Our Christmas!!

My new recipe book: Bruises and bows

So, I hope she doesn't mind me doing this, but I HAD to get this out to those of you who don't know Christa McManemin...

Instead of ANY of my recipe books, I go to her blog. Not only do they always turn out yummy (and I am no baker or cook), but I KNOW that I will find it easy to make, simply ingredients, and she adds tips to make the experience easier (for us gun-shy house wives).

The latest recipe you may ask? Her posting about Paula Dean's Old Fashion Fudge Pie. I am making them for Christmas, so in case some of you are still looking for something to contribute to your family's Christmas... and maybe your pregnant, or have one running around, don't have a lot of time, only have nap time to get anything done... here is the recipe. I haven't even baked them yet, but I become so grateful and excited WHILE baking, that I posted. I have my computer on the counter with The Ambassadors of Harmony singing Christmas music on Pandora .com and enjoying coffee while John Paul sleeps. Christa, you have once again made life easier for me.

Oh, and not to mention that Christa's blog has quotes, musings, prayers, and lots of insight into the blessings and trials of motherhood and family life. She is a gift!

Thank you Thank you, Christa. I hope to see you very soon!

The perfect picture with Santa!

For those of you who don't also follow my sister's blog... these are her beautiful daughters!!! Madeline Claire is 2 1/2 and Anna Katherine ("Anna Kate") is 13 months. Is this not the Santa picture you have secretly always wanted? The only thing missing is that Santa is not as sketchy as I would have hoped. I mean, he looks like he's ready for his coffee break, but I was hoping for his brown hair to show through, his beard to be falling off, etc. I'll rely on those crazy "sketchy santa" websites for those. Thank you, Sarah and Steven, for making your children with these personalities when it comes to strangers and this EXACT age apart... just for this picture!

A tiny peek at Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Denied!

So I tried for hours to upload a video of John Paul and his "bucket-headedness." He runs around laughing a screaming with a bucket on his head- which sounds bland unless you see that video. Stupid uploading process! O well, here's other pictures.

Calling on Barons!!!

We were informed tonight at Mass that OLQH is attempting to "reconnect" with it's Alumni. There were forms in the bulletin to fill out your information etc. I don't have a working scanner, but I do have the OLQH website: www.olqhs.org

There is a "Taste and Tell" this Wednesday at 6 at the Gym... a date night is what I'm calling it.
Maybe we'll all see each other there!! Yes, all of you!

John Paul has a new cousin!!

And it's a boy! Liam Kenny Dawson 8 lb 2 oz. 20 1/2"

This child is so gorgeous! Daddy's nose and mouth... his eyes were so precious, but they were too swolen to see whose they were. What a blessing. Mama Julia and Papa Pete are doing fine. And yes, John Paul says "Liam" with ease... though it sounds more like Leo.