Elf Update

I have been meaning to have daily updates on the elves, but it just hasn't happened. So, I will just do one big update on all of the things they have been doing. They finally came on December 14th. Erin was pretty sure they forgot to come this year, but I will only allow them to be here for about 10 days. That is all I can handle!!! Some of the things they have done that I did not get pictures of include: (1) going "fishing" for Erin's fish with a frying pan and seasonings close by (2) building a tower of soda cans after a Christmas party we had (3) spending the night with a friend and making "snow angels" out of sugar (4) playing Christmas games on the computer (5) watching Christmas movies all night.

Here are a couple of things I did get pictures of:
Making "Cold Chocolate" (instead of Hot Chocolate):

Dexter has been very concerned about all of this mischief!

Taping the door up from Erin's room to the kitchen:

So, things have not gotten too out of control this year! I am happy to say that they will only be here for 2 more nights!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

The Christmas Tree!!

I got a new tree this year!! I have wanted a huge tree since we moved in this house that has 12 foot ceilings. I finally got one after Christmas last year! It is 9 feet tall, prelit, and I LOVE IT!!

Here are 2 new ornaments I got this year:

I'm really keeping things simple this year and trying not to get stressed out!! I didn't get out all of my decorations or send out any Christmas cards this year!!! Maybe next year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

From the Una Church of Christ Cookbook....

I LOVE Potato Soup. When I got home this evening, I found a Bacon and Potato Soup recipe in my Una Church of Christ cookbook. It was sooo yummy and pretty simple. I thought I would share it for those that share my love of potato soup!

Bacon and Potato Soup

8 slices of bacon, fried crisp (I used more because my philosophy is-you can never have too much bacon!)
1 c. onions, chopped
2-3 c. cubed potatoes
1 c. water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 3/4 c. milk
4 oz. sour cream
1/2 t. salt
pepper to taste
2 T. fresh parsley (I didn't have any, so I just left this out)
bacon fat


In bacon fat, saute onions 2 to 3 minutes. Drain. Add onions, potatoes, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir in soup, sour cream, and crumbled bacon. Add milk, salt, pepper, and parsley. Heat to serving temperature. Do not boil. Garnish with cheese. Serves 4.

For those moms short on time or unprepared for dinnertime, you could use bacon bits and precut onions and this would be a super quick dinner.  Thank you to Linda Smith. I have no idea who you are, but you have a delicious soup recipe!!

Snow!!

Look! We had a blizzard!!! The Colorado Whitings' have nothin' on the Alabama Whitings'!!! ;-)

I got bundled up to go get my bread and by the time I got to the grocery store, all the snow had melted!! Maybe I will be more prepared for my next blizzard!!!

Crazy Week!!!

It has been one crazy week! I have had 2 basketball games to work concessions for!! I just wanted to update those who haven't heard yet--Amber was elected to Homecoming Court for the middle school!! She is super excited!! She is going to be escorted by a close friend Alan Anderson.

Also, Stuart has started a really cool blog. The address is:
songsandscriptures.blogspot.com


It is pretty awesome, so check it out!

Something Old and Something New

I started decorating for Christmas last night. I can only do a little at a time, so it takes me about a week to get it done. It is just too overwhelming to pull everything out at once. I thought I would show you my two favorite Christmas decorations that I have. Both have already made it to their home for the next 5 weeks.

This is my oldest decoration. It is a ceramic tree that my mom made when I was a young girl. It was always my favorite! The lights blink on it and it is mesmerizing!!!

Here is my favorite, newest decoration. I just got it at a cute little shop in Clinton, MS over Thanksgiving.

Hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit!!! I know I am!!!!!

Thanksgiving!!

Of course I have to have a post of Thanksgiving! I have been so blessed. Just counting my earthly blessings, I am very thankful for my wonderful husband. Stuart has an incredible heart for God. He is such a strong leader and is a wonderful teacher for the girls. I love him very much and can not imagine being without him.

I am thankful for Amber Grace. She is such a beautiful and smart young lady. Her love of the Lord and knowledge of the Bible is amazing!

I am thankful for Erin Gale. She is a beautiful and creative young lady who has an incredible sense of humor!!

I am thankful for wonderful parents who instilled in me a love for God. I am thankful that they were able to pay for a college education for me and gave me a hard work ethic. Although mine doesn't hold a candle to theirs!!

I am thankful for great in-laws who raised a wonderful man for me to marry and have never made me feel like I was not good enough for their boy.

I am thankful for close friends who make me laugh so hard and make my life interesting!

Many, many blessings in my life! I love them all!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!