Hauling out the Christmas Decorations

Last Friday and Saturday our family had a great time decorating the tree and just spending some needed quality time together.

I had to show you this picture, because Drew is always cheesing in his pictures. Here is one that shows you what his face really looks like. He might have been in a bad mood at that point.

Before decorating the Christmas tree, we ate Wikiki Meatballs (recipe to follow). Chris and I really enjoy them, but the verdict is still out whether the boys like them or not. Hmm.

You can see from the two previous pictures that I have already wrapped some Christmas presents. Chris hates it that I use the same wrapping paper for every present. His mom uses various paper and wraps them very ornately. I just don't measure up to that. I apologized to Chris about the monotony...I think I'll have to wrap at least one of his gifts in a different kind of paper this year.

The boys had a great time putting ornaments on the tree. We tried to tell them stories about some of the special ornaments, and they listened for a couple of seconds... They are very proud of the way they decorated the tree. They also really like the train that goes around it. You can barely see the track in the next picture. It actually attaches to the trunk.

We are mostly done Christmas shopping. I am being anal trying to buy the boys one last thing on EBay, but too cheap to pay the prices that the items are going for. Maybe I'll get lucky! I am also trying to sell a couple of things. I'm getting nervous because no one has bid yet. If they don't sell I'll probably re-list them at a cheaper price. Shh. Don't tell anyone that.




We bought the boys a Playmobil Nativity set this year. The boys seem to like it, but I am going crazy trying to keep track of all of the little pieces. I walked into the living room tonight to find all the characters' hair and clothing pulled off! I think Drew was the culprit. If he wasn't so cute I'd be mad. I have some issues with the Shepherd looking like a Hobo. He is on the left. Check out that red bag!

I am planning on making some cut-out cookies (Kathy's recipe is awesome...I'll give it to you if you need one). Chris has also requested peanut butter blossoms (with the chocolate stars..the way Kathy makes them). They are his favorite cookie. When I came home with the chocolate stars he smiled so wide! I hope our boys hold on to some of their childhood traditions the way Chris has. Maybe I could even try to pass on the chocolate star tradition. I'll have to work on the ornate wrapping.

Thanks for reading!

Wikiki Meatballs (serve over white rice)
"Tasty all-beef meatballs in a sweet-sour sauce."
1.5 pounds ground beef
2/3 cup cracker crumbs
1/3 cup minced onion
1 egg
1.5 teaspoons ginger
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon shortening
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 can (13.5 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve syrup)
1/3 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/3 cup chopped green pepper

Mix thoroughly beef, crumbs, onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk. Shape mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls into balls. Melt shortening in large skillet; brown and cook meatballs. Remove meatballs; keep warm. Pour fat from skillet.

Mix cornstarch and sugar. Stir in reserved pineapple syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth. Pour into skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir one minute. Add meatballs, pineapple tidbits, and green pepper; heat through.

-Betty Crocker (1969 Cookbook)