It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas.......

We picked up our tree the night before Thanksgiving. Gretchen put it together and we got it decorated Thursday afternoon. We decided to go with a "living-like" tree this year. Since we always put it up so early it will be nice to not worry about needles all over the carpet.

No, I did not go to the outlet mall at midnight. I started thinking..........midnight.........crowds.......tired........shopping for grandkids pajamas.......No, I don't think so. It's hard enough when I'm rested during the day to figure out 11 different sizes and what sizes for girls and what sizes for boys and what families like the blanket sleepers and what families are "sweat hogs" and do not want blanket sleepers.....And after talking to a lady that went, am I EVER glad I didn't. Her words were something like this: "I have never seen so many people in one spot in my life! It was CRAZY!! You would not believe it!!! The parking lot was full so they were parking way down the road outside the outlet mall!!" No, I don't think I made the wrong choice! I did go shopping this morning after Dad and I went for breakfast and only need two more pair of pajama's for the grandkids. I did hit some good sales and at least got a start on my shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. We only had 11 but it was fun and relaxing. Well, sort of....there's still a lot of preparing. The girls helped clean up so that went fast. Molly wants me to take her to the outlet mall at midnight. That is WAY past my bedtime but we'll see how well I can stay up. Brett and the girls just left to go "kyds".

Jeanie the Baker

She seems to be interested in baking. I really need to encourage her. We baked cookies the other day. She took out all the ingredients and measured the ingredients in bowls before she dumped them in the mixer. (Less chance of making a mistake.) She started out baking the cookies but grew bored with that so I finished them.

Parker House Rolls

Amanda, do these look any better than yours? They aren't so perfect either but the more you make them the easier they are. I'm posting the recipe. I got them from my sister Karen and I think she got them from someone who made them at a daughter's wedding.....maybe Chrys S.? Not sure.
Parker House Rolls

1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 packages yeast
6 1/2 cups flour - divided
2 cups water
1 cup butter- divided
1 egg

1. Combine sugar, salt and yeast with 2 1/2 cups of the flour.
2. Heat water 1/2 cup butter until very warm (120°-130°).
3. On low mix liquid into dry ingredients until blended.
4. Add egg. Beat 2 minutes on medium speed.
5. Beat in 1 cup flour. Beat 2 minutes.
6. Mix in 2 3/4 cup flour & knead 10 minutes working in another 1/2 cup flour.
7. Put in greased bowl - turn over - cover; let rise 1 hour.
8. Punch down. Put dough on floured board. Cover w/bowl. Rest 15 minutes.
9. In small pan melt remaining butter.
10. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut w/3 inch round cutter. (I use the bottom of a drinking glass) Crease w/knife. Brush w/butter. Fold in half along crease. Arrange in pan each nearly touching. Brush w/butter. Raise covered 40 minutes.
11. Bake at 425° 18-20 minutes.

Larissa's Shower

Larissa's Aunt Sue had her shower last night. It was very nice and she received lots of nice things. I'm sure seeing all those tiny baby things makes it more real. We are all so excited for the little bundle to arrive! (I totally stink at photography. I took more pictures but most are bleary!)

Pasties

I am making pasties Thursday. Call or email if you would like to order. ($3.50 each)