Teigan opening her gift for the 13th from the poster. (she gets a small gift a day--Dec. 1st-24th from g'ma & gpa) Jaymee sends it when she stays over.  They are very small items. She knows how to open gifts now.  Of course she likes the tape and paper and will love the boxes.

The candies/cookies made on Sat. and Sunday and then packed up and delivered on Sunday.  A few didn't get delivered until Mon. p.m. and then I have one to get ready for Texas.  Any left overs will be for Christmas Eve.

Santa, Teigan and Christmas items

We got our singing Santa out this past Saturday just to see Teigans reaction.
She just studied him and likes to watch his hands move. Then she will sit in front of him and dance to the music.  Thought we could get her use to seeing the site of him.

Last couple pictures we wrapped the edge of the washer with ribbon to look alittle better---maybe.  Ornaments needing their string yet. Glue has to dry at the top. (Glitter glue)

Pardon the trim off.  Deciding what type we want back up since the painting.

Finally tried the washer necklace

Of course Teigan in first photo. 

I have been wanting to try the washer necklaces for a few years and finally did.  I really like the way they turned out.  Such options with all the scrapbook paper out there!

Candid Shots

This summer I got this wagon at a rummage sale full of mega legos for $3.00.  Teigan fits right in it.  I got some old blocks from a neat shop here called Shakes and Ladders. 
We are putting new flooring in and Teigan decided to check it out and see if grandpa was doing okay or not.

Teigan

I got this ball pit off of the local rummage sale site.  This past Sunday was the first time in the swing.  She just took it all in and was very content.  Ryan holding Teigan and Jaymee is holding my almost 4 month old great niece Ava.  They were blowing raspberries and looking at each other.  Teigan (almost 8 months) is constantly blowing them and Ava just starting.

We made the plaques a week ago Sunday and this Sunday we did the fingerprint on antennas.  Was wanting to do them for Mothers/Fathers Day but only about 4 months late.

Look who started pulling themselves up yesterday!  Getting to be such a big girl!  Will be 8 months the 25th.   Sunrise this a.m..

 

Teigan

Shopping cart cover

Finally got the cover made.  Had it cut out forever.  Now to try it.

Teigan, Jaymee and a gift

The first picture is of my baby sitting.  She does really good now.  Grandpa was right there.  She will be 7 months on Monday.  She chews on everything.  She has had 2 teeth on the bottom for a month or 2 and the top is all white.

Jaymee taping the hall off to paint.

When I came home today I had a surprise waiting!  A beautiful purse that a friend sent me and a bag of selvages she wasn't going to use.  I am collecting them for a quilt--will take several.  The purse is so nicely made and pretty colors.  From a lady I met online and she is so nice. 

Today is our 34th anniversary!  And my b'day.

Teigan

Ryan and Jaymee took Teigan to the balloon fest so of course great grandma (holding her), grandpa and I went to see her reactions.  She loved watching the people, watching little kids run around and then loved watching kids with these balloons so grandpa got her one.  She loved hitting it and it bouncing back to her.

Shower Gift

A coworker is having a baby (due towards end of August) and her shower was in June.  I finally got the 4 washcloths and 3 burp rags done to put in with the other gifts.

Tea cup

Find a cute tea cup with a matching saucer and place a small bag of cookies inside with an ornament and wrap it up with tissue paper tied at the top or shrink wrap.    Could put flavor tea bags in it too. 

Tender Popovers

3 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Beat eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until light yellow.  Add milk, continue beating for one minute.  Stir in remaining ingredients pour batter into greased muffin tins.  Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes reduce temperature to 350 without opening oven door and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes or until golden.  Insert knife into each popover to allow steam to escape. 

Makes 1 dozen

Spicy Pickle Slices

2 32 oz. jars dill pickle slices drained
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 gloves garlic, peeled
3 1 pint jars and lids

Combine pickles, sugar, pepper sauce and red pepper flakes in a large bowl mixing well.  Cover and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours stirring occasionally.  Spoon mixture into jars.  Add a garlic clove to each.  Put lids on and refrigerate one week before giving or eating.

