Family Traditions

 

 

The past 6 years or more, we have enjoyed assembling Gingerbread houses.  After they are decorated the houses become part of my Christmas decorations.  This year I thought it would be nice to include Grandma in how we prepare for Christmas.  She will help us assemble houses today.  Next week we are going to decorate for Christmas ( a tree and all!) before she has to leave to go home.

(Okay for all you betheelou readers who think I am Martha Stewart, Susie Homemaker or Bethee Crocker... I am NOT!   I PURCHASE my gingerbread houses kits and we assemble them.  This year, we didn't even have to mix the frosting!  Wonderful!  I know myself pretty good.  I have established that I do not have enough patience to whip up a batch of gingerbread, cut out shapes, bake the shapes, throw a great royal icing together, and assemble all the pieces knowing they turned out to the contractors specifications.  I know that sounds like too much work!.  I DID try using graham crackers last year.  It wasn't pretty!  Don't use graham crackers in a home heated with wood heat!"

We also made cinnamon ornaments for our tree today.  That was FUN!  #2 son was having a blast.  It was like playing in the mud. 

 

Recipe~ 1 C. Ground Cinnamon, 3/4 C. to 1 C. prepared applesauce.  Mix in medium size glass bowl, mix with wooden spoon until thick dough forms.  Roll out onto a cinnamon covered board until about 1/4" thick.  Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.  Make holes with a straw to insert ribbon through after they are dry.  Bake on a cookie sheet, 2 hours at 200 degrees until almost dry.  Remove to wire rack or wax paper.  Allow to completely dry, (mine are still not hard, maybe a few more days.)  Thread about 6" ribbon through hole, knot it, hang on Christmas tree.  If the scent wears off in future years, may add 1 drop of cinnamon oil to each ornament.  Pack well between seasons.  They will be fragile.

 

Sharing Thanksgiving

We've had an amazing couple of days with my Mother here from Oregon.  She is glad she is able to share some of our Holiday traditions with us.

 

We had a great feast yesterday~ Smoked Turkey, Prime Rib, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Wild Rice Dressing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Creamed Peas with Onions, Cranberry Jello Salad, Coleslaw, Homemade dinner rolls, Veggie tray with dip, Turtle Pumpkin Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, Pecan Pie.

Of course, the ever watchful Banjo dog, looking to see if he is going to be able to help me clean up.

I've enjoyed my second time around with left overs for lunch today.  It might have even tasted better than yesterday!  YUMMY!

My mother and I have enjoyed watching the entire series of Sarah, Plain & Tall, and Rigoletto movies as well.  It is enjoyable to watch girl movies with another girl!

 

 

Good Quote

 

"There is nothing like staying at home

 for real comfort."

Jane Austen

 

 

Happy Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

A Trip to the Big City

 

Yesterday we went into the city.  We saw some sights, ate lunch caught a show and experienced mass transit!

Former sight of the World Trade Centers.

 

Trinity Church Steeple

Blue Man Group... Way- Way- Way off Broadway, but entertaining!

 

 

 

Grandma Is Here!

 

 

Grandma is here. 

Grandma's Room while she is here. 

She is enjoying a restful day today.  We went out for a while this morning and got some shoes as she left all hers in Oregon.  We are watching movies this afternoon and she is enjoying cuddle time with #2 son.  Dinner tonight was going to be Beef Tips with gravy and egg noodles but I think they voted for pizza.  I don't have to cook...sounds good to me.

 

Almost time

Almost time for grandma to be here. 

 

I am almost done with the final touches to my Christmas mailing!  Yippee!!. 

 

I figured how to print address labels!!  A major accomplishment.  The last time I did this was 10 years ago as a church secretary who had to be talked through each step.  I still need help but figured it out on my own!

Progress Of Plans

I thought I'd share with you how my progress is coming for the things I was doing this week.  Yesterday I did laundry and cleaned the upstairs bathroom.  I  finished washing bedding today.  Now I have to remake two beds.

 

 

I cooked today.  Here is what I made~ Pecan Pie, Peanut Butter Pie with Oreo crust, Turtle Pumpkin Pie, Clam Chowder Base, White Chicken Chili Base, Taco Salad meat, 2 Meat Loaves, 2 loaves Banana Bread and tonight's dinner~ Barbecued Meatballs, Creamy Garlic Noodles with sauted Garlic Ginger Snow Peas.

 

Tomorrow is a Thanksgiving potluck at church.  I made a Mashed Potato Casserole and Turkey Gravy to put in the crock pots, and  Frog Eye Salad.  My oldest son made a Banana Cake.

I heard from my Mom as she was getting settled in her roomette on the train.  She has a bed and a bathroom, receives a newspaper and gets her meals all from her room,  FANCY!