Christmas Weekend

I know that this is very belated...but it took me awhile to remember to upload the pictures!


One of the best things about Christmas being on a weekend was that Daddy didn't have to work at all on Christmas Eve! 

Christmas Eve:

We let the kids each open one present on Christmas Eve - Quinn opened a Little People book that has flaps that you open and see what is inside.  Owen opened a Spiderman puzzle.  Then him and Daddy put it together:

And Quinn wanted to help too!

I made my Baked Potato Soup for supper that night (along with grilled cheese with bacon).  Then we went to Christmas Eve service at our church - Owen got to hold his own candle at the end of the service.  We had to blow it out early as he was being dripped on :)

Then we put out the Reindeer Food that Owen made at school and also put out some chocolate milk and peanut butter kiss cookies for Santa.



Christmas:

I woke up not feeling the greatest so Daddy got up with the kids and I slept a bit longer but knew I shouldn't keep the kiddos waiting too long to open presents.

Owen got a Nintendo 3DS with a couple games (Mario World and Legos Star Wars) and a case for it.  He also got some wall tracks, books, a new coat, lots of clothes, and an Angry Birds toy for his backpack.

Quinn got an activity block, lots of clothes, a "car", puzzles, and her first pair of DSW shoes :)

Daddy got a lot of darts supplies and Mommy got a new pair of shoes (Nothing says love quite like getting each other their favorite obsession that you don't quite understand!).

We had pancakes, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and eggs for lunch.  Followed by some Oreo chocolate pie. 

We then played some board games!  All in all, a great day!

The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and the kids are a sight

So happy, so cute on this beautiful night. 

The presents are wrapped and ready to go

Yet the kids exclaim - "please, just one more show?"

Mommy says "yes" with a twinkle in her eye

Thinking to herself about how much time has gone by.

The kids are growing up, just way too fast

I would do about anything to make this time last.

So we sit down together and Frosty is on

But we all know what will happen at dawn.

Santa will come if all year we've been "good"

Owen's written many times to make sure Santa's understood

We put Santa out some milk and a big cookie

But then we remember - oh yeah, Sookie

If we leave it out will that cat leave it be?

We put it on the mantle where Santa will see.

Take Owen to bed and give him great big kiss.

Then do the same with Quinn, his lil' sis

When I look at my kids I have no doubt,

They will learn and remember what this season's about!

via shutterstock.com

Favorite Ornaments 2011

So since this is one of the first years that we have had some unique ornaments (i.e. - not just colored/sparkly balls), I thought I'd show you a few of our new additions and/ or favorites!

Owen made this one at Northpointe ("regular" kindergarten) this year! 

This is one that I got from my mother-in-law and father-in-law

This is one that Owen made at Little Red this year!

This is one that Owen made for Grandma Eydie and Grandpa Fred this year (if you are already seeing this, act surprised :)  )

This is one that Brandon and I got when we were married...over 9 years ago!

 This is one that Owen made for "Owen" at Winter Wonderland

This is the one the Quinnie "made" at daycare for us this year - isn't she darling!?!

This is one that I painted many years ago but Owen loves it as it is Santa and it is a crescent shape!

This is one that we got as a gift for Quinnie's first Christmas!

Hard to believe that Christmas is only 2 days away!!  Looking forward to Santa's visit :)

Random Christmas Entertainment Trivia

We all know you can google the answers - but you are on your honor system!  Highlight to view answer!

What is the name of the little girl on Frosty the Snowman?

Answer:  Karen

What is the name of the elf that wants to be a dentist on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Answer:  Hermie

What did the Dad win as his prize in The Christmas Story?

Answer:  Fishnet Leg Lamp


What is the name of the little girl reindeer on Rudolph?

Answer:  Clarice


What is the name of the little boy on The Santa Clause?

Answer:  Charlie


Who plays Martha May in the Grinch?

Answer:  Christine Baranski


What toy did Neil get from Santa Claus that he wanted when he was little during The Santa Clause?

Answer:  Weenie Whistle

In Home Alone, where was the family going on vacation?

Answer:  Paris


In The Christmas story, what is Ralphie's little brother's name?

Answer:  Randy


Finally - if you got all of the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas, how many gifts would you get?

Answer:  364

Moments that make me smile

This past few weeks, although I have been very busy at work with the end of the semester drawing to a close, I have been noticing some of the more simple things in life and boy have some of them made me smile!

