Hope everyone has a safe New Year's!!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Weekend
Christmas Eve
Had the day off and decided to take full advantage to sleep in since I rarely get to do that anymore. Mike and I decided to be lazy until is was time for my grandma and grandpa Feeler's Christmas. To kill some time we watched the Hangover and an oldie, Home Alone. Hangover was very funny and a movie even my mom liked, which those type of movies usually aren't her thing!
This year our Feeler Christmas was quite small of about 20 of us considering there is 5 kids, 13 grandkids and 16 great grandkids (and yes I did just have to recount that, still not sure if I got everyone). Which is not including their husbands, wives, girlfriends or boyfriends! Whether our gatherings are too big or small we always manage to make the most of it! After grandma's we headed back to mom and dad's house to have our immediate family Christmas. Made for a long evening, but well worth it! Here is a few pictures from Christmas Eve. I was disappointed in myself this is the only pictures I have from Christmas!
Mike with his corn picker John Deere tractor from Mom & Dad
Sipping on strawberry wine.
Christmas Day
Mike and I woke up early to go to his church for their Christmas Mass. Afterwards his mom fixed pancakes, eggs and bacon. Just ended up being his mom, dad, Steve, Mike and I there to eat. Once again to kill some time until his grandma's Christmas I caught up on my facebook, watched Bad Santa and slept for about 2 hours. Life is just so rough! :o)
Once everyone arrived at Mike's grandmas, we had supper which consisted of smoked sausage, turkey, cheesy potatoes, mashed potatoes and corn. Had a good time visited and exchanging gifts. Afterwards we went back to Mike's house for his immediate family Christmas to open up presents. We spent the rest of the evening bowling on the Wii they got for Christmas.
Saturday
I headed back home to get ready for my Aunt Judy's Christmas while Mike had to help move their cows. Had a nice dinner and visit. Played "Elephant Christmas" with exchanging gifts, it was very entertaining as presents were being passed/stole back and forth. Afterwards Mom, Dad and I watched Bride Wars I got as a gift from Todd. Later that evening I went back to St. Elizabeth to meet up with Mike since I had his truck and to head to his neighbor's house to play cards. After we were done the night was still early so we all headed back to Mike's house to play the Wii.
Sunday
Mike and I headed back early so I could help get the house ready for our Elrod Christmas since both Dad and Chad were sick with the flu. Even though it wasn't actually Christmas on Sunday it felt like it since it was snowing. Played liver pool rummy after we ate and the little ones open their gifts. For anyone who knows how to play liver pool the last hand LASTS forever since you can't lay down without discarding. Usually we barely end up using the third deck but this time we had to break out a forth deck. Mom, Mike and Andy decided to play Skip-Bo afterwards so I decided to "skip out" and clean the kitchen up for mom since I knew she would be going to see my grandpa in the hospital that evening. He is also sick with the flu and may have to have surgery since he was having problems with his bowel.
I am blessed to have such a close family to spend Christmas with each year. We may not always be able to get together all at once, but we make due and cherish each moment spent. I am very grateful to have my grandparents still alive on my mom's side and able to have Christmas each year at their house. Hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas!!
Had the day off and decided to take full advantage to sleep in since I rarely get to do that anymore. Mike and I decided to be lazy until is was time for my grandma and grandpa Feeler's Christmas. To kill some time we watched the Hangover and an oldie, Home Alone. Hangover was very funny and a movie even my mom liked, which those type of movies usually aren't her thing!
This year our Feeler Christmas was quite small of about 20 of us considering there is 5 kids, 13 grandkids and 16 great grandkids (and yes I did just have to recount that, still not sure if I got everyone). Which is not including their husbands, wives, girlfriends or boyfriends! Whether our gatherings are too big or small we always manage to make the most of it! After grandma's we headed back to mom and dad's house to have our immediate family Christmas. Made for a long evening, but well worth it! Here is a few pictures from Christmas Eve. I was disappointed in myself this is the only pictures I have from Christmas!
Mike with his corn picker John Deere tractor from Mom & Dad
Sipping on strawberry wine.
Christmas Day
Mike and I woke up early to go to his church for their Christmas Mass. Afterwards his mom fixed pancakes, eggs and bacon. Just ended up being his mom, dad, Steve, Mike and I there to eat. Once again to kill some time until his grandma's Christmas I caught up on my facebook, watched Bad Santa and slept for about 2 hours. Life is just so rough! :o)
Once everyone arrived at Mike's grandmas, we had supper which consisted of smoked sausage, turkey, cheesy potatoes, mashed potatoes and corn. Had a good time visited and exchanging gifts. Afterwards we went back to Mike's house for his immediate family Christmas to open up presents. We spent the rest of the evening bowling on the Wii they got for Christmas.
