Christmas Morning

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, we hung around the house in our jammie's watching movies and playing with our new toys also the weather has been frightful, snow all day plus wind soooo cold.

Austin had to work this morning, so we were up at 3am so he could see the kids open their gifts it has been a long day, we will have our Christmas dinner when he comes home tonight.

COOKIES FOR SANTA !

SANTA

Ginger - Bread House

Tis the Season

I love giving unique neighbor gifts, something instead of a plate of goodies.

Last year I gave all my neighbors a bottle of Sparkling Cyder and a note that read "Hope you have a "Sparkling" Holiday Season. All my neighbors loved it.

This year I'm still planning on my idea, but I've listed a few ideas for those of you who want to give something different.

If you have any unique ideas I'd love to read them,

• Christmas balloon bouquet — "Uplifting" wishes for a fun-filled holiday!

• Bag of mini carrots and veggie dip — We know you are 24 "carrot" neighbors! What a treasure! Have a happy holiday!

• Set of measuring spoons and cups — Wishing you joy beyond "measure" this holiday season.

• Bag of pistachios or peanuts in shells — Don't go "nuts" this Christmas! From your "nutty" neighbors.

• Fresh grapes — A "bunchful" of wishes for a "grape" holiday!

• Christmas paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils — A bit of "disposable" Christmas cheer! What could be better? No dishes, my dear!

• Bolt of Christmas ribbon — This simple gift is meant to help you "tie" up those loose ends this Christmas season!

• Bag of ice melter and scoop — "Scoop" up a safe and fun holiday season!

• Christmas ornament — Twinkle, twinkle, sparkled, shine, this ornament comes just in time! Merry Christmas!

• Jolly Rancher soft chews — We "chews" to wish you a "jolly" holiday season!

• Eggo Waffles and syrup — For a "quick-o" breakfast that will be just fine, when running late this holiday time! Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

• Mittens (fill with tape, scissors, tags and pen) — Let us "lend" you a "hand" this Christmas season!

• Cheese Nips — We're going to "nip" it in the bud and wish you "cheesey" holiday wishes!

• Frozen lasagna — "What's for dinner?" During the holidays we hear this a lot, just heat this lasagna until it is hot!

• Apples and caramel dip — To a most "a-peel-ing" family. "Dip" into a very happy holiday season!

• Animal Crackers or Teddy Grahams — This neighborhood would be a "zoo" without you! Merry Christmas to a "beary" "grrreat" neighbor!

• Big candy bar or candy cane —"Enormous" Christmas wishes to you!

• 7UP — There's "seven" reasons why you are "up" on our list of favorites! Merry Christmas (list seven reasons).

• Christmas plates — Hoping you'll "arrange" to have a wonderful Christmas this year with a "plateful" of fun!

• Bag of salad and dressing — "Tossing" out a wonderful Christmas wish to you and yours all "dressed" up with Christmas cheer!

• Snowman — There's "snow" better folks than you! Merry Christmas!

• Christmas potholders — "Hot" holiday wishes for you! Happy holidays!

• Magic Markers — Friends are the "magic" of Christmas!

• Christmas cookie cutter — "Cutting" out a perfect Christmas wish for you!

• Bouquet of flowers or cookies — We're sending a "bouquet" of Christmas wishes your way!

• Winter scarf — Hoping your Christmas is "wrapped" up in fun! "Warm" winter wishes to everyone!

• Note cards or Post-It-Notes — Take "note!" We're thinking of you this holiday season!

• Christmas towel — Sending "clean" and "sparkling" Christmas wishes your way!

• Snack mix — Here is a "mix" of holiday wishes for you! (or) May your holidays be "Chextra" special!

• Bag of potatoes with tasty recipes — Hey, "spuds!" We think you're awesome! Merry Christmas!

• Symphony candy bars — Just a "note" of "sweet" Christmas tidings!

• Package of pens — Whenever you need them, they're never around, so here is a supply ... 'cuz you're Christmas bound!

• Toaster Struedel or English muffins — May your holidays be warm and "toasty" Merry Christmas!

