Crafty Procrastination

I've been working most of the weekend on a set of curtains and needed a break. Isaac and I dug the miniature silver Christmas tree from the basement. The boys all helped me transform it into a Valentine's Day tree!

You know you're loved when your all-boy house works so hard on the pretty, sparkley, pink-covered project:)

Asher being adorable...dirty face and all.

Everyone pitched in! We had most of the supplies on hand (big shock, huh, haha).

Ta-da!

Like a Kid Again...

All bundled up and ready to go!

Sledding !

Wow, Asher doesn't look happy in this one.

Me and my boys

Today was another snow day and the whole family headed out for some sledding. We went near my in-law's house. The kids didn't last very long, but it was fun while it lasted. We warmed up with some Imo's pizza afterwards!

Snow Day!

This was the view from my back window this morning. I love snow days even though it means adding days to the end of the school year. All 5 of us were home for the day, and most of the day was spent in pajamas. I was able to check a few things off my sewing project list. The next project I'll be tackling tomorrow (another snow day)is a set of curtains. I hope to have pictures to post soon! Until then, stay warm!

Perfect winter reading mateirals

My family is taking a week long road trip to South Dakota this summer. We are looking forward to seeing Mt. Rushmore and many other sites along the way. Although I am the only girl in my house, and the only one who has any interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder, we are taking the detour to see the Ingalls home in Desmet, SD. I feel it is only appropriate that I re-read as many of the Little House on the Prairie books as possible, espeically the ones written about the time spent in the Desmet area.

Mama's Holiday Wish List

Today's Mama and Game Stop are teaming up to host a great holiday giveaway! This post is my entry for the giveaway. To check it out and enter yourself, check the links above.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?

My wish is to spend time making memories with my family. I want to slow down (ha) and spend some extra time with my kids too. My ultimate wish for my family is that we spend time focusing on the birth of Christ and that we do something to help those who are less fortunate.

2. What is your Christmas morning / Hanukkah Nightly tradition?

We don't really have a set tradition. My step son is with us every other year on Christmas morning, and the other years he's with us on Christmas afternoon. One thing that happens each year is, my husband goes shopping and stuffs everyone's stockings. It's a fun way for him to be involved, and the kids love to see what is stuffed inside.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?

A tropical vacation, or a new (paid off) car.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?

Each year the kids and I make ornaments. The kids love giving these ornaments to family members.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?

We used to have a big family get-together with the extended family each year. We played lots of fun games, but my two favorites were the White Elephant gift exchange and Spoons!! I actually saw my grandma jump ON the table to get a spoon once, and my great uncle flipped over backwards in his chair!

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?

A focus on time spent with family.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas/Hanukkah-away-from-home trip?

Anywhere to see my faimly.

8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?

Wii Zumba
Brain Age 2
Rechargable Wii controlers

Fall Recipe Time...one more time!

This is the final week of Fabulous Fall Food's over at onarainynight.blogspot.com. This time I'm posting a recipe that fits the bill for the perfect, warm, comfort food. My grandma Barnes frequently made this when we at Sunday lunch at her house. I promise it will be a hit with your family too!

Pork Chop 'n Potato Bake

6-8 pork chops
drukee seasoned salt
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pkg (32 oz) hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 can french fried onions

Brown pork chops in vegetable oil. When browned, remove and sprinkle with seasoned salt, set aside. Combine soup, milk, sour cream, pepper, and 1/2 tsp seasoned salt. Stir in potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 can french fried onions. Spoon misture into large baking dish. Arrange pork chops over potatoes. Bake uncovered at 350 for 40 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and onions. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes longer.

Enjoy!

A few pictures to share

So I wanted to add a picture of my "chicken huts" that I made the other night. Thanks to my boys for lending me the Pirate Mickey plate. These were so delicious!!

I also wanted to share a couple of pictures from the Halloween apron swap. I sent a French Flea Market style apron. I received a teriffic scarecrow and pumpkin apron. I love it and all of the goodies that accompanied it!!