Monday, December 27, 2010

December, a look back

I love Christmas. I love the month leading up to it with all the shopping, baking, parties, fun dates, etc. We did so much and I did not take pictures of it all. I am therefore going to just pick a few highlights. December 18th we had the Wilson Christmas! I love this day. Sometimes I like "away Christmas" better just so we can do our Wilson Christmas Day. We travel to each families house and spend just enough time eating something yummy that family has made. It's fun to see how each family decorates their house adn tree and eat something they have made. We started at 9 in the morning and after visiting each house, ended back at Gordon and Martha's house for stockings and the traditional Wilson Christmas breakfast for linner. It's good times, if a bit noisy and chaotic.
The Wednesday before Christmas my sister's family came down and spent the night at our house. That was an unexpected treat for the kids. They don't see their cousins too often so it's fun for them to get together.
Thursday night Ben and I went out on a date. We always try to go on a date in December. Usually we go to dinner and watch a movie but this year there wasn't a movie I was dying to see. We went out to Caruso's in Keizer and had a very yummy, romantic dinner. We then went to Keizer station for some Christmas shopping. It was a low key evening but one of our best dates.
Christmas Eve Ben had off this year. We went and saw Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader! I loved this film. I thought it was better then then the first two. I cried. When we got home I started reading The Silver Chair, book 4 in Publication Order, to them. I have always wanted to read this series to them but they had never been interested. Ethan must be at a better age because he wanted me to and they are both loving it.
As I write some of the highlights of the month I am reminded just what an awesome month we had. We tried to drive home to our kids just how blessed we are. We have amazing friends, a house we love, plenty of food, and this time of year it is nice to remember that God sent his son to earth as a human. A roll I would not want to take on if I was God. He then died for our sins so we can spend eternity in His presence! What an amazing gift.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Bah-humbug

I was so proud of myself. In mid November I created adorable photocards on a website with pictures of my children playing in the snow. They said something like, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" I then waited patiently for them to arrive so I could address them and send them out to you all. Yesterday I checked my order because it seemed forever. They supposedly shipped it but there is no ship date. I contacted them but there was no response yet. So this year there will be no Christmas cards. I am a little bummed and then a bit relieved not to go running around looking for addresses. I did pay for them so I am hoping this company at least responds and gives me my money back!

So don't stop sending me cards because I didn't get you one this year. I meant to. It's the thought that counts, right?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Cookie help needed

I am looking for some yummy Christmas cookie recipes. I have made 4-5 different cookie recipes this week and the tried and trusted ones are great but the new ones I tried really were flops. I need a couple more great cookie recipes. Ones that scream CHRISTMAS. Please save me. O, and I need them like NOW. :)

PS They do not need to be gluten free. They are not for me.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas tips from my friend Pam to you

I have a friend that wrote this up. It is sooo worth sharing.

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

imaginary friends

I am watching Sunday's at Tiffinay's and I am loving this movie, laughing out loud. I wish I had read this book before I saw the movie. It reminds me of a Cecilia Ahern book that had imaginary friends. Anyway if you are looking for a good love movie this is it. So cute and good actors. Just what I needed today for a pick me up.

Friday, December 3, 2010

getting ready for some war



I bought Ben a "I love my Ducks" shirt for a stocking present but I think I am breaking it out early so he can wear it tomorrow. Need to be dressed appropriately for war.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

amazing families

For awhile now I have been following two different blogs written by moms in the process of each adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia. It is so amazing to read their stories. At this point both families are actually IN Ethiopia picking up their girls. One of the families has asked for prayer as their paper work has been moving slowly. And as you can imagine they are in the country now and need the paperwork to be finalized. I encourage you to read her blog an then pray for her, her family, and the Ethiopians working her case.

Adoption:Mission Possible

This is the other blog I am keeping up on. They are friends and are traveling together to the same orphanage to bring home their child. Both families are also from Oregon!
PATHS