RANDOMNESS #1 - We babysat Judith last Saturday, and once again, she did not disappoint.
She looks cute and innocent...
Until she tries to eat my new ottoman.
This is my new "unhung" mirror, but I was glad she enjoyed it eye level for a little while.
Walking with Pop.
As you can see, taking a walk is serious business.
RANDOMNESS #2 - We had what we now refer to as Thanksgiving Sunday at Grandmother's house.
Obviously, Thanksgiving dinner is not as satisfying when it comes in a baby food jar.
Zac and his very sweet girlfriend, Mallie.
Josh, Courtney and Judith.
Judith is looking at Uncle Austin...
Also known as "Photobomber Extraordinaire."
Hunter and Roxie...
I am going to edit this pic as soon as I learn how to use my new software, but I am afraid nothing will get rid of the giant hands.
T. J. and Katie.
T. J. was working out of town, but not to worry...
He made it home for Thursday Thanksgiving.
I love Melia in orange.
Roxie and Katie.
One more time.
RANDOMNESS #3 - This past August, we had to put Sparkle to sleep.
This past September, Copper disappeared.
We added Sparkle to our family as a puppy, and we had her one week shy of 14 years.
Copper was already three or four years old when we "rescued" him, and he was with our family for nine years.
I have been missing the pups.
Heavy, heavy sigh.
On a whim, I asked Roxie to ride with me to Cleveland, Alabama to the Animal Rescue Center.
Guys...
There are so many dogs available for adoption at this Center. If you're thinking of adding to your family this Christmas, I highly recommend visiting this facility.
My pick of the group was this little butterscotch-colored pup.
You cannot tell how pretty he is because not only is he a dog, but he is also a contortionist.
This lab was super sweet. It slowly walked up to Roxie and put one paw at a time on her shoulders and gave her a very big hug.
We melted.
We haven't made any firm decisions yet, but I know I will be going back in the very near future.
RANDOMNESS #4 - We celebrated Thursday Thanksgiving with Mike's family in Oxford.
Roxie was in charge of the apple pie.
She did good!
Meet the newest member of our family...
Micah!
Son to Jared and Amber...
And brother to Mackenzie.
Matthew.
Great-Uncle Mike and Micah.
Cousin Austin and Micah.
Roxie, Josh, Austin and Melia.
Melia and Austin.
Don't ask.
Lauren, the majorette.
Lauren, the helicopter.
Pioneer Woman's Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
I made these for Thursday Thanksgiving, and I will most definitely be making them again.
You will need the following:
3 pounds Russet Or Yukon Gold potatoes, washed thoroughly
2 tablespoons butter
1 whole yellow onion, diced
3 cups diced ham
1 1/2 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup flour
Black pepper to taste
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large casserole dish.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they start to turn translucent. Add ham and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Combine half-and-half and cream in a microwave-safe container and nuke for a minute or so, until no longer cold. Whisk in flour and black pepper until totally combined. Set aside. (You may add salt, but cheese and ham are salty, so add sparingly.)
4. Combine the two grated cheeses. Set aside.
5. Using a slicer, slice potatoes into 1/8" slices (very thin.) Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle on 1/3 of the ham/onion mixture, then 1/3 of the cheese and then pour on 1/3 of the cream mixture.
6. Repeat this twice more, ending with a sprinkling of cheese and a pouring on of the rest of the cream mixture. Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes at least, or until bubbly and hot.
7. Serve!
(Note: To speed along the process a bit, you may boil sliced potatoes for 3 to 5 minutes before assembling the casserole. Just drain and slightly cool before assembling.)
Pinterest Stuff
Kindness/Service Elves
The following was taken directly from Pinterest...
I recently went to a women’s activity at my church and someone suggested kindness or service elves. These are similar to ever-popular Elf on Shelf, but each day, the elves leave an act of kindness or service they hope the kids will do that day. It can be anything from smiling to everyone at school, making their sibling's bed or taking cookies to a neighbor. I love this idea, because it focuses more on helping your children to do good. The lady who mentioned it said that once they started doing this, she felt her child’s greediness and bickering started to melt away. I love it!
Open a New Game
This is an idea my sister started doing with her family, and I think it’s a great idea! On Christmas Eve, the family opens a new game, and they all play it together. The next morning if it’s not time to wake up yet to look at what Santa brought, the kids play the game together.
White Stocking
Throughout the month of December, there is a simple white stocking hanging on the mantle. Everyone is encouraged to write down something that is their gift to Christ or someone or something they are thankful for during the past year. On Christmas Eve, read them aloud. It’s anonymous, but have fun trying to guess who said what.
Homemade Doughnuts
On Christmas Eve, we make homemade doughnuts for everyone to enjoy. It’s fun to come up with different flavors and ideas, and there’s nothing better than a freshly made doughnut.
Christmas Bucket List
There are always so many different Christmas activities going on during December. While you can’t do everything, at the beginning of the month you could sit down with your family and come up with a bunch of different ideas of what you want to do during the month.
Okay, my Friends. That's it for this week. I'll be back next Friday with Christmas Tree Farm pics, stories, traditions and more.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
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