Brotherly Love

Awkward Family Photo

Need I say more??? I'm sure we'll look back one day and laugh:) At least we were able to check picture with Santa off of our list!

Quite the Mess

Miss Frances is quite the mess these days!

Here she is making the most of her sister being at school by playing in Kathryn's Little Mermaid dress and shoes.

And here, she's all painted up having taken advantage of Mommy leaving the kitchen to do some laundry!

This required her second bath of the day. The first was necessary after she worked her little hands into her dirty diaper:) See what I mean!

Around here...

Christmas is in full swing!

There are Little Pet Shop hamsters popping in on our nativity scenes...

These yummy crackers are the most requested snack...

and I found a fool proof home recipe for Starbuck's beloved salted caramel hot chocolate!

Two little kings (or should I say, one king and one queen) made their debuts in the Christmas play at school today...


And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my amaryllis will make it's debut on, if not before, Christmas!

Only 12 more days to go!!!

Sorry for the lack of posts...

We've been hanging out with royalty...




Hope to have a recap of our trip soon. Right now, we are still in recovery mode!

Christmas Decorating Inspiration

We are more than half way there in our Christmas decorating. The tree is up, the staircase is flowing with garland, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care...you get the picture! But I'm always up for a little more decorating inspiration. Here are some favorites...

Veranda

Southern Living

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens

Southern Living

May you be inspired too!

A Pilgrim+An Indian+A Recipe

Yesterday, Walker and Kathryn's school put on an Thanksgiving Program. The kids have been busy working on it for weeks! Kathryn, as you can see, and her classmates were Indians, and Walker and his class were Pilgrims. A fun time was had by all!



I couldn't help but share a recipe too. Some of my favorites are best served this time of year. I haven't made these in a decade or more, but they are yummy! And since they are so simple to make, I thought they deserved a little blog love!

Sweet Potato Balls

6 med. sweet potatoes, cooked, peeled and mashed
1/2 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. chopped pecans
12 lg. marshmallows
2 c. crushed cornflakes

Mix sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, and nuts. Form balls around each marshmallow. Roll in crushed cornflakes. Just before serving warm in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until warm all the way through. NOTE: May be made ahead and frozen until ready to use.***

***I think I would add a little cinnamon and nutmeg too! Maybe 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg. And I would definitely drizzle some extra butter on top right before baking:)

Paula Deen also offers an even sweeter version using orange juice and coconut. I bet it's sure to please too!