Christmas Celebrations 2011

The Christmas Joy Begins: My Gift from Austin

I got my very first Christmas present last night and it was priceless! This is my gift from Austin.

More Christmas Goodies

Ashlyn had some friends over this week to celebrate the season so I got busy making some more treats to share.

Christmas Snicker Doodles

The always popular Peanut Butter Kisses.

My first batch of fudge ever. It turned out fabulous!
I used Paula Deen's recipe from her
new cookbook, but used pecans instead of peanuts!

Christmas at Ma and Pa's House

This week we spent an evening with family at Ron and Mary's house. Nothing like Christmas at Ma and Pa's. My favorite part is watching all the kids open their packages from the youngest one to the oldest. Simple things bring big smiles and just make my holiday bright!

Customize a slideshow

Thanks, Tim!

Timmy the Elf has been very busy this fall getting our beautiful mantel finished and installed in time for Christmas! He once again amazes us with his talent! We love you, Tim and we love the new mantel... it makes the house!

Elliott Family Photo Shoot Behind the Scenes

This year we were cutting it close on time, so we decided to have Austin take our family Christmas pictures. I thought we would wear plaid shirts because Austin looks so much like a lumberjack these days and Ashlyn thought we ought to use the beard prop to capitalize on the situation. I loved it! The pictures turned out wonderful thanks to Austin. Ashlyn even took Austin's photos and Tim took some too. It truly became a family project. The problem was lighting, so the ever ingenius Elliott boys rigged that up also. We like to have fun and our cards seem to express that. Hope you have a joyous holiday season.

Friends and Food

This weekend we had a great time with friends at our RBC Student Ministry Leader party. Thanks to Sandi and Kevin for a wonderful evening. Everyone brought finger foods to enjoy. I took a new recipe Mississippi Mud cookies.. yummy! Also, a pasta salad and of course the always popular sausage balls.

These were really yummy. I didn't have parchment paper so they aren't as pretty as I would have liked, but I will make these again! This is a Southern Living recipe.  Click for the recipe Mississippi Mud Cookies

I use 3 cups Bisquick, cooked sausage, 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, and a dab of milk to make the mixing easier. I mix and roll into balls. Bake at 350.  Ashlyn loves these with strawberry preserves.

I intended to make skewers with these ingredients, but opted for a simple salad. I liked it. This has a package of cooked cheese tortellini, grape tomatoes cut in half, chopped salami, and mozzarella cheese pearls you can find in your deli. Then add some balsamic vinagrette and let marinate for a few hours. Add salt and pepper and you are good to go.