Christmas in Chippewa

It was great to be able to have time to make the quick trip back to Chippewa Falls, WI to celebrate Christmas with my wonderful family. Laughter is always an important ingredient with us, and as you will see from the pictures, it was an ingredient we did not run out of. 


Happy Holidays!!

Always enjoy the Christmas decorations my parents put up...makes me feel at home.

Preparing for Christmas Eve Lunch with the family

My favorite: Chicken, Mashed potatoes, Overcooked buns for Dad and I, Grandma's Cougan (not sure how to spell that?) but looks like everyone else calls it Monkey Bread and the New recipe for Ham that Dad and I tried, (a beer and brown sugar)... It  was delicious!

The Faschingbauer Family

So many wonderful things to be thankful for....

Presents from Cali.  Debbie, we all Loved the glass decorations and amazing that they all got here in one piece. I also loved the tu tu! Dad obviously really enjoyed the manly man grill cleaner-Thanks Rod and Ann.

Opening Presents: My Dad was really excited as he got his yearly wardrobe from everyone.

Love the new boots, Thanks Mel and Jason for Devin's month supply of beans, Mom loved her coach purse.  Devin had the great idea to get Dad snowshoes... we are still waiting for the snow. The guys all got fleece zip ups.

Patiently awaiting their stockings full of treats... Riley and Zoe

Lots of Love all around.

3rd Annual Christmas Dress up time..Thanks Debbie for the addition of goofy glasses, it turned out great!

Bloopers for the day and Mom loving her new cheesy puffs from Dad.

Christmas Cookies

I was intrigued by the photography concept "Bokeh" and wanted to try it out for myself.

After moving furniture and finding just the right settings on my camera, I was able to find the perfect shot! I love it

The surprise inside the jar is fabulous Monster Cookies. I found the recipe on my new favorite website "Pinterest".  These Monster Cookies are to die for:

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooking oats
3/4 cup m&ms
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 – 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Stir all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Add
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup butter (melted slightly in the microwave)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Use the back of a large spoon to work it all together. You may even need to use your hands to get everything incorporated.

Then roll the cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, place on a parchment covered baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. I got about 26-28 cookies out of these.

A New Engagement!!

I was very excited to get a phone call from my sister asking if I would take some of her engagement pictures for the save the dates. Of course my answer was Yes!  I knew the perfect spot, Stillwater MN. Stillwater is a small, quant little city along the St. Croix River. This wonderful place is known for its shopping, food and beautiful views. The leaves were turning their bright vibrate colors and the weather wasn’t too cold yet. They had found this beautiful tree with bright yellow leaves on it to take pictures near, it was perfect. The pictures turned out great. Love how cute Melissa and Jason were together.

I can’t wait until there special day--September 22 2012