Goodbye 2010

2010 was definitely a lot better than 2009. We survived our first full year without Mom around. I was weepier during the holidays this year than I was last year. I think last year we were just going through the motions. And I think because Colton turned 16. And a certain situation developed that I'm still trying to grasp, and I'm sure I will eventually, but it may take me awhile.

So bring on 2011. No New Year's resolutions because I don't keep them anyway. Maybe some goals?

1. Start exercising
2. Scrapbook more
3. Learn more about my camera
4. Don't sweat the small stuff

We are chilling at the house tonight. Colton has friends coming over today. The weather is going to be nice, around 70, so they will probably be out in the woods shooting each other with airsoft rifles. Fun huh?

So from our family to yours ~ Happy New Year and here's to a fantastic 2011. Cheers!

Nice Surprise

I've been following The Glamourous Life of a Housewife for quite some time now. She lives in Oklahoma too. She had a contest to find new appetizer recipes. I had just made Sausage Wontons for my dad's Christmas party so I thought I would submit that recipe. Dad had them at a party at school and got the recipe. And for dad to get the recipe it must have been good. I didn't even eat one because I got them ready for him to bake at his house because they are best served warm. I made them for our family Christmas Eve get together and he was right, they were good and a big hit.

So anyway, I was catching up on my Google Reader this morning and discovered she picked my recipe as one of the three she made for her family Christmas get together. It didn't win the overall contest but it was pretty cool to be picked. It's the little things y'all :)

So I thought I would share the recipe if you wanted to try them for New Year's parties. If you want to see what they look like click on the "she picked my recipe" link above.

Sausage Wontons

1 lb sausage
1 C ranch dressing
1 1/2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 C monterey jack cheese, grated
1 package wonton wrappers

Brown sausage, drain, and place in bowl with cheeses and ranch dressing; mix. Spray the bottoms of mini muffin pan and place one wonton in the bottom of each muffin space gently pushing down so the corners of the wonton are standing straight up creating a space for the filling. Drop a small amount of filling into each opening. (There should be enough filling to fill two mini-muffin pans.) The filling may be held over or frozen to be used at a later time. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the wontons are golden brown. Serve warm.

And like that, it's over.

Another Christmas has come and gone. It comes faster and faster each year. I'm ready to take my stuff down already. Usually I hate to take it down because the house looks so bare but I'm ready this year. I guess I'm getting older and more scroogier. I think I just made a new word.

Some pictures.



Everybody had a good Christmas. I'm thankful that we are able to give our kids a good Christmas when there are so many that can't.

So this week should be relaxing. I'm not watching my nephews this week and I only know of one thing that needs to be exchanged. Colton gets to take his driver's license test this week, hopefully. Can't believe we'll have a kid driving legally, oy!

Oh, and I turned 41 yesterday. Brent took me out to eat and to the casino, my kind of day. My dad and his "special" friend came along too. It was fun.

Hope y'all had a great holiday and wishing you the best 2011.

Season's Greetings

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season. We spent this evening at my dad's house with my 2 sisters and their families. The little ones are so funny and tell you exactly what they think of certain gifts.

We usually travel on Christmas day to visit Brent's family but we are staying home and going next week so Brent can watch bowl games with his dad and brother. So tomorrow we will hang out at home for most of the day then go in later for supper with dad and some friends he invited over who didn't have family visiting. Should be fun.

16

He turned 16 today. I remember the night he was born like it was yesterday. I was in labor for 2 days with him so I guess that's something that doesn't leave your mind easily :) And after all that time, they still had to go get him.

He drives me crazy most of the time but he really is a good kid. I can't imagine our life without him. So happy birthday Colton, love ya lots!

The Children

Another big break from not blogging. Not intentional but just have been busy. The kids last day was Friday and I'm glad. Can't believe Christmas is 6 days away. Finished up shopping, for the most part, on Friday. Brent is going this week to get a couple of things I need him to buy. We have 2 birthdays this week. Colton turns 16 tomorrow and then nephew Ben has a birthday on Wednesday.

Here are a few pictures I took of the kids for Christmas cards.

Oh yeah, Thanksgiving pictures.

Just a little bit late. Oh well. Better later than never.



Hannah and Shae. Hannah wants to be Shae when she grows up :)



Colton and Shae. Colton's friends think Shae is hot :)



Brent's Dad and Grandpa Roath.



Brent's Mom Darlene. This was her first Thanksgiving in her new kitchen. It was so nice. We snuck out later that evening and visited the casino. That's a Thanksgivingny thing to do right? Right?



Niece Ally. We just caught her testing the mashed potatoes and there may have been double dipping involved.



Zack, Larry, Brent, Becky and Grandma Roath.



This was taken Friday morning. The picture window in the living room is lovely but shades are needed during the sunrise :)

So there you have it, another Thanksgiving has come and gone. On to Christmas and our 100 birthdays that is our December.

P.S. Sorry Bryan, Traci and Abby for not getting pictures of y'all.

Brittle

This by far is the best brittle recipe I've come across and is the only recipe I use. It can be made with peanuts or chopped pecans. Brent likes the peanut brittle better but I like the pecan brittle better.

1 1/2 C raw peanuts or 1 1/2 C chopped pecans
1 C sugar
1/2 C white syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp baking soda

Combine nuts, sugar, white syrup and salt in a 2 qt microwavable bowl. Microwave 6-7minutes stirring halfway through cooking time. (I microwave for 3 minutes, stir, then 3 more minutes. I have a 950 watt microwave. When I was first made this, I burnt a couple of batches until I figure out what time worked best with my microwave.) Stir in vanilla, butter and microwave 2 minutes. Add baking soda stirring quickly. Brittle will become foamy. Pour out on greased cookie sheet. Let hardened then break into small pieces.

Enjoy!!!