New Year's Eve/Day

What an amazing year our family has had.  We had marriages, surgeries, parties, fights, arguments; we've shared love, hugs, smiles, food and more.  It has definitely been an emotional year. 
Now we are heading into another year, a new beginning.  We can 'start over', or as my son says, "We get a do-over". :)  We can come up with new recipes, new craft projects, new home remodels, all kinds of great stuff.  We can also love a little more, be a little kinder, forgive a LOT more and appreciate what we have instead of wanting more and more.  That's not saying to NEVER want again...that is saying to think before you spend.  Do you REALLY need that extra pair of shoes?  Or Shirt? Or pants? Or hat?  Do you REALLY need that new gadget because it was on the Food Network or HGTV?  OR, can you make due with you already have?
Can you find things around your home to use as an organizer, decorate it up and make it work?  That would be ideal, for sure.
What are YOUR New Year's resolutions?  Do you make them?  I don't, because I can never stick with them.  However, this year is a bit different.  I have 3 classes left, a 6 week break, then I begin the last 16 weeks of my college career student teaching.  This time next year, I will officially be a college graduate!
Yesterday, I received my application for student teaching.  Fear almost took my life!  WHY?  Well, because it's a reality now. Before, I would say, "In X amount of months I'll be doing my internship".  Now, it is HERE!  This will be the first thing in my life that I have totally completed.  So, for my New Year's resolution, I have decided to get through the next 25 weeks with a smile on my face, to enjoy this last bit of learning I can and not have a mental breakdown in the process. :)

Thinking back on my college career, I realized I have learned more than how to be a teacher.  I have learned:

• Things aren't always fair in life.  Suck it up and be thankful for what you do have.
• No matter how stressful things become, it too shall pass.
• When you can't think of anything else to write, go play on Facebook and let your brain take a break.
• You are not going to agree with everyone, and everyone is not going to agree with you.  Agree to disagree and let it go.
• When you feel like God has thrown more at you than you can handle, reach out to HIM and let Him do it for you.
• No matter what anyone says, the dishes, laundry, house work will still be there tomorrow.  Enjoy the present, it's all we have. 
• Exercise is good for you.  It reduces stress, makes you feel and look good and conveys the message that YOU are important too.
• Once a week, regardless of what's going on, (if you have a significant other/husband/wife) spend some quality time with them.  It makes them KNOW they are important too.
• Plan vacation time.  Do not bring the laptop (unless you HAVE to), or the cell phones.  This is a vacation, spend with those you love.  And, if you have to bring those things, only use them in case of emergencies.  
• And finally, go outside and get some air.  It helps clear your brain, provides oxygen to your body, and it relaxes you.

These are some great lessons I've learned.  Life is short, enjoy it while you can.  And, have a Happy Creative New Year!

We survived!

We survived yet another Christmas!  It was not without it's drama, though.  However, it all worked out and everyone had a good time.  We won't have to "host" the family holiday again for 4 more years.  Which is a great thing.

My son had to have his wisdom teeth extracted the day before Christmas Eve, so he didn't get to enjoy all the food.  He slept most of the day, to be honest.  But, he had a great time Christmas Day opening all of his gifts; a new DVD player, an MP3 Player, a new coat, a foot soaking gift basket for when he has his foot surgery, and of course, Yu-Gi-Oh Cards, his most prized gift!  James, my husband, got a telescope, and I got a new rolling pin, a CandyLand Game, and a tea gift basket.  So, we all ended up with some nice things.

Now, it's time for New Year's Eve.  What do you have planned?  After much deliberation, we have decided to have a nice, quiet time at home with just the three of us.  We may get some chips and dips, but other than that, we're staying off the roads and staying home. 

For New Year's Day, all the Christmas decorations will come down and be packed up.    Then, life will be back to normal....let's hope.  I still have one week of school left, then, I begin another class, with observations. 

The only New Year's resolution I have made is to get through the next 3 classes, 24 weeks with no major incidents.  Let's hope that happens.

So here's to a new year, new dreams, new hopes, new crafts, new recipes, and new memories.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Christmas Traditions

For as long as I can remember,  I have made cookies for the Christmas buffet.  When my kids were small, they really enjoyed it and we had a blast.  We would make dozens of cookies.  In fact, we always had leftovers to freeze and use up during the year in cakes and what-not.  We have a select few neighbors we give some of the cookies to and they (I guess) love it.
Last year, I did it and went over board with it.  I was talking with the husband the other day.  The conversation went something like this: Husband: "Are you making cookies this year?"  Me: "Yeah, I was thinking about it.  The neighbors will be expecting their goodies."  Husband: "How many you planning on doing this year?"  Me: "Not as many as in the past and no where near what I made last year.  Why?"  Husband: "We may need a loan if you do."  WHAT?? 
Okay, point taken. So I have been on the lookout for simple cookie ideas.  Nothing is coming up that is "special" enough for Christmas.  I mean, it IS C H R I S T M A S for goodness sake!  You don't just whip up a batch of plain ole chocolate chip cookies and call it done!  Or do you?  No, forget that, you don't.
I also want something that is just not simple, and special, but inexpensive to do and can be done fast.  We have a super busy schedule next week, doctor appointments, surgery, and what-not going on, on top of everything else that has to be done; house cleaning, the last minute things that has to be done, etc.
So the husband had a wonderful idea. Yes, he does come up with one ever so often. :)  He suggested we get a few boxes of the variety pack of granola bars, and some different chocolate melts: dark, milk and white chocolate and a bag or two of caramels.  He says we can take a knife, cut the granola into bite sized pieces, dip them in chocolate, and do the same with the caramels.  Well, since the caramels are already bite size, just dip them into the chocolate.  Plus, make some chocolate chip cookies and maybe take a basic cookie dough recipe and add "stuff" to it and call it done.  The man amazes me at times!  At first, I thought that is insane, it will never work!  But, as I thought about it, it seemed like THE thing to do.
So, we are going to the store Saturday, getting all the "stuff" needed and Monday, I will be in the kitchen dipping, mixing, and boxing up all the goodies.  I'll let you know how it turns out. :)

