Whirlwind

I feel like this "Christmas Break" has completely FLOWN by and has left me asking, "Where has the time gone?" As a teacher I get the lovely luxury of getting Dec 21st to January 7th off, but let me tell you by the time you add all of the Christmas festivities and New Years plans in to that mix, you're left with only a few days to call your own. Now, I'm not complaining, I just can't believe on Monday it's already time to face the music, and start getting up before 9 am again...

We had Howard's family up for a late Christmas celebration, and they brought the ever-so-cute, Taylor and Sara, who we always love to see. However, Sara wasn't able to make it through The Sound of Music so we let her retire to the guest room.

Sophie enjoyed the company and always had to be laying in the middle of all the action. Pictured here she took up residence on Cathy's feet.

Here Howard is showing off his new Colt's grilling items...however, we still don't yet have a grill, something which I'm sure we'll acquire as soon as spring rolls around (I'm getting tired of cooking, ha-I'll let him take over for the summer).

Speaking of cooking, this recipe is for Jenny, but if you would like to try it, feel free! It's my Gram's beef stew recipe that I tried for the first time with my new crock pot! It turned out very yummy and is a great hot meal for this cold winter weather.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of Beef Stew Meat (cut to bite size-which you can usually ask your butcher for)

2 1/2 lbs. red potatoes (cut up bite size)

1- 1/2 TB Tapioca

1 pkg carrots- (cut up bite size)

1 TB sugar

1 can tomato soup

1/2 can water (use soup can)

salt & pepper to your liking

Cooking Instructions:

Put all ingredients directly into the crockpot and mix well together. Cook on High for 5 hours. Most crock pots only have a 4hr or 6hr setting, so just set another timer to keep track of the 5 hour cook time. Stir occasionally.