Christmas Part 2

Christmas morning Justin and I had our own church, since we had attended the Christmas Eve service the night before, and opened presents at home. (I did not take any pictures of us opening presents at home.) 

Emma was tuckered out and took a nap in her little bed.

Later that afternoon we went over to Chris and Christine's to join the rest of the family.

Koryn is working on opening a present.

Atalie got this adorable little lamb and was LOVING it.

Early the next morning the entire family met again and drove up to Topeka to do some after Christmas shopping. 

The first stop was McDonald's for some breakfast and caffeine.

Justin and I on the way.

We were in a bookstore and Justin was "pondering" what he was reading.

We ended up spending the night and the next day drove on to Kansas City.  Justin wanted to check out Cabela's.  He found what he was looking for and got an excellent deal!  Our little trip was well worth it!



Christmas Part 1

Christmas Eve we went into town to celebrate with the Schrader's extended family.  We had a great meal with ham and a ton of different sides and desserts. 

I got Jordyn and Atalie to pose for a picture.

After the kids had opened their gifts we played bingo. Once someone got a bingo they chose a present from a huge pile.

Chris opened these AMAZING Sooners stocking hats.

The Kremeier's minus Tristyn.

Justin doesn't like to smile for pictures.

Finally a good one!

We were in town most of the day.  After the celebration Justin and I ran home and changed so we could attend the Christmas Eve service at church. 

Lookin' all spiffy in a shirt and tie!

After the service Justin and I tried to find some apple cider, but most of the stores had closed and Kwik Trip didn't carry any.  We settled for cappuccino's and headed home.  I finished wrapping Justin's presents for the morning and then we watched a Christmas movie together.  It was a fun and special evening we thought would be fun to repeat next year. 

Taste of Home Tuesday: Crispy Baked Chicken

Ingredients
2 cups mashed potato flakes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 to 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-1/2 to 4-1/2 pounds), cut up

Directions
In a shallow dish, combine the potato flakes, Parmesan cheese, poultry seasoning and pepper. Place butter in another shallow dish. Dip chicken in butter, then coat with potato flake mixture.
Place on a lightly greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 50-65 minutes or until juices run clear. Yield: 4 servings.

For some reason this chicken did not get very crispy for us.  The potato flakes were actually kind of mushy.  I thought it was rather bland and added a bunch of salt as we were eating. 

Merry Christmas!

Taste of Home Tuesday: Zesty Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1-1/2 pounds)
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 envelope reduced-sodium onion soup mix
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2-1/2 cups frozen cheese tortellini

Directions
In a Dutch oven, bring chicken broth and beef broth to a boil; reduce heat. Add chicken and poach, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 170°. Remove chicken; cool slightly.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, soup mix, parsley and seasonings to broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Cool soup. Meanwhile, remove chicken and chop. Add tortellini and chicken to soup. Transfer to freezer containers; freeze for up to 3 months.

To use frozen soup: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Place in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and tortellini is tender. Yield: 6 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

The red pepper flakes gave this soup some zip.  It was very tasty; however, I would not recommend it right after one has had the stomach flu.

Taste Of Home Tuesday: After-Dinner Mocha White Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
3 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings: whipped cream and baking cocoa

Directions
In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan (do not boil).
Place the remaining ingredients in a blender. Add hot milk; cover and process until frothy. Serve in mugs. Top with whipped cream and cocoa if desired. Yield: 2 servings.
 
This was a very strong drink.  I think if we make it again I will do a little tweaking to the recipe to better suit our taste.

Taste of Home Tuesday: Three-Cheese Creamed Spinach

Ingredients
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until blended and heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

Justin and I tried this over Thanksgiving as a dip.  We used wheat thins and tortilla chips.  I think I preferred the chips.  It was a pretty tasty dip that was good hot or cold. 

Advent Conspiracy

Today was the first study in the Advent series in our Spiritual Formation Class at church (Sunday School). We were shown this video and I thought it was excellent! In December we often get so involved and stressed out with buying all the presents and completing the "to do" list that we end up skimming over the true meaning of Christmas and never spiritually prepare ourselves for that special day. Today we talked about true worship; how it's not just singing a song on Sunday morning; but a way of life. It's something to think about as the hustle and bustle picks up and Christmas day draws near.

The Prayer Board

I have had a chicken wire frame all painted up and ready to go since over the summer.  I knew I wanted it to go in the kitchen, but I just couldn't quite decide what I was going to hang on it.  The other day I was checking out pinterest and saw this board to hang prayer requests on. 

It was perfect!  I decided I would clip different things and people that Justin and I are praying for on it.  As I'm working in the kitchen (since this is where I seem to spend most of my time) I will be reminded of different things to pray for.  I made my little banners and hung it up!  I have to buy some mini clothespins and then we will be able to start hanging requests!

I have to buy some mini clothespins and then we will be able to start hanging requests!