Cheesy Enchiladas

Got a really good deal on "Campbell's Cream of ... " Soups, and since football season is over and basketball season hasn't started yet for the boys, I actually had time to cook a meal!  These cheesy enchiladas were a cinch and a big hit with all three boys... which is a good night for me!

 

Deck the Halls 2011

We put up our tree on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. I am still missing a box of ornaments, but I’m sure I’ll find it eventually.  Tonight I got a few more decorations out, so it now feels like Christmastime around here!

I love this battery operated candle I picked up on the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby several months ago…

simple touches…

These are all the Santa pics since Bryce was born almost 12 years ago… I don’t really have a place for them.. I’m still contemplating if I’ll put them out or not… fun to look through, though!    

Dan helped Rylan make homemade paper-chain garland for our tree. Nothing better than homemade for the holidays.

 

I had fun slowing down the shutter speed of my camera …

  I made this rag garland a few years back. This empty shutter awaits its first Christmas card… photo Christmas cards, another favorite holiday decoration of mine!  

Thanksgiving 2011

We were so excited to have Grandma and Big Mark come visit us in Texas for the Thanksgiving Holiday. They arrived late Wednesday and on Thursday morning we got to work making our feast and watching parades and of course, football!

Bryce, Rylan, and I got to work Wednesday night making three pies and chopping celery and onions for the dressing. Look at that cutie with his dimples!

Rylan is a great helper with everything from baking to folding laundry!  Dad is our professional potato peeler .

Making the famous Green Bean Casserole, which my kids said was “actually good this year.”

Mom and I kinda’ like pictures ;)

The boys anxiously awaiting to be called to the table for the “feast!”

A day and a half of preparing the food for a meal that lasts for about 20 minutes… I wish we were more like the Europeans and lingered a little over a lovingly cooked meal. We went for a long walk after dinner. I treasure these family times!

We played “Nerts” for a while after dessert!

Four States Fair and Rodeo

This is our 4th year living here, and we haven't gone to the Four States Fair, so this year we figured it was time!

 I love rodeos and hadn't been to one in a long time, so I took the boys. They loved it! Rodeos are very exciting!

 Then, after Dan finally beat the Dallas traffic and made it home for the weekend, he met up with us for some fair rides, games, and of course, the food!

 I rode the big ferris wheel with Bryce and Rylan.

 Jayden always has a new expression for every picture!

 The animals are always one of my favorites at the fair!