CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

My sister's friend gave this great idea to add to your traditions every year when putting up the tree. Of course you need a REAL tree to do this... I thought it was a cute idea!

More on Christmas traditions to come....

SATISFYING A PREGNANT WOMAN'S POTATO CRAVING

For some odd reason, I tend to crave potatoes when I'm early pregnant. I have in the past, and I am again this time round. This recipe was a good way to satisfy that. My family enjoyed it as well. It's super easy, and tastes great!


POTATO BROCCOLI SOUP

red skinned potatoes, washed and unpeeled (I actually just used regular potatoes, but I peeled them!)
broccoli (fresh or frozen)

Put potatoes on bottom of pan with broccoli on top -- more broccoli than potatoes. Cover with water. Put lid on and let simmer till potatoes are tender. Puree in blender (may add cream, milk, or water from pan) until smooth consistency. Flavor with salt and pepper. It looks kind of weird, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good it is, and healthy too! :)

EVAN'S HUNTING TRIP CAUGHT ON TAPE!

A HAPPY HUNTER!

Evan came home yesterday from a successful hunt. God blessed him with a buck, a doe, and a wild turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner. We once again will have meat for our freezer! We are always thankful for the healthy food hunting provides for our family! He had a great time with some great guys from our church. Sounds like they had a memorable experience, slept well and stayed warm in a wall tent with wood stove, and ate like kings for being in the wilderness. What more could you ask for?? (Maybe someone to do all the meat processing for us...now the work begins!)

Evan with his buck






buck and doe

a petrfied tree

a rancher's antler collection

EXCITING NEWS!

We are going to have another baby! I am due mid-July! Please keep us in your prayers!

BRINGING A SMILE TO YOU!

(photographer unknown)

SOLVING THE LUNCH DILEMA

Lunch at our house is usually a little boring. Unless we have a good amount of left-overs from dinner the night before (which is becoming less and less it seems!), we usually have to resort to one of the same ole' boring things to eat mid-day. I found this recipe and made it for lunch today. Everyone loved it. It was super easy, and doesn't cost much too make! Better yet, it's made with all things I usually have in the house! Enjoy!

Creamed Tuna on Toast

2 cups milk
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
1 can tuna, undrained
1/2 bag frozen peas
whole wheat toast

Mix milk and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth. Turn on the heat and stir until thickened. Add tuna and frozen peas. Let each diner break the toast into bits sized pieces on his plate before topping with the creamed tuna sauce.

YUMMY CINNAMON ROLLS

I just typed this up for a friend, and thought I'd share it here, too. These are our favorites!

DOUGH
1 cup milk (80-90 degrees)
1/4 cup water (80-90 degrees)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
4 cups bread flour (sometimes I'll do 1 cup whole wheat, 3 cups white)
1/4 cup vanilla instant pudding mix
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. active dry yeast

FILLING
2 Tbsp. butter (usually I just spread soft butter over the rolled-out dough)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

FROSTING
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powder sugar
1 1/2 tsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

1) In bread machine, place dough ingredients in order. Select "dough" setting on bread maching.
2) When cycle is complete, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Let dough rest 10 min. Mix sugars, and cinnamon together. Roll dough into rectangle (20"X10"). Spread with butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Roll up jelly roll style, starting with the long side. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 1" thick slices. Place 12 slices, cut side down into a greased 9X13 pan and remaining 9 slices in greased 7X11 (or 8" square) pan. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
3) Bake in 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before frosting.
4) In a mixing bowl, beat frosting ingredients until well mixed. Frost warm rolls. Store in refrigerator.