Blog Linkage, My Favorite Things RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Broccoli, A Christmas Gift Idea, RT's First Official Christmas Performance, Palisades Christmas AND Christmas at McWane

Merry Christmas Eve!

It's been a whirlwind, but I am SO CLOSE to being totally, completely, absolutely finished with all 2019 Christmas Prep...

And that's a special feeling all by itself, isn't it?

Blog Linkage - Go to www.thenester.com and find the post entitled, "A Cozy Minimalist Christmas Home." At the bottom of the post, you will see several other blogs listed. Click on them one by one to see their Christmas Home Tour. So much fun.

My Favorite Things RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE - The following are few and varied, but I'm going to share before I forget.

1. The pimento cheese at Klingler's Deli in Vestavia. As you may remember, I consider myself a connoisseur of all things pimento and cheese, and our friends at Klingler's do an excellent job!

2. This book...


I love reading it out loud even when I'm alone. It is so beautifully written.

3. Mercury glass of any kind, shape or form...

But mainly for use with candles.

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Broccoli

You will need the following for the Broccoli:

1 1/4 pounds broccoli crowns (stems cut off)
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

You will need the following for the Salmon:

4 skinless salmon filets
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (zest lemon first)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup slightly packed, finely grated parmesan
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Place broccoli in a mound in center of baking sheet. Pour olive oil over broccoli along with garlic and toss to evenly coat.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and spread near edges of baking sheet, leaving enough space in center to fit salmon filets.

4. Season bottom of salmon with salt and pepper and place salmon in center of baking sheet, leaving about 3/4" between filets so they can cook evenly.

5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic. Brush about 1/2 tablespoon over each filet. Season top with salt and pepper.

6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest and thyme. Drizzle 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil into bowl and stir with a fork until evenly moistened. Spread parmesan mixture evenly over tops of salmon filets.

7. Bake in preheated oven until salmon filets have cooked through (about 12 to 15 minutes). For a more golden crust, you can broil during the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking, if needed.

NOTE - If you like your broccoli more browned and roasted, let it roast for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and spread to edges before adding salmon to sheet pan. If you like it crisp-tender and slightly roasted, then no pre-roasting is needed.

RANDOMNESS #1 - A Christmas Gift Idea - I wanted to do something special for Roxie for Christmas this year. I remember how fun it was decorating for my first Christmases when I moved out of my parents' house, and even though Roxie has decorated with her roommates these past few years, it won't be very long before she'll be deciding how to decorate her own home and deciding upon her "Christmas style."

I thought it would be fun to give her a few things to get her started when the time comes.

I wrapped the following items in separate boxes and slipped them in with her Christmas Day gifts. (We traditionally exchange with our all of our kids and grandkids on Christmas Eve unless something happens with work schedules and then we rearrange.) Christmas morning is just me, Mike and Roxie. We exchange a few "held-back" gifts before heading to Hayden and Hartselle to see what Santa brought the smallest Faulkners.

The first gift I wrapped was a handmade jingle bell made by a real blacksmith who worked at the Christmas Tree Farm we visit every year. He makes beautiful, unique pieces, so I knew I wanted a authentic jingle bell from him. The note on the first gift said, "Jingle bells signal the arrival of family and friends at your home to celebrate the holidays with you. They make a cheerful, happy sound and fill you with anticipation for the coming season."

The second gift I wrapped was a very simple snowflake ornament. The note on the second gift said, "No matter where you live, a snowflake ornament in your home at Christmas symbolizes the hope of a white Christmas."

Is it probable?

Nope.

But is it impossible?

The answer to that question is also "NOPE!"

I wanted the third gift to have the word "JOY" somewhere on it, and I found a little cup and matching saucer. I think it is important to purposefully try to experience something joyful each and every day of the holiday season. The note attached to the third gift said, "Joy doesn't have to be big and bright and shiny. It can be in something as simple as sitting down to your morning Bible Study with a cold cup of milk and a warm pastry."

The fourth gift was one of my favorite angel ornaments from my Angel Christmas Tree in the living room. The angel is such an important part of the Christmas story. It was the angel's job to tell people about Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. And even more importantly the angel told us to "FEAR NOT." A very good reminder to me NOT to be fearful about sharing the wonderful news about Jesus during the holiday season OR any other day of the year.

And finally, I wrapped a copy of my favorite Christmas book, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson, with a note that read, "If you are too busy to read anything else this holiday season (not counting the Biblical story of Jesus' birth), read this book (or at least Chapter 7). It's a perfect reminder of what Christmas really, truly means."