Saturday
I headed back home to get ready for my Aunt Judy's Christmas while Mike had to help move their cows. Had a nice dinner and visit. Played "Elephant Christmas" with exchanging gifts, it was very entertaining as presents were being passed/stole back and forth. Afterwards Mom, Dad and I watched Bride Wars I got as a gift from Todd. Later that evening I went back to St. Elizabeth to meet up with Mike since I had his truck and to head to his neighbor's house to play cards. After we were done the night was still early so we all headed back to Mike's house to play the Wii.
Sunday
Mike and I headed back early so I could help get the house ready for our Elrod Christmas since both Dad and Chad were sick with the flu. Even though it wasn't actually Christmas on Sunday it felt like it since it was snowing. Played liver pool rummy after we ate and the little ones open their gifts. For anyone who knows how to play liver pool the last hand LASTS forever since you can't lay down without discarding. Usually we barely end up using the third deck but this time we had to break out a forth deck. Mom, Mike and Andy decided to play Skip-Bo afterwards so I decided to "skip out" and clean the kitchen up for mom since I knew she would be going to see my grandpa in the hospital that evening. He is also sick with the flu and may have to have surgery since he was having problems with his bowel.
I am blessed to have such a close family to spend Christmas with each year. We may not always be able to get together all at once, but we make due and cherish each moment spent. I am very grateful to have my grandparents still alive on my mom's side and able to have Christmas each year at their house. Hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Grape Salad
Here is an easy recipe for a side dish for any occasion. I just made it for my work's Christmas party and it went over really good.
GRAPE SALAD
Ingredients:
4 lbs of red seedless grapes washed and dried overnight
8 oz cream cheese softened
8 oz sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
Directions:
Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream and sugar together. Then whip for 5 minutes.
Place grapes in bowl and gently mix with cream cheese mixture. Place grape mixture in 9" X 13" glass pan. Mix together in a separate bowl:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Top the grapes with the brown sugar/pecans mixtures. Carefully mix some of this mixture down into the grapes and then spread remaining on top of grapes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Enjoy!
GRAPE SALAD
Ingredients:
4 lbs of red seedless grapes washed and dried overnight
8 oz cream cheese softened
8 oz sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
Directions:
Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream and sugar together. Then whip for 5 minutes.
Place grapes in bowl and gently mix with cream cheese mixture. Place grape mixture in 9" X 13" glass pan. Mix together in a separate bowl:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Top the grapes with the brown sugar/pecans mixtures. Carefully mix some of this mixture down into the grapes and then spread remaining on top of grapes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Enjoy!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Weekend Recap
Friday night Mike and I went to a friend's house for a surprise birthday /card party. Ended up playing pitch till midnight.
Saturday I headed back early to clean my house... a.k.a Mom's and Dad's basement. Had all my cleaning done by noon and it was such a great feeling considering I am not a morning person. Later that evening I met back up with Mike to head to yet another surprise birthday party. Birthday girl was very surprised! Once again we played pitch for a while. Later the girls decided to play Mad Gab, which I found I am not very good at playing. Here is a few pictures from the night.
Mike and I between pitch games.
Sunday we celebrated my oldest brother Chad's birthday who turned 31 on Saturday, December 12th. Hard to believe he is that old, time truely does fly by. Mom fixed a huge supper for everyone, lasagna which is Chad's favorite. Grandma and Grandpa Feeler came down to eat and visit as well as my Aunt Kaye and her daughter MacKensie. For dessert we had Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
This week I am looking forward to a day off work on Wednesday. For the first time we decided to do our Christmas shopping in St. Louis at the Mill's Mall. Looks like a very nice mall and even has a Cabelas store. Hopefully we will find some good deals.
Saturday I headed back early to clean my house... a.k.a Mom's and Dad's basement. Had all my cleaning done by noon and it was such a great feeling considering I am not a morning person. Later that evening I met back up with Mike to head to yet another surprise birthday party. Birthday girl was very surprised! Once again we played pitch for a while. Later the girls decided to play Mad Gab, which I found I am not very good at playing. Here is a few pictures from the night.
Mike and I between pitch games.
Sunday we celebrated my oldest brother Chad's birthday who turned 31 on Saturday, December 12th. Hard to believe he is that old, time truely does fly by. Mom fixed a huge supper for everyone, lasagna which is Chad's favorite. Grandma and Grandpa Feeler came down to eat and visit as well as my Aunt Kaye and her daughter MacKensie. For dessert we had Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
This week I am looking forward to a day off work on Wednesday. For the first time we decided to do our Christmas shopping in St. Louis at the Mill's Mall. Looks like a very nice mall and even has a Cabelas store. Hopefully we will find some good deals.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
For Christmas Eve we go to my grandma and grandpa Feeler's and usually everyone brings some sort of finger foods. I was looking online today and came across this easy recipe for BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp on the food network website. So I thought I would share this recipe with you.