Lately, Quinnie has been very much of a Mommy's girl and follows me almost anywhere - to the laundry room, into the bathroom, working in the kitchen.  The other day she was "helping" me with the dishes and when she came over, she had carried her shoes over on her hands.  To make me chuckle even more, she threw them onto the bottom rack of the dishwasher!  I told her that they weren't dirty and gave them back to her, then she took them back to the "pile of shoes."

Owen had a school Christmas program last week.  They came out wearing Santa hats and reindeer shirts that they had made.  The sang lots of songs including Owen's Twelve Days of Christmas.  He kept his eyes on me most of the time.  Once it was over, I get to meet his "bff" - McKenzie.   In addition, I met his mother who told me that whenever she picks McKenzie up, she has to give Owen a hug before she goes :)

Finally, on Friday Owen had an eye doctor appointment (no news is good news!).  After I got done scheduling his next appointment in June, we were getting ready to leave.  Owen looked at the receptionist and said "Bye - Merry Christmas."  This made me smile so much as sometimes I forget to say this to people now as I'm afraid of "offending" them.  I don't like to just say "Happy Holidays" so I got in the habit of telling my students to "enjoy your break."  But after seeing my son's sweetness and the delight on the receptionist's face, I don't think people should be offended when you are wishing them pleasantries!

What is making you smile right now?

Peanut Butter Bars

Today's recipe I got from a middle school friend's Mom and I hadn't even thought about it since I was 16 until just this week!  I emailed my Mom and asked her if she remembered a recipe that had a yellow cake-like bottom, topped with peanut butter and chocolate.  She found it for me and sent it to me!  I like this as it is not that sweet compared to so many things this time of year.  Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Bars
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 T melted butter
2 T oil
1 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
12 oz chocolate chips
Peanut butter

Beat sugar, oil, butter. Mix in milk.  Add eggs, one at a time. Add remaining ingredients (except peanut butter and chip) and mix.

Bake in greased jelly roll pan (I believe it's a 10 x 15) at 350 for 20 minutes. As soon as removed from oven, spread on peanut butter to melt. Chill. Melt chips and spread over. Refridgerate 10 minutes. Line cut the chocolate. Refridgerate until serving.

Chocolate Mint Fudge

Today on my friend's Christmas Cookie Countdown:  Soft Gingersnaps.

I am going to share a recipe that gets gobbled up (just made a batch for a party that was gone in under hour!) Easy Chocolate Mint Fudge!

This is a recipe I tried for the first time this year - basically took my peanut butter fudge recipe and edited it a little :)

3 cups sugar
12 T oleo
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
1 t peppermint extract
10 oz bag of dark chocolate mint chips

Bring sugar, oleo and evaporated milk to a boil and continuing boiling for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and add peppermint extract, 1 jar marshmellow creme (7 oz size) and 10 oz bag of dark chocolate mint chips.  Mix well and spread into buttered 9 x 13 pan.

Makes 3 lbs of fudge

Kool-Aid Cookies

Today I'm doing a co-host for my friend's Christmas Cookie Countdown - she has lot of great treats!

I decided to share something different - although it is not a true "Christmas Cookie," these are a lot of fun to make with the kids and you can change colors/flavors to meet holidays.  So, around Christmas, I make green (lime) and red (black cherry) - what are they?  Kool-Aid Cookies!

Ingredients

1/2 cup oleo
1 egg
1 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp unsweetened koolaid  (use 1 1/2 tsp if making grape)


Directions

1.  Cream together oleo, sugar and egg.
2.  Add milk and mix.
3.  Stir in dry indregients and mix well. (I add the Koolaid last to insure that in mixes well).
4.  Drop by teaspoonfuls on lightly greased cookie sheet.
5.  Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes (until bottom is lightly brown).
6.  Cool; then frost with powdered sugar frosting with 1/2 tsp Koolaid mixed in.

Makes approx 3 dozen, depending on size.

<a href="http://www.myreflectionofsomething.net/search/label/Christmas%20Cookie%20Countdown" target="_blank" title="Christmas Cookie Countdown"><img alt="Christmas Cookie Countdown" src="http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g400/bloggybranson/christmascookiecountdown.jpg" width="150" height="150"/></a>

Gingerbread Cookies

Today on Branson's Christmas Cookie Countdown:  Marshmallow Holly Treats

Today I've posted a recipe that I first tried last year - gingerbread cookies.  I have liked these cookies for awhile, but it was never on the list of cookies to make with my Mom - we already had a lot of cookies on our list. In addition, this cookie is not one that all love (including my hubby!)  Owen helped me with stirring, cutting and frosting the cookies - how did we do?