Makes 3 pints.

One of top favorite Christmas decorations

 

My grandparents gave us this at our first Christmas when we were married, which would of been 1980.  You turn it and it plays Jingle Bells.

Christmas Ornament

I received this in an ornament swap in '04.  I have it hanging in my computer/craft room.

Brazil Nut Cookies

1 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped Brazil nuts
1/2 cup flaked coconut
In large bowl cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time beating well. Beat in vanilla. Combine the  flour baking soda and salt then gradually add to creamed mixture.  Stir in nuts and coconut.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 3" apart onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until bottom of cookies are lightly browned.  Remove to wire racks. 

Yield 4 1/2 dozen

Cheesy Cabbage Bake

1 head cabbage shredded
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/4 cup milk warmed
salt and pepper to taste
10 slices American cheese
1 sleeve round buttery crackers, crushed

Place cabbage in a large saucepan cover with water.  Boil for about 10 minutes or until tender and drain.  Melt butter in a small saucepan stir in flour cooking till a paste forms and bubbles.  About 2 minutes then add milk stirring as sauce thickens bringing to a boil.  Add salt and pepper.  reduce heat and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.  Coat a 13x9 pan with spray then add a layer of sauce, cheese and cabbage.  Repeat layer.  cover pan with foil and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Top with crushed crackers then bake uncovered for 5 more minutes.

Serves 8-10

Christmas Ornament

Using plastic lids from containers cut out your shape, paint and put in a picture.

Sunday Activity

Allen and I put up 56 2 cup bags of Freezer Corn.  Cooked for 5 minutes with the salt, water, sugar and butter.  We love it.  Allen did all the husking, cleaning, cutting off and bagging.  I cooked it and helped bag.

Teigan

These are some pictures from her stay last Saturday night and last night.  She is getting so big now.  Was 6 months on Friday.  She holds her bottle, sits up, got a sippy cup out, and she gets on all 4 then keeps knees and head up and will go down on her elbows and move.  She doesn't like to smile when you have the camera in hand and will also shut her eyes.  No camera she has a heart melting smile.  Hit a rummage sale after work yesterday and she got a few toys.  The horse was dirty and $1 but cleaned up real nice.  Got a few clothes.  Wagon full of legos for $3 and the lego table has the bins full of legos and was $5.

4-Berry Spread

This is an old recipe I got several years ago.  People seem to like it.  Nice to give as a gift.

1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries
1 1/2 cup strawberries hulled
1 1/2 cup raspberries
1 3/4 oz. box powdered fruit pectin
7 cups sugar
7  1/2 pin canning jars with lids

Crush berries in a heavy stockpot, stir in pectin.  Bring to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar and return to a full boil.  Boil for 1 minute stirring constantly.  Remove from heat skim off foam.  Pour mixture into hot jars leaving 1/4" space at the top, then tighten lids.  Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. 

Makes 7 pints

Memories

Holidays are a time for remembering.  If you have any old quilts or your kids baby blankets, use them for a tree skirt.  Especially if you don't have a real tree.  It will bring back memories seeing it there for the holidays.

Glue 8 to 10 cinnamon sticks together and tie a festive bow ribbon around the middle.  Embellish the ribbon with greenery and berries.  Attach a green or red ribbon for a hanger.  Can be an ornament or tie onto a gift as alittle extra.

Apple-Spice Simmering Potpourri

I love to have potpourri simmering on the stove for the holidays.  I have misplaced my favorite one but I do like this one too.

1 apple
1 orange
4 cinnamon sticks
4 bay leaves
8 whole cloves
Cut orange and apple into 1/4" slices.  Add half of all ingredients to 2 to 3 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer.  Refresh aroma by adding water and remaining ingredients as needed.


To present as a gift wrap each ingredient in plastic wrap or tulle.   Place all ingredients in a gift box lined with tissue paper or tuck inside a fabric bag made with holiday print.  Tie on a gift tag with instructions.

Tangy Beef Brisket

This is a different take on a brisket.  Nice once in awhile for a change.

