Our everyday lives are so busy that I find it increasingly important that we use the time we have with our families strategically. Holidays are times that we can really slow down and enjoy being with each other. However, on Christmas, it’s not unusual for things like presents and baking to commandeer our focus away from family and … [Read more...] about 30 Questions to Ask Around the Christmas Dinner Table
Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
One of the things my kids really enjoyed doing this past fall was going on a scavenger hunt. We used a printable that I created a couple of years ago (find it here). They had so much fun walking through our neighborhood in search of the items pictured on the printable. I’ve made a similar printable for a Christmas light scavenger hunt! … [Read more...] about Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
December 2019 Dinner Menu
I know we are still in the month of November, but things get so busy after Thanksgiving that I’m trying to get my dinner menu for December ready to go. I plan a month’s worth of meals at the start of each month (you can see past menus here). It takes a bit of time and effort to do this, but it works for my family because it saves us … [Read more...] about December 2019 Dinner Menu
Pumpkin Chili
I love having a pot of soup or chili simmering on the stove for dinner when it is chilly outside. We’ve had some pretty cold days recently, so it was the perfect time to try this recipe for Pumpkin Chili. Ingredients (Inspired by this recipe.) 1-2 lbs. ground meat (I used a combination of ground beef and ground turkey) 1 medium … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Chili
Why to Eat Pie the Night Before Thanksgiving
Pie is the traditional dessert to eat after Thanksgiving dinner, but the best time to eat pie may actually be the night before Thanksgiving. I don’t know what it’s like in your house, but we tend to be pretty full after Thanksgiving dinner. It’s common for us to not even be hungry for dessert after eating turkey, sweet potatoes, … [Read more...] about Why to Eat Pie the Night Before Thanksgiving
Sweet Potato Waffles
My daughters and I love sweet potatoes! We eat them nearly every week, so I often try new recipes that allow us to enjoy their wonderful flavor. We tried these Sweet Potato Waffles a couple of weeks ago and they were an instant hit! Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 1 ½ cups mashed or pureed sweet potato 1 ½ cups milk 2 … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Waffles
Should We Celebrate The Thanksgiving Holiday?
When I was a young child, my teachers taught me a whitewashed version of the “first Thanksgiving.” We learned about a harmonious celebration between the Pilgrims and “Indians.” I remember one year we even dressed up as Pilgrims and Indians to reenact the first Thanksgiving feast. Thankfully, most Americans are now aware that this … [Read more...] about Should We Celebrate The Thanksgiving Holiday?
Chicken Amandine
We’re finally having days around here that are cool enough that we appreciate the heat that radiates from the oven when I use it! Here’s one baked dish—a simple, hearty casserole—that I prepared last month. We really enjoyed the flavor of this one! Ingredients (Inspired by this recipe.) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 tablespoon butter … [Read more...] about Chicken Amandine