• Santa — Just be "Claus" we think you're neat! Merry Christmas!

• Starbursts — We are "bursting" with wishes for you to have a "starry" bright Christmas!

• Baked item — It's a Christmas miracle ... I baked! Warm Christmas wishes to you and yours!

• Frozen item — You're the "brrr-y" best!

• Cream of Weber Chug chocolate milk (individual or six-pack) — "Chug" a lug of Christmas cheer, Santa Claus will soon be here. Just warm one in the microwave, to have hot chocolate you'll surely crave! (You could attach a bag of marshmallows.)

• Rhodes frozen cinnamon or orange rolls — "Rise" to the occasion and celebrate the holidays in a "tasty" way.

• Pepperidge Farm cookies — Homemade cookies would be so fine, but these are so much better than mine! Merry Christmas!

• Bagels and cream cheese — "Spreading" a little Christmas "shmear" to our friends who are so dear!

• Package of Milky Way reindeer — For won-"deer"-full friends from the whole herd!

• Poinsettia — Our friendship is forever "blooming." Hoping you have a wonderful holiday season!

• Oven mitt — For a "warm" hand of friendship just as you've given me, and the wish for a joyous season with love aplenty under the tree!

• Scented pinecones or candle — Have a "scent"-sational Christmas.

• Roll of wrapping paper — "Wrap" yourself up in a wonderful holiday season!

• Ice cream roll or frozen drink concentrate — Happy "freezin'" season! Have a happy holiday!

• Mint M&M's — These are "mint" to wish you a "magical" and "merry" Christmas.

• Ritz snowflake crackers and a can of cheese — Have a "ritzy" Christmas season and "spread" around the joy!

• Jello Mousse Mix — Merry "Chris-mousse" to you!

• Pancake mix and syrup —We're "pouring out" Christmas wishes and hoping you have a Christmas to "flip over!"

• Bounty paper towels — This season may the "absorbing" spirit of Christ "blot" out your problems, "soak up" your sorrows, and "wipe" away your difficulties and may the new year bring you "bounteous" blessings all the year through!

• Car scraper and brush — May you be free from life's "scrapes" and shoves and "see more clearly." May life's problems just "brush" away. We wish you a happy holiday.

• Soup mix — We wish you a wonderful holiday "simmering" gently with love!

• Bean soup mix — You've "bean" such good neighbors!

• Christmas taffy — We're "pulling" for you to have a very merry Christmas!

• Christmas Rolos — "Rolo-long" with a holiday song, spreading good cheer at the time of year!

• Werthers Original Butter Candies — "Original" Christmas greeting for no "butter" friends around.

• Reeses Peanut Butter Cups — There are so many "Reeses" why we like you!

• Fritos Scoops and bean dip — Here is the "scoop" for "bean" so nice. "Dip" into a fun holiday!

• Flashlight — We love how you "light up" our lives. We've come to depend on your "glow." Here's a "flashlight" to store, so you'll always be sure to create "light" wherever you go!

• Batteries — "'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was worried, he had an emergnecy. Boy was he flurried! The power was off, and his flashlight was dead. He didn't buy "batteries" when Mrs. Santa said. We don't want you in a similiar plight, so we give you "batteries" to "lighten" your night! Merry Christmas to you. May you walk in the "light"!

• Townhouse crackers and cheeseball — From "our house" to "your house" with love. We hope you have a "ball" this Christmas!

• Frozen or refrigerated turnovers — The holidays are wrapping up, there is still one thing we want to do. We couldn't go another day without this holiday wish for you. May the new hear "turn over" with health, wealth and happiness, too!

Tradition

Our tradition is to decorate the house after Thanksgiving, this year I let the kids do it all. they put the tree together. decorated it and decorated the house they had a blast doing it. And I just sat back and took pictures

We have an early Christmas present, (that is Sandi she is so darn cute)

Turkey Buckets

I found this cute and easy craft to make with your kids so easy, I didn't have to buy any of the supplies, I improvised and it turned out just as cute.

