Happy "Ugly Sweater" Birthday James

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Gingerbread party...

The "Gingerbread Party" is a fun annual get-to-together with our neighborhood girls and their moms. We've been doing this for the past 5 years with great success.  This year Marie and I decided to forgo the norm and take matters into our own hands by decorating a TREE instead of a GINGERBREAD HOUSE. Our little tree is so cute and way easier than the house. Plus, it came with white and green frosting, which was a bonus. 

--Marie putting the finishing touch on our lovely Christmas tree--

Christmas is such a fun time to hopefully "relax" and enjoy one another. I think we accomplished this and much more....

--Davis's--

--Nielsen's--

--Judd's--

--Timm's--

--Romney's--

--Ellis's--

--Robert's--

--Badger's and hostess's-- Thanks Julie:)

--Pia's--

The other fun thing we do is a gift exchange with the girls. They each bring a ten dollar gift to trade. I think the girls were pretty happy with their gift. 

Well, I hate to say it, but somehow Marie and I haven't had the privilege of hosting this event. Maybe next year we'll take our turn. 

Happy Holidays!

Holiday recipe of the week....

My mother-in-law CC turned me on to this candy years ago. I don't know why, but I love making it during the Holidays. It truly reminds me of the season and it tastes so wonderful. ( I promise you can't eat just one) --This delicious candy would make a great neighbor or friend gift all wrapped up. 

Idle Isles candy

1 Cup butter, softened

1- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

4 Cups powdered sugar

1 ½ pounds high quality dipping chocolate

1 pound roasted, salted, finely chopped almonds

 ·      Combine butter, vanilla, milk and powdered sugar. Mix well and refrigerate until firm enough to handle. Roll into balls using about ½ teaspoon per ball. Freeze crème balls overnight.

·      Melt dipping chocolate over hot water. Take extreme care not to let any water spill over into chocolate. Pour small amount of chocolate onto marble slab. Roll frozen crème ball in chocolate, coating completely. Roll in almonds and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Lucky, lucky us....

I think it is safe to say, we are all feeling a little giddy today. Let me explain...... My little brother Jeremy called yesterday and asked if we'd be willing to tend their 7 week old baby for the evening. Uh..... duh..... 

Seriously, you don't need to ask, just show up and we'll drop everything for baby Ash!

The cool thing is, Ash looks so much like my babies did and he fits right in with our family. Is he the cutest thing ever???

Our entire house was filled with this sweet babies spirit and the kids were goo-goo-gah-gah over him. It was nice to have a baby around again, although you forget how much "stuff" they come with and the car seat..... need I say more? They really need to figure out a way to make those dang things lighter!

I had to leave with Asher around 7:00 and didn't return until 9:30. The minute I walked through the door, Marie was ready with open arms. She fed, burped and rocked Ash into a deep slumber. She's pretty good with babies.... I was impressed!

We are so glad we had the opportunity to get to know our little Nephew better. We adore him and his parents. Please, please, please, think of us next time you need a sitter. 

Don't sweat the small stuff...

The one thing I dread every single year is pulling out the Christmas boxes and forcing not only my kids, but my husband to help decorate our home and be happy and joyful while doing so. I wish I could say the Pia's were perfect, but we are far from it. Not only do we complain (including me this time) every step of the way, but we also had quite a few malfunctions this year. Join me as I take you on a little tour, but please refrain from judgement, I'm already completely aware of my ghetto, white trash house.

This is how our family room looks while trying to organize the clutter.

Hazel is the only one helping at this point. I think she's still too young to be annoyed.

So, we finally get the tree up and decorated, but realize the entire top half and bottom half of the tree's lights are out!!!  Hmmm..... I'm sure most of you would then disassemble the tree, find the problem, and then redecorate the thing with glee.

Well, NOT THE PIA'S. This tree is staying exactly the way it is and we're going to ignore it's malfunctions just like everything else in our home. Why should the tree get special privileges when nothing else around here does?

 --Don't sweat the small stuff--

Next we come to the 4 Alpine trees ( I know they're scraggily looking) in the entry way. 1 out of the 4 have lights properly working this year, so I guess we're happy that at least 1 works.

 --Don't sweat the small stuff--

Nothing working on the mantel. 

--Don't sweat the small stuff--

The lights on our piano were so beautiful last year, but again, not working this year.

 --Don't sweat the small stuff--

Awe..... lastly we come to the dining room and lo and behold, we plug them in and about half of them work... amazing! See..... why do we sweat the small stuff? Does it really matter? Is it THAT important? Can we just focus on the more important things this season?   

I have to say, "I love my house" and I feel blessed every single day to live here and have so many wonderful blessings in my life. I'm thankful for the season and can't wait to start celebrating the many events to come..... Happy Holidays everyone and Please remember.....

--Don't sweat the small stuff--