A Very Minion Christmas

Jacob is loving his new Despicable Me wear that he received from Aunt Thea.  The slippers were particularly popular.  Happy New Year's Eve.

Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas.  May your holiday be merry and bright.

Smitten Kitchen Cookbook Round up

Olive oil ricotta cake was a big hit at work with recipe requests.

Chocolate chip brioche pretzels.  Butter and chocolate, what could be better.  It has inspired me to make more brioche.  Jacob and I would eat these for breakfast but Michael seems to have some rules about not eating chocolate for breakfast, silly man.



Making New Memories

We spent the day helping Thea with some house projects.  Jacob got the job of decorating the tree which he did enthusiastically.

Thea continues with the sisters are forever theme.

Thea's new stocking.

Jacob's favorite ornaments.

The finished tree looked quite festive.

After we were finished with our chores Jacob finally sat in the Papasan chair.  Thea put the bean bag on top of him.  We all had a good time making this house a home.  Thea gets her new furniture Monday.

What I Am Thankful For

It was really hard saying goodbye to our childhood home but we will always have our memories.  Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Thea's graduation 1976 and 2013.

Before move in 1970 and 2013.

I am thankful for my sisters, who I would not have made it through this year without them.  I am thankful for my idyllic childhood and the wisdom to know that it was idyllic.  I am thankful for my parents and all that they have taught me.  I am thankful for my family and the love that I receive.  That is what I am thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving.

MJ One Las Vegas

We did not take many pictures this vacation except for our big night out at the Michael Jackson show.

It was a great show and well worth the price of admission.  A tapping good time was had by all.

A Fall Hike

We went for a hike with our havurah and enjoyed the great weather.

These are some of the boys from our group.

Jacob took the tri-pod/walking stick so we could take this picture.  

After our hike we met at a park and had a picnic lunch.  It was a great fall hike.

Pre-Thanksgiving Part 2

There is nothing better than food and friends and we were happy to share both tonight.

You know you are cool when you toast with milk and Dr. Pepper.

We put the BBQ King in charge of the turkey breast.  It came out moist and juicy.

Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole from Cooking Light.   It was a sweet treat and delicious. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/streuseled-sweet-potato-casserole-10000000385230/

Winter Greens Gratin from Bon Appetit.  This one exceeded everyone's expectations.  I would definitely make this one again.  http://www.bonappetit.com/?p=43413&post_type=recipe

Holiday Pie from the LA Times.  My recipe is so old that I can't find the link on their website.

Layers of cream cheese and cranberries.  Yum!

Thanks to Jacob who took the time to take pictures of the dinner.  Let's eat!

Pre-Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I couldn't wait for the big day to try out some new recipes. 

 Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie got thumbs up from everyone but we will still stick to traditional Pumpkin Pie for the big day.  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/apple-butter-pumpkin-pie/.  I only put nuts on half since Jacob dislikes all nuts.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Shallot and Parmesan Topping.  These also were a big hit.  The topping was great.  http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/7488-twice-baked-sweet-potatoes-with-shallot-and-parmesan-topping.  I am hosting Pre-Thanksgiving part 2 this coming weekend.  Stay tuned for more recipes.

Halloween 2013

Happy Halloween

Halloween art.  I love Jacob's drawings.

This year's costume in construction.  It took 2 weeks to finish.

These Jack-o-Lantern oranges have been on my to do list for years.  Finally had time to make them this year.

Getting ready for trick or treating.

Jacob had to rely on the kindness of strangers as he could not bend his arms or legs.

It was a great Halloween this year.  Jacob's costume was a big hit and he was happy.  I am looking forward to the next holiday.

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

Plum Poppy Seed Muffins

When I picked up The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, I wanted to make everything inside.  The book starts out with breakfast, so I am going to bake my way through the book.  So far the first recipe was a hit.  

The Time Machine

Jacob read The Time Machine by H.G. Wells for school this year.  Part of their project was to make a time machine.  This is what Jacob came up with.  I neglected to take a picture of it before it went to school, it now has some ware and tear.  In true Jacob style he wanted to include a working part.  He and Michael put in a battery powered switch that turned the wheel in the back. 

Happy Birthday Thea

We celebrated Thea's birthday at 3 Squares Cafe in Venice.

We enjoyed the Oktoberfest menu with items ending in wurst.

Thea asked for and enjoyed her spice cake.  Looks like Jacob was having a good time too.

Happy Belated Birthday, Thea.

Backyard Movie Night

We were invited by our neighbors to backyard movie night for a fundraiser.  We thought it was a worthy cause and would be fun so we went.  Here is how our night went.

Popcorn and candy.  I enjoyed my Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

We watched the movie Wreck It Ralph.  A fun time was had by all.

Deedee's Birthday

Happy Birthday Deedee

We celebrated book club otherwise known as mom's night out at my house this month.  Deedee was kind enough to celebrate her birthday with us.  We had lemon buttermilk cake.  http://www.traceysculinaryadventures.com/2013/03/glazed-meyer-lemon-buttermilk-bundt-cake.html#.UkT_ZIash8E

Jacob provided the entertainment with his origami folding.  When he is finished I will post the final product.