Playing Catch Up

When I'm THIS far behind, it's difficult to catch up...but I'm going to try.  Let's see...

We had Thanksgiving at Dad's.  The only thing Rosie wanted me to bring was a green bean casserole.  I thought I'd try a new recipe so I searched online and decided on THIS one by Ree Drummond.  I was SO excited to make something new and it has tons of awesome reviews.  I woke up early and got to work and not that it's a difficult recipe, it is more work than I'm used to when throwing a green bean casserole together.  Well, it was good, but it wasn't as 'HOLY COW!  THIS IS AWESOME!' as I had hoped.  I mean, there's bacon in it.  That makes everything better.  Other than that slight disappointment, it was a wonderful day :)
 

 

Dakota woke up with a little cough.  The next night, I took the kids to the Christmas parade and by the time we left, his cough was so much worse and raspy and sounded like it hurt his throat.  You know that sound.  He coughed all night and by the next morning, that kid was SICK!  I took him to the doctor completely convinced he had a sinus infection.  I thought I could get him some antibiotics and he'd be feeling better in no time.  The doc checked him out and one look in his throat later, he asked me if I had looked in his throat.  No.  So I took a peak.  There were tiny blisters all over :(  That was a sure sign of...some word I can't pronounce...cold.  Viral.  Crap.  I hate when the kids are sick and there's nothing I can do to make them better.  We stocked up on orange juice and chicken noodle soup (just about the only thing he'll eat when he's sick) and just waited it out.  He was sick for over a week and a half :(

Christmas Parade

Brit landed the lead role in her church's Christmas play.  This was her first lead and she did an amazing job!  She was worried it wouldn't turn out well, but on the day of the performance, everyone nailed it :)  Emily and Chan were also in it and they did an awesome job as well.  Not that I'm surprised in the least.  These girls are so very talented.  Dad and Rosie came up to watch the play and support my girl.  I love that.  Really love that.

Brit had been fighting off getting sick and it was like as soon as the play was over, exhaustion set in.  She felt awful for a couple days too.  Coughing and achy.  More orange juice was administered.  Hopefully, this will be their only round with sickness this winter!

On the 21st, we went to Dad's to celebrate Christmas.  Dad made his authentic Italian roast beef sandwiches.  SO yummy!  Max made a freakin' ginormous fruit cake that was delicious.  I was in charge of...buying pre-made potato salad.  I don't think they liked my green bean casserole either!  Hahaha.  Oh well.  It was a wonderful day full of eating too much and taking a food induced nap.  The kids opened presents that they helped pick out and LOVE...seriously.  Brit got the coolest boots EVER.

Last night, the kids each opened a present early.  It was intended for Christmas eve, but last night worked out well.  They each got new pajamas, a movie, popcorn, hot chocolate and candy.  Fun night :)

This evening, we have a little surprise in store.  More on that later :)

Thanksgiving

Bobby had to work Thanksgiving night, but worked off that Friday morning.  We had made plans with Dad and Rosie to celebrate with them, so we were packed up and ready to leave when he got home from work.  That means I was up in time to watch the sun rise.  Can't go wrong with that.  Beatiful!

We got to Dad's around 9:30 and Bobby headed straight to bed.  The kids and I hung out with Dad, Rosie and Max.  I soon ventured outside to get some pictures, but honestly don't think I took any good ones.  Settings were just wrong on the camera...or in my brain.

Rosie had cooked so many delicious things.  She seriously made the best turkey I've ever had.  It was moist and so full of flavor.  Yum!

Max made this ridiculously tasty and very pretty cake.  It was fantastic!

HIGHLY recommend it!

Recipe...just in case you feel the need to stuff this in your face.

Ingredients:

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin, divided
1/2 cup milk
4 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/3 cup chopped Diamond of California® Pecans, toasted

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, eggs, oil and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar and remaining pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice; beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a fourth of the filling. Repeat layers three times. Drizzle with caramel topping; sprinkle with pecans. Store in the refrigerator.

 

Seriously.  Go. Make. It. 

 

 It was cloudy for most of the day, so it was nice to see some blue out there for a bit.

Max also made chocolate cupcakes for the kids to frost with the peppermint cool whip he made.  

They had so much fun!

Especially Max :)

After dinner, dessert and a food induced coma, we helped them get their GINORMOUS Christmas tree up.

Bur first, the Christmas train for around the tree.

Cody really liked this thing.

See?  Ginormous. 13ft I think.

Then, Rosie began decorating the house.

Brit and Cody's stockings

We spent a couple days.  Bobby, Max and I took Britney hunting for the first time.  Bobby and I saw three deer but I later learned that Britney was literally freezing to death and never even saw them.  She will wear Dad's hunting gear should she go again.

We had a really great time.  I enjoyed watching Dad and Rosie making memories with the kids.  I walked in from hunting the second time, and Rosie and the kids were at the table putting a puzzle together and Brit was telling her all about the play.

And before we left, they all made two big batches of Rice Krispie treats together.  Good stuff, people.  I mean the time spent together and memories made, not the treats.  Although...they were pretty darn good too :)