12.28.2010
I cook a lot. A lot more than I'd like to, really. It's the cleaning up I hate. I don't know why. It's not bad to do, I just hate to do it. So, most everything I cook is on the "simple" side.
Here are a couple of my "new" favorites:
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/roasted-asparagus-with-lemon-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html
I didn't think I liked asparagus, but I knew William did so one time back in the summer when it was on sale, I decided to give this recipe a try. I'm not a huge fan of lemon, either. But I have to say, I love this asparagus. It's still firm so it's texture is pleasing and the lemon is not at all over-powering. It's just plain yummy!
Hash Brown Casserole
http://www.food.com/recipe/cracker-barrels-hash-browns-casserole-copycat-15242/review?pn=3
This recipe mimics that of the hash brown casserole you get at Cracker Barrel. I did alter the recipe a little based on some of the comments others had made. I used half a pint of sour cream and no butter. I also thawed the hash browns first - be sure to used shredded hash browns. I've had it with diced potatoes and it's just not as good. I also hand-shredded the cheese, though I imagine the shredded stuff you buy in the grocery store would be just as good. Oh, and I sauteed the onions before adding them to the mixture. My kids loved this. William did too. It was a big hit!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
White Christmas
12.25.2010
We had a beautiful white Christmas. The final snow count was somewhere around 8 inches. There was some pretty intense wind, and we lost power for about five hours. We snuggled the kids up in beds in the den where we had a fire going and while they were settling down, William and I went to the living room and played cards by candle light. The power was restored around 2:30 am and once we were able to warm the kid's rooms to a comfortable temperature, we moved them to their own beds for a good night's rest.
The problem with living in the country is that once it snows, you're stuck at home for a few days. We're hoping we'll be able to get down our driveway by Friday. William walked to the mailbox earlier and heard the state scraping the secondary road we live off of, so I'm hoping travel will be safer for those who can get out. I'm adding a level yard with paved entry to my wish-list for our next house. But it the meantime, I'll try to enjoy the beauty of the snow. And man is it beautiful!
We had a beautiful white Christmas. The final snow count was somewhere around 8 inches. There was some pretty intense wind, and we lost power for about five hours. We snuggled the kids up in beds in the den where we had a fire going and while they were settling down, William and I went to the living room and played cards by candle light. The power was restored around 2:30 am and once we were able to warm the kid's rooms to a comfortable temperature, we moved them to their own beds for a good night's rest.
The problem with living in the country is that once it snows, you're stuck at home for a few days. We're hoping we'll be able to get down our driveway by Friday. William walked to the mailbox earlier and heard the state scraping the secondary road we live off of, so I'm hoping travel will be safer for those who can get out. I'm adding a level yard with paved entry to my wish-list for our next house. But it the meantime, I'll try to enjoy the beauty of the snow. And man is it beautiful!
Christmas Day
12.25.2010
The only thing Andrew asked Santa for this year was a blue bicycle. And Santa was more than happy to oblidge. He left a few extra goodies for him, and set Megan up with quite a few new toys, too. The kids had a great time on Christmas morning. Their true personalites really came out. Megan jumped in head first while Andrew waited for us to tell him it was okay.
We had heard rumors all week that we might have a white Christmas and sure enough, when we woke up there was snow on the ground. And though I'm not always the biggest fan of snow, it was a nice surprise. We spend the day nice and warm in our house surrounded by lots of new things to play with and do. And we enjoyed the day at home with our kids more than we could have ever imagined!
And I know I've mentioned Santa quite a bit in my posts, but we've talked a lot about the true meaning of Christmas too. Andrew very much thought I should plan a birthday party for Jesus, so I think he understands that Christmas day is not all about toys and Santa, but about the birth of Jesus Christ, too. We'll always remember the true meaning of Christmas in our home and as our kids get older, we may just have a little birthday party too.
The only thing Andrew asked Santa for this year was a blue bicycle. And Santa was more than happy to oblidge. He left a few extra goodies for him, and set Megan up with quite a few new toys, too. The kids had a great time on Christmas morning. Their true personalites really came out. Megan jumped in head first while Andrew waited for us to tell him it was okay.
We had heard rumors all week that we might have a white Christmas and sure enough, when we woke up there was snow on the ground. And though I'm not always the biggest fan of snow, it was a nice surprise. We spend the day nice and warm in our house surrounded by lots of new things to play with and do. And we enjoyed the day at home with our kids more than we could have ever imagined!
And I know I've mentioned Santa quite a bit in my posts, but we've talked a lot about the true meaning of Christmas too. Andrew very much thought I should plan a birthday party for Jesus, so I think he understands that Christmas day is not all about toys and Santa, but about the birth of Jesus Christ, too. We'll always remember the true meaning of Christmas in our home and as our kids get older, we may just have a little birthday party too.
