Keeping Spirits Bright ~ French Toast Shooters

Whether you're ringing in the New Year or raising your mug on St. Patty's day, the holidays are a fun time to mix up something special from the bar.  Celebrating the holidays with family, making memories, and enjoying traditions are such a  treat for our family, and I have to admit, I really do love searching for the perfect cocktail recipe to serve to family and friends.

On Thanksgiving day, I set out cool, frosty shot glasses filled to the top with my recipe for french toast shooters. While I'm not a big fan of sweet drinks myself, the splash of cinnamon in this one gives it a nice little kick, and the smooth, creamy flavor of the Bailey's and butterscotch makes it appealing to ladies and gents alike.  If you're looking for something special to serve at your next holiday gathering (or you personally need a hostess de-stresser before the crowd arrives - yes, I do admit to pre-party partaking), I highly recommend you shake up this specialty at the bar, or wherever the mixing magic happens!

The Recipe:

1 Part Bailey's Irish Cream

1 Part Butterscotch Schnapps

1 Part Goldschlager Cinnamon Liqueur

Pour the alcohol into a shaker over ice.  

Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes, then strain into chilled shot glasses. 

{ P.S.  Look What I found!: }

When this Christmas Printable from Little Web Writing Hood came across my Facebook page,
I knew I had to share it with ya'll.  Isn't is fun??

What's your favorite holiday cocktail recipe?? 
I'd love for you to share it....so I can try it. I promise I will! (In approximately 6 months, that is, or whenever our little munchkin decides to make their grand entrance into the world!)

Girls (and boys) Get Your Guns!! - The Sporting Clay Tradition Continues

A couple of years ago, Steve asked me what I thought about buying a clay throwing machine to kick our family adventures up a notch, to which I mumbled something about a double oven, commercial sized dishwasher and a nanny.  If I remember right, that conversation ended in mom, resigning herself, once again, to the task of rearranging the garage to make room for more of the guys' crap "necessities."  I'll admit it, I do have a habit of stomping my heels every in a while in protest to all of the sports equipment, hunting toys and camping gear that have infiltrated my home, but only because there isn't a pink tutu or little play kitchen to strike a balance in my home decor.

BUT.....then there are those rare occasions when we dig those "necessities" out of the garage and low and behold, everyone, even the girls, gather 'round for a good time.  Of course I still dream of that double oven and Hobart dishwasher, but for now, the trap shooting machine will have to do.  If only it could bake and throw cookies.

This year, being the good Thanksgiving hostess that I am....that I was....after serving up a table full of hearty fare, I kicked everyone outside for some fun - Husband style.  The weather was gorgeous here over the holiday, which made spending the afternoon of shooting up clays even more fun.

Since we are temporarily surviving living on a city lot, a kind family from our parish was generous enough to lend us their acreage for the afternoon.  Here's the master, getting everything set just right.

My older brother, Steve (better known as Uncle Donut), my Dad, and my younger brother Scott, kept things lively with their usual crazy humor.  They shoot the guns, I shoot the fuzzy family photos.

The boys weren't the only ones who came out to play! My nieces, Camryn and Lauryn, sitting pretty on the back of the pick up truck, were happy to help entertain Charlie while I roamed around taking pics.

I have known these girls since they were tiny babes! How quickly time has passed....I can't believe how grown up they are, now!

A senior pic moment with Lauryn.  Except she's a junior.  Junior pic moment.

As long as I'm highlighting the ladies here, I have to take a minute to say that the absolute BEST moment of the entire afternoon was when my mom stepped up to the firing line and fearlessly shot a few rounds herself!  She really is the classiest lady I've ever known, but let me tell you, she can kill and feather and fry a chicken, and she sure as heck can shoot a gun!

Dad, in his gentle way, gave mom a few instructions before she took aim.  We all looked on in admiration at how sweet they were together! 

Afterward, Dad leaned over to me and said, "Now, that's my lady!" {What a dear!}

Somehow I clicked the action at just the right time and caught the yellow shell being ejected from mom's gun flying through the air! These are the memories I love to tuck away in the scrap books for future generations to admire!

Gettin' ready!

Takin' aim!

Firin' away!! 

Our boys live for the chance to spend some time with their cousin, Garrett.  He brought some serious competition to the game, not to mention a healthy dose of Splichal spunk!!

They also smile that big when memorizing Latin phrases and taking out the trash.  Oh, I wish!