3 to 4 lb brisket trimmed
8 oz bottle Catalina dressing
12 oz bottle chili sauce
Place brisket in a large baking pan.  Mix together dressing and chili sauce then pour over the brisket.  Cover and bake at 350 for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Serves 4 to 6

Pinecones

I use pinecones in a lot of decorating for the holidays.  I have several big ones.  We put them in old glass pickle jars and run strings of white lights thru out, in an old wagon my parents made from wooden coke crates putting lights and ornaments thru out.  Along my buffet, window ledges.

Have a friend who puts them in her tree.

Sweet Potatoe Delight

A lady on one of the boards I go to had this posted a few years and I wanted to share with all.



Aunt Judy's Sweet Potatoe DelightDon't ask me what catagory to put this in or if it's dessert or a side dish; this belongs in a catagory of it's own, it's rich, sweet and decadent....but it is still sweet potatoes, so just make it and enjoy is like I do.
Ingredients: 1 & 1/2- Pkgs Ritz Cracker/Crushed
2- Sticks Butter
1- 8 ounce Cream Cheese/Soft
1 &1/2-Cup Sugar
1- 8 ounce Cool Whip
3- Cups Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1- Tsp. Vanilla
Instructions: Combine crackers with one stick melted butter and press into bottom a casserole dish; bake for approx. 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven - to make a crust. Let cool completely. Now cream together 1 stick butter with cream cheese, mix well before adding 3/4 cup of sugar, after blending well fold in Whip Cream. Spread over crust. Mix 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes with 3/4 cup of sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until well blended. Spread over cream cheese. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
Topping: Toast 3/4 cup of crushed pecans with 1/2 cup of shredded coconut in 1 Tbl. of butter in a sauce pan on top of stove with 2 Tbl. brown sugar. This will make a nice crunchy praline topping for your sweet potatoes. Topping is optional, but the praline is my favorite, Aunt Judy just uses pecans and I have also topped it with a thin layer of Cool Whip.


http://belles-everydaymoments.blogspot.com
.com

Iron on Felt Ornaments

Instructions can be found here:

http://so-sew-easy.com/easy-felt-Christmas-tree-ornaments/

Crunchy Peanut Butter Pie

30 butter cookies crushed
1/4 cup butter melted
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 cup frozen whipped topping thawed
Optional: chopped nuts

Combine butter cookies, melted butter and water, press into the bottom of a 9" deep dish pie pan.
Blend peanut butter and cream cheese together until smooth, add butter.  Mix in sugar and almond extract blending well.  Fold in whipped topping spread into pie crust.  Sprinkle with nuts if desired.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. 

Makes 8 servings

Zucchini Dressing Casserole

6 cups diced zucchini (peeled or unpeeled-your choice)
1/4 cup diced onions
3/4 stick of margarine
8 oz. pkg herb seasoned stuffing mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup grated carrots
Boil zucchini, onions and carrots for 5 minutes then drain well.  Melt margarine and mix with stuffing mix.  Mix together the sour cream and soup, fold in zucchini, onions and carrots.  Put 1/2 of the stuffing mix in a 13X9 baking dish.  Pour the zucchini mixture over the stuffing mix and top with the remaining stuffing mix.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.  Serve hot.
Makes 12-15 servings.

Fabric Scrap Bow

This is shown at:

http://www.thingsforboys.com/2012/11/fabric-scraps-for-gift-wrapping.html

Cute way to use up scraps

Felt Ornament

I just ran across these and thought it was cute and simple.

Can be found at:

http://www.thingsforboys.com/2012/11/felt-christmas-ornaments.html

Cranberry Dessert

1 1/2 teaspoon melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups washed fresh cranberries uncooked
Mix well and place in 6 greased custard cups or 8 muffin cups.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Sauce:
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Melt butter then add other ingredients.  Boil for 3 to 4 minutes.  Keep warm over hot water.  Serve the muffins covered with sauce in small dessert bowls.  Keep extra sauce handy for those who want more.

Italian Love Cake

I was recently given this recipe and have not tried it yet.  I think it sounds good so will share.