Recipe (via Paula Deen)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 stick butter or margarine, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Icing:

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring, as desired

Directions

Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the sugar and butter until thoroughly combined. Add the eggs and molasses and mix until combined. Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and combine with a spoon or spatula.

Remove the dough from the bowl and wrap in plastic wrap; place in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, until pliable. Take about 1/2 cup of dough at a time and roll onto a floured board until about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out with gingerbread boy and girl cookie cutters. You can re-roll the scraps. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies from the board to the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes, until just beginning to brown at the edges. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
To make the icing, combine the confectioners' sugar and milk. Divide the mixture into thirds; leave 1/3 white, and color 1/3 green and the final third red. Decorate piping eyes, mouths, buttons, and bow ties.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Go check out my friend's recipe for Rum Balls.

Today I'm going to share a recipe similar to the one that my Mom and I make together.  I know that this is not the same recipe she uses as I'm pretty sure her's only has brown sugar (no white sugar) and no milk.  However, I like this recipe as the peanut butter cookie is less of a pain (not as crumbly). 

Adapted from Hersheys.com

Ingredients

• 48 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.     
2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.  Place in mini muffin pan.  
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each  cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely.
5. I usually place them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to harden up the chocolate so that I can stack these cookies!  (Thanks for this tip Mom!)

About 4 dozen cookies.

Peanut Butter Fudge (CCC)

Today my friend has posted Oreo Balls!
I am going to share a recipe that gets gobbled up (just made a batch for a party that was gone in under hour!)  Easy Peanut Butter Fudge!

This is adapted from a recipe I got from my Mom, so I'm unsure of the origination of it, but pretty sure it came from a jar of Kraft Marshmallow Creme!

3 cups sugar
12 T oleo
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
1 t vanilla
1 cup peanut butter
Bring sugar, oleo and evaporated milk to a boil and continuing boiling for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and add 1 tsp vanilla, 1 jar marshmellow creme (7 oz size) and 1
cup peanut butter. Mix well and spread into buttered 9 x 13 pan.

Makes 3 lbs of fudge   

Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies (CCC)

Today my friend has posted some Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.

The next recipe that I'm sharing is another from Martha Stewart's Cookie Cookbook - Iced Oatmeal-Applesauce Cookies.  These are full of oatmeal, raisins and apples, so at least on the healthier side when it comes to cookies!  I have taken these to school parties (for the kids and for my students) and they have been a hit!

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup chunky-style applesauce
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup golden raisins
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup



Directions

1.Make cookies: Preheat oven to 350. Put butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until combined. Add egg and applesauce, mix until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix in raisins.

2.Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies until golden and just set, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack set over parchment paper; let cool completely.

3.Make icing: Whisk confectioners' sugar, syrup, and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Drizzle over cookies, let set.

 
Enjoy!
 

via marthastewart.com

Surprise (Andes) Cookies

Christmas Cookie Countdown - friend has posted Cranberry Orange Delights!

I have decided to share one of  my favorite recipes I got through a recipe exchange we did as graduate students - Surprise Cookies! -what is better than a cookie that has an Andes mint inside? 

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 65 mint Andes candies

Directions

• In a bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
• With floured hands, shape a tablespoonful of dough around 42 candies, forming rectangular cookies. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
• Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. In a microwave or saucepan, melt the remaining candies; drizzle over cookies. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.

via tasteofhome.com

Caramel Pretzel Rods

On my friend's Christmas Cookie Countdown - haystacks.

Today I'm sharing a recipe for one of the things I love to eat when other people make them - Caramel Pretzel Rods.  I've never actually tried these myself but just may have to this year!

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup butter, cubed
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package (10 ounces) pretzel rods
• 6 to 12 ounces white candy coating
• 6 to 12 ounces milk chocolate candy coating
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, optional  Yuck!

Directions

• In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling, without stirring, at a moderate-steady rate for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in milk. Return to the heat. Reduce to medium-low; cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 245° (firm-ball stage). Keep warm.
• Pour 2 cups caramel mixture into a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Quickly dip each pretzel halfway into caramel. Allow excess to drip off. Place on well-buttered baking sheets; let stand until hardened.
• In a microwave, melt white candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip half of the caramel-coated pretzels into coating. Melt milk chocolate coating; dip remaining pretzels. Drizzle white-coated pretzels with milk chocolate coating; drizzle milk chocolate-coated pretzels with white coating. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen.
  
