12/23 - school pagent

Today was the school pagent for Ms Sarah. 4 kids were already out sick, another poor kiddo tossed her cookies just minutes after the performance. The kids were so cute and really got into their songs...just watch!
After the songs there were light refreshments and a quick gift for the parents. Then, we zipped over to the Cookies For Santa class at the west side community building where Ms Sarah got to create some masterpieces for Mr Claus

What a fun and festive day!

Cheddar Beer Soup

This is one of my favorite "go to" soups on cold winter days -- it is easy to make and warms the spirit. I hope your family likes it as much as ours does!

Cheddar Beer Soup
Saute the following in 1 stick of butter:
1 cup diced carrots
1 cups diced celery
1 cup chopped onion.

Make a roux out of 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of flour. (combine the two and boil)

In your soup pot, combine:
1 gallon chicken stock
1.5 cans of beer
1 tsp garlic powder
Boil the mix and then stir in the boiling roux to thicken it. Then, add sauteed veggies.

Reduce heat to a simmer and slowly add in 1 1/2 pounds of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, some parsley flakes for color and a little salt and white pepper to taste.
This is where I add diced kielbasa or smoked beef sausage -- it makes it a little more interesting and rounds out the protein.

There is nothing like sitting with a warm bowl of this on a snowy evening...

12/19 - Cookie Party!

Today was supposed to be a busy day - it was supposed to be:
-Church
-Cookie Party
-Church Concert
-Birthday Dinner for Pop...

That isn't exactly what happened...

Sarah wasn't feeling well so we skipped church (didn't want to infect the other kidlets), the cookie party went off without a hitch and we ended up with a fantastic variety of cookies.
=)

We skipped church again (she couldn't sing) and snuggled until it was time to go out to dinner. Spaghetti at the Rosarios is always yummy! Back to their house for cake and presents...then home to bed.

A busy, but fun day!

12/18 - This, that and a little more!

Busy day today -
**We started with ballet class for Ms Sarah. I did her "ballet hair" (that daddy's can't seem to figure out) and had everything ready so the hubster could take her.

**I ran to the Mall to work the food drive from 9-5
I organized it and needed to be there whil the weekend only people came to set up.

**We zipped to a holiday party for Tupperware Royalty and enjoyed a spaghetti bake along with assorted appetizers that we all brought.

A whirlwind of a day, but it was a good day. It's a dood thing I rested up on Friday, LOL!

12/17 - rest up.

I have been battling pneumonia for almost two weeks now, while trying to enjoy the season. This is a day to just stay home, relax and enjoy some family time as my hubby is off of work today.

We did decide to take advantage of the fact that he has a Friday night off - and drove up to the Owl's Nest for Fish Fry.


It was a fun family day in the midst of the crazy season. Everyone needs that!

12/16 Cookie Day

The perk of organizing a cookie exchange party is simple. You only have to make ONE kind of cookie and will end up with a nice variety for the season.

Today Ms Sarah and I made our cookies - after she was home from school. We made 14 dozen of the beauties and even made it to karate on time afterwards!

What are you baking for your family this season?

12/15 Office Party!

OK - this is funny as my office staff consists of one person. My assistant Melanie is amazing and makes me look organized!

It's become a tradition to take her out before the holiday - we do lunch, a fun movie and then a mini gift exchange...this year it was Chili's and The Cher movie Burlesque (pretty cool!)

How do you recongize those that support you in your daily life?