Photo Roundup

After taking such a long break from blogging, it's hard to get back into it, so I'm going to start with posting my favorite pictures from the last month or two.

 The house at Christmastime.  It was a snug fit with adding 6 extra people for the holiday.  It's a good thing we all love each other!

 Baking in Alaska.  When there isn't room in the refrigerator, there's always the outdoor freezer. 

(I've heard rumors of moose eating fudge when cooling outdoors, so I just prayed they would survive intact)

 Snow on the peanut butter balls

The cousins all together for Christmas

Lydia showing everyone her "smells"...she's slightly obsessed with Scentsy

New Christmas Rocking Horse

The littlest boys all together

Snow Day

The "babies" with my sister.  These two kiddos, likely the end of our childbearing, are a week apart

My new "stag" decor.  I love it.

"Robot" Baby

Last, but not least, the joy of watching our beloved Seahawks win the Superbowl.  Everyone in the house is still on a high from the amazement that OUR team won the Lombardi Trophy.  It's been fun.

Christmas Recipes

I can't believe that Christmas is upon us already!  
I'm so excited! 
(apparently so is this guy...he was waiting in our yard for us when we got home from church...I'm wondering if it's the same little calf we met last winter)

I had meant to have this post together a few days ago in case any of you wanted some extra menu ideas, but time has gotten away from me.

We are laying low and taking things slow and easy, so here are some of the things we're making for this season.  I've made the desserts ahead so that there is very little I have to do on the actual days of celebration.  

Most of the ingredients that I use are organic or natural, but with this being a time for family and celebration, I'm not stressing a whole lot on the nutritional value of our food, but on the fun and flavor.   

Christmas Eve Dinner 

Restaurant Style Prime Rib 

Source: allrecipes.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Broccoli Salad

I don't have a recipe for this one as it's just one my sister makes and I copied her.  I need to post it one of these days since it's a family meal staple.

Broccoli, shredded cheddar, bacon, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds and red onions topped with a greek yogurt dressing.

Parmesan and Parsnip Mashed Potatoes 

(I will be skipping the bacon and nutmeg in this recipe)

Source: lifesambrosia.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Egg Nog Pie

Source: allrecipes.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Store bought Hawaiian dinner rolls

  

Pecan Pie

Source: allrecipes.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Homemade Egg Nog

Source: allrecipes.com via Miranda on Pinterest

  
In the day or so after Christmas, we'll make leftover prime rib sandwiches and use the bones to make this delicious Prime Rib Soup 

~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Breakfast

PW Cinnamon Rolls 

Source: foodnetwork.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

Sliced Oranges

  

Foods to eat throughout Christmas day

Fruit and Veggie Trays

Grass fed beef summer sausage from the butcher (can't wait!)

Cheese and Crackers

Mini Crescent Dogs

Source: pillsbury.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Brie en Croute

Source: youtube.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Fondue 

 (made by request of the kids from our Rattatouille cookbook)

 Chips with yogurt dips

Prime Rib Sandwiches

For drinks, we've got water, lime carbonated water, Cabernet wine, sparkling wine and some fabulous Hot Buttered Rum mix made by a friend of mine.  I think I'll dig into that tonight ♥  

~~~~~~~~~~ 

 Desserts to eat over the course of 3+ days

 

Starbucks style Pumpkin Pound Cake

Source: somethingswanky.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Grandpa's Peanut Butter Fudge 

(from Pumpkin Pie Painter)

Source: pumpkinpiepainter.blogspot.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Marbled Almond Roca

Source: allrecipes.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Pentuche Fudge

Source: marthastewart.com via Miranda on Pinterest

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope your Christmas days are delightful and filled with joy and peace.

Merriest Moments Christmas Card

Find unique and Personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

My House at Christmas

I went light on our decorations this year, as I have with nearly all our traditions (except for Advent with the kids), which has been really lovely and kept me nearly stress free.  I've been done shopping since last weekend and so all I have left is meal planning and baking.

 I apologize for the lack of lighting in my photos.  I'm learning to not use my flash, but with our non existent natural light here in Alaska during winter solstice (these were all taken at around 1:30pm when we have the most light)...I really need to get an external flash or lighting. 

The Entryway 

 

 

 

 

Simple Dining Table.  A long folded table cloth to make a runner, vintage style baguette board, some votive candles and pomegranates. Sweet!

 My living room

 

 

Our stockings are tied to an iron quilt rack in place of a mantle

To keep the wrapping simple, I bought a large role of reversible wrapping paper from Sam's Club.  That is the only paper I've used for our gifts. For ribbon I opted for natural materials like burlap and jute. 

 

 Merry Christmas to you and your family!