Christmas Eve
12.24.2010
The last few year's, we've celebrated Christmas with the Hoffart family on Christmas Eve. This year, we hosted the family dinner here at our house. We had ham, turkey, and lots of trimmings. We enjoyed a nice meal and great company - and a great gift exchange, too! And it was fun to watch little Caroline as she celebrated her first Christmas surrounded by all her Hoffart cousins.
After most everyone had gone home to wait on Santa, Megan decided to show off some of her latest dance moves for Grandpa and Grandma. She loves to dance. She also loves to be the center of attention. I see a little diva developing before my eyes! Her favorite thing to dance to right now is the opening song to Barney and Friends (sigh...).
I didn't take a lot of pictures. I'm always so mad at myself when I find I don't have any of good quality to share. Oh, have I ever mentioned to you how bad I hate my camera? I do. Too bad Santa didn't remember that!
The last few year's, we've celebrated Christmas with the Hoffart family on Christmas Eve. This year, we hosted the family dinner here at our house. We had ham, turkey, and lots of trimmings. We enjoyed a nice meal and great company - and a great gift exchange, too! And it was fun to watch little Caroline as she celebrated her first Christmas surrounded by all her Hoffart cousins.
After most everyone had gone home to wait on Santa, Megan decided to show off some of her latest dance moves for Grandpa and Grandma. She loves to dance. She also loves to be the center of attention. I see a little diva developing before my eyes! Her favorite thing to dance to right now is the opening song to Barney and Friends (sigh...).
I didn't take a lot of pictures. I'm always so mad at myself when I find I don't have any of good quality to share. Oh, have I ever mentioned to you how bad I hate my camera? I do. Too bad Santa didn't remember that!
The Eve of Christmas Eve
12.23.2010
Traditionally, my family has always celebrated Christmas on Christmas day. And to be honest, it's pretty exhausting. A trip home usually requires us to stop at three different houses, which takes up our entire day. And that usually means we wake the kids up, give them their presents, and then hit the road until bedtime. It seems so unfair to me. So this year, we decided we'd spend Christmas day at home with our kids.
This was far from the only factor that played part in my family deciding to celebrate Christmas early this year, but it worked out great. We celebrated on the eve of Christmas Eve at my Nanny's house in Rutherfordton.
We enjoyed a nice meal and had lots of fun opening presents. And it was super fun to spend some time with little Kensie on her first Christmas (remember, Kensie is my brother and his wife's baby who was born in October).
Traditionally, my family has always celebrated Christmas on Christmas day. And to be honest, it's pretty exhausting. A trip home usually requires us to stop at three different houses, which takes up our entire day. And that usually means we wake the kids up, give them their presents, and then hit the road until bedtime. It seems so unfair to me. So this year, we decided we'd spend Christmas day at home with our kids.
This was far from the only factor that played part in my family deciding to celebrate Christmas early this year, but it worked out great. We celebrated on the eve of Christmas Eve at my Nanny's house in Rutherfordton.
We enjoyed a nice meal and had lots of fun opening presents. And it was super fun to spend some time with little Kensie on her first Christmas (remember, Kensie is my brother and his wife's baby who was born in October).
Candy Party
12.19.2010
After a little encouragement from a good friend, I've decided to update my blog. And I'm going to do it without worrying about the order in which I post things. That's really the reason why I fall behind.
So, let's start with Christmas. The weekend before Christmas, actually. William and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday, December 18. We went out for a nice dinner but hurried home due to bad weather. I guess when you choose to be married a week before Christmas, that's a risk you take.
The next day, we were lucky to be able to make it to the party William's employer hosts for the employee's kids each year. It was on Sunday. A very cold Sunday. There were lots of inflatables set up (inside, thank goodness!) for kids Andrew's size. He loved every minute of it. He climbed, bounced, ran, and didn't want to stop. Well, not until it was cookie and candy time! He visited the tattoo station, made a cute little candy cane ornament for our tree, and played a couple of games. Megan hung out in her stroller most of the time but when we freed her, she found a balloon floating around and had a big time throwing, kicking, and running after it. I was so glad she found her own little source of entertainment. I have no good pictures of that. Each one I took just showed a little blur passing through. In fact most every picture I took that day was a big blur of one of my kids on the move. But, I did get a few "okay" pictures of the day...
After a little encouragement from a good friend, I've decided to update my blog. And I'm going to do it without worrying about the order in which I post things. That's really the reason why I fall behind.
So, let's start with Christmas. The weekend before Christmas, actually. William and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday, December 18. We went out for a nice dinner but hurried home due to bad weather. I guess when you choose to be married a week before Christmas, that's a risk you take.
