Hanukkah 2010

We were invited to celebrate Hanukkah last weekend with my SIL's family.  What a wonderful time we all had.  Great food, super company, and the different traditions we observed were very special.  Thanks, Harriet, for a special evening!

Nativity Scene Redux

I decided that the nativity on the coffee table was just not a good idea so I made myself a banner to go along with it and put it in the dining room.

Before:

After:

I cut the tags on my cricut and glued the letters down after using a little stain on the edges.  Hung everything up on some twine.  My daughter (Punky Poo) says my "t" is backwards and I guess she's right but I don't think I'll change it.  Lazy I guess.  ha!

Nativity Scene

     So this morning I finished putting away all the Thanksgiving/Fall/Autumn decorations and began to get out my Christmas stuff.  Several months ago I purchased this wonderful manger scene here on Etsy.  She isn't showing the set at this time, but maybe you could ask her to make you one.  At one time she was offering the patterns for free, too.  I love it so much but it falls over with just the slightest bump so I got my craft on and got to work.

     Here are the cast of characters.  Large white server, glue gun, wooden manger set, crinkled up shredded paper.

      Glued everything in place (not the paper) and I think it looks good!

      Then added a little more shred and ...  voila!

The Wedding!

     After months of preperation Malia and Jason had their beautiful day.  It was absolutely perfect.  The weather was so nice and the venue was beautiful.  I'll stop talking and just show you some pictures.  Enjoy!

Charis and Dace who will be next to get married.  There's is scheduled for 4.09.11!

The "Kids" LtoR Gage (Steve and Diane's son), Dace, Malia, Breanne, and Mikaela.

More coming, soon!

Autumn Tablescapes

I got my creative juices flowing the other day and pulled some things together from around the house and got out some of my fall stuff from the attic.  Love the way it turned out.

I really like this napkin fold with the pocket for the silverware.  This was my first attempt and I ended up going with something different.

This pumpkin is covered with the neatest leaves.  They feel like faux suede.

Plates ~ HomeGoods

Mustard bowls ~ Ross

placemats ~ TJ Maxx

silverware ~ Gourmet Settings - Treble Cleff - Amazon.com

Halloween 2010

Stacy bought this amazing 9foot cat for the front yard!  I thought he was SO cool!  His head moved back and forth and his body lit up!  Here are some pictures of the boys on Halloween.

Dason, Bradley, and Patrick our neighbor.

Dason

Bree's kittens...Rock Star (the black one) Precious aka Little Bit (the gray one).  So cute!

Bradley was a Scarecrow and Dason was Scream!

Bradley

Dason.  Check out the white socks!  lol

MMmm Nutella

Can't remember where I found this recipe (maybe The Pioneer Woman), but I think it sounds wonderful!  Can't wait to give it a try!

                                                                                            Nutella Gooey Butter Cake

Prep Time 15 Minutes

Cook Time 50 Minutes

Ingredients

1 box (18-20 Oz. Box) Devil's Food Cake Mix

1 whole Egg

8 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

FOR THE FILLING:

8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup Nutella

3 whole Eggs

1 teaspoon Vanilla

8 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

16 ounces, weight Powdered Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and Nutella until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread Nutella mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey.

Serve with fresh whipped cream.