Christmas cards!

Enjoy a little Jingle Bells, Ben Rector style. 

I know I promised 25 Days of Christmas, but let's be real. I was never going to sit down on blogger once a day to bring on the holiday season. I know you guys don't need me to make your days merry and bright...so yeah. I took a little break. Actually, I started a new book series...and I'm hooked. The only reason I'm on blogger now is because my book is on the other side of the table. And yes, I am that lazy. 

So you know what I love about the holiday season? Christmas cards. I really do. I love seeing which friend or family member is the over achiever and gets their card to me two days after Thanksgiving. I love seeing who procrastinated more than I did. Who was super creative. Who was sweet enough to hand write a card, and so on. So this year, my cards will be on time (I think) and they are cute (I dare you to say otherwise). Also, what's more fun than seeing a Christmas card? The progress it takes to catch the perfect shot.

Yeah, that's right. I've seen some pictures that are perfect. Every toddler is in fine form with a smile on their face, mom's hair is perfectly in place, and no one looks like they've had one too many cheeseburgers...

Well, I'm here to tell you that those perfect Christmas cards are never taken in one shot. There's no way. Let me tell you why...or better yet show you. Here is the Doty progression of our 2011 Christmas Card. Enjoy.

After further review of this picture I've decided that none of us were ready for the photographer to snap this photo. I'm pulling my shirt out of my fat roll (I like food, therefore I'm in need of situating my clothes every now and then). Jaxon's cheek is hanging over the letter T there. Also, Mr. Doty is having to coach the youngest on how to properly hold the letter O. Let's see how well that works out. 

Well, the name looks good, but has anyone seen my youngest...she seems to have gone missing. Also, Jaxon...where's the camera?

Oh. Hey. Lost another kid.

Every now and then a girl just has to stand up and reassess the scene. This was one of those moments for Maddi. Jaxon, that's a great smile though... 

I don't even know what's going on...

Heh. She's cross-eyed. 

Seriously, I can't even. 

After, close examination the photographer realized we may need to have a moment to fix our letters. So we told the girls they had to be sweet to the letters...

Can't get any sweeter than rubbing your cheek on it, I suppose. 

We so almost had it here...the letters are even. You can actually SEE most of our faces...but Maddi found the blank  sheet of paper more exciting than the lady holding the camera making monkey noises. Go figure. 

And while it's not "perfect," this was our winner. Maddi is in fine fashion,  Husband is looking studly in his new tie, Jaxon looks like she's done this a million times (pretty much has), and not a single piece of fabric was hidden inside any crevice of my torso. So, Merry Christmas!! Everyone, wait for your mailman to bring you our little envelope of joy. 

Random and wonderful!!

If any of you try to sing Santa Clause is Coming to Town with Jaxon, there's a good chance she won't sing it like you do. She'll sing it like this, (deep voice part and all). This is her favorite song of the season and it is quite possible that I've heard it 1142 times. Yeah...

I love Scotch tape. Not the adhesive transparent aspect of it, but the smell. Yes, there's a smell. Every time I'm forced to use this during the non-holiday seasons, I smell and immediately think of Christmas. Do you guys randomly love anything about Christmas? While you're thinking about it, get your Scotch Tape out and smell. You'll enjoy it. 

Puppy Chow should be written into the 12 days of Christmas.

It's possible I will use many more songs off of this album--because I feel actual loving feelings for it--and today's Christmas song is Christmas Song by Sleeping at Last. Enjoy!!

Food has obviously made it's way into a recurring theme for my Christmas blogs. And I don't mind that if you don't mind that. And there's no surprise that I really enjoy food. I can't help it. And the more chocolate used in a recipe, the weaker I get. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar I'm a gonner. 

This can be made any time of the year but it seems to surface only around the Holiday season. So therefore, it is quite possibly one of my most favorite things about Christmas...