Ingredients
20 strips bacon (about 12 ounces)
20 medium-large shrimp, shelled and deveined (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
3 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
Soak 5 to 8 bamboo skewers in water for about 20 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill or under the broiler.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet until halfway done, about 4 minutes. Drain and cool on paper towels. Wrap a piece of bacon around the middle of each shrimp; skewer with bamboo through the point where the bacon ends meet to keep it from unraveling. Thread 3 to 5 shrimp on each bamboo skewer.
Puree the barbecue sauce, oil, lemon juice, mustard, chipotles, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper in a blender. Set aside half of the sauce for dipping.
Preheat a grill, grill pan or broiler. Grill or broil shrimp (on a foil-lined baking sheet, if broiling) for 5 minutes, basting with the sauce once they begin to turn pink. Flip, baste again and grill or broil until just cooked through, about 4 more minutes. Serve with extra sauce.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thanksgiving / Weekend Recap
On Thanksgiving we went to my grandma and grandpa Feeler's around noon. Mom had fixed a carmel pecan apple pie, it was very good even though the apples weren't all the way done. Todd was a little shocked with "mom" making a pie, since she never makes pies. Later that evening Mike and I headed to his aunt and uncles house for their Thanksgiving.
On Black Friday, mom and I headed into town around noon to do a little shopping. We ate at Los Cazadores. The food was awful, neither one of us could finish our food. I don't know if we are just used to La Posada's food/salsa or we went there on an off day. Definitely don't plan to go back there again. That evening I headed to St. Elizabeth so Mike and I could go to a house warming party. The house was beautiful with a finished basement where we played pitch the rest of the night.
Saturday I headed home to get some rest since I wasn't feeling the greatest. Felt better after a much needed nap so I decided to go ahead and go out that night. St. Elizabeth had a mini festival going on after Saturday's Mass with a horse carriage ride, wine, food, music, a live nativity scene and the local craft store was open.
I've been fighting this cold/sinus crap for two weeks and Sunday morning I woke up with the cold! Didn't really have much time to think about it. I wanted to make my pumpkin pie and get my basement clean since we were having the Elrod's Thanksgiving at our house that evening. We had a good dinner and mom made yet another pie, cherry. It was very good, I think she surprised herself in making pies the past week!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
On Black Friday, mom and I headed into town around noon to do a little shopping. We ate at Los Cazadores. The food was awful, neither one of us could finish our food. I don't know if we are just used to La Posada's food/salsa or we went there on an off day. Definitely don't plan to go back there again. That evening I headed to St. Elizabeth so Mike and I could go to a house warming party. The house was beautiful with a finished basement where we played pitch the rest of the night.
Saturday I headed home to get some rest since I wasn't feeling the greatest. Felt better after a much needed nap so I decided to go ahead and go out that night. St. Elizabeth had a mini festival going on after Saturday's Mass with a horse carriage ride, wine, food, music, a live nativity scene and the local craft store was open.
I've been fighting this cold/sinus crap for two weeks and Sunday morning I woke up with the cold! Didn't really have much time to think about it. I wanted to make my pumpkin pie and get my basement clean since we were having the Elrod's Thanksgiving at our house that evening. We had a good dinner and mom made yet another pie, cherry. It was very good, I think she surprised herself in making pies the past week!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Scalloped Asparagus Casserole
Here is one of my favorite holiday side dishes!
Ingredients
2 lbs asparagus
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3/4 cup soft breadcrumbs (or saltine crackers)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper, to taste
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Velveeta cheese)
1 whole roasted red pepper, drained and chopped to fill 1/4 cup
Directions
Wash asparagus, remove woody part of stalks and cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces.
Cook asparagus in boiling salted water until just tender.
Drain and place in a shallow baking dish or casserole.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan.
Mix 2 tablespoons of the butter with the soft bread crumbs; set aside for topping casserole later.
Blend flour, salt, and pepper into remaining butter in saucepan.
Continue cooking and stirring over low heat.
Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
Add Worcestershire sauce, red pepper, and cheese; stir until cheese is melted.
Pour sauce over asparagus in casserole; top with buttered crumbs.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until bubbly
Ingredients
2 lbs asparagus
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3/4 cup soft breadcrumbs (or saltine crackers)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper, to taste
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Velveeta cheese)
1 whole roasted red pepper, drained and chopped to fill 1/4 cup
Directions
Wash asparagus, remove woody part of stalks and cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces.
Cook asparagus in boiling salted water until just tender.
Drain and place in a shallow baking dish or casserole.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan.
Mix 2 tablespoons of the butter with the soft bread crumbs; set aside for topping casserole later.
Blend flour, salt, and pepper into remaining butter in saucepan.
Continue cooking and stirring over low heat.
Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
Add Worcestershire sauce, red pepper, and cheese; stir until cheese is melted.
Pour sauce over asparagus in casserole; top with buttered crumbs.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until bubbly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)