Terra-Cotta Pots or any you have around
Brown Paint
Paint brush
Paper (of your choice)
Google Eyes or drawn on paper
Chalk
Ribbon
Black permanent Marker
Glue gun and glue sticks

Paint your pot, several coats depending on the color of your pot.

Cut out feathers, turkey head, eyes, beak, I don't know the term but cut out the piece that hangs on the side of the turkey face.

Glue Feathers on the back, I tied ribbon around mine to cover the back and give it a finished look then glue on the face and your done.

We are going to use ours as our thankful bucket. at dinner time we will wright down all we are thankful for and put into the pot.

The Writings on the Wall

I love Vinyl Lettering, it adds something new to your wall or what ever you want to put them on. My next project is my living room. You can even make your own saying and they will customize it for you, check out the web site http://www.vinylletterdecor.com

Jamies Money Saving Ideas Part 2

Here are a few more moneywise ideas for you as we head into the holiday season. I love Real Simple Magazine. It always has terrific recipes and ideas for your home, but best of all, great budget tips. This month there is a great article on saving for the holidays. You can go to http://www.freeshipping.org/. It is a site that has codes for hundreds of on line stores including toys where you can get the shipping for free with the code. The other interesting tip I found was the Toy Industry Association says that November is the best month to shop for toys. It says you can get alot of them for up to half off the regular price because stores try to figure out in November what toys are most popular and what to stock on their shelves in December leading up to Christmas.

The holidays are my favorite time of the year, but they can also be budget busters for alot of families. Here are some more penny pinching ideas to get you thru the holidays without spending any more than you have to. Many people, including me, have family and friends that live around the country and around the world and shipping can be expensive. Which is the best way to ship? There is a site that checks everything from the Post Office to Fed Ex to UPS. Go to www.shipgooder.com and enter your zip code and the one where you are sending the package and it will give you a price comparision. And if you are traveling for the holidays, you can price out your trip by going to a great site by AAA called www.fuelcostcalculator.com this is another great site that adds up the cost before you head out on the road. I'll have more holiday money savers to come and if you have any to share with the rest of our viewers, add them to the comments or e-mail them to me and I'll share them in an upcoming blog.

Can't keep it to myself any longer

Ground Turkey Stuffing over Garlic Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Your home with be filled with an AMAZING aroma while baking this delicious “comfort foods” casserole. The smell will remind you of the holidays and spending time together with beloved family and friends. The taste will have everyone lining up for seconds in no time at all. This recipe is sure to become a family holiday favorite! It has at our house, so I want to pass it on to you.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
8 Large Potato’s – Peeled
1T Garlic Salt
16oz Sour Cream
¾T Salt
8oz Cream Cheese

Preparation:Boil and drain potatoes. Add remaining ingredients to potatoes and mash together. Place mashed potato mixture in 9x13 baking dish and set aside.

Ground Turkey Stuffing Ingredients:
2 C Ground Turkey
1 t Onion Salt
¾ t Poultry Seasoning
½ t Dried, Crushed Sage
1 Lg Box Mrs. Cubbison’s Herb Seasoned Bread Cubes
¼ t Pepper
1 C Pine Nuts
½ t Salt
1 ½ C Craisins
2 C Chicken Stock
¾ C Butter
10.5 oz Can Cream of Chicken Soup
½ t Celery Salt

Preparation:Season ground turkey with ¾ t poultry seasoning and brown. In large mixing bowl place bread cubes, pine nuts, craisins and browned turkey. Melt butter. To melted butter add celery salt, onion salt, sage, pepper, salt, chicken stock and cream of chicken soup, stir together. Pour liquid mixture over bread cube mixture and gently fold together. Pour stuffing over the top of the garlic mashed potatoes, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes on 350 degrees. After 30 minutes, remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes to allow stuffing to brown.
Remove from oven and enjoy!(Serves 10-12 people)

Election

Dallins class had the opportunity to help with the voting, He was very excited.