Ingredients


9 cups Combination of Corn, Rice, and Wheat Cereal squares (Chex) *For gluten-free, omit the wheat chex.
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoon vanilla *make sure to check vanilla for gluten-free
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 1-gallon ziplock bags

Instructions

1. Place cereal in a large bowl and set aside. In a medium microwavable bowl, add chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave on High for 1 minute and stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer and stir mixture until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour sauce over cereal and stir until evenly coated. Spoon half of the mixture in each 1-gallon resealable ziplock bag. Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar to each bag, and seal. Shake the bag until everything is coated. Spread on waxed/parchment paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Easy peasy. This is also a great idea for a Christmas gift to any co-workers. Find a cute cup or bowl and stuff it with Puppy Chow. This will make anyone smile!

Before you open gifts, you need protein...and carbs.

Continuing with the hunger theme, I'd like to pass on a few Christmas morning recipes that I've been introduced to by my wonderful, glorious, oh so perfect in laws. Seriously, Christmas morning is magical in their home and it all begins with breakfast. Also, the song for today is a medley put together by the women of Everly. This is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Oh, Holy Night. I love both of these songs and am happy to share with you!! 

Now, from the kitchen of Mama Doty, I give you easy Christmas recipes that will have your kids smiling before they can say, "Mom, wake up, we have gifts to open."

Sausage Balls

1 pound of raw ground sausage (Mama Doty uses mild but you control the spice)
2 cups of Bisquick
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 425

You are gonna have to get your hands in there and work all ingredients together until everything is worked in to the dough.  I never can do it with just a spoon and I think it's too thick and stickyish for a mixer.  When it's all evenly mixed, roll the dough into little round balls and place on a cookie sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned

Sausage Bread - makes two rolls

1 refrigerated can of pizza dough
1 Lb of ground sausage (browned) with grease drained off.  Again, I use the mild.  

**optional- can add chopped onions/peppers

I smush and mash the pizza dough around on a cookie sheet until I have a big oval.  Place the browned sausage on top of the dough and sprinkle some cheddar over the top. 

You can try to roll it up if it's not too stuffed.  If you get too much sausage/cheese filling it won't pinch shut at the last rolling.  I have even folded each edge over the filling but it kinda falls open as it bakes.  Bake following the directions on the can.  After it cools down, slice it with a serrated knife.  

Breakfast Casserole

6 eggs - beat thoroughly
6 pieces of bread torn into small pieces
( some recipes say to just lay the bread in whole slices in bottom of dish)
2 Cups of milk
1 Cup of grated cheddar cheese
1 tsp dry mustard
Salt/pepper to taste
1 lb of cooked drained sausage. 

**Optional- chopped onions, mushrooms, or peppers


Lay bread on bottom of 13x9 Baking dish. Mix all other ingredients together and pour on top of bread.  I usually make it up the night before and leave in fridge.  Then in the morning I bake it.  It gives it time to set up.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes until brown.  

If any of you are struggling to wait until Christmas morning to try these easy recipes out, I suggest you try and cook before...just to perfect it, and to taste it.

What's for Dinner?

Christmas song of the day is Silent Night sung by Laura Cooke. She has a three song Christmas music sampler on that website I mentioned yesterday. It's also free and beautiful and I just love it.

This song sums up most of my childhood nights. During the very few moments when I wasn't listening to my parents (because, hello...I was perfect (kidding (only, sort of))) and refused to go to sleep, my dad would have to pull out the big guns. He sung me to sleep with Silent Night. I have a lot of memories from growing up and naturally they run slim towards the younger years...but this is one thing we shared that I will never forget. 

Also? Do any of you have a Pizza on Christmas Eve tradition? Because, growing up that's what we did and I LOVED it! Pizza should always be combined with presents. What sort of Christmas Eve digestive traditions do you have?

Decorations!

