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.