Christmas Time at our house

Merry Christmas! This picture makes me laugh for many reasons. We were alone on Christmas Eve, so in order to have a family picture, Jonathan had to set the time and run and join us. I laugh at the picture because to me the angle makes the pregnant momma look...well, pregnant! But the funniest thing is Ethan's smile. He was so unhappy about getting a picture taken, but as soon as I bribed him with the prospect of a candy cane in return for a good smile, this is the picture we got. Oh the memories for times to come!

Here is a look at some of the other memories we created this Christmas...
Ethan's first attempt at decorating the Christmas tree. He LOVED it! He also loved taking his play tools and going over to "work on" the tree. He kept telling me that he was cutting it. He definitely did a good job of getting pine needles all over the floor.

Ethan learned what to do with used wrapping paper rolls this Christmas too. First he used it like a trumpet, but then they became "stords" (swords). It was a good reminder to me that my little baby is growing up to be a boy through and through. He loved having sword fights with daddy and couldn't wait till I used up the wrapping paper so I could replenish his stock.

Ethan worked so hard at helping me make cookies this year. It was fun to see him a little bit interested in what I do in the kitchen (although his interest generated many messes!) At first he was very hesitant to "lick the beater" after we were done making cookie dough, but once he realized how good it tasted, he was the first one to volunteer!

Here are just a few highlights from Christmas day. It was such a special Christmas for us. The Lord provided in great ways for us to be able to give each other good things.

Ethan was so "impressed" with his stocking! (probably because it was filled with candy) He didn't want to put it down and insisted on holding it in his arm or carrying it with him wherever he went. His special toy this year was his very own tool bench. Needless to say, he's been working on things all over the house! We also got him a Betta fish--the only pet mommy will allow in the house right now :-) We thought he might be able to travel with us, but the fish seemed a little shaken up by the ride home from the pet store, so who knows what traveling will do to him. We are enjoying him for now!

We had a wonderful treat of snow on Christmas day. Ethan LOVED it!

2 Great Dinner Recipes

Just had to share these recipes! It has been nice to be home and cooking in my own kitchen again. I've been able to try many new recipes that I've had sitting around for a while. These two were a hit!

Parmesan Pork Chops

(from Taste of Home, I think)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp flour

2 tsp Italian Seasoning

2 tsp dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp pepper

4 boneless pork chops (I didn't use boneless, and it still turned out great!)

2 Tbsp olive oil

In a large plastic bag, combine Parmesan cheese, flour, Italian seasoning, parsley, and pepper. Dip each pork chop in butter; place in bag, one at a time, and shake to coat.

In a large skillet, cook pork in oil over medium heat for 7-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.

I loved this recipe! It turns a plain pork chop into something delicious :-)

Ham & Broccoli Casserole

2 cups uncooked macaroni pasta

2 cups cubed ham

3 cups cooked broccoli

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1/2 can dried onion rings (opt)

Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix uncooked macaroni and ham. Place in 9x13 casserole dish. In another bowl, mix soup, sour cream, and milk. Pour 1/2 of wet mixture on top of ham and macaroni and stir. Arrange broccoli on top. Add rest of wet mixture. Top with cheddar cheese. Cover and bake at 350 for 55 minutes. Take out of oven, place onion rings on top and bake uncovered for 5 minutes.

This is a great way to use left over ham! I didn't use the onion rings for our family since they are not a favorite.

Enjoy!