Goodies!

Before it's all past and I can't remember a thing, here's what's been going on, complete with recipes for some simple goodies that you can click & print...

With Ryan's extended family we always get together before Christmas.  As the family has grown, it's just too hard to get everyone together on Christmas.  We always play Dirty Santa {and Grandaddy loves on his baby girl}.

We have a wonderful pot-luck finger food dinner...finger foods are my favorite by the way!  If you're looking for a super simple spicy recipe, here is Ryan's favorite appetizer that I make. 

I had a few friends over for brunch & ornament making. 

I love any excuse to get together with friends & eat & do crafts. 

I made the sausage pinwheels that I made here, {without the orange food-coloring this time}.  Super simple to make...

I enjoyed a day spent with Ben's class at the Elf University.  The kids learned about being good elves {how to wrap presents, singing songs, making elf hats, what elves eat, toy testing, etc}. 

At the end of the field trip, we had a "picnic" lunch.  I packed Christmas cheese, as my kids call it.  I have a set of small Christmas-shaped cookie cutters.  I buy blocks of cheese & cut them using the cookie cutters.  I have sets for other holidays, too.  It's just a fun little treat!

We had a wonderful night hosting our annual Christmas party with our best friends.  The kiddos all played Dirty Santa.  Then we all (adults & kids) played Bonco.  The kids caught on quickly & it was a hoot!  Some crazy yellers in our bunch!  {Those yellers were adults & not kids, by the way.}

We always have a Christmas finger food feast at this party.  My favorite recipe from the night is one that I continue to tweak.  This is my family's favorite version of sausage balls.  I think the key is diced cheese, not shredded cheese.

We're anxiously awaiting the end of school!  Can't wait to have my boys at home for a couple of weeks!