The Three Kings

Every year, before we open presents, we read the CHRISTmas story. It is a great reminder as to why we give and get gifts.

This year we did something a little different...my mom ordered a set of real gold, frankincense and myrrh. Earlier in the week, the kids decorated crowns and on Christmas morning our three little "kings" carried the gifts to the manger.

I think we have a new tradition. The kids loved it!

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

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Instafriday

It's been a while since I've done an InstaFriday post, where I link up with Jeannett over at Life Rearranged and share some random photos of what we've been up to. This is our Christmas version...

Our very large, Clark Griswald tree. It was comical getting this beast into the house, but it's up, alive and well.

Our elf, Pepper Mindt, showed up and he has really lived up to his name. He LOVES minty treats.

The "peppermint seeds" turned into candy canes, after being "planted" into brown sugar. I have more Elf on the Shelf shenanigans here.

I added a new decoration this year. It's a semi-handmade concoction...JOY lights purchased from Target, hubby put wood slats together and I painted the "to the world". Joint effort and I love it.

My mom and I attended a cooking demonstration at Macy's. Did you know Macy's has a Culinary Council and offers events like this? Me neither. My mom got us tickets and it was really fun! Nancy Silverton (La Brea Bakery and many other restaurants) and Tom Douglas (The Dahlia Bakery) were the featured chefs.

My hubby got to get out for a date night...his & hers.

We watched White Christmas, because it just isn't Christmas without this classic movie.

There's been lots of time spent in the kitchen...Cinnamon Rolls

White Chocolate Cranberry Snickerdoodles...SO good!

Pretzel Rolo Turtles with the cutest little helpers ever!

And a homemade GAK gift for her brother. We got the recipe from here and it really is like the real stuff!

And lastly, my wrapping station. Just keeping it real. I'm a messy wrapper. Are you all done with your wrapping?

I am not and will be locked away in here until Christmas Eve, so if I don't see you...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Cake Pops

With Christmas fast approaching and this crazy cold weather we've had in the Northwest, I've been baking away for my annual cookie swap and treats for my hubby's co-workers and kids' teachers.

A new treat I'm adding to the Christmas baking repertoire this year are Christmas Cake Pops!

How cute are these?

You can find a basic cake pop recipe here and swap out any flavors you want. For these, I used a white cake mix and white bark coating (Kroger).

And instead of regular lollipop sticks, I used the ever-so versatile party straws in Christmas colors! They're not just for beverages! You can purchase them here from my good friend, Melissa. It's a fun way to incorporate color and make your pops stand out :)

There are so many possibilities and combinations with cake pops. And when you wrap them up individually, they make great gifts!

Are you baking something new this year?

Gingerbread Cookie Mix with Printable

Today I'm sharing a fun and simple gift idea over at 30 Days...Gingerbread Cookie Mix. Head on over here for the recipe.

I've created a two-page printable for the cookies. Page 1 is ready to print for fully baked cookies.

To add to a mix, print Page 1 on one side of your cardstock and Page 2 (instructions for baking) on the back side.

These are designed for a 2" paper punch.

Enjoy!

Our Elf on the Shelf

There are lots of fun and creative ideas out there for Elf on the Shelf.

We do some of those fun things, but our elf helps us to focus on Jesus and serving others. Here are few things we did last year, with our elf, Tinsel.

Tinsel reading Santa's Favorite Story:

 Making Christmas cards for the men & women in service:

 Help mom & dad by doing chores:

Snowman Poop (aka powdered sugar donuts). This was one of the kids' favorites. I got this idea from Tara Whitney's blog. You can read some of her other ideas here. 

In case you can't read the writing, our letter read: "One of an elf's chores back at the North Pole is to clean up Snowman Poop! Many elves have reported that human children like to eat it! I think that is disgusting, but I brought some for you anyway. What are some of your chores? Is there a way you can help your mom & dad today?"

Peppermint Seeds

Tinsel brought the kids "peppermint seeds" that had to be planted in two cups of of brown sugar and the kids had to wait 2 days to "harvest" what came to be candy canes. This was an exercise of practicing patience.

And the last activity...making a birthday cake for Jesus.

This year, the kids have been learning about the Fruits of the Spirit and I think there will be some days focused on those virtues. I'll keep you posted.

How about you? Do you do the elf on the shelf? What are some of your kids' favorite things they have done?

$10 Meals: Taco Casserole

I'm extending my budget-friendly dinner posts into December, since there are still some that I want to share.

A few weeks ago, I posted my lasagna soup and today I'm sharing my Taco Casserole recipe, which I call "Lazy Taco Tuesday". This is a recipe that I've posted before, but it deserves a repost, because it is definitely budget-friendly and is a popular dish with our family. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 c. crushed tortilla chips (.50)
1 lb. ground beef or turkey (average of $4)
1 envelope taco seasoning (.50)
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans ($1)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1)
Toppings: shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, guacamole, sour cream, salsa (prices vary)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Pour crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of an 8x8 dish. Set aside.
Brown ground beef until no longer pink; drain.
Add taco seasoning and amount of water required by package directions.
Add refried beans to seasoned meat and mix over medium heat.
Once the meat and bean mixture is heated through, removed from heat and spoon over the tortilla chips.
Top with cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Serve with your favorite toppings.

So the main casserole, without toppings, comes in around $7. That leaves about $3 for your toppings, which is totally do-able. 

Happy Tuesday friends!