Christmastime

We have been enjoying so many special memories all month...making cookies, enjoying hot cocoa, Christmas movies, singing Christmas carols, and of course decorating and enjoying our tree that we put up the week before Thanksgiving. My little handsomes were so excited, asking everyday, so we put it up early. :)

I snapped this picture while sitting on the couch one night with my little handsomes, while we watched VeggieTales St. Nicholas Christmas movie.

I love it (just wish that fan wasn't in the mirror's reflection! oopsie!) :)

My little ones helped decorate the around the fireplace. Yes, I let them pick whatever they wanted to put there. They liked doing it, and I think it's sweet!

Love the "Nativity" print on our mantel, and our little personal touches too.

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas festivities all month too! But let us remember the real reason for the season all month long! (and everyday of the year too!)

-Cindy

Christmas Ornaments

I have been thinking of what I want to do with my little handsomes for our Christmas ornament this year. Last year we made Snowmen Ornaments with our fingerprints!

It was so much fun and I want that to be a fun tradition we continue. They are hanging on our tree now (yes we did put it up last week! and made a special night of it with a special dinner, hot cocoa and cupcakes, music, and movie! we are still working on the other decorations though) ;)

So what shall I do this year?

I saw this ornament at Target last week, and thought it might be fun to make.

Each could use fabrics they like (in reds, greens, whites/cream) and make a little mini wreath. How cute would this be for my little handsomes with an owls or reindeer fabric.

Or I have thought about doing the traditional cookie cutter ornaments that are baked, just like I did as a little girl! My aunt still has the ones she made with her boys almost 20 years ago hanging on her tree. I think that is just great! They could even do one with their handprint.

I am not sure what we will choose for this year, but I am sure we will have fun doing it!

Happy Thanksgiving week!!
-Cindy

Christmas Mantel

Can you believe my husband ask me last night if we wanted to put up Christmas decorations!! I had to say no, simply because we couldn't do that in the few short hours at night that are usually consumed with cooking, cleaning kitchen, and getting our little handsomes in bed. But at least that let me know that he would be okay with me putting them up soon!

I saw a couple of cute ideas from Better Homes and Gardens for our mantel this year. Really liked this mantel too! Completely my style! Our stockings are very similar to those pictured too!

credit

Hope you find some inspiration too!

Happy Saturday!

-Cindy

Turkey craft

I love craft time! And I love my little handsomes!! So what could be more fun that a little Turkey craft with them to celebrate November and Thanksgiving time.

My sister found a template for a very easy and quick turkey. We altered it a little so that the boys could create their own feathers. And what a cute little turkey they made!!

Happy November!

-Cindy

Lemon Basil Spinach Risotto

I had a friend request a few milk-free recipes, so this is for her! ;)


At our house, my summertime risotto is a hit! Everyone loves the perfect blend of arborio rice and sauteed veggies (zucchini, squash, carrots, tomatoes) with Italian seasonings. Yes it may be a little different than the mushroom risotto you are used to, but I think different is good...sometimes better!

So on the menu tonight was risotto again. This is a little different with the veggies and seasonings, but the cooking method is the same as my zucchini and squash risotto.

Pumpkin Granola

I made another batch of the pumpkin granola last week! I used this recipe as a guide. If you like granola, you will like this. It is perfect for fall, using it as cereal, over my cooked apples (which then tasted like apple crisp), or as a snack. I even added allergy friendly mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat. Yummy!

Busy!

Everyone has busy lives, and we are included! We've had a few very busy weeks, but I am trying to catch up the best I can! ;-)

I have been meaning to make another batch of some pumpkin granola that I tried a couple of weeks ago. Soooo good! And I wanted to share it with you! That is on my to-do list for this week, along with some pumpkin creme pies or some muffins, or something along that line.

So stay tuned!

In the meantime, here's a little something making me smile...I love his expression!!

-Cindy