Christmas Party 2009

Grant got to sit on Santa's lap and didn't break it.
Along w/ Mathew,too!

Anna didn't even want to see Santa then at the end she finally went up and talked to him.

Caroline hated the whole experience!

Ella absolutely loved every minute of it!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Ella with her birthday cake on her birthday!

Another AWESOME CAKE make with lots of love from Daddy!

Here is the sweet birthday girl!

We are so blessed to have Ella in our family....She was 4 weeks premature and only weight 5lbs 6oz when she came into the world. She was the best Christmas present that I have ever gotten. She came home on Christmas Day 6yrs ago! We love you Sweetie!

The Cookie Snatcher....

I made peanut butter blossoms tonight! Then I had this really cute cookie snatcher come along and take some! Then she proceeded to stick her fingers in some of the chocolate centers!

But how can you say "NO" to that sweet face.....

Corn Chowder

A few weeks ago I tried a totally new recipe and it was a hit at our house.

2 cups of celery
1 cup onion
sauteed in butter
Then add in 5 medium diced and peeled potatoes
Pour in 2 or 3 cup of water over the veggies until they are just submerged in water
Boil until potatoes are very soft
Then add in 2 chicken bouillon cubes after they are dissolved.
Add in 1 qt of half and half
1 can of cream of corn
2 can of regular corn
1/2 lb of cooked bacon

If your soup isn't very thick just mix 1 c. of water and 1c. of Flour together until it makes a paste and then pour it in the soup.....Within just a few minutes your soup will totally be thick. If it is too thick just add in some regular milk to get the right consistency.
I am not sure of the servings but it feed 7 with leftovers for seconds!

Enjoy!

Homemade Eggnog---

For Family Home Evening, last night Forrest made homemade eggnog for dessert....It was so good. We had it warm just after he finished making it. That was Awesome....But this morning I had some of the leftover just out of the fridge! It was even better than last night. So here is the recipe try it. It was very easy to make.

HOLIDAY EGGNOG

2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 quarts milk
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
ground nutmeg
In heavy 4-quart saucepan, with wire whisk, beat eggs, sugar, and salt until blended. Gradually stir in 1 quart milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon well, about 25 minutes (mixture should be about 170 F to 175 F. but do not boil or it will curdle).Pour custard into large bowl; stir in vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and remaining milk. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 3 hours.
To serve, in small bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat heavy or whipping cream until soft peaks form. with wire whisk, gently fold whipped cream into custard mixture.
Pour eggnog into chilled 5-quart punch bowl; sprinkle with ground nutmeg.
Serving Size: 16.