DECEMBER 31, 2012

This has been a very busy year here in my home. With two precious babies to keep me busy, growing, changing, turning 1 and 2.  They have gone home now to be with their bio family.  I truly enjoyed this year, busy as it was, and now I look forward to what the new year brings.

We are a family of 5 right now instead of 7, my two olders and two youngers now a 6 year old and a 5 year old turning 6 in January.  We are adjusting to the change until the next precious charge's enter our door and lives.

For now, I am taking some time for relaxing, heading to the beach with a friend, just the two of us, for a few days.  Hoping for some rainless days so that we can walk the beach and do a little window shopping. We've been without rain for the past few days, but in the Pacific Northwest it can always be expected. Mild snow visited us this afternoon and freezing temperatures are expected tonight.

We had a wonderful, but busy Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus and filled with everyone we love.  Hope yours was filled with love and joy, making memories with those you love most and best.

Have a safe and happy new year as we enter 2013.

HOME AGAIN

The Shore Pines and Ocean come together in the Pacific Northwest.

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Our stay at the beach house was just what we needed for a cozy weekend away with family. Lot's of nesting, eating, playing, walking, talking and loving.

We had beautiful weather on Friday and took a walk into town, visiting many of the shops. Stopped by the park for a swing and slide break for the little ones. Enjoyed the sunshine and the smell of the ocean on a crisp Novemeber afternoon.

Saturday, a bit overcast, but not too cold, took us to the state park up the road and some play along the beach. A lovely getaway enjoyed by all.

NO TURKEY FOR ME

Photo BHG

Heading to the beach house at Cannon Beach along Oregon's beautiful Pacific Northwest coast. A family dinner (that will include pork roast for those of the carnivores type) and some Outlet Mall shopping, but avoiding the Black Friday crowd.

Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

• Pork Roast
• Homemade Applesauce
• Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
• Garlic Sauteed Green Beans
• Mashed Potatoes
• Mix Lettuce Salad with Grapefruit Wedges and Avocado Slices topped with chopped Smoked Almonds and dressed in a Sweet Citrusy Dressing
• Relish Tray
• Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
• Sparkling Cider, in the Stemmed Glassware

• Homemade Traditional Apple and Pumpkin Pies
• Homemade Caramel Glazed Pear Cake
• Decaf Coffee
• Hot Spiced Teas 

Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love.

HOLIDAY BROWNIES

November is the beginning of my baking season and one of our favorite treats are Andes Creme de Menthe Chip, brownies. This year I'm trying the Andes Peppermint Crunch Chip. Red and white peppermint candy represents the holidays (I think), so I'm baking up a batch with the peppermint crunch, to test.

These brownies are sort of wonderful in that you've got a lovely moist brownie, where you toss in a few handfuls of the either the Andes Peppermint or Creme de Menthe chips, turning a plain brownie recipe into an appealing and delicious holiday treat.

Make up your favorite brownie recipe and add some of these Andes baking chips, your in for a treat.

Bowls and tins, measuring cups and spoons are pulled down from shelves and out of drawers, being readied for their seasonal use as we prepare for the joys of the coming seasons.

Next is the Christmas Stollen...