We may not have it all together.

This was our Christmas card this year. I started out searching for the "perfect" photo to send out. You know. The one where we are all together in our matching outfits, not a hair out of place, everyone smiling and looking at the camera..."perfect". Here's the truth. We are not perfect and that picture doesn't exist. My pictures of the year consisted of kids in mud, holding frogs, painting projects, ice cream all over faces, fits being thrown, tearful faces, crazy mismatched outfits, silly faces...LOTS of silly faces!!

And do you know what!?? I wouldn't trade ANY of those pictures (or memories) for that ONE "perfect" family picture. Actually, I think this one is perfect...perfect for US!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Corn Chowder

There is something about this cold weather that makes me crave a warm bowl of soup. And THIS is the first soup that usually comes to mind. My mom's Corn Chowder. I hope you like it as much as we do.

Corn Chowder Recipe

1/2 lb bacon
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp dill weed
2 cans whole corn
1 cup water
1 can cream style corn
1 12 o can evaporated milk
6 oz smoked sausage links (also known as little smokies), cut
2 cups diced, peeled potatoes
minced dried onion (optional)

In a large saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Drain all but 2T of the drippings. Saute celery and onion in drippings until onion is lightly browned. Add potatoes and water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir in corn, milk, sausage, dill week, and bacon. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Makes 4-6 servings.

Tradition

Today begins a special countdown at our house. 12 days until Christmas. A gift a day for the next 12 days. 3 piles. 3 styles of wrapping paper. 3 happy kiddos. Courtesy of Grandma!

Thanks, Mom, for starting this wonderful tradition for our family. The kids couldn't wait to pick out the first gift to open this morning!!

My mom started this a few years ago and the kids truly love it. The presents are usually small things that she picks up throughout the year. Sandwich and soup containers for lunch boxes, small stuffed animals, toothbrushes, hot chocolate, small games. When they were preschool age, she went with an art theme providing us with paper, crayons, paints, glue, pipe cleaners, and other things for us to "entertain" them with projects throughout the year. This morning it was Farkle, hot chocolate, and a car...can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!! What are your family traditions at Christmas time?