We are twenty days away from Christmas and I am going to let you take a journey around my house. Not really...but you will see into a couple of carefully decorated corners. Christmas Jam of the day is Baby It's Cold Outside. This version is from the Elf Soundtrack by Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel. Enjoy!!

Jaxon loved the Nutcracker so much she felt like she needed to have her very own....

Somewhere in Texas, around this year, my husband and I were crawling around  our separate households and enjoying our very first Christmas. 

Just some Christmas ornaments in a glass thingy...it's my favorite thing in my kitchen...

...other than this. I can remember who gave me what for our wedding and how they wrapped it, but I cannot remember who gave this to me. It's possible I bought it myself, but I doubt it. Whoever it is...if you're reading this...know that this carefully crafted hand towel is greatly appreciated. 

Just another plate...I love Christmas plates.

One of my many many snowmen...

More snowmen and our very first, personalized Doty Christmas card.... 

LOOK AT HER JOWLS!!!

And more snowmen...

We don't have a fire place, so I get to use this adorable little hooky-shelf thing to hang my stockings. You can't tell by this picture but the stockings my husband and I have are incredibly long. They are marvelous...also, notice the snowmen...

The very small Santa collection...and other Christmas cards on display...

Another ornament on our outside tree...now I'm just taking up your time...if you're even still reading.

And more snowmen! One could say I have a thing for snowmen.

Tell me, what do you decorate with? Snowmen, gingerbread men, Santa, Lights? Tell me all, share pictures with me, brag about it all! Let me see it :D

Love My Ornaments

Good evening to all!! Christmas song of the day is I'll Be Home For Christmas by Sleeping at Last. I recently downloaded this wonderful album for free. Seriously folks, I've listened to it every day and it's one of those albums that has the magic to put your kids to sleep when they've been fighting it. It's gloriously mellow and perfect. 

 So, tell me, do you have a favorite ornament? I do...I mean, all of mine are my favorite. It seems every year when I pull each one out I have a moment. I smile, I say "You've made it another year!" and then I find the most perfect spot for it...which doesn't matter because the girls end up moving them. That's okay though, my ornaments make me smile and each hold their own memory for me. 

When I was younger my aunt had the tradition of always giving me and my brother an ornament every year. I LOVED this tradition and when I pull those ornaments out I think of her and all the great Christmas moments we had together. I also have ornaments that my mom used to use to decorate our tree when we were growing up. They're magenta-y pink-ish with a little gold on them. Yeah, they're awesome. Who knew I'd love having a pink-ish tree? But I do. I have the girls 1 year ornaments that make me cry a little bit, and then I have our wedding anniversary ornament. 

We also have a LOT of snowmen on the tree. I used to live down the street from a Cracker Barrel. I'd go a little crazy from time to time...but they are the cutest snowmen ever. Anyway, here's a little video of some of my favorites. My husband looked bored so I asked him to make a video...and he did. Tell me about your ornaments...which are your favorites? which ones mean the most? do you smile when you see them or could you care less? 

Christmas MOVIES!!

Good evening!! I didn't forget about my Countdown to Christmas/These are a Few of my Favorite Things post of the day...I've just been a busy woman today. I know, it never happens, so I hardly know how to handle them when they come around. 

Christmas song for today is Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee. 

I cannot hear this song without immediately thinking about my favorite Christmas movie, Home Alone. This movie strikes so many Christmas memories for me, and it's adorably awesome.

You can't tell me you've never acted out this scene.

This is pretty much a Christmas movie appreciation post from this point on. All of these are favorites that I can't go without. 

The Elf

I desperately want to celebrate Christmas at Hogwarts. 

Love Actually
This movie makes me cry every time. And this scene...every time I watch it my heart grows three sizes. I now have an enlarged heart.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

I love both the animated and Jim Carey version--well I suppose that's animated as well. 

Charlie Brown Christmas

Of course there are many many many more, like White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story (which makes me want to poke my eyes out), but these are the ones I can't go without. What are some of your favorites?

