Christmas Cookies

We had so much fun this year making our Christmas cookies! I used Pinterest for all of my recipes and they turned out better than ever. I made "Jesus Cookies," red velvet cookies, wreath treats, and melted snowmen. They were beautiful and delicious. The Jesus cookies, as I like to call them, were my personal favorite. I have always LOVED the frosted sugar cookies from the grocery store. A friend of mine told me that if Jesus took cookie form, he would most definitely be one of them, hence the nickname. This recipe was moderately easy and tasted exactly like the store bought variety! The melted snowman cookies were made of a normal sugar cookie, but spruced up with the cutest little snowman features. Red Velvet, being my favorite cake, was my favorite tasting cookie. They were soft and chewy with a cheesecake filling. Lastly, the wreaths were so cute. They added cheer to our trays. My mom and sis made tons of tasty recipes as well. I just love Christmas baking!!!

100 Days of School

We survived 100 days!!! (Which sometimes feels like 100 years) All of the second graders along with the 4 teachers dress as if we are 100 on the 100th day of school. All of our activities are centered around the number 100.

1. 100 trail mix

2. 100 math problems

3. write 100 words

4. 100 second tests

5. 100 piece puzzles

6. donate 100 items to a local charity

7. 100 dollars

8. 100 years

and much much more!

My sweet class of 11-12! I will always love them! They taught me to love my new name :)

Canned Amaretto Cranberry Sauce

Dish: canned amaretto cranberry sauce
recipe: pinterest
pajamas: long johns
eaters: The whole family at Thanksgiving

Every year, I am in charge of the bread stuffing and the cranberry sauce at my mom's Thanksgiving dinner. Until I came along, we ate the horrid can shaped, gelatinous, with ridges and all, cranberry sauce. Awhile back I decided to rebel against the cylindrical fruit! We opened it, dished it and threw it away every year. I have tried a new recipe every year. They have all been super tasty and the family actually eats them! This year I used my Pinterest obsession to tackle my job. I found the most delicious looking recipe that used amaretto instead of water. I then found instructions on how to can cranberry sauce. I thought, " This year I learned to knit, cook freshly dead birds- why not can fruit?!?" The cooking part was easy. I boiled amaretto and some lemon zest. I then threw in tons of fresh cranberries. They began to pop open as they cooked (I love that part!) The house smelled wonderful. Once the consistency was right, my big job began. I sterilized my canning jars. I then learned that you had to have a certain top space? 1/4 of an inch was mine. I poured the boiling sauce into the jars and left the top space. I then cleaned the rims and closed the jars. I had water boiling in my big pot. I only have 3 pots so I sure hoped my big pot was big enough. I didn't have the nifty tool that I saw used on all of the youtube videos for placing the jars in the water. I used some tongs. Note to self: buy the tool! I carefully placed the jars in the water. They boiled about 20 minutes. The next part was super scary! I used the tongs to take them out. I heard that if they touch each other or the side of the pot that they would break. I got them all out crack free! I then waited, and waited, and waited for the magical "pop!" Soon each jar popped!! I actually canned fruit! I attribute my success to my inner Amish! I did in fact wear an apron and a bun :)

Trev-o-meter: The whole family raved and said that it was a keeper and that they couldn't wait until next Thanksgiving!

I am so used to being with my husband every second of every day (except for work of course.) Trevor is away on research. I have truly realized the meaning of our vows. We have to be together until death do us part, not until research do us part!! I really can't handle life without Trevor. It all began when I was a baby. My mom stayed at home with me and created the monster known as Brittney. She would only leave me to work out. She would stand me in the gym daycare, with my baby bag, toys, etc. and go workout. Upon her return, an hour or so later, I would be in the exact same position as she left me. She then enrolled me in 3 year old, half day preschool. I cried every single day and every day I was sent to the Principal's office. The principal loved me so much that she took it upon herself to feed the monster. Literally... She would take me to run errands, play with puppies, go shopping, and go out to eat. My mom soon unenrolled me in 3 year old, half day preschool. I later cried every first day of school's eve. I cried every day of summer camp. I cried every day of my sister's first year of college. I cried every day of my first year of college. I cried every night of my 6 month, one bedroom living experience. With all of that said, I have trouble being alone and being away from the one's I love. Trevor, please come home!