The Laundry Update

I know you're probably thinking I'm obsessed with laundry but I did promise an update in the New Year.  I am happy to announce that all of the Big Boy Club have done their laundry (although I'm pretty sure Timothy has only finished the ugly task once in the last month).  Here's the pair of jeans to prove it.

I'm guessing they haven't seen the inside of my beloved washing machine for quite a while.  Speaking of that fabulous machine I call friend, while photographing  the filthy jeans, I couldn't resist snapping a shot of of her with her new mate.

Beeeeautiful!

Aren't they quite a pair?  Can't you tell I'm partial to them?

Well, maybe I AM a little obsessed with all things laundry.... maybe.

Our Latest Obsession

This show...

is hysterical.  I am so... not a fan of television but this show makes me laugh so hard that Stephen says it sounds like I'm going to blow out a pancreas.  We've been watching it on Netflix so it's commercial-free (making it even better).

A Big, Huge Thank You

We received a very special Christmas present via Jillian Air Mail this past week. Amid lots of ooh's and ahhh's (and one "What'd I get?" from Timothy) we opened this

You are awesome, Joe K!  We miss your smiling face around here. We're sending you hugs and Marianna sends lots of kisses ('cuz that's what she's into right now...kissing everybody in sight....not like she's trying to compete with those Italian girls though)!

They had to wear their pins yesterday.

 I would have taken more pictures, but SOME people are avoiding my camera and calling me derogatory names... like paparazzi.  SHAME!

A Slightly Early Birthday Party

Although Johnny's birthday is officially not until Wednesday, we partied today because it was convenient for Grandma and Grandpa.  Here's the day in pictures (with a few words in between, you know me.)

We'll start things off with the 3 Stooges, hanging out in the garage...

Oh wait!  I forgot, Curly's in AZ.

What's a party without some sweets?

The favored birthday treat, Brownie Pizza

Grandma Arlene's delectable Cocoa Bars.  I have tried, to no avail, to duplicate this recipe.  She says the secret ingredient is margarine, but I think she's holding out on me.

Therese with a captive audience

Putting together more LEGO creations

A very happy birthday boy

Clean-up Crew

SOMEONE needs a haircut

Caught this kid red-handed...er..spatula'd

Not much happening this Saturday morning.  Dan and Joseph both left early.  Dan for Mass and a little birthday shopping for  a certain soon-to-be 6 year old.  Joseph for another round of air soft in WI.  Tim is practicing with his band.  Stephen is over at Johnson's for the day.  Just me and the little's (Clare stayed in bed for most of the morning, she's battling a cold and her teeth still hurt.).  We're entertaining Marianna with the UNO game that spits cards out.  She laughs hysterically every time.  Great fun!

The kids insist on lighting the candles on our Christmas centerpiece for every meal.  Today they decided to light a candle that Matthew made yesterday out of an old beeswax candle making kit he found.  The candle is lovely but it was not the safest situation.

Therese has turned her room into a museum for the day.  Check out the sign on her door...

and browse the many items she has on display.

Blessed Epiphany Water,  Jewelry, 200 year old Bolt?



Indian Arrowhead, Hats

I hear this is a limited showing because her big sister does not appreciate the mess!  So enjoy while you can.

We're also making one last batch of fudge today(so sad!).  Clare's godparents are coming  over tomorrow night to exchange gifts.  Seems kind of late in the season, but one year we celebrated Christmas with them on Valentine's Day so I think we're doing pretty good this time around.  And a most appropriate way to commemorate Epiphany, right?

This final picture is Gabriel's stocking.  Please tell me it's coming along nicely.  I don't think I would have started this tradition if I would have known just how many children would need one in our family.  20 years of stitching later......

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(visit soulemama.com )

The Ultimate Christmas Cookie

I know you really don't want to see all of our cookie recipes here.  Too bad. It's my blog and I'm going to be organized for next year.   Skip this post if you aren't interested.

Stephen says these are the ultimate because he has an addiction to eggnog and spritz cookies (personally, I think it's the gun cookie press that he loves, but anyway).  This recipe is the perfect combination.

Holiday Spritz

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp. rum extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and extract.  Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Using a cookie press, place on ungreased baking sheets.  Sprinkle with colored sugar.

Bake at 375 for 6-9 min. or until lightly browned.  Cool for 2 min. before removing from pans.

The last of the Christmas cookies.  Sniff, sniff.



OK, so I'm shamelessly throwing in a cute kid picture, just to keep you coming back for more.



Read to me....or else.