out in the country...

christine posted these pics and i adored them all but this one was my favorite!! 

i am thinking christmas card...what an adorable family (minus 2)

the lee family ~ ohio

photo taken by carrie bandy photography

i love silver shoes...

so i'm really a fan of the entire jessica simpson shoe line! when i came across these i thought i'd share. the jessica simpson halie2 silver mesh platform pumps are a great addition to most any color outfit. silver, like black goes with just about everything. so if you are looking for practicality there you are. ; ) if i can find these in my size I'm certain to add them to my collection. these would look awesome with jeans. what are your thoughts? 

the sparkle box

i ordered this book "the sparkle box" from barnes and noble. it was supposed to be the book that ethan opens on christmas eve with his christmas jammies, hot cocoa and other fun goodies but...

a few people recently posted about this book on instagram and facebook i believe it was...so i couldn't wait till christmas eve to read it. i pulled it out of its hiding place and read it.

we will read it as a family today. 

i absolutely think anyone who believes in the reason for christmas and the birth of jesus should read this book and make it apart of your family culture.

mike and i have decided to make christmas more about the true meaning of christmas than the emphasis on getting gifts and with all of the commercialization the meaning can definitely be lost in translation. 

this book really does a great job of illustrating what this season is all about...giving and helping those less fortunate. the illustrations are amazing and the story is so simple for the littlest one to understand.

i have always had a heart for others and my husband does as well and we are teaching ethan to have that heart as he begins to grow and understand a little more. 

he's definitely getting it i see little things he does that just make me smile.

last year at age 3,we started with going through his toys before christmas and donating them to children who may not have any toys.

we also, visit the wingfoot lake blimp hanger and donate to the toys for tots toy drive. we let him give the money to the soldier and have his picture taken with him.

this year we are adding a few more things like the mitten tree at school and going to pick out a gift for a little boy who's mom is incarcerated. 

we explain why we are doing these things and that jesus wants us to help others. 

i am excited to be adding little things to our sparkle box (pictured above, ethan picked the color of bow) this year...and really i am considering a sparkle jar!

something that can sit out all year and collect the things we did for others throughout that year...

and then read them on new years eve.

so get this book! whether it's for a niece, or a son to share with his family, maybe a grandchild...this is a book that can start a new tradition in any home.

garlic ranch roasted potatoes

ingredients
2 lbs. red skin potatoes
1 packet dry ranch dip mix
2 cloves of garlic pressed
olive oil
large bowl with a lid


directions

1. pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. if you prefer no skin peel the potatoes first then wash and slice potatoes into 4ths. i leave the skin on. place in a large bowl that has a tight lid.

2. pour the oil over the top of the potatoes. this is a preference as to how much olive oil. i usually put quite a bit so the pan gets coated when potatoes are poured into it and then they get extra crispy. then press garlic and empty ranch packet into bowl. secure lid and toss till everything is mixed and potatoes are coated.

3. pour the bowl of potatoes into a shallow bar pan or something equivalent. just so there is only a layer of potatoes and they are not on top of each other. bake for 30 minutes or until soft and crispy.

enjoy...these are a family favorite!!

elf on the shelf mom...

there is this girl i know...shes such a fun mom, an amazing wife and her heart is pure gold.

she dressed up like momma elf...from elf on the shelf

if you have children i am sure most of you know about the crazed little elf that hides and does silly things around your house only for the children to find the next morning.

" i wanted to do something fun for the kids, " says alivia mother of 3 almost 4

i asked her where she got the elf outfit...she made it!!!

 alivia really had no intention of doing anything with the photo but getting some laughs from her kids...

 but the next day she thought she would send it into kelly and michael. realizing the likelihood of her getting her moment of fame was slim to none, so she went about her day.

she actually got a phone call from a friend letting her know you are on kelly and michael!!

alivia tevo's the show and watches it later in the day so she had no idea she was on there!

check out this link..to catch kelly and michael's reaction!! i love it!!

"shes tiny and she fits on a mantle...and shes dressed like an elf" says kelly

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153571529090327&set=vb.544165326&type=2&theater

oil and vinegar dispenser

finally got around to using this kitchen gadget and i love it!! i am bad...we registered for it and its been up in my cupboard...i have just been using my regular olive oil and vinegar bottles when i need dressing.

well i am super excited i took the time to open it and use it today because it works awesome!! you could easily add spices or herbs to the oil part and make infused oil.

ours was purchased from kohls and its the food network brand.

sweet yet tangy twist on hot ham and cheese...

i was super excited to make these and they were a huge hit! i absolutely thought the flavor was amazing and simple was the best part. these little gems would be great as mini slider sandwiches or on burger buns. perfect for game day or dinner with the family. this time i chose burger rolls since there were only a few of us but will definitely be making them again as sliders!

a twist on hot ham and cheese or

(funeral sandwiches)

1 package of king's hawaiian rolls

1/2-1 lb. good ham deli meat thinly sliced

swiss cheese, thinly sliced

1/2 c. butter, melted

3 tablespoons worcheshire sauce

2 tablespoons mustard

2 tablespoons brown sugar

dash of onion powder

preparation:

1. cut the rolls in half and line the bottom of a baking pan with the bottoms of the rolls. layer the ham slices, then cheese and place the top half back on.

 

2. mix together the butter, worcheshire, mustard, brown sugar and onion powder. pour the whole works over the buns, drenching each one. cover tightly and marinade anywhere from 4-24 hours. the longer the better

3. preheat the oven to 350 degrees. bake for 15-20 minutes uncovered or until cheese is melted and bun tops are a bit golden.