A New Recipe

What is it about the Winter that makes everyone sick?  I honestly have no idea, but it does and I hate it! 
Winter does allow me and others to get a bit creative around the house and in the kitchen.  On a whim one day, I decided to get busy creating in the kitchen.  I didn't take pictures, but next time I make this and I'm sure it will be soon since it's so easy to make, I promise to take and post pictures.
This is probably one of the fastest, easiest meals I've ever created.  I have looked online and can't find this anywhere.  Please, feel free to share this with friends and family.

What you will need:
Any type of potato; red, yukon, whatever you have, one per person.
Egg, one per person
American Cheese, one slice per person
Toasted bread, one per person
Ranch Dressing
1/2 onion, grated
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (NOT salt) to taste

Tools:
Cast iron frying pan
Box grater
Spatula

Method:
On a clean counter top, grate the potato one at a time in little piles.  DO NOT MIX THEM UP.  Take the onion and grate about a teaspoon on each pile.  Add salt, pepper, and garlic to potato piles and mix. 
Toast your bread.
Heat oil in frying pan, add the grated potato and spread out.  Cook the grated potato for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and flip.  Take the American cheese and place on top of potato.  Remove from frying pan.  Do this to all the potato plies.  Place potato piles on top of toasted bread.
Next, you are going to fry the egg.  Personally, I don't like the yoke done-done...let it be a little runny, if you like it...but cook however you prefer.  Place the egg on top of potato. 
You can slice up a tomato, 2 slices per person and top the egg with the tomato, if you like.  This is, of course, optional. 
Last, drizzle the Ranch dressing over the top of the egg/potato/bread.  And serve!

I know a lot of people in my family looked at me like I was nuts when I first made this, but once they tried it, it has become a new dish.  This can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  It's great and it's so easy to make. 

Enjoy this and again, I will post photos next time I make this.

Happy Creating!

The Holidays and Stress

Good grief!  Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is upon us.  Since November 9, I have had one illness after another and now I'm fighting bronchitis!  Why I haven't been posting.  Just doing what is absolutely necessary.  My house is a site for FEMA, the freeze and fridge are empty and all I want is to breath.  On top of my illness, my son has had to have one appointment after another for his teeth!  The boy is in for a world of hurt the next few weeks, poor kid.

Christmas is stressful enough under the best conditions, but add to that illness and you have yourself a plan for disaster.  So how does one get through it with their sanity intact?

The first thing is to just breath (someone, PLEASE bring me my inhaler so I can!). 

Come on, people, think!  Yes, it is wonderful to receive pretty and useful gifts that are elaborating wrapped, but do you really want the bills from the credit card company in January?  With today's economy, wouldn't it be great to not have the bills flowing in next month.  Set a budget.  Buy only what you have to buy for whom you have to buy.  In our family, we do the White Elephant game.  We buy a gift for the little ones, 12 and under, but over 12, if they wish, does the White Elephant game and man, in our family, it can get quite violent at times.  But, we have a blast and in the end, we all end up with what we wanted.

Instead of a huge dinner, try finger food.  Sandwiches are a great idea!  Add some chips, dips and a platter of homemade cookies and you are set.  The idea is to reduce your stress, not add to it, and creating a huge dinner is just going to add to the stress.  Or instead of dinner, try making breakfast/brunch.  There are some wonderful websites that have great ideas for make-a-head dishes.  Here is one that offers some great ideas.
Make-Ahead: Crockpot Breakfast Apple Cobbler sounds wonderful and anytime I can use my crock pot, I'm happy!

This is a no-brainer! Play some Christmas music.  I mean, really play some Christmas music..crank up the speakers and blast away!!  In the process, sing a few at the top of your lungs.  Who cares what the neighbors think, have fun, let loose and allow the stress to drift into the world of notes and chords.

Gather up the family one night and go look at the lights.  Every town/city has Christmas lights up, or has a parade.  Cook up a thermos of hot chocolate, bundle up and spend some time with the ones you love, looking at the lights.  It will give you ideas for next year, too.  OR, go to church and allow God to renew you.  And, take the family with you, this way, you all benefit from it.

There are many ideas, none of which are new, that a person can do to reduce the stress of the holiday.  Stress is going to happen no matter what you do.  But, you can attempt to reduce it a bit. And, when it does happen, laugh it off.  Is it really going to matter in 5, 10 or 15 years that the ham was dry and crisp?  Is it going to matter that a platter of whatever hit the floor and Fido had his dinner, too?  Is it going to matter, are people going to remember how your house looked?  Or will they remember the love, the friendship, the family and the memories that are made?  There really is no need to stress about the holidays.  The important stuff, the stuff that really matters is that you have fun, enjoy the moment, laugh, and above all, love the ones you are with.

Merry Christmas, everyone!