So the above is her "starter set," and whatever theme she chooses over the years, hopefully she'll still be able to use these five gifts.

RANDOMNESS #2 - RT's First Official Performance - This young man performed several Christmas songs with his peers a couple of weeks ago and did an amazing job. As his Nana, I am not bias even a little bit! He was AWESOME!








I don't think this little jig was part of the original concert, but it definitely added a little pizzazz!

RANDOMNESS #3 - Palisades Christmas - My side of the family got together for our annual Christmas party at Palisades Park in Oneonta a couple of weekends ago.

We always have soups, chili, cornbread, sandwiches and desserts, and on cold December nights, that is the perfect meal.

We had 31 in attendance...

And I think a good time was had by most everyone...

At least that was the goal.


Eden was precious and totally kissable even without mistletoe.


Carly Beth was stylin' in black velvet bell-bottoms.


Maggie and Zac.


I brought 18 foam stockings and 160 Christmas stickers for decorating...


And Judith and Sawyer used all but one stocking and ten of the stickers.


Thankfully, Carly Beth was more interested in the color sheets.

Next year, I'll bring triple the art supplies.


Pop and Toppy had a good time rocking beside the fireplace.


If there had been a contest for most festive sweaters, Katie and Zach would have totally won.


Monica, Tyler and Abbie.


Carly, Levi, Monica, Tyler, Abbie and Peyton.


Sawyer all bundled up for the Annual Walk...


Along with Judith...


And Eden.

The Palisades is known for it's light display. Cars slowly meander through the Park and enjoy the spectacle, but if you rent a cabin and have an event, it's much more fun to bundle everyone up and walk.


All of the Waco Women were together again!

Beverly, Amy, ME, Aunt Connie and her friend, Gay.


Brandy and Adam.


Monica and Alex.


Brad and Stephanie.


Josh, Judith, Courtney and Eden.

I feel the need to tell you Judith's hair was perfectly coiffed for the entire party, but after the Walk, she changed into pajamas and the Rudolph barrettes and braids disappeared.


Mike and Roxie.


Beverly and Tommy.

Austin, Melia and RT weren't able to be with us because Austin came down with a bug earlier in the day. Totally missed them all, but thankful they felt much better the next day.

RANDOMNESS #4 - Christmas at McWane - Roxie and I took RT to McWane for a couple of hours one afternoon last week to experience all of the Christmas things they offer.






While he enjoyed the McWane Train, the Ice Slide and The Magic of Model Trains Exhibit, I think it would be safe to say he liked zip-lining best of all.

I personally think he's ready for the "real thang!"

I hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hopefully, we'll all be able to find JOY in these two days.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

My teenage daughter just yelled, "We're going to be late" while I was trying to find my other shoe... and I think that means the circle of life is now complete.

"The divorce rate among my socks is astonishing."

Blog Linkage, A Little Christmas Memory AND A Little Train Ride in Our Christmas Jammies

Good Tuesday morning!

Before you say anything, I know the above pic is a leftover from Thanksgiving...

But I just really liked it!

Blog Linkage - Go to www.ellaclaireblog.com and read this past Wednesday's Post entitled, "Easy Elegance Wednesday Features." She has beautiful photos AND eight other blog links (from a House Tour to DIY instructions on homemade wrapping paper and garland). Really great post!

RANDOMNESS #1 - A Little Christmas Memory - This past Sunday night, St. Martin's in the Pines hosted Christmas in the Pines. When the kids were little, this was one of those events Mike and I took them to each year, and we would go from the nursing home to assisted living to the apartments. Each section of St. Martin's had their own entertainment and food and decorations. The boys never hesitated when told we were going to Christmas in the Pines because for them it was a graze-fest, and they were in their element piling chicken fingers, pigs-in-a-blanket, sausage balls, miniature desserts and other wonderful party foods on not one plate, but many, many plates.

And punch!

Don't get me started on the punch.

It was one of the best afternoons of the year!

On the particular year I am reminiscing about today, Josh was six, Austin was eight (almost nine) and Roxie was three. They were all dressed in their Christmas best, and we started our visit in the nursing home. The big room was crowded with residents, and we arrived in time for a big old-fashioned Christmas sing-along.

Roxie stood beside me quietly. She wasn't a "shy" child, but there was a lot going on so she was still holding my hand.

I remember a white-haired woman in a wheelchair sitting near us. She was wearing her Christmas finery with matching jewelry. She had bright eyes and even brighter red lipstick.

She was lovely.

