Some things to cook this weekend

I know that weekends are supposed to be about ordering pizza and eating at restaurants but sometimes I just love to try out a new recipe on a Saturday or

Sunday afternoon just because I can.  It's so relaxing to cook without homework, soccer practice and choir rehearsal looming in the evening.  Here are the recipes I'll be trying out on my family.  Hope these veggies make your mouth water too!!

Skillet Carrots by way of Orangette

Sweet Potatoes with pecans and goat cheese thanks to Smitten Kitchen

Savory Tomato Jam done by Wicked Good Dinner

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.  ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Doesn't that say it all!!  I'm trying so hard to enjoy every moment of these last days before Christmas with my little darlings.  And if that means all the cookies don't get baked or the presents aren't wrapped up in a Martha Stewart worthy fashion...oh well.  Because shouldn't I be playing in the snow and assisting in the making of bead and pipe cleaner candy canes instead.  And let's face it, all the Christmas finery in the world doesn't compare to being snuggled up with your 3 favorite little people in front of the fire. 

My kids are hard core in love with both The Mitten and Gingerbread Baby, by Jan Bret this year and can't get enough of them. 

Hoping you're snuggled up with the ones you love too!!  And don't forget to read a Christmas book, drink some hot cocoa and let yourself feel like a kid again.

Trimming the tree

 

 Oh, the age old question.......who gets to place the angel on top of the tree!  This year it was my grown up first grader, who couldn't have been happier about the chore.  Luckily, the girls didn't fuss at not being chosen for this year's task.  Maybe I need to come up with a clever tradition for choosing who gets the job.  Who tops the tree at your house and how are they chosen?? 

My Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition

I've been making Indian headdresses and pilgrim hats with my little ones since before they could even use a glue stick.  I think this year's version with the addition of ribbons was especially cute.  And since we spent part of Thanksgiving at an Aunt's and Uncle's with grown up kids (aka no toys), I made sure to bring a new game.  Slamwich was a HUGE hit with the kids and grownups alike.  Only ten bucks and you can buy it here.....  http://www.amazon.com/Gamewright-200-Slamwich/dp/B00000DMFS

What was your favorite part of this year's Thanksgiving?