Our little Mr. Charlie, sporting his newest accessory.  Those are actually mine.  I wear them during tantrums and wrestling matches.

My dad has a wonderful sense of humor.  He's always teasing the boys, and let me tell you, they never back down! They tease him right back, and before long everyone is in stitches - that's memory making at its best!

I'll admit that sometimes it's easier to just sit inside and watch television and enjoy a lazy day. But, after having read this book, Steve and I are now more convinced than ever that being outdoors in the grandeur of nature, and experiencing all of the wonder and beauty in the company of others, will always be more satisfying to the soul than a techno-centered life.

This guy is our sharp shooter.  

He's been known to send his father back to his seat in the game of "knock out" more than a time or two!  

 

Watching the sun set over the pond was the perfect end to a beautiful day!

Feast Days, Birthdays, Baby Days and Other Such Matters of Importance{7 QT}

Before my children drag me into another day of domestic delights, here's our 

7 Quick Takes for the week! 

1. Happy Feast Day!

{St. Nicholas Center}

Every year our children look forward to celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas with great anticipation. The remembrance begins the night before, when the boys set out their shoes, hoping to find a small treat of some sort tucked inside their stinky kicks when they wake up in the morning.

Yesterday, Henry marched diligently around the house, capturing all 10 of the boys' shoes to line up by the door.  He even set out a dry-erase board with a message for St. Nick, and colored him a picture. Later today, after the goodies are enjoyed, we will read a favorite story of the life of St. Nicholas, get a little crafty in the classroom, and if we're really feeling adventurous, we might even bake something amazing for dessert. The little ones might also watch this sweet video about our beloved Saint (while mommy naps folds laundry).  Many of our celebratory ideas have come from the St. Nicholas Center website.  Their craft ideas are simple, yet adorable, and I love their free printable coloring pages!

2. Baby Love

An unexpected phone call yesterday, from an acquaintance my husband met years ago, has manifested into a spontaneous decision to bundle the kiddos up today and head into the city to pray with a group of high school students at a pro-life rally. We are passionate about babies and believe that life is a precious gift at every stage and in every circumstance. We will be praying today for all expectant mothers, that they will choose life for their babies, that they will have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery, and that their child will be loved, cherished and cared for. As well, we remember those who have been wounded by the tragic experience of abortion, and ask the Lord to bring His healing touch upon them.

3.  The Advent of a Mother

She watches and waits, a secret that is hers alone rests within.  Someone is coming, that someone has already arrived.  Her focus goes inward: to growth, to new life, to pain, yes, and to sadness, and above all to indescribable joy.  The beauty lies in the blending of the good and the bad: loneliness and connection, sorrow and comfort, moments of impenetrable darkness followed by bright blinding light.

These are the words written by my friend, Micaela, who blogs at California to Korea and Back Again, in an article that she composed for Catholic Exchange.  I was really touched by her beautiful expressions of Advent being a time of longing, of preparation, of the wonder of what is to come and how those emotions are deeply connected to motherhood, specifically Mary's journey toward's Christ's birth.  What a JOY it is for me to be carrying our 6th child during this season of Advent!  Words cannot express how happy it makes me, but I do think it's well worth blogging about sometime soon.

4.  Lights  

Well, as of today, we are the darkest dwelling on the block.  BUT, that's just fine by us! Because, when everyone else is peeling the lights off of the gutters the day after Christmas, we'll still be enjoying our little sparkle until the Christmas season officially ends on Epiphany.

To pacify the kiddos' longing for lights, we took them to our local Botanical gardens this week for the Illuminations Exhibit.  The weather was perfect, the most lovely evening to be savored just before the freezing cold came thundering in yesterday.  We had a marvelous time, and the lights were enchantingly beautiful.

5.  An Update on My Mom

Wednesday my mom officially experienced the first of 30 days of radiation treatments.  So many of you have reached out with kind, encouraging thoughts and prayers for her, and I can't tell you how much or family appreciates your love and support!  She is staying very positive, taking good care of herself and feeling strengthened by all of the prayers being sent her way! Keep 'em coming!

6.  Steve's (almost 40th) Birthday

(Because he loves to be reminded that he's older than moi.)