  Editor’s Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test. Any remaining caramel mixture may be poured into a well-buttered 8-in x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Cool to room temperature before cutting into squares and wrapping in waxed paper.

via tasteofhome.com

Snickerdoodles (Christmas Cookie Countdown)

Head on over to my friend's blog - her cookie today is pumpkin pie cookies!


Here I'm sharing my favorite recipe (so far) from the Martha Stewart Cookie Cookbook - Snickerdoodles!

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup pure vegetable shortening
• 1 3/4 cups sugar, plus more if needed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, plus more if needed
• 2 large eggs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, with one rack in top third and one rack in bottom third of oven. Line baking sheets with Silpat baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.
2. Sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter, shortening, and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add eggs, and beat to combine. Add dry ingredients, and beat to combine.
3. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the ground cinnamon. Use a small (1 1/4-ounce) ice-cream scoop to form balls of the dough, and roll in cinnamon sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are set in center and begin to crack (they will not brown), about 10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets after 5 minutes. Transfer the sheets to a wire rack to cool about 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to the rack. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

via marthastewart.com

Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Today on my friend's Christmas Cookie Countdown she has a recipe for Amaretto Snowballs.  Go check it out! 

I wanted to share with you a recipe I originally got from a friend.  I had to ask her for it as I absolutely loved these bars when she made them (she actually brought some into me at the hospital after I had Owen, and when I was on solid food!)

These are great to bring to a family get together and since they are bars, you can eat them with your fingers (if desired) instead of with a fork.  Makes it even easier for your friends and family to grab one!  One special note - don't count on any leftovers!


Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients
2 cups finely crushed creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 24 cookies)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening
14 Andes creme de menthe thin candies, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 9-inch baking pan. Bake 6 minutes. Cool.



In medium bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in EAGLE BRAND, eggs and peppermint extract until smooth. Pour over cooled cookie base and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool 20 minutes; chill.


Just before serving, in heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening. Drizzle over the top of chilled cheesecake bars. Sprinkle chopped chocolate mint candies over the top. Cut into bars. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.


Find recipe online here

via eaglebrand.com

Christmas Cookie Countdown - with Hot Chocolate!

A friend of mine is hosting a Christmas Cookie Countdown on her blog, which I have been asked to be a co-host for on December 16th.  However, why should I wait so long to share with you all the great recipes that will be highlighted on her blog (and she allows a link-up if you have your own recipes to share!).

So I thought it might be fun to spotlight some other types of goodies to go with the cookies that she is sharing.  So today, I've decided to share a great hot chocolate recipe (yes - you can make homemade hot chocolate!).  It makes a lot of hot chocolate, but one of the best things is it can be store in the fridge for up to 5 days and be reheated - score!

Dreamy Hot Chocolate
Servings: Approximately 2 quarts


Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients 
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated milk)
6 1/2 cups hot water
Mini Marshmallows (optional)

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, vanilla and salt; mix well. Over medium heat, slowly stir in water; heat through, stirring occasionally. DO NOT BOIL. Top with marshmallows, if desired.

Tip: Chocolate can be store in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Mix well and reheat before serving.

Recipe Courtesy Paula Deen

via pauladeen.com

Owen's 12 Day of Christmas

The other night we were singing Christmas songs.  I started to sing Twelve Days of Christmas and Owen stopped me to tell me I wasn't doing it right.  He said...

"On the First Day of Christmas, my teacher gave to me, some homework in my backpack."  All I did was start smiling and then he kept going.  I grinned the entire time and at one point he told me to stop laughing.  I said I wasn't I was just so happy to hear him sing.

First Day:  Some homework in my backpack.
Second Day:  Two journal entires
Third Day:  Three learning centers
Fourth Day:  Four special treats
Fifth Day:  Five flashcards
Sixth Day:  Six crafts for making
Seventh Day:  Seven coints for counting
Eighth Day: Eight Phonics Papers
Ninth Day:  Nine crayons for drawing
Tenth Day:  Ten pencils for writing
Eleventh Day:  Eleven Books for reading
Twelfth Day:  Twelve "good job" stickers

I don't know how long ago he learned this at school, but I am so impressed how he remembers it!  What a special boy I have.  So lucky!

Shirt say "Sorry Girlds...Mommy says no dating"  :)