The next day, we were lucky to be able to make it to the party William's employer hosts for the employee's kids each year. It was on Sunday. A very cold Sunday. There were lots of inflatables set up (inside, thank goodness!) for kids Andrew's size. He loved every minute of it. He climbed, bounced, ran, and didn't want to stop. Well, not until it was cookie and candy time! He visited the tattoo station, made a cute little candy cane ornament for our tree, and played a couple of games. Megan hung out in her stroller most of the time but when we freed her, she found a balloon floating around and had a big time throwing, kicking, and running after it. I was so glad she found her own little source of entertainment. I have no good pictures of that. Each one I took just showed a little blur passing through. In fact most every picture I took that day was a big blur of one of my kids on the move. But, I did get a few "okay" pictures of the day...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Trick or Treat
10.31.2010
I had a hard time deciding what to do for Halloween this year. The fact that it was on Sunday was my biggest dilemma. After much deliberation, we ended up at the Asheville Mall. I've never taken the kids anywhere other than the mall to trick or treat, but I hope to try something new next year. Trick or treating at the mall is just plain crazy!
I took two pictures of the kids in their costumes. That's right, two.
Andrew insisted he was going to be Thomas the Train again this year and even though I put much effort into changing his mind, he wouldn't consider anything else. And Megan was a perfectly cute puffy purple flower.
I had a hard time deciding what to do for Halloween this year. The fact that it was on Sunday was my biggest dilemma. After much deliberation, we ended up at the Asheville Mall. I've never taken the kids anywhere other than the mall to trick or treat, but I hope to try something new next year. Trick or treating at the mall is just plain crazy!
I took two pictures of the kids in their costumes. That's right, two.
Andrew insisted he was going to be Thomas the Train again this year and even though I put much effort into changing his mind, he wouldn't consider anything else. And Megan was a perfectly cute puffy purple flower.
'Lil Pumpkins
10.20.2010
I love being the mother of two. And I'll admit, two isn't much harder than one (did you just hear all the other mother's in the world gasp?). I have really good kids. Andrew is your typical, mischievous boy, but man can he be a real sweetheart, too. And Megan's a real love bug herself. But trying to get a pictures of them together...well, that's miserable and nearly impossible. One won't sit still, one won't look at the camera, one pesters the other, one refuses to smile, one is too tired for pictures, and so on. I remember last year I thought taking pictures of my kids in the pumpkin patch was the most miserable thing, ever. So, I really dreaded our trip back this year. Thankfully, it went much better this year. No, I didn't get a perfect shot. But this one's not too bad. :)
I love being the mother of two. And I'll admit, two isn't much harder than one (did you just hear all the other mother's in the world gasp?). I have really good kids. Andrew is your typical, mischievous boy, but man can he be a real sweetheart, too. And Megan's a real love bug herself. But trying to get a pictures of them together...well, that's miserable and nearly impossible. One won't sit still, one won't look at the camera, one pesters the other, one refuses to smile, one is too tired for pictures, and so on. I remember last year I thought taking pictures of my kids in the pumpkin patch was the most miserable thing, ever. So, I really dreaded our trip back this year. Thankfully, it went much better this year. No, I didn't get a perfect shot. But this one's not too bad. :)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Kensie Grace Wilson
10.13.2010
Meet Miss Kensie Grace, my newest niece.
Kensie is the first child of my brother (Derick) and his wife, Leann. She was welcomed on October 13 via an emergency c-section after poor Leann pushed for three long, hard hours. It was a difficult delivery, but Kensie's just perfect and Leann has recovered in record speed.
Kensie was named after our Pop, Kenneth Trantham, who passed away in February. He would have loved her and I know he's smiling down on her from Heaven.
Meet Miss Kensie Grace, my newest niece.
Kensie is the first child of my brother (Derick) and his wife, Leann. She was welcomed on October 13 via an emergency c-section after poor Leann pushed for three long, hard hours. It was a difficult delivery, but Kensie's just perfect and Leann has recovered in record speed.
Kensie was named after our Pop, Kenneth Trantham, who passed away in February. He would have loved her and I know he's smiling down on her from Heaven.
December, already?
12.01.2010
Whew. Did I really miss the entire month of November and most of October, too? I can't believe how behind I am on most everything. Nor can I believe how often I hear myself say that. My "to do" list is out of control. I'd like to blame on on the holidays, but what will my excuse be in January? I'm not really complaining. I'd rather be busy than bored. :)
If I can get my pictures organized, I'll try to do a few updates soon. I make no promises, but I will try!
Whew. Did I really miss the entire month of November and most of October, too? I can't believe how behind I am on most everything. Nor can I believe how often I hear myself say that. My "to do" list is out of control. I'd like to blame on on the holidays, but what will my excuse be in January? I'm not really complaining. I'd rather be busy than bored. :)
If I can get my pictures organized, I'll try to do a few updates soon. I make no promises, but I will try!
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