24 Days and I love cookies.

The Christmas jam for today is All I Want for Christmas is You. I fell in love with this song in middle school, sixty some-odd years ago. Okay, it was only 1994 but it seemed forever ago. This is a Glee cover sang by Amber Riley. I may or may not have danced like a crazy person when I saw it on the album. So, yeah...enjoy. 

Okay, let's get down to business. I love cookies. Let's just get more specific and say that I love to make/decorate/eat Christmas cookies. Recently, I stumbled across an extremely easy extremely easy "NO SIT" sugar cookie recipe  and it works--tastes--marvelously. My decoration skills, however, are not up to par. To be fair, we didn't have ALL of the decor we could have had...just sprinkles and icing. 

 These were my absolute best. I figured out how to use the flower tip thinga-ma-jig. Don't judge, you totally know what I'm talking about.

M made himself a Santa cookie, complete with Marshmallow-tipped-fuzz ball on Santa's hat. Jaxon decorated her gingerbread man like a champ (Dad may have helped), and Maddi...well she did a great job too.  

They aren't the best looking cookies...but they were yummy.  If you look closely, one looks like....no, never mind, it just looks like a horribly decorated cookie.

We got tired of poor decoration skills so we just slathered on the good stuff and  tossed down the sprinkles for a distraction. Also, I'm not sure what's going on with the red ginger bread man up there. I don't remember putting four eyes on his face...

These are a few of my favorite things...

Hello all!!! It is December and I couldn't be more excited about what this means for me. First of all, I'm done with NaNoWriMo. I completed their 50,000 word goal and became a Winner last night. Now, I plan on taking this month to look at my family, read a few books, and clean my house. It needs it.

Anyway, this post is not about me being done with the first draft of my novel. Since I love the Christmas season like Harry loves his wand, I have decided to copy ABC Family and do my very own 25 Days of Christmas!! Also, take note, that if you're already tired of the Holiday season, this blog is not for you...at least not for the next month.

Let me start you off with a Christmas song for your hearing pleasure.

Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel

by Laura Cooke

Okay, on this first day of December, I would like to put forth my undying love for Christmas Jommies. Jommies, you ask? Well, they're pajamas, and I love 'em. Today was pajama day at the Mother's Day Out, which means even though my kids went to bed in what they planned on wearing we were still late to school.

Here is a photo of some of  the little rugrats I have in class. You should know, every single kid in the class laughed at me for calling them jommies. I don't blame them...it's a weird word.

 I also took a few quick shots of the girls before we left home.  

Look at the adoration here....I caught them at a very odd moment.

Kidding. These girls love each other and their Christmas Jommies too. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all....I'll see you tomorrow. 

Oh. Emm. Gee.

50,000 WORDS!!!!!!!!! 

I have now completed NaNoWriMo's word requirement and I'm doing a dance somewhat similar to this. 

I'm obviously not done yet, but for now I'm going to smile. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

There's one thing people can agree on around this time of year, and that is food!! So make sure you fill your plates, unbutton your pants, and enjoy a lot of it. Your momma, your granny, and maybe a daddy or two went to a lot of work to make your mouth smile...take advantage of today. If I hear about any of you counting calories I will personally come frown in your face.

Also, I'm thankful for so many things in my life but mostly the people in it. I'm thankful for my mom and dad and brothers. I'm thankful for the family that I married into, the bestest of friends anyone could have, my dogs (yes, they are people), and most of all I am thankful for my husband and two girls. Life would be so unenjoyable without them. My husband lights up my life and my kids make it even brighter.

Remember to count your blessings today and not your calories!!

40,000 words...

...and I'm just cruisin' along. 

Go on. Do a little dance with me. 

My little Maddi is a warrior.

Or something close to it. I love when she comes into lunch from recess with dirt all over her face and half of her wardrobe on. I'm not so sure what goes on out there...but it has got to be something short of cray cray.