Roxie noticed her too, and when she waved for us to come closer, Roxie didn't hesitate.

We talked to her for a few moments, and Roxie held her hand and smiled and just kept looking and listening so intently, I was really impressed.

And then it hit me. At three, Roxie was all about lipstick, and many times when we were in a hurry when she wanted lipstick, instead of finding her special "chapstick," I would hold her little face in my hands and kiss her right on her lips...

And tell her to smack.

That was our little application shortcut.

And I could tell watching her, she was mesmerized by that bright red lipstick.

The lady's son was standing behind her while we talked, and after a few minutes, he leaned down and said, "Mother... It's time to go back to the room."

I told Roxie, "Honey... Say good-bye."

And what happened next is my Little Christmas Memory for today.

Roxie put her little feet on the wheelchair "steps" and climbed into that unsuspecting woman's lap...

Held her face between her two chubby hands...

And kissed her full on the mouth.

Then she leaned her head back from the kiss while still holding the lady's face...

Looked up at me and went "SMACK!"

It happened very quickly, and even though I thought I had figured out what she was thinking during the conversation, I had not imagined her acting in this way.

EVER.

The lady was taken aback, but she was smiling from ear to ear and giggling. She held her arms out wide, and before Roxie climbed off of her, the two shared a big bear hug.

I looked at the son to apologize, but before I could say anything, he simply said, "That was a wonderful Christmas present for my Mama! Wasn't it Mama?"

And with that, the beautiful white-haired lady...

With the bright eyes and even brighter red lipstick...

Waved her hands at us and with a big smile whispered, "Merry Christmas!"

DISCLAIMER - I was absolutely horrified/mortified this happened on my watch, and while it played out in slow motion in front of my very eyes, in actuality, Roxie was an extremely fast Little Chick, and I honestly believe it was only three seconds or less from start to finish...

Including the final "SMACK!"

After we left that day, we had many conversations, mini-seminars if you will, about NEVER kissing people (young or old) on the lips EVER AGAIN.

And to make EXTRA sure it would not happen again, I made a point of ALWAYS applying her chapstick the proper way before she walked out the door going anywhere we might encounter a "walking/talking lipstick."

As far as I know, this was a "one and done" episode, and if you know any differently, I would ask you to please just keep it to yourself.

RANDOMNESS #2 - A Little Train Ride in Our Christmas Jammies - We went to Calera this past week to take a ride on the Polar Express.




It was kinda awesome, I tell you!

Sara Grace, Judith and Eden's cousin, came along, and a good time was had by all.


Not to mention, it was Eden's first time to ride a train.












There was even some dancing in the aisles.


And just when you thought things couldn't get any better...


Mrs. Clause and Santa stopped by!

Not pictured...

The elves delivering chocolate milk and chocolate chip cookies.

I couldn't manage taking the pic because my hands were full of things other than my camera.

Did I mention one of the nicest things about riding The Polar Express would have to be...

The elves deliver chocolate milk and chocolate chip cookies to the Nanas and the Pops, too.

I hope everyone has a very good "second week of December." I still have much to do, but The Chick came home for break yesterday...

And some things may have to wait until we catch up a little bit.

Talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Pinterest Stuff (25 Day Christmas Instagram Challenge), The Pioneer Woman Soul Sweet Taters Recipe, Sunday Thanksgiving AND Faulkner Thursday Thanksgiving

Good Saturday evening!

I have been having big-time technology problems over here. So far, A Simple Life hasn't been affected, but my Facebook AND Pinterest have not fared as well.

That being said, before anything else happens, I want to make sure I get this last November post DONE!

Pinterest Stuff

25 Day Christmas Instagram Challenge

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - I've never finished one of these, but I am really, really going to try this time...

As opposed to the other 102 times when I only "really" tried.

1. Sunday Selfie
2. The Nutcracker
3. Tis the Season
4. Eight O'clock
5. Merry and Bright
6. A Few of My Favorite Things
7. Candy Canes
8. O Christmas Tree
9. Holiday Drink
10. Your Current View
11. All of the Lights
12. Under the Mistletoe
13. Something Red
14. Santa Baby
15. Black and White
16. Family
17. A Beautiful Sight
18. Ornaments
19. Tradition
20. All I Want for Christmas
21. Under the Tree
22. Christmas Sweets
23. Naughty or Nice
24. Twas the Night Before Christmas
25. Merry Christmas

The Pioneer Woman Soul Sweet Taters

You will need the following:

4 whole medium sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 whole eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup flour
3/4 stick butter

1. Wash 4 medium sweet potatoes and bake them in a 375-degree oven until fork tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. When they are finished cooking, slice them open and scrape out the flesh into a large bowl.