My love's birthday was on Monday, and I wish I could say I through a real hum-dinger of a party for him, but given the fact that we said adieu to some of my family who stayed through the Thanksgiving weekend that day, had to face Monday as a work day, and shuttled kids to basketball and wrestling practices that night, there was little time left to party.  But, he did receive a mountain of smothering hugs, kisses, treats and a few gifts as well. I also made the executive decision that if I'm going to throw him a BIG 40th birthday bash next year, it's best if I lay low this year, you know, just to be sure we have plenty of time to build up some anticipation {winkie-wink}.

7.  The Thanksgiving Toast

No matter what the occasion, I can always count on my dad to bring a bottle....or 10 to the table. This year for Thanksgiving, he shared a wonderful variety of vino with our family...so I heard. Okay, I will admit to stealing a couple of teensie-weensie sips from my hubby's glass, since I won't be holding my own until sometime in June, so I can affirm dad's good taste.  One of the favorites this year was a smooth Cabernet from Grayson Cellars, a 2011 edition.  From one wine lover to ya'll - you do love wine, don't you?? - this one is worth a trip to the store.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!

Keeping Spirits Bright: Our {5 Favorite} Merry Christmas Traditions

After hosting my entire family for several days during the Thanksgiving holiday, I have to admit, I wasn't prepared for the sudden entrance into Advent.  Usually, I have a few days of cushion between Thanksgiving and Advent to prepare all of the little seasonal inspirations - the Jesse Tree, the Advent wreath and calendar, our book basket and St. Nicholas activities. Thankfully, so many of our family traditions are becoming just that - rock solid TRADITIONS, and the older boys especially have reached the point of knowing just how to help make all of the preparations, unlike cleaning the house and roasting a turkey (one of these days!).  While I'm in hostess recovery therapy, otherwise known as HRC, I'll let the testosterone run wild with Adventus abandon.  I have complete confidence in their decorating skills (as long as I'm a non-conscious state).

For today's Five Favorites (graciously hosted by Hallie at Moxie Wife), I thought I'd share a few of our favorite Advent and Christmas "extras," aside from the faith-based traditions, that really help keep the season bright for all of us around here.

- 1.  Music -

Words cannot express how much I LOVE listening to music during Christmas. No two sweeter words were ever put together than Pandora and FREE.  We like to mix it up, a little Michael Buble here, a dash of George Winston there.  But for me, it's all about finding the perfect song with the perfect lyrics, something fresh, poetic, inspiring and memorable to savor throughout the season.  

Last year, my great discovery was Leaving Heaven, sung by Matthew West and Vince Gill.  Oh, Vince, Vince, Vince, Vince.  Let me count the ways I love thee. The guy is a musical genius.  I savor his solo work, but must admit that I get a little giddy when he sneaks in on a duet. His voice is like butter, it blends with with everyone so beautifully, making musical yumminess.  He can even make Taylor Swift sound like a singer. {Sorry!} Anyhoo....my fave line of this song?

So, if you've ever wondered how much you're worth,

You should know....

You're the reason why I'm leaving heaven.

 - 2.  Special Sips  -

It wasn't until a few years ago that I really embraced the truth that Advent, like Lent, is also a time of preparation.  Therefore, the Church really encourages us to consider particular spiritual exercises, such as fasting, prayer and sacrificial offerings, in order that our souls might be strengthened for what is to come: the arrival of our Savior into the world.  

I'll be the first to admit that it's easier to fast during Lent than during Advent.  Who can pass up the plates of cookies, cakes and sweet breads that the neighbors bring by??  While we make a strong effort to scale back the irresistible indulgences, Steve and I realize that this particular sacrifice is meant more for our good than the children's.  One of our traditional treats during this season is to drive around and enjoy all of the beautiful lights and then come home to savor a special cup of cocoa.  I like to jazz it up a bit, and make something unexpected for the family each year. A few days ago,  in my quest for the perfect cup, I found this amazing list of recipes on Pinterest.

3.  Movies 

Confession: I have a serious thing for the Hallmark Countdown to Christmas Movie series.  I know, I know many of them are a little cheesy, and definitely predictable, but hey, I get a lot of laundry done in the evenings with all of the cheese and sentiment and predictability to distract me from the agony of matchless socks. As for the kids, they would probably be scarred for life if we didn't watch It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas every year.  They can pretty much quote both shows word for word.

This year I'm hoping to break away from my domestic delights and escape to the theatre to see The Christmas Candle.  Have any of you seen it?? Thumbs up? Thumbs down? Sideways? Your thoughts, please!

