Snow Village

After I began my own family, my mom gave me her collection of Department 56 Snow Village pieces. I just love them and my girls look forward to putting them out every Christmas. Grace Anne had a paper from school where she even wrote that our Snow Village is a symbol of Christmas for her. I know they will always remember the feeling they have when getting them out. May they always feel the spirit. Thank you Momma - we love them!

This year Momma added to it with what else, but a Bar B Q restaurant! I think it is my absolute favorite piece. It added a lot to our scene. If you look in the window, you can probably see her "rollin' out the rolls".

This was last years addition - an art museum. Oh so cosmopolitan.

No scene is complete without Starbucks.

And we all love watching the skaters go round and round.

Linguini with Brooklyn Red Clam Sauce

Last night I made my infamous Clam Linguini - really, it is that good. It has been a weeknight staple in our house since 2003. The ingredients are always on hand in my pantry and it takes a whopping 15 minutes to make. Bon Appetit!

1 Box of Linguini

Olive Oil

2 Garlic Cloves, smashed and peeled

2 (6 oz) cans chopped clams, with their juice

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 cup crushed tomatoes (I only use Furmano's)

1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Fresh Ground Pepper/Kosher Salt

Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley

1 Tbsp cold unsalted butter

Boil your pasta with Kosher Salt and Olive Oil

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a deep skillet, heat Olive Oil and add the garlic. Slowly cook for 5 minutes while stirring. Add the clams with their juice, wine, tomatoes, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir, reduce the heat to a simmer until slightly thickened. Drain pasta and add to sauce. Add chopped parsley, butter and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and cover while cooking for another few minutes.

Serve it up y'all.

Winter Flowers

Jackie sent me this BEAUTIFUL photo of her paperwhites. Isn't the pot gorgeous? http://www.guywolff.com/ And can you believe, snow in Tennessee? I wish I could smell those flowers in my house right now!

Grace Anne's Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday Grace Anne!

I told you your present was going to be awesome.

After opening Grace Anne's gifts, we headed to Perfect North for the girls first try at skiing. They did great, not even a fall! We were nervous Grace Anne would not enjoy it - but she is in love with it. Daddy - let's head west!

Pam and her kids joined us. Here I am with Ava and Hagan.

My Snow Bunny.

Houston riding the lift up with us.

Pam and Hagan enjoying the beautiful weather!

Does Houston look thrilled to be with 3 girls?

Lee and Grace Anne heading up to her first "Green".


Ava heading back up the Bunny Slope for another run.


Hagan rocking it out.

Grace Anne

Lee giving Ava some tips...

After we left we stopped at Fat Katz for the best pizza in the Bluegrass!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Christmas Day

We woke to a beautiful snow on the farm. Normally, this would be a treat for our Tennessee family, but they had a white Christmas as well! The girls woke around 4 am and tiptoed around to see what Santa had brought. Lee and I enjoyed listening to all of their whispers and excitement. After an hour or so they retreated back to bed with many goodies in hand. The girls and I slept in while poor Lee went out to check on things. I made a great breakfast... Paula Dean's French Toast Casserole and Sausage Grits out of Splendor in the Bluegrass.

We opened gifts from our family in the morning.

Lee got a new vest!

Grace Anne got the scarf that she was "dying for".

Ava should stay warm...

And so should Lee!

The girls exchanged gifts. They were thrilled!

Grace Anne was excited to FINALLY receive a new silky. I know, she is 10. But she loves them, so Ava gave her the one she has longed for. Ava got a new diary with horses on the front and a bracelet that says "Dreamer".... which of course she took offense to.

They were both thrilled with

Lilly Notecards and Philosophy Bubble Bath from Aunt Nancy and Uncle Gary.

Grace Anne BEGGED for this Breyer Horse, "Bet Your Blue Boones".
Thank goodness for Santa!

My family arrived in the afternoon. They were excited about the snow.

Joy and Momma - happy to be here after a long drive!

Joy and I played in the snow.

Lee pulled a sled with the Mule. I would have paid big bucks to rent some Reindeer.

Mary Catherine and Mike

Hot Chocolate was definitely on the menu.

Momma enjoyed from a distance.

After a lot of fun, we came in to open MORE gifts!

Here is Joy, also an avid Photographer.

BeBe

I really hope that Lee's new hunting vest from Reed doesn't inspire ANOTHER trip to Kansas.

Mike and Mary Catherine

Gifts from Mike - the girls have already worn Taylor Swift out. Grace Anne is practicing for the February talent show. She and her friends are singing "Sparks Fly".

BeBe had the biggest box.

Hoss came with Joy and was super sweet.

Grace Anne showing off her new Half Chaps.

Mike and Reed are ready for Dinner.

Menu: Beef Tenderloin with a Gorgonzola Sauce, Roasted Cherry Tomatos, Spinach Gratin, Twice Baked Potatoes with Mushrooms.

Merry Christmas