Elf Yourself Part 2

Since you can only do 4 elves at a time I did one of the kids and then one of Mike and me
Check it out here

Elf Yourself

This is really cute!
Click here to see my little elves

Oh! Christmas Tree

I have to admit the bargin hunter/shopper in me thought about getting up and heading to the stores this morning but it sure felt good to be cuddled up to my hubby in my warm bed at 5am this morning. I'll just pay a little more and avoid the crowds. We did go to pick out our Christmas tree today. We didn't bring it home because I am not ready to decorate yet - still need to do some cleaning and organizing before the decorations come out. Our friends Joey and Misty have a Christmas tree farm so that's where we went in search of the perfect tree. It was really chilly today so it seemed like Christmas is getting closer. You can tell by the picture that Emma was freezing. All this warm weather has been great - but it makes the cold really hurt. We found a beautiful tree - it's a great place to go if you want to cut your own tree.

Yummy and ready ahead of time!

You have got to try these mashed potatoes!! Yeah, that's half and half in the picture! Made them this afternoon so all I have to do is pop them in the oven before dinner tomorrow. They are SOOOO fattening but it's a holiday - you can live a little!
Find the recipe here

Hair

I got a hair cut this afternoon. I really think I am going to like it. She put lots of layers and used razors and jagged scissors to give it some style. It is straight here and I don't know how the cut is going to look curly but I'll find out in a couple of days - think I'll leave it straight for Turkey Day. Drew also was sporting his mohawk after bath time so he wanted me to take a picture of his hair. I think his is cuter than mine.

Fun Thanksgiving site

Here is a great site for fun Thanksgiving crafts and recipe ideas for kids. Check it out.

My Hero

We have had our eye on a Nintendo Wii for a couple of months so we went ahead and ordered one a few weeks ago, knowing that it would be harder to find as Christmas got closer. Every night Mike and I would anxiously wait until the kids were asleep and sneak the games out and play them. After about a week of sneaking we decided to go ahead and let the kids in on the fun. We decided it was more of a family gift and that Mike and I were going to enjoy it as much as the kids. They have really had a great time with it. I was in Walmart last week and they just happened to have Guitar Hero for the Wii so I bought it thinking it would make a great present for my wanna be rock star husband. Since we decided to come clean and go ahead and let the kids have the Wii I couldn't wait until Christmas to give Mike the Guitar Hero so he has been rocking out every night in the living room with a little plastic guitar. I gave it a try and it really is alot of fun. I don't think I am coordinated enough to be a guitar hero but it's fun trying.

I'm a celebrity!

This was fun!

Another Recipe

Here is a recipe for baked spaghetti that is really easy and really yummy! Give it a try. By the way, all recipes is the best site for recipes. People who try the recipe can go back and rate it so you can check out the stars to see how people liked it. I give this one 5 stars.

Gingerbread Pudding Cake

Here is a great recipe that we tried last night with our Life Group. Wonderful fall dessert! Mike actually made the cake and it was really good. Try it with ice cream.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/PrintFull.aspx?RecipeID=23293&servings=12

It's all about the heart

My hubby posted about dressing up in church and I thought it was a great post so check it out here.  I really liked this verse to women

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.  1 Peter 3:3-4

I am all about looking nice and I love clothes and shopping but I think it is definitly way down on the list of priorities.  Inner beauty and a gentle and quiet spirit are what is beautiful to God not a new outfit from Ann Taylor.  I hope that I can strive to spend more time on my heart and spirit as I do on my outfit, shoes, hair and makeup.  A gentle and quiet spirit are not what always describe me (just ask my kids some days) but I pray that each day finds me a little more in tune with the attitude God wants me to have.

Cool Site

Here is a great blog that you have probably heard about but I am sort of new to the blogging thing.  My friend Diana pointed me to it.  Great recipes (not weight watcher friendly but really yummy).  It's called The Pioneer Woman Cooks.  Check it out.

Slow Cooker Fajits

Here is a recipe I tried last night - it was yummy
We had some friends over so I made it big you can cut it in half - this fed 12 adults.

4 - 5 lbs beef (chuck steak or flank steak) cut into several large pieces to fit pot
2 onions sliced
3-4 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
chopped cilantro to taste ( I used alot because we love it)
2 or 3 jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped
3 cans of tomatoes and green chilies (drained)



Place beef in cooker top with onions and rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 5 When time is up take out beef and shred with fork and place back in cooker to serve
You can put green peppers in it but I did them separately in a pan before I served it because I like them crisp not soggy
Serve with corn, black beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole etc

Boys playing with dolls

Luke and Drew put one of Emma's baby dolls in jail. I guess boys do play with dolls - just in a little different way. This poor baby got strapped to the work bench. Guess she won't break the law again - they taught her a lesson.

Yummy Cake

Just wanted to say thanks to our "other kids" for the yummy cake! You guys are the best!

Here is a pic of the masterpiece - there is only one piece left. We can take care of that today so I can get the cake plate back at church tomorrow! Instead of rolling or forking our house a cake was a great alternative! We love you all and are looking forward to Planet Wisdom next weekend - it's going to be a BLAST!!

Halloween

Here are some pictures from Halloween. We had a great time at the Galax Downtown Halloween Festival. Our church set up a booth with some games and LOTS of candy! Here are some of the booth and my little ninjas.