Loves and Hugs

I love this web site, great alternative to those low cut jeans or turn your short sleeves into long

Loves are fashionable accessories for your arms! So we say that they are loves... not gloves. You can dress up any t-shirt, dress or blouse. Keep your loves tucked away in your purse like a pair of gloves for warm relief on a chilly evening. Nice to have a pair handy around the house just for warming up a cool pair of arms. Too warm for a heavy sweater? Is the air a little cool at the office? Do you just want to make a snappy quick fashion statement? It's loves that you need. Come on.... Loves makes the world go round!

Hugs are a dynamite splash of color to accent your hips waist or chest. A very delightful fashion statement. Hugs are hip at your hips, peaking out of the bottom of your blouse. Hugs are perfect for that blouse or t-shirt that is too short. Everyone needs a hug now and then. Only Jillie Willie can hug you all day!

They also have the cutest aprons, accessories and much, much more there are a bunch of great gift ideas check out their website

http://www.jilliewillie.com/

Halloween Hangover

Yes it's true, there is term for it. I can proudly say it did not happen is our house. We are not the type of parents who take the candy as soon as the kids come back from trick r treating, we also are not the type who let them gorge until they puke either. We have found a happy medium, they come home we give them fifteen minutes to go through their can eat what they want, then we put it up and spread throughout the week, it's good for snacks and school lunches. They like the system.

We had a fantastic Halloween, the kids and I went trick r treating while my husband stayed behind to give the little kiddies a fright, his theory is "If I'm going to buy candy just to hand it over I'm going to get my moneys worth."

Here how it went, he sat on the front porch with his frightful costume, and a bowl of candy and waited for the kids to come, Some kids did not even want to come up the porch there parents had to give them a little shove, some just kept walking by, and others weren't afraid at all.

One little girl was so brave, she walked up, took her candy, as she walked away, she turned and said "Thank you satin" no joke, that was the funniest thing Austin had to keep from laughing. It was a great night. we had a lot of fun.

Family Photo

Austin

You Wont Believe This

Okay, I've added a new favorite thing to my wish list



Meet the Amazon Kindle™, a wireless portable reading device with instant access to more than 190,000 books, blogs, newspapers and magazines. Whether you're in bed or on the train, Kindle lets you think of a book and get it in less than a minute.Although the Amazon Kindle costs $359, "I know it's expensive in these times, (that's why it's on my wish list). If your book shelf looks anything like mine, overflowing with books I ran out of room for all my books, Also I read three or four books at the same time, drives my husband crazy, This gadget is for you, So save your spare change that it what I'm doing. and invest in this technology,

• Product Overview...
  Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
  
• Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
  
• Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
  
• Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
  
• More than 190,000 books available, including more than 109 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.
  
• New York Times® Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
  
• Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
• Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
  
• Top international newspapers from France, Germany, and Ireland; Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine, and The Irish Times—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
  
• More than 900 top blogs from the worlds of business, technology, sports, entertainment, and politics, including BoingBoing, Slashdot, TechCrunch, ESPN's Bill Simmons, The Onion, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post—all updated wirelessly throughout the day.
  
• Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
  
• Holds over 200 titles.
  
• Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours.
  
• Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot.
  
• No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments—we take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read.
  
• Includes free wireless access to the planet's most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org.
  
• Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.
  
• Included in the box: Kindle wireless reader, Book cover, Power adapter, USB 2.0 cable

For more information go to http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FI73MA/

Bread Dips

These are some yummy bread dips.....

SAVORY DIPINGREDIENTS FOR ITALIAN DIPPING SAUCE
1 cup olive oil
¾ cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup water
1 package “Good Seasons” Italian Recipe Caesar Dressing Mix
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:Blend the above listed ingredients together in a medium bowl until incorporated.

Additional Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon dry basil
¼ teaspoon thyme
1 can "S&W" ready cut tomatoes (Italian Recipe)

Blend remaining ingredients together in a blender - pulse 3 or 4 times. Add blended ingredients to the bowl and incorporate. Store in air tight container for up to 12 days. Serve with Ciabatta, Peasano or Focaccia breads.

