We have 17 of 22 Christmas trees up now. Making good progress. My sister Genny comes each weekend she is able, to help with the decorating. We appreciate her help more than she knows. She keeps us motivated!
We finished the Nativity Tree on Saturday.
Our cousins, Mona and Carmen (sisters), came over Saturday to help, as well. They washed all the pie plates on display in the kitchen, washed the kitchen shelves and contents, and also washed the shelves that contain some of my collection of Christmas plates. They did a great job on the Nativity Tree and also on the Three Kings tree. Thank you, Mona and Carmen!!
Last weekend, Genny and I worked on taking everything off the garland we have used on the banister for many years. It was looking tired. This week, I worked on fluffing the garland to help it flow in one direction. Then I spent some time with a needle nose plier, bending back the ends of some of the “pine” branches so the exposed wire wouldn’t scratch anyone. I put some of the old items back on, including some “sugared” fruit and red berries. Then I added some gold pine cones, some more glittered red berries and some glittered and some shiny ornament balls. I have some pretty red ribbon to finish it off, once it is attached to the banister. A lot of work, but I’m very happy with it.
I’ve also made the dough for Elfin Bits, and made the Oatmeal Ice Box Cookies and the Nutmeg Logs for the freezer. And yesterday, I made the chocolate centers for Chocolate Creams. Those will be thawed and dipped in dark chocolate a few days before the party.
Oatmeal Icebox Cookies
We are moving right along! I’ve warned the kids to get their Amazon.com wish lists up to date. It’s time to start shopping for Christmas. And the twins have a birthday coming up, so we’ll be celebrating that soon. Time is passing by quickly!
This week’s menu is late being posted, but it was ready to go Monday morning and we have been sticking to it.
Monday
Tacorito meat for Burritos [I just made the meat mixture and we used it on tortillas, rather than using the oven. I was baking cookies all day…]
Taco Chips
Sour Cream / Lettuce / Tomatoes / Cheese
Tuesday
Mongolian Beef with Broccoli
Rice
Wednesday
Sauted Shrimp
Homemade Rolls
Thursday
Oven BBQ Pork Steaks
Mashed Potatoes
Steamed Green Beans
Green Salad
Friday
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Rosemary Bread
Saturday
Chili in the Crock Pot
Crackers
Veggies and Dip
Sunday
Lasagna
Green Salad
Homemade Rolls
Peas / Corn
Tomorrow I plan to make another cookie recipe or two. I’ll keep you posted.
You can find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday. Laura, the blog host, has been posting her weekly recipe there every week since July 31, 2006. And she invites us all to join in. Being accountable to posting my menu to her site keeps me in the menu making frame of mind. I’ve blogged my menu since May 5, 2008. Seems like a long time ago…I haven’t made every single week, but have posted most of them. Like I said, it keeps me planning!
~~Rhonda