Last Saturday we built a frosty and the kids were very excited. Although, it was mostly Jake and I building him while the kids ate the fresh snow. Frosty didn't last too long though because later that day it rained and the next and so now he is pretty much gone!!! But it was fun while it lasted!! 
Well I started round 2 of potty training about two weeks ago. I decided this time that I would just go with the flow, not get angry, and just be pleased if she went. Last week, she didn't do so well and I didn't remember so well to take her. But this week, she has been doing awesome!!!! She has been wearing padded panties (which are great) and she has been telling me when she has to go and only has a had a few accidents. I love that when she is actually going potty she says "Momma, it's still coming. still coming" as if I don't know. She gets rewarded in Starbursts and asks for an orange one after each time (which now that I think about it, am almost out of orange). It's funny cuz Sammy thinks she gets Starburst too for going, which usually I let her have one if she washes her hands (smart thinking eh? since she isn't too good at remembering to do that). The other day Sammy said "Mom, I just went stinky. Does that mean I get two Starburst?" and I said "Nice try, but no." Doesn't hurt to ask does it?
Well we will never know because our kids refused to sit on Santa's lap. Sammy actually jumped into the strolled and cried as soon as it was our turn. Maddie wouldn't let go of Jake and so this is the picture. The kids loved being there at the mall up until it was their turn to see Santa. There was fake snow and Mrs. Claus gave them a little stuffed reindeer. I watched dozens of families go before us with little and big kids happily sitting on Santa's lap and getting cute pictures-but not my little family!!! Maybe one day.....
I tried to get pictures before we left of the kids and the tree and Maddie of course was uncooperative, hence the no smile.
Sammy of course looking cute and happy as usual (I love this age!!)Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu
3 chicken breasts
9-12 slices of swiss cheese
9-12 slices of ham
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 pt. sour cream
Cut each breast into 3-4 pieces. Roll each piece of chicken in cheese and then ham. Set in greased casserole dish. Mix soup and sour cream together. Pour over rolled chicken. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 15 minutes. Serve with rice or noodles. (I usually half this recipe for our family)
I made this last night since Jake was actually home and forgot how GOOD it was!!
Chicken Alfredo
2-2.5 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces and cook in frying pan
1 jar 16 oz. alfredo sauce
1 can cream of chicken
3 tbsp. ranch dressing
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. chicken boullion granule
1 1/2 tbsp. dried chives
1 tbsp. dried parsley
1/2 c. milk
Heat slowly all ingredients except for chicken. Whisk on low heat till bubbles and then add chicken and stir altogether. Serve with noodles. Makes 4-5 servings.
I just made this a few nights ago for a birthday bash at my house. And I am making it again tonight for a friend that has a new baby because i forgot how good it was.
FOR FREEZING: This recipe is also great for freezing. I would just cook some noodles, put in a pan and top with sauce. Freeze. To serve just pull out of freezer and cook on 350 for 1 hour and serve!!
Here is the lovely tree we hunted around for at Beck's Farm and then chopped down over Thanksgiving weekend. I think it's the prettiest tree yet. Sorry this picture isn't so pretty!
So I just love this time of year. The snow is perfect for December, so fitting and the kids are just loving it! I love Christmas lights, the smell of a real tree, furnace going, cold air, warm oven, Christmas decorations and goodies, and shopping. Sammy is so excited to count down for Christmas and she is just really excited for Santa. The other day it snowed quite a bit during the night and so after church, her and her daddy went to play (mostly he dragged her around in the sled because it was really cold)!