Christmas Cards

It was some time around September that Derek looked at me with a distressed face, "I'm just thinking about trying to get that picture for the Christmas card." You see, taking a picture of my sweet little kidlets for a Christmas card is NO easy task. One is either not looking at the camera, not smiling or crying. By the time it is all over, I am a sweaty mess!!!

When Evan was at A-Camp, there was the sweetest photographer that came out to take pictures of the kiddos for memory books. Her name is Lori Sparkman, and she did this all out of the goodness of her heart and the pictures were awesome! I ran into her several weeks ago and asked if she would be willing to take pictures of our motley crew. She said she would would happy to and even came to our house! This was such a blessing because the last time we tried to take pictures outdoors, Evan ran for the hills seriously and literally. So, the thought of her coming to our home just seemed like a dream.

My intention was a cute picture of Evan and Ella Grace in front of the tree. I told her she would perform a Christmas miracle if she could get a family picture of all of us smiling and looking at the camera. Well, she is a miracle maker...

I was so excited to have a picture of all four of us actually smiling AT THE SAME TIME and looking at the camera.

Here are a few more she took that I really like...


Merry Christmas, Y'all!

Mommy & Me Christmas Party

We had a ball this afternoon at Ella Grace's Christmas party through our Mommy & Me group. It is sad to me that Evan is too old for that! It just doesn't seem right! He had fun hanging our here with Daddy though. I don't think he even missed us! Ha!

Ella Grace chose to make an ornament and then color a candy cane.

Mrs. Claus read stories while we waited for Santa. Evidently, Santa got lost on his way to the Community Center. Ha!

Mrs. Claus also handed out all the gifts.

How sweet is this???

She is so proud of her Cinderella book.

Then, it was time for the big event...to meet Santa and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. Soooo exciting!

Not so sure about it just yet.

He called her "Brown Eyes" and she told him she wanted a "grocery cart." Soooo sweet!

Fun times!!!

Christmas Cookies & Treats

I saw where Kelly was doing "Christmas Cookies and Treats" this week on Show Us Your Life. I'm a little late, but I wanted to share one of my favorite treats to make around Christmas. I had a party last night for my high school girlfriends and made "Turtle Bars." This is a recipe I got from sister and it is SOOOO good and SOOOO easy.

• 3/4 C Butter
• 10 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 C Chopped pecan pieces
• 1 (12 1/4 oz.) Caramel (I use the ice cream topping in a jar)
• 1 Package Vanilla Wafers

Melt butter. Crush wafers and stir in butter. Press mixture into bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Then, sprinkle pecans. Drizzle caramel over the top. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes (I usually bake a little longer 12-15 minutes). Let stand and then cut into bars.

If you enjoy ooey, gooey, chocolate, and caramel, then this is the treat for you. It is SOOOO good and one of my favorites!

I also made some Creamy Cheddar Cheese Soup by Paula Deen last night, and it also turned out really good. Talk about major comfort food! Yummy!

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 large pimentos, diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups cream
• 3/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• 1/2 cup green onions
• Salt and black pepper
• Dash cayenne pepper, optional
• Suggested Serving: your favorite bread or croutons

In a saucepan, saute onion and pimentos in butter for 5 to 7 minutes. Blend in flour. Add stock and cream. Cook until thick. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add 1/4 cup green onions, salt and pepper, to taste, and cayenne if desired. Garnish with remaining green onions.

Delish!