SWEET DIPINGREDIENTS FOR SWEET TOFFEE DIP
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ toffee candy bars ( finely chopped)

Preparation:Mix all ingredients except for toffee bar together until incorperated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Add chopped toffee bars right before serving. Serve cold with pumpkin bread, sliced apples or ginger snaps.

Journaling, a great way to spice up your love life.

Many people have a tough time vocalizing their feelings. This a great way to let the person you love know how you feel, without a lot of pressure, while at the same time keeping a history of your life.

Here's how it works, you and your partner take turns writing a chapter to a book. Write it in third person, sort of from a narrator's point of view.

The chapters can chronicle a fun date, an experience with or without each other, interaction with the kids, or anything else you can think of.

It's a lot of fun to write the chapters, but even more fun to read the chapters your loved one constructs.

It's super easy, I found a black leather bound journal, (that way my husband wouldn't think it was to girly,) I created a title page and it took off from their. It's so much fun. It really works great when I get upset that way I get my feeling all out their.

You don't need to feel pressure to write a chapter, short or long, every day - just when you feel like it.

I've had such a great experience with this, I hope you do too.

Watch Yourself

So Watch Yourself! No I'm not talking to you silly... I'm telling you about my favorite watch. Michele Farrer started the company "So Watch Yourself" and it's definitely time to check out her stuff. She makes some of the most beautiful accessories I've seen. I love her designs and the stones are classy and classic. The watches have handcrafted, interchangeable bands. So you buy a face and then as many different bands as you want. Love it. So check out Michele's website at: www.sowatchyourself.com or call her at 801-400-0994.

Jamies, Money Saving Ideas

Since my kids were babies, I have been a coupon cutter and cost cutting shopper. There is nothing that makes me happier than finding a good sale! So, with the economy the way it is, we are all pinching pennies and I thought that I could share my ideas.


www.couponmoms.com. It is a great site with coupons, freebies and samples. It also links you to what stores have which items on sale for the week.


www.babysteals.com This site gives 50% off baby things and maternity it's also a good site for new parents or parents to be.


www.bigbigforums.com and www.vickiesdeals.com and www.couponcabin.com. A few more coupon sites.

So get on line and find some great deals, and if you know of any great deals please send them my way. I promise to give some great budget ideas for the holidays, shopping, saving, and serving up a great meal at a lower price. Stay tuned.

Sweet Indulgence

I have found the most delicious way to sweeten up hot coco, The one and only reason I love the colder months, Is hot coco.



The best brand of coco is Stephens Gourmet Hot Coco, my top three flavors are...

• Dulce De Leche Caramel



• Chocolate Raspberry



• Chocolate Mint

Got to http://stephensgourmet.com/ you can order and they also have other Gourmet products they make great gifts as well.

Use any Flavor you like make it as normal. Then the best part of all is to add Coffee Mate Creamer (yummy) it so delicious. My favorite creamer flavors are

• French Vanilla



• Hazel Nut

They have some yummy holiday flavors as well..... Happy tasting

Enjoy

Simple Home Made Meals

Cooking is my favorite hobby, the kitchen is my favorite room in the home. I love home cooked meals nothing from a box, can or freezer. (it's just not the same). I have a busy schedule, with work, kids, and all the things they like to do it's just impossible to have a healthy home cooked meal every day, until now..... I am so excited to share with you this amazing web site http://simplifysupper.com/

These women have done every thing for you you just have to hit print, They compiled weeks worth of recipes and planed them, made a list and all you need to do is print it off,

unless there is something you don't care for you can customize your own list. Choose from their many dishes and make your own monthly calendar and it automatically makes your grocery list

I love this idea and it's all simple ingredients and easy to make. Give it a try I know you'll love it.

Love My Kitchen

My husband is such a dear, He took it upon himself to paint our kitchen, and I love it. It's only the one wall, only because the rest of the kitchen is full of cabnets
and a pantry. The color is called 'Harvest Spice', my kitchen theme is Sunflowers and Apples, it ties in nicely with my decor. I love it...

From One Pumpkin to Another

A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin." God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."