Christmas 2012

I have been silent for over a month. December was busy. My grandfather was in and out of the hospital for weeks. Life got away from all of us. But, in the end, we got to spend it all together as a family and for that I am so thankful. 

Christmas Eve was spent at Ryan's parents house. We began our evening doing music for our church service at Timberline Old Town. Once all of our equipment was packed up, we headed to his parent's house for chili and cinnamon rolls from Silver Grill. Holy cow. Those things were as big as my face and I'm not complaining one bit about that. 

On Christmas Day, we awoke to more snow on the ground. It began snowing the night before. It was definitely a White Christmas this year. 

 Our next stop was the hospital to visit my grandfather. He has been in and out of the hospital for a while now and wasn't able to spend Christmas at home. So, we went to him. Ryan even played a song he wrote for Christmas in the hospital for my grandfather. 

Next stop...my parent's house. We ate snacks and opened gifts. It was very relaxing and wonderful. 

I'm quite obsessed with my new boots. 

 Then we were off to my Aunt and Uncles house for some of the best prime rib ever. I ate way too much this past month. 

A few days later, we went to my Grandparent's home to spend Christmas with them. My grandpa is finally home. It was so good to spend that time together with them and my family. 

I can't believe I type this as the end of 2012 is only a few hours away. This year has been a whirlwind of events and I am very thankful for all of it. 

Chicken Taco Chili

I'm a big fan of crock-pots. A big, big fan. I've made this chili so many times in the past few weeks, I could probably make it in my sleep. I usually toss all of the ingredients in a crock-pot on Sunday when I'm running all over cleaning the house. Once my house is sparkling and clean, I scoop up a bowl of this goodness and relish in my clean house before anyone else comes home. 

I've been asked by a bunch of women I work with for this recipe, so here you go! Now when I smell up the work kitchen with this deliciousness, you'll know how to make it. It's so, so, so easy. Yet again, this is adapted from a Weight Watchers recipe. 5 points per serving, which is about a cup or so. 

Ingredients: 

1 can No Salt Added Black Beans

1 can No Salt Added Kidney Beans

1 can Rotel (tomatoes/green chilies) 

1 can tomato sauce (the smaller can) 

1 packet of taco seasoning (try to find one that isn't packed with sodium.) 

1 bag of frozen corn

A few frozen chicken breasts (I use the smaller tenderloins) 

A few dashes of chili powder

A few dashes of Cumin 

Place beans, corn, tomato sauce, and rotel in the crock-pot. Stir in the packet of taco seasoning. Add chili powder and cumin. Stir, stir, stir. 

Place as many frozen chicken breasts that can fit on the top of the chili. Don't stir it. Put the lid on and cook on high for about 6 hours or so. You want the chicken completely cooked. 

Once the chicken is completely cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the crock-pot. 

Shred the chicken. Once that's done, dump the chicken back in the crock-pot. Stir the chicken thoroughly into the chili. Let it simmer for a while longer. 

Serve and enjoy! We usually put a little bit of cheese on top and dip corn chips in the chili. 

Have I mentioned how much I adore my little crock-pot? 

It's That Time Again...

 

The Christmas Season. This marks one of my favorite times of the year. I love any excuse to redecorate the house. Also, any excuse to have twinkle lights in random places of our house, I am all for. The Friday after Thanksgiving, I came home and brought all of the decorations into the house. The next few hours were spent making our home a wonderland covered in glitter, pine needles, and lights.

 

I am always tempted to find ways to keep this up all year round.

 

But, then I would be even more of a crazy woman.

 

Twinkle Lights in our bedroom

Our humble tree. Smaller this year in hopes that the cat won't nap in it.

This image was photobombed by our cat.

Even the bathroom needs some Christmas Decor

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around these parts. Also....I'm done with my shoppping already!!!

Thanksgiving 2012

I want to keep this short and sweet. Simple words. 

I am so thankful for my husband, my family, my health, my job, and all of the wonderful people I have the amazing opportunity to live life with. I am thankful for my freedom, for being able to play music, for being able to pick up a camera. I am thankful for what has been, what we are living now, and the future in front of us-- whatever it may hold. 

So, so thankful. I am also so, so full. 

Contribution #1: Sweet Potato & Acorn Squash 

Contribution #2: Green Bean Casserole (The only time of the year I eat this delicious dish.) 

So much food.

Amazing pies by our sister-in-law. The mini ones were my favorite. 

 I have spent the day decorating for Christmas, wrapping presents, listening to She & Him, and trying to fix our garbage disposal. 

All in a days work. I've got to work off all that I consumed yesterday somehow. 

A Thanksgiving Outfit

Ladies and Gentleman, this is me following through on my November goals....an outfit post! On Thanksgiving! I braved the crowds yesterday at Target to finish up some Christmas shopping (I seriously am almost done....so close!) and came home with a new outfit for Thanksgiving. The clearance racks at Target are a weakness of mine. 

Boots via Payless. I wear them just about everyday. 

Just call me Squinty. 

Outfit Details

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Target

Tights: Target

Boots: Payless

Earrings: Charming Charlies 

I have so much to be thankful for today. We are preparing to go consume a feast at Ryan's parent's house. My stomach is growling in anticipation. Everyone knows diets don't count on Thanksgiving. 

I'm sure more pictures will soon follow. 

Happy Thanksgiving.