eggs, Cream Cheese Rolls, and Banana Muffins
  • 1/15/2011: Chili, Saltines, and Brownies
  • 1/16/2011: Homemade Pizzas and Brownies
  • 1/17/2011: Chicken Fajitas, Tortilla Chips, Cheese Dip, Salsa, and Re-fried Beans
  • 1/18/2011: Grilled Chicken, Rice, Green Beans, and Homemade Bread
  • 1/19/2011: Spaghetti Tacos
  • 1/20/2011: Beef Goulash and Homemade Bread
  • 1/21/2011: Pizza Sandwiches
  • 1/22/2011: Beef Stew and Homemade Bread
  • 1/23/2011: Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, and Chocolate Cream Pie
  • 1/24/2011: Angus Burgers and Potato Chips
  • 1/25/2011: Turkey and Sides (hello leftovers)
  • 1/26/2011: Turkey Noodles with Mashed Potatoes and Cakerdoodles
  • 1/27/2011: Spaghetti, Homemade Bread, and Black Olives
  • 1/28/2011: Ham & Beans, Cornbread, and Apple Pie
  • 1/29/2011: Nacho Bar and Chocolate Bundt Cake (Happy Birthday to my big kid)
  • 1/30/2011: Beef Stew and Homemade Bread
  • 1/31/2011: Salmon Cakes, Corn, and Fried Okra

Time to get in the kitchen and get to cooking. Have a fantastic new year!