1 box fudge marble cake mix
2 15 oz tubs ricotta cheese
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (3 3/4 oz) pkg. instant pudding   (milk chocolate or your choice)
1 cup milk
8 oz carton whipped topping

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour a 13X9 pan.  Mix cake mix according to directions. Pour in pan.  Combine the ricotta, sugar, eggs, and vanilla mixing well.  Spoon over unbaked cake.  Bake for 1 hour and let cool.  Mix pudding with milk then fold in whipped topping.  Spread over the cake top.  Cover and store in fridge.

A Gift Box

In the past years at times for Christmas I have given boxes like these (and others) with wrapped gifts inside.  I will wrap the inside gifts separately and put the name tag on a ribbon I put around it!  Can find several items on clearance or cheaper if you are on the look out.  I have put in dishtowels, candles and lotions from Bath&Body, soxs, kitchen utensils, perfume, puzzle books, etc.

They have a box to use how they want and other useful items.

No Cook Fudge

16 oz pkg of powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 cup butter melted and cooled
Combine sugar, peanut butter, vanilla and cocoa in a mixing bow. then add butter.  Mix well spread into a buttered 8X8 dish.  Chill cut into small squares.
Makes 24 servings

Cute way for cookies as a gift

When giving sugar cookies make them in shape of ornaments, frost and put into an ornament box for the container.

Teigan met the sheep

Teigan finally got to meet the sheep.  This is a pet ewe that Jaymee raised on a bottle.  We thought it wouldn't make it but she brought it thru. So tame will follow you anywhere.  Getting pretty old.  She is 10 I am thinking.

Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches

Use horseradish on croissants for more flavor

3 lb beef roast
1 1/2 cup water
16 oz. jar pepperoncini
36 mini croissants
8 oz pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

Place beef and water in a slow cooker, cook overnight on low heat.  Shred beef and pepperoncinis with juice cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours.  When ready to serve top each croissant with beef mixture and sprinkle cheese over beef.

Makes about 3 dozen

Very good!

Snowman

Using clay pots and either ornaments painted with snowman faces or Styrofoam balls.

Decorating Ideals

Take the gourds that you used for Halloween or Thanksgiving and spray paint them metallic gold or silver.  Put them among pinecones and greenery on your mantel or in baskets and bowls.

Lucky enough to have magnolia leaves? Also spray paint them and use with pinecones, greenery, ribbon.

Childrens blocks to spell out holiday words.

Mirrors under glass lanterns with candles in them, or with glass jars filled with Christmas lights.  I sat a mirror up against the wall on a table and then have a big jar of white lights in front of it and greenery on the table.  Sofa table behind couch.

Tie tin cookie cutters with material and hang them from your kitchen cabinet handles.

Shrimp Dip

I got this one out of my MANY Gooseberry Patch cookbooks a few years back and everybody really liked it.

1 lb processed cheese
1 lb unsalted butter
1 lb mini shrimp cleaned and cooked

Heat cheese and butter in a double boiler until melted.  Add in the shrimp. Upon doing this the butter and cheese mixture will blend together.  Use crackers for dipping.

BBQ Sausage Balls

1 lb ground sausage
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup bread crumbs
Mix ingredients together and form into balls.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  This will make approximately 15 sausage balls, depending on size.  Cover with sauce.

Sauce
1/2 cup catsup
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
brown sugar to taste
Mix sauce ingredients together and pour over sausage balls.  Place in a crockpot on low heat to keep warm.

Crocheted Christmas Wreath Ornament

I crocheted this ornament at lunch today and then came home and ran the ribbon in it.  I think alittle thicker ribbon would look better. 

I found the pattern at:

http://whiskersandwool.BlogSpot.com

She has crocheted snowflakes, peppermint candies, stars, presents, a cute snowman cover up for a round vase and items for other holidays.

I was thinking like with the presents, stars or any of the crocheted items you could put a picture in the circle and cover the back with felt. 

It calls for a 2" round ring and around here craft items are hard to find and didn't think to order on line so I used the o-ring from a gallon of milk.  Had read that before somewhere.