Shepherd's Night Fettuccini

I don't think there is a more wonderful way to bring Christmas Cheer to my heart.

Do the cooking!

Mathew planned a wonderful meal for Shepherd's Night! Fettuccini Alfredo from scratch. 

Delicioso!!

We ate it by candlelight and, I am not lying, I am non momming, it was the most delicious alfredo I've ever tasted. We were all making happy eating sounds. We rivaled Bob and his hand-shucked corn. 

Carolers! So fun and so awkward. There is an acceptable amount of time one should sing at other people. The line was crossed. 

Lookie there! We have three Shepherd's Night takers! I sympathize with and join those that will be sleeping on softer surfaces, but I salute those with younger backs than I. You are making Christmas Magic, my dears.

Under one roof

When I bought the truck, I didn't stop to think about the things we'd be giving up by letting go of the minivan. 

No more riding to church all together.

No more road trips with more than three kids,

No more movies on the pop down screen that we always hit our heads on. 

And no more minivan express. 

What have I done??

By dang, we can't go see lights in two cars, that stupid. 

So I borrowed the Terry's minivan and we made a batch of the best cocoa....the real stuff. The one part cocoa powder, two parts sugar, sprinkle of salt and real milk kind. (I added some half and half just for good extra creaminess. And it was piping hot!

AJ made some tickets and we let Mark punch them. Kinda silly but still the best. 

We're all in the same car!

We dropped in to Deanna Rose for the light show and found a spot. It was packed! The star wars segment was the best. 

I love this family and I'm excited to make them do this even when they are all grown up!

Advent Calendar, Flying Home and Goat Portraits

December is here! And all my kids are home. 

Poor Kassie has a cold (which might get her out of work when she goes back home) but she rallied for church and we filled the pew! 

We had them pick out of the calendar before they left for the airport, because everyone needs to have a special gift!

We are auditioning a new tradition...the advent puzzle. The chocolate calendars have waned in popularity. Some kids forget they have them, others eat all the chocolate at once, then save the plastic template, convinced they will melt some chocolate chips down later and refill it. I get the itch to clean and throw it away, devastation ensues and round and round we go....

The advent puzzle has potential.

And we won't start every day in December off with chocolate breakfast. I'm liking this more and more.

I drove Ethan and Kassie to the airport. They seemed happy and excited to get back to life. We loved having them here, Kassie fits into our family perfectly, but I'm so glad they love each other and when it comes down to it, they are building a home and life together and that's where they want to be. I  wouldn't want it any other way!

As for us, we are headed out to Shaver's farm to say hello to the goats, tiptoe around the chickens, learn about sourdough and have dinner with new (and old) friends. 

Why are goat's pupils rectangular?

Chickens are scary. They're....organized. (Chicken Run!)

Crystal Shaver is a new member at the gym and we have become fast friends. She's a homesteader and a homeschooler. And she's super nice! She is endlessly patient and teaching us all to use sourdough. 

Laney left them with a parting gift. That's one lucky goat.

Now, let's go home to our feisty bird.

Advent

This will always be one of my fondest memories and traditions. I hope it means as much to them as it does to me. 

 

Christmas Eve 2022

 I'll tell you what, I really have every singly thing I need right here.

Starting the day off with a Kansas Sunrise. 

Making our braided bread. Not a moment too soon!

Maybe the Cold Nosed Reindeer 

Mark is taking care of dinner! Praise Heaven!

An anit-climatic game of Bingo....everybody got the same thing!

Having our kids together is pure Christmas magic. 

Annie and the Shepherds

 Anna ran sound effects for a production of Annie at the Culture House. It was phenomenal! I was so impressed!

Straight home to sleep on the floor! This year's brave participants were Anna, Everly, Laney and Maybe. 

Candlelight Dinner

 Mark maintains that soup is not a meal, but zuppa toscana is definitely a candlelight dinner. 

The boys are back in town

 And we are ready to have some fun!