Megan Branches Out

A few months back, I took Megan's girl scout troop to a Self Defense class at a Martial Arts studio. As I expected, it was full of "yes, sirs", bows and high kicks...What I didn't expect was how much Megan would enjoy it!

After alot of begging and pleading, Grammy came to the rescue and paid for her to take lessons near our home. It's been two months now and she has already earned her orange belt and thoroughly loves it.

Blessed

Each year at Christmas we work hard to remind ourselves just how lucky we are. This year especially, in light of the economy, and eventhough Dan was one of thousands to lose his job just days before Christmas, we were reminded yet again, just how truly blessed we are...We're all healthy and happy and we have a beautiful home and many excesses and are lucky enough to live in America...We take none of it for granted because we are truly thankful.

Thank you Santa!!!

Katie's Rose Petal Cottage set

Katie and her dad enjoy the Elmo Live doll

Megan shows off her first cell phone

Lauren gets her own IPOD and docking station

Lauren's 6th Birthday

Our middle child celebrated her 6th birthday on 12/16...this amazing daughter of ours is so independent, smart, optomistic, beautiful and strong. So much so, that I often stare at her with wonder and awe.

Highlights of this special day: decorating cupcakes for school, Barbie cruise ship, Santa cake and her very own video camera!!

Happy birthday sweet Lauren!!

Nebraska Chocolate Balls

Made only once a year, Nebraska Chocolate Balls are one of my many fond holiday memories from childhood. Each year my aunt, mom and I would bake dozens of different types of cookies to box up and give as gifts to friends and family. Of all the cookies, these were the most labor intensive (reason enough for why they were only made once a year), but they are oh so yummy!!

Recipe:

1 lb Powdered Sugar

2 Cups Chunky Peanut Butter

1 Stick Margarine

3 1/2 Cups Rice Krispies

Mix all ingredients thoroughly with fingers and roll into walnut sized balls. Chill overnight.

In a double boiler, melt a 12 oz. package of chocolate chips, along with a small amount of cooking wax to ensure hardening and glossy finish to the chocolate. Dip each ball into the chocolate mixture and then drop onto a cookie sheet to cool and harden.

2008 Hyatt Girl's Holiday Photo Shoot

Warmest Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Deck the Halls

It was my aunt Frances' tradition that I carried on, to have the kids each have a box of their own in which I place ornaments they've made or that I've bought specifically for them through the years. It's a box full of memories that each will eventually be able to take with them when they move away and start decorating their own tree. And each year without fail, it is the most anticipated moment when we can go through each girl's box to ooh and aah over their individual collection.

Of course, once they've hung their own ornaments (seemingly all on the same branch, smack dab in the center of the tree) they lose interest in the rest and proceed to play and touch everything while we attempt to keep our patience and finish the decorating.

Once everything is cleaned up and put away and only after all of the lights in the house have been turned off, do we allow the switch to be thrown and the perfectly lit and beautifully decorated tree to shine!

It's a wonderful time of the year and the strongest reminder of the importance of traditions. After all, it's the basis for some of the girl's strongest and fondest childhood memories.

Hooked

My friend Sue picked me up this morning at 4:15am to initiate me to all that is Black Friday. Now, I'm traditionally an early shopper and this year was no exception. The bulk of my shopping was done and wrapped. On my list was just stocking stuffers and a good deal of "just looking".

When we arrived at Walmart we were approx. 100 people back from the front door and by the time those doors opened, hundreds of other brave soles stood behind us. It was 20 something degrees and we were chilly, but the adrenaline rush when it was "go time" was so invigorating!! The running, the grabbing, the crowds, it was so much fun!

I'll admit to a few impulse purchases but like "the fish that got away", you should have seen the GREAT deals!!!

Yeah, I'm totally hooked!!!