- 4.  Tour of Lights -

As a child, one of the most treasured traditions I delighted in during Christmas was bundling up and piling into the car with my family for an evening drive to see the Christmas lights around town. Now, I love sharing that same experience with our kids.  Last night we took the kiddos out to experience the Illuminations Exhibit at the Botanica Gardens.  It was absolutely stunning!! We had a ball!!

- 5.  Great Books Around the Fireplace -

If you've passed by the blog over the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed that I'm a little bit book obsessed, especially when it comes to great Christmas reads.  Is it shameful to admit that our basket is overflowing with approximately 42.5 stories?? The inventory would probably be closer to 50, but unfortunately 7.5 books have been shredded over the past 12 years since my blissful delivery of 5 mini wrecking balls into our home. Every year I add a title or two to our basket, and this year the kids are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas From Heaven to our doorstep.

What are your favorite family traditions??

Make This Advent Memorable ~ Ideas and Resources for Celebrating the Season

If you are still looking for ideas on how to celebrate Advent in your family, or are wondering how to begin a few new traditions in your home during this season, you have come to the right place! A repeat from last year, this was one of my most popular posts.  I hope you find something for you and your family to enjoy!

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On December 2nd, the Christian church will begin their celebration of the season of Advent. The literal translation of Advent, from the Latin adventus, is coming or arrival. It is typically used when referring to something extremely important.  Advent is the anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our King.  

It's difficult to maintain a spirit of anticipation of the coming of Christ during Advent.  Most of us, especially children, have a greater sense of anticipation toward decorating the tree, baking cookies, stringing lights and most of all opening gifts laid quietly beneath the tree by Santa on Christmas Eve.

Advent has sort of become Christmas, and Christmas (which is typically celebrated for 12 days, up until Epiphany) has sort of become "take down the tree and make some resolutions" time. 

If you are interested,  I believe that there are a few simple things parents can do to help our families experience a deeper sense of Advent at home:

1. Put up decorative reminders that draw your attention and focus 

into the anticipation of Christ's coming.  

This year I created simple luminaries to put in the window of the kitchen.  We will light them in the evening while having supper together.  They would also look lovely on a fireplace mantle, a buffet or as a centerpiece on a table.

After drawing the letters on each soup can (I used the large Progresso ones), I drilled evenly spaced holes along the letter pattern. A hammer and large nail would also work. 

Then, after washing the marker off (be sure and do this, or it will bleed through the paint), I spray-painted the cans white.  Any festive color would be great, even metallics!

To dress the cans up, just embellish with ribbon of any coordinating color, if you like.

Add a candle, and you're all set! 

(Be sure to use tea lights or small votives so that the flame shines through the letters.)

2.  Purchase or create your own traditional Advent wreath with candles. 

 These adorable wreaths would be fun to make with the kids!  Teach your children the history and significance of the wreath to make it even more meaningful.  Light the proper candle(s) each night, gather round, say prayers and sing songs (we love O Come, O Come Emmanuel).

3.  Create an Advent calendar of some sort, or purchase one with the windows that you can open, one for each day leading up to Christmas.  

I loved this idea from  Martha Stewart.  It would be so cute hung across a tall upright piano or even on a large mirror. Place something small in each stocking to remind your family of Jesus.  For example, pieces of straw (manger), a star (Star of Bethlehem), a cross, a lamb, etc. If it's in your budget, tuck in Christian ornaments that the children can add to the tree!

4.  Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. 

We have found a lot of great resources and ideas from this website and have created many wonderful memories with our children on this day this day together.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate the Jesse Tree, O Antiphons, or saints feast days during the month of December, be sure to visit Catholic Cuisine for wonderful recipes and craft projects for the family!

5. Print out some simple activity or coloring pages that your kids can enjoy while you make supper, or to keep the little ones content during evening prayer time.  

I found these Free Printable (Christ-Centered) Advent Coloring Pages online, printed out several copies and put them in a folder marked "Advent." 

6.  Spend some quiet time reading aloud to your children inspiring stories that honor the true meaning of Christmas.  

If you're searching for a few new titles to add to your library, check out this list.....and this one, too!

7.  Finally, for my fellow homeschoolers, you can find various printable activities at Raising and Teaching Little Saints to incorporate into your religious education.

Come back and visit us on Wednesday, when I'll be posting my favorite Advent and Christmas picture books!