2. Add sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract and salt. With a potato masher, mash them up, but you don't want them to be perfectly smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, add brown sugar, pecans (chopped), flour and butter. With a pastry cutter or fork, mash together until thoroughly combined.

4. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a regular baking dish and sprinkle the crumb mixture all over the top.

5. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - Roxie made this dish for our Sunday Thanksgiving and it was excellent.

RANDOMNESS #1 - Sunday Thanksgiving - Three years ago, we celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family at Palisades in Oneonta rather than at my Mother's home in Trussville. Mother passed away a few days after that first Sunday Thanksgiving, but Bev and I decided to keep celebrating at Palisades.

We also have had our large family Christmas gathering there for as many years as I can remember, and we love the huge lodge-like room we rent each year. Lots of room for lots of people, a fireplace, a kitchen, tables, chairs, TWO bathrooms, etc., etc.

We had 19 at our Sunday Thanksgiving this year, and we usually have over 30 attending our Christmas Palisades celebration each year, and we still have plenty of room.

What can I say? Palisades fits our needs.

Literally.

Also, before I get any further into the post, I want to remind you the pictures shown below are the best ones I took on this particular day.

You won't find pictures of the following:

Crying babies
Crying big kids
Crying adults
Babies before, during or after massive blow-out diapers
Mommies and Daddies tired from lugging food, kids and kid paraphernalia from one place to another
Real china
Real glasses
Real cutlery
(Unless, that is, you think paper and plastic count as real.)
(And if that is the case, you are one of MY PEOPLE.)
A meal where everything served was absolutely loved and eaten by everyone in attendance
Etc.

You won't find those pictures here because for the most part, I didn't bother taking them.

Those things or moments were present, and I do not deny it...

But a few years from now...

I'm still going to like the ones you're about to see the most.

Well, unless I considered any of the above "funny." I'll post things I think are "funny" all day long!


Eden's very first Thanksgiving.


Carly Beth is an old pro now...

Second Thanksgiving is officially under her belt.


No one planned it, but the girls came in pumpkin garb and the boys wore turkey shirts.

I love when things like that happen!


You will notice the first group pic is probably the best of these three (and the other six not shown).


And that is perfectly fine.

The sooner we acknowledge we, as the Official Picture Takers, have little or no control over where everyone is looking...

Or going...

Or what they are each doing...

The better.


Blurry, but so sweet.

We're going to have to knock the Chicks off these good-lookin' guys in a year or two.


Josh, Courtney, Judith and Eden.


Aunt Roxie and Judith.


Brad, Stephanie, Sawyer and Carly Beth.




RT


Austin, Melia and RT.

If you look closely, you'll see Baby Girl is starting to show, and we're all looking forward to meeting her in 2020.


Katie and Zach.


Roxie and Zac.


We have Sunday Thanksgiving during the day, so we have access to two very nice playgrounds after we eat.


The adults really don't feel like playing on playground equipment after lunch...


But we don't mind watchin'.


I take it back.

MOST of the adults don't feel like playing.

RANDOMNESS #2 - Faulkner Thursday Thanksgiving - Did you notice there weren't any pics of me and Mikie in the Sunday Thanksgiving section of the post?

Did you?

Well, let's just say it wasn't Mike's fault, but we did try to remedy it at Faulkner Thursday Thanksgiving.

You'll see what I mean in a second or two.


Lauren and Heavily-Drooling Eden.


Roxie and Standing-Heavily-Drooling Eden.


Micah and Mackenzie (blurry, blurry, blurry), but so, so cute.










The Art Table was full of color sheets, word searches, markers, crayons, etc.


A little something for everyone.


Matthew took this pic of me and Mike, and I liked our faces and hair very much.

Very much indeed.

However, I don't think you can truly appreciate the faces and hair because of the horrendous non-matching patterns in our shirts.

It is absolutely cringe-worthy.

I tried to fix it for 2019 Christmas Card purposes...


But at the end of the day, I just don't know if it's enough.

We'll have to wait and see, won't we?


Brandi and Jared.


Pilgrim Jared and Pilgrim Amber.

No way the original Pilgrims were as cute as these two.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Now to turn our attention 100 percent to the many joys of December!

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

"It's almost time to switch from my everyday anxiety to my fancy Christmas anxiety."

"They say 40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40, but all I know is the older I get... 9:00 p.m. is the new midnight."