Kids Are Talking Christmas

Jeanie printed off some Christmas coloring pictures for her and Danny. They both have been busy writing and re-writing Christmas Wish Lists. I start to get a tight feeling in my chest when I think of Christmas. I guess I have to sit down and write some detailed lists. I need to go to flylady.net and read and follow the Cruising Through The Holidays section. They cover everything from making detailed shopping lists to gathering together all your wrapping paper, tape etc. in one place. I really do enjoy getting ready for Christmas but until I get organzied I just feel OVERWHELMED!

Brady Opens His Eyes

This reminds me of when Fred and I had to bring Brett to the hospital lab when he was about a week old for blood work. He had jaundice. We were sitting in the waiting room holding a sleeping Brett when a teenage boy about 17-18 years old walk by. He stopped and looked at the baby and asked, "Are his eyes open yet?" Maybe he thought he was a kitten. We still chuckle about that one!

Thanks so much for the pictures Emily. Keep them coming!

Brady Update

Emily sent us this picture yesterday. He's got a bit of hair! She said he has been very, very good. Pretty much sleeps and eats. He slept three hour stretches during the night. Pretty good for three days old! What a cutie!!

Jeanie's Business

Jeanie was trying to earn money. She made up this sign for massages. The girls asked her why a back rub was so expensive. After asking what expensive means, she said because she hates doing back rubs the most. (Notice the tose peled.)

Dan & Gretch

I have All Day Stew in the crockpot. If it's any good I'll post the recipe. I made Grandpa's flatbread incase it's not. The fresh flatbread will help any meal go down, good or bad! Here's a picture Gretchen played around with.

A Couple Good Recipes

I made this Amish Breakfast Casserole for Kelli's shower. It was very good. I got it from Taste of Home's Church Supper Cookbook. They have a big Brunch Recipe section in there. The second recipe I found in Taste of Home's Mom's Best Meal magazine. My family loves the Rice Pilaf I put in the family cookbook so I thought I'd try this oven pilaf. It was a BIG hit. I doubled it and put it in a 9 x 13 pan.

Amish Breakfast Casserole

1 pound sliced bacon, diced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
6 eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) small-curd cottage cheese
1-1/4 cups shredded Swiss Cheese

In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp; dreain. In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir in bacon mixture. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until set and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings

Mushroom Oven Bake

1 cup uncooked long grain rice
¼ cup butter
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/3 cup water
1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

In a skillet, sauté the rice in butter for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Add celery and onion; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until celery is tender.

Transfer to greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Stir in the broth, water, soy sauce and parsley. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Yield: 6 servings