New Years ~ Candle lighting

In the lighting of candles we remember and truly live the words of Our Lord: "I am the Light of the World." In the lighting of candles we not only pray, but our prayers become smaller symbols of the One Light of Christ. In burning candles, our prayers rise up to Heaven day and night; prayers for the saint's intercession are also common because of their friendship with God in Heaven.{as a family we do this every year on Christmas eve}













...{but decided to share with our friends this year,all enjoyed}!

Aubrie and her babies....

Aubrie played for hours with her little antique or miniture dolls that Santa so kindly placed in her stocking.It was only when the boy's and Sierra went riding again with Shadd,that I finally stopped to see how simple yet how content she was in her own little world.Talking so quiet and sweet to her little bears.She wanted them all to have a turn in the swing......ohhhhhh how I wish all my day's were this simple.Yet,so heartfelt.

Christmas Dinner {Garam Masala}

My Little helper.....




Garam Masala Roast {with creamy dressing}





~ Our Traditional Christmas dinner Roast ~

5-6 lb. boneless Chuck Roast
3-14 oz. cans beef broth
2-cans garbonzo beans {i use extra}
1-Jar Garam Masasa
1-8oz. PLAIN yogurt {i use 2 yummy & creamy}
Potatoes
Carotts

Coat Roast well with Garam Masala {you can't use too much}! Brown Roast in frying pan with oil{Oh my goodness smells good alreay}! Place Roast in roasting pan pour over 3 cans of beef broth,cook a good 1 1/2 @ 375*. Remove from oven,add veggies,3 cans garbonzo beans {UNDRAINED} add another tablespoon or two of Garam Masala.Bake in oven another hour to 1-1/2 {meat melts in your mouth,no need for knifes}.Remove from oven....in a seperate bowl remove several big spoonfuls of broth,add container or two of yogurt mix well.Pour over roast and veggies or serve seperate {gravy boat}. Enjoy!!!!

Note: Garam masala is made up of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, mace, cumin, turmeric and nutmeg and has a rich robust flavor.Very elegant and worth every minute,perfect meal for the holidays.Adds that much more warmth to your 4 senses!!


Challah

Ghost-Rider

Where do I start with this fascination of motorcycles Cody has had.A year and a 1/2 ago about the same time Tanner at his age got his first Quad.Shadd and I discussed that if it was just a phase he was going through we would forget about him wanting one.Not the case for us,this kid is relentless...crying,asking,waiting and watching ghostrider movie 100 times {we are so over it}.So Santa Claus decided that we should give it a try for his adrenaline junkie needs {what a COOL guy he is}? We definatley weren't prepared to be desert "RAT'S" at this point...BUT, we will wait and see where it is that this little Rat himself takes us.

First time out......
For starters Shadd had to work on his bike when we first got there,due to the Christmas morning CRASH that they didn't really want to tell me about {of course I'd freak right}.He had bent the break on J-arm and wheel wouldn't roll.Fixed it and he's off.Literally,Shadd had to chase him {to be close to pull-cord/kill switch}.Other than that he had an amazing time and still has alot to learn,in turn we have alot more little trips to endure.This is definalty the season.......

We love you so much little bear! We're along for a crazy ride in life with you,if your little jumpy adrenaline level stay's idling like this.
XoXo's, Mom & Dad

Happy Birthday Jesus of Nazareth

"Mary did you know that when you kiss your little baby,you kiss the lips of god"



The amazing innocence of Christmas morning....
So many childhood memories flood through my head,as well as new ones that I hope my children will come to love,the burst of excitement in their little voices and wonder in their eyes...this as a mother is what I have come to love!




Homemade Breakfast:}
*Buttermilk Bisquits & Gravy
*Quiche Lorraine
*Eggs Benedict
*Mimosas






"Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight".....

Traditions

Christmas Eve 2009:
Wow....today was filled with love,laughter,giving and lot's of last minute details {that I will keep private}.
First: I would have to say that we have the most amazing neighbors,any young mother would love to have.I'm very blessed to say the least.
Dolores...has been my friend and slowly converted to a mother figure then soon after that a second mom to all my children.I'd have to honestly say she almost loves them as much as I do.She taught both Reana {my sister} and me how to make tamales and has become a Christmas eve tradition for the past 6 years. Joy...awwwhhhh were do I start she must have been cellies with Martha Stewart,we talk, garden, skeem, colaberate, give, share,collect antiques,started a antique doll collection for Aubrie with the help of some of her wonderful gifts.Not to mention she's part Mrs. Claus,her baking and cooking skills are phenominal {all homemade}.So of course she is a HUGE inspiration to can,start from scratch,farmers markets,and every year plant a bigger garden.
Thank you lady's for being such a huge part of my everyday life and supporting my sanity,when it comes to creatively raising my children in a nurturing,loving,tradition filled life.

Christmas Eve: and the night begins....
~first Hot Cocoa for Santa,Carrot's for the Reigndeer
~one gift in which to prepare for Santa's arrival {snug in their beds}.
~"Twas the Night before Christmas" an old version from 1954 that has been read to all of our children on Christmas eve since the older ones were little. Now Aiden, Aubrie and Cody are just as interested as they were.This includes in past Christmas's Cousins that have spent the night and awaited Santa too...Brandon,Brian & Larissa.
"Sweet Dreams".......

All together Joyful