This year for Christmas Eve, I went over to my parents house and celebrated Christmas with my parents, brother, sister, and brother-in-law. We opened presents and played games.
As for games, this year Mexican Train and Farkle won out. My dad smoked us at Farkle. The evening was relaxing and enjoyable… something I always look forward to during the holiday craziness.
My sister is getting a little older… She had to hold the book a little further away than last year.
I made cowboy casserole yesterday. I was hopeful that I would love it after reading all of the comments and variations of the recipe. However, I did not like it much. It was salty and a little bland. I am sure I could figure out a way to make it more palatable but it is awfully high in fat to taste so-so. Sad to end my challenge on a bad note, but finishing is finishing!!!
For my second to last recipe of the year, I tried Tomato Tortellini Soup. I thought I was going to LOVE it. But truthfully, I thought it was a little bland. If I make it again, I will use 2 cups less liquid. On the plus side, it was the easiest recipe ever!!!
So I have a confession.... I struggle with the consumerism of Christmas. I break out into a sweat when I think about how many gifts I have not bought yet and how little time I have left. I worry that I am not going to get everything done and I take my eyes off of Christ. I forget that my Savior was born. I forget that His life, death, and resurrection is what I trust my life in. My prayer this Christmas is that I would not forget or minimize the story of Christmas. That I would not get so busy that I forget to thank my Lord who gave His life that I may live. I pray the same for you!
Luke 2: 1-20In attempting to focus my heart on Christ, I am also trying to focus my heart on His people and how I can be the tangible hands and feet of Christ. Below are a couple of videos/opportunities that have challenged me. I hope you will take the time to watch them. I pray that they spur you on to action and encourage you as they have encouraged me!
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
This week I made Lasagna Soup for the first time. I don't know why I had not thought of it before. It has most of the things I love in one convenient location: Soup, Noodles, Tomatoes, Cheese. Granted a lot of soup consists of these ingredients but this one deserves a place on the list because it is awesome.
I spent most of the day on Saturday hanging out with Erin, Jason and William. I am always challenged and honored to watch E parent. She is a great mom. And William is such a smart kid! He knows colors and animals. He has a fun little personality and he is so unique and quirky. I think I love that most about him. Here are some shots I took while we were out and about. I was using my cell phone. But I think he is pretty cute none-the-less.
I got to use Sarah’s food processor tonight when I made Eat Live Run’s Acorn Squash Soup. I was a little worried about the curry but it was delicious. A great and easy recipe.
Nothing much has happened in my life lately that I consider to be blog-worthy. Please pardon the resulting radio silence. But, I have been busy lately! Life seems to be in a perpetual state of hyperspeed despite my protests. That being said, work has died down a little bit in the last few weeks. It has been a nice reprieve. Lately I have been:
1. Watching as many reruns of The Big Bang Theory as I can find on TV. I love the nerdy humor. I grew up watching Star Trek (my brother and father are Treckys... it rubbed off over the years... k?) and enjoy all of the Star Trek references. I also learn a few things here and there. For example, I now know about the doppler effect and Schrodinger's cat.
2. This weekend I volunteered at ACT's Will Clinic. It was an honor and a privilege to serve in West Dallas. I was one of the estate planning "experts" which I found laughable after only three years of practicing law... But, I knew the answers to most of the questions that I was asked, which was pretty cool.
3. I sat third chair in my second trial a few weeks ago. We won! I remain undefeated in my career. I secretly (or not so secretly since I am telling you) hope I get to stop litigating before I lose. Not sure if that speaks to my dislike of litigation or my delight in winning.
4. I am failing miserably in my cooking goal for the year. Why is cooking 12 new dishes in 1 year hard for me? I am a little embarrassed. I plan to pick up the pace soon. I will complete the challenge!
5. I signed up for Pinterest last weekend. I am not so sure about it yet. But, I fear once I get the hang of it, it will be time consuming.
This weekend I am:
1. Walking a 5K with Erin and William. I can't wait for some uninterrupted time with two of my favorite people in the world. It has been too long!
2. Going to attempt to paint this on Saturday while hanging out with my brother's girlfriend (sans my brother) at Painting with a Twist. I am nervous and yet super excited. I will show you all my masterpiece next week!
This weekend I made The Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes. They were delicious and creamy as she advertises. I have never made mashed potatoes because my mother is the master. I decided to start with the Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes instead of my mothers because I wouldn't know if I didn't get them exactly right. The turned out really well. They do not taste like my mothers, but they are very good. I give them two thumbs up. And it gave me the courage to try to tackle my mother's mashed potatoes. Maybe for thanksgiving?! We will see.
