Grown Up Christmas List

The other night I was driving home, listening to Mix-Mas and admiring the newly put up neighborhood Christmas lights, and I heard Amy Grant's 'Grown Up Christmas'. and it got me thinking about what I would put on my grown up christmas list...

*That everyone would have a friend that they could call at any time of day or night, and they would drop everything to come be with you*

*That The Word would be spread into the darkest parts of the world. and change it*

*Love would become a choice, and not just an emotion*

*That everyone would have parents who love them unconditionally (thanks Mom&Dad)*

 

*For people to look past the color & economic status, and love people for who they really are*

*Cancer would be a word of the past*

*That everyone would have a family that makes them laugh and feel as loved as I do*

*Everyone would have that one special someone who means almost everything to them*

*Noone would be cold or hungry*

*That people would use the blessings God has given them to bless others*

Weekend Wrap Up

Such a happy weekend!!!

Friday night my parents hosted rehearsal dinner for Matt and Rachel. Matt wanted to have a 'mingling' atmosphere, so they decided to have it at Aunt Ellen's house. It turned out great. Not only did her house get cleaned from head to toe, but it was the perfect spot to host such a delicious dinner. Mom decorated and made it such an enjoyable night.

Saturday was the big day and it turned to be a gorgeous one! Which is so nice because it has been nonstop rain the past two days :/ Rachel was a stunning bride and Matt such a handsome groom. They made the perfect couple. And their ceremony was perfect for them-  less than 8 minutes:) (matt was so proud) 

Rachel is so crafty- she made her bouquet out of brooches and it was awesome. She also made paper flags that had cute sayings and the letter 'W' on them for us to wave at them. Instead of flowers for the family to wear, she had a silver brooch for each one of us. So clever and cute.

The reception was so much fun. I judge receptions a lot by the food they have, and so in my opinion, this was top notch (the turkey with chutney was to die for). She had homemade pies from Evans Orchard (which many unmentioned people smuggled home in napkins) and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate peanut butter cheesecake. (megan you can tell your dad their cheese spread was delicious too!)

Matt made the mistake of giving me a small video camera to document the night. Philip was a good brother-in-law and taped the whole ceremony. Once it got into my hands- it was a different story. I am anxious to see the final footage...

One of the best ideas of the night: the photo booth. It was such a hit and so much fun for people of all ages there. 

Baby Emma was such a trooper. JC said I quit caring about her by the 4th pic (displayed by the tiara covering her eyes)

3 musketeers

roller coaster pic with the bride:)

Yesterday afternoon I bounced back and forth between mom and dad's and my grandmas. The Wilhoites were at Grandmas house and the Buddes were at Mom and Dads. I wanted to visit with everyone!! and I even got invited to a very special tea party with two of my favorite girls :

Last night we had Philip's mom, Joy , over to celebrate her birthday (which is actually today- happy birthday!). Philip grilled out, in the rain, while I cooked and baked inside:) Brian came over and we had a wonderful birthday dinner. 

sorry Joy- Philip didn't catch you smiling! :)

Since all of the Budde family was in, we celebrated Thanksgiving today with them. They aren't going to be able to come back for Christmas, so we wanted to celebrate at least one holiday together. Neil and Dale had to leave early, and Matt and Rachel are basking in Mexico. But everyone else made it and we had such a relaxing day and enjoyable dinner (thanks Mom!). I made the statement ' It is officially Thanksgiving- my pants are unbuttoned'. :) eat too much?? yes.

I loved loved loved seeing all my family and getting to spend time with them. Philip and I are so blessed and have so so many people to be thankful for. I hope each one of you has a blessed Thanksgiving as well :)

*I am anxiously waiting until Thursday night when we get to put up our Christmas tree!!! *

maybe a little overboard

I love Christmas. not in the 'i look forward to it every year' or 'the season makes me happy' kind of way. More in the 'it is my absolute most favorite time of year I would put my tree up in September if my husband would let me' kind of way. I am almost obsessed with it. I love everything about it. I love getting to spend so much time with family (the most). I LOVE the snow. I love the Christmas lights. I love the music, the decorations, the traditions Philip and I have created, and the traditions my family carries on. LOVE.IT. you get the point.

That being said, my hubs wont let me put a single Christmas decoration out until after Thanksgiving. ::sigh::

However, I have managed to sneak a few things in. I am quite proud of myself for sliding these in under the radar:)

car freshener: Christmas Cookie. Yummy smells while I listen to MixMas.

Countdown ornament my Mom bought me. It can start as early as Oct 1!!!!

Towels on the stove. Philip bought them for me with the condition they didn't go out until post-Thanksgiving. I snuck them out this morning while he is sleeping:)

Jackson's Christmas Grinch. It is already missing the red scarf and the white ball on the hat. he is so rough!

My Countdown App on my phone. It sings Christmas music while it counts down the seconds until the big day. (its free, you should get it)

Last year we had a family Christmas party at our house, with both sides of our families. I wasn't sure if I would have another one or not, but several people asked me when it would be this year, so I decided I enjoyed it so much last year, we would make it an annual event! 

Soo looking forward to it! Family- don't forget to RSVP!

People at work call me Princess Noel. In our huddle each morning before work, I announce the days until Christmas. And when I make the assignment board, I put a little green Christmas tree with the days until Christmas inside the tree. 

I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving. I GET IT. I am keeping my Christmas Joy as bottled up as I can until I am given permission to let it explode. Come the day after Thanksgiving though, get ready. The Overall House is getting turned into The North Pole :)

Fiesta Chicken

Last weekend we had a bonfire/shower for Matt and Rachel. The 'aunts' carried on the tradition of having a recipe shower. Mine and Philip's was a HUGE success, so they thought they would have another one. This was also a HUGE success. Everyone brings a recipe and then something to make their recipe with. For example a recipe for a lemon pie with a pie dish and lemon grater. Auntie Jo dressed up like a game show host and we played a trivia game about Matt and Rachel. I almost won. so close. It was so much fun.

Our good family friends Mike and Rhonda came, and got them one of my favorite inventions: the crock pot. They brought a recipe of Fiesta Chicken, which I quickly snatched up and copied down. I made it tonight, so Philip could have a good meal before he goes into work at 11. and we both LOVED it. I served it over white rice and with Scoop Tortilla chips. it was so delicious I wanted to share it!

Fiesta Chicken

4-6 boneless chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)

1 can of corn-drained (or a package of frozen corn)

1 can black beans- drained

1 can rotel

1 package of taco seasoning

1 8oz block of cream cheese

Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. around the last hour, shred the chicken in the crock pot and stir. 

You can eat it just like that, or over rice, or with chips. whatever strikes your fancy.

Enjoy!!!