Christmas decor

We weren't home much to enjoy them, but we attempted a few decorations for a little more festive, seasonal feel.  These pics were taken early on in the process so I made a few changes and didn't capture everything, but you get the jist.  Elvis assisted in the trimming festivities; His vocal stylings, that is.  But blue wasn't in the color scheme this year.  Although, I imagine one day we may very well have a blue christmas...hopefully in color only and not spirit. 



Entry table

The nativity set I bought from shopgoodwill.com last year.

I changed out the subway art to one with the names of God.

 As much as I enjoyed laying on the couch in a room lit only by the twinkling glow of the tree, hiding treats in our stockings, and wrapping presents in shiny paper and bows, I was more anxious than I expected to rid our small space of the extra clutter.  I held out for two days, but it all had to come down and we're pretty much back to normal.  Except I keep forgetting that wreath on the door...



Excuses, excuses...

#1

3,200 miles on the highway between

Thanksgiving and Christmas

On our last trip home my lower back and rear end began to display their disdain for the amount of time I had depended on them to support me lately, but I had to Mapquest all our travels to realize just how much I had abused them.  I owe my backside a sincere apology.

Thankfully, we get a break from the long car rides for awhile.

#2

A new addition to our family

Introducing:

Penny Lane Bishop

Our 3 month old Maltese

She is in our eyes and in our ears, and she's also made her way into our hearts.

She's a lot of fun and a welcome addition.

Now excuse me while I go clean my carpets.

Here, there, and everywhere,

Jamie

New Orleans Trip #3

So, I almost forgot I hadn't yet posted about our last trip to New Orleans.  It was our last trip of the semester and of course it fell immediately following Thanksgiving and immediately preceding our Christmas concerts at church...busy time.  Will had some really late nights leading up to the trip, so I got the unenviable privilege of driving...the entire way...by myself...while Will slept.  Blah.  But we made it safely, and I promptly went to bed upon our arrival.

This was the first trip so far that I went without a plan.  I had no definite idea of what I wanted to do.  Boy, do I know how to fill some time.  I wore myself out for not having a plan. 

I found my way to the Longue Vue House and Gardens in Mid-City. 
After perusing the house and grounds for a couple hours I went to the French Quarter to do some shopping and get some pictures. 

Saturday, after class, we went to the Krewe of Kringle parade on Canal Street before riding the street car to the Garden district and doing some walking down Magazine Street. 

Here's our trip in pictures:

Longue Vue House

Built in 1939, a local landmark. 
Interesting mix of antiques from all over the world and modern art.

 

Beautiful grounds with several water features and gardens.

French Quarter

One of my favorites of the Cathedral...I love the blue carriage.
We might have to take a ride next time. 

My other fav.

Parade

Complete with: noble NOLA police on elegant horses...

...sharply dressed high school bands showing some moves...

...tiny dancers in Santa hats...

 

  ...tiny, frightened horses in reindeer antlers...

...Elvis, in a Santa suit, on a scooter...Of course...

...floats...with beads, beads, and more beads...

...and a float with a crawfish as the star.

There's nothing like a parade in NOLA.  You can't believe how excited people get over anything being thrown from a float.  We enjoyed another good trip.  We're so glad to be going to school in a cool city, with plenty to explore.  Merry Christmas, Nawlins.  See you in February.

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies

This week was my turn to make snacks for small group.  I had some pre-made cookie dough to use, but I also wanted to make a cookie from scratch to go with the basic chocolate chip.  So, as I often do when I am sharing food with a group of people, I tried a new recipe.  Dangerous, I know.  I think these turned out really well and they are a great holiday cookie.  Will loves them and I recall him saying before that he doesn't like gingerbread.  The butterscotch adds a nice creaminess and unexpected flavor. 

Oatmeal raisin chocolate chip, butterscotch gingerbread, chocolate chip

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
(found on allrecipes; by Nestle)

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup of butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup light molasses (I couldn't find...used regular)
1 (11oz pkg) Butterscotch chips (I used half a bag per others' comments)


Directions

PREHEAT oven to 330 degrees F.


COMBINE flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt in small bowl.

BEAT butter, sugar, egg and molasses in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour mixture until well blended. Stir in chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 10 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.


Make them.  Enjoy them. 

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving 2010

Memphis, TN

Wednesday

*Will arrived around 3am

*shopped at the Collierville mall

*ate bbq at the Germantown Commissary

*Will took a nap

*visited with friends, Ben and Mollie



Will secretly wants to live in the '40s or at least dress me like we do



Thursday

*lunch at Will's parents

*watched football

*family photo shoot

*trip to Old Navy in the pouring rain

*leftovers at the Bishops'

*2 games of Bezzerwizzer

Friday

*got up at 2:30am to very cold temps

*Kohl's at 3am

*Target at 4am

*JcPenny at 4:30am

*Dick's at 5am

*Chickfila at 5:45am

*back in bed by 6:30am

*Thanksgiving lunch with mom

*photos

*bowling with the Weaver's and Baxter's

*leftovers with mom

*naps and football

*bed

Saturday

*left mom's around 11:30

*went to all 3 Tiger related bookstores

*thrift store

*late lunch at Cafe Ole

*bookstore

*drove back to Longview

thrift store finds



It was a whirlwind weekend full of good times with family, good food, and some good deals.  We definitely perfected the art of Black Friday shopping; know what you want, grab it, get to the counter before the line wraps around the store, and on to the next one.  This is not a day to browse.  I also enjoyed that most of what we were looking for and buying was for other people. 
We enjoyed the time at "home" and are glad we were able to make the trip.  But those are just the accessories to the true purpose of the day.


This year we have many things to be thankful for.  We continue to be thankful for the salvation and hope we find in Jesus.  His presence in our life cannot be mistaken.  We are thankful and blessed that He has led us to serve at a God loving, people loving, life changing, mission minded, growing, serving church.  We have been able to heal and to grow.  We are thankful for God's provision in many ways, but especially financially.  We are thankful for new friendships made through our small group and the music ministry.  We are thankful for the opportunity that has been afforded to us for Will to return to school and pursue his DMA.  We are thankful for our health.  And I know I can speak for both of us in saying, we are thankful to be doing life together. 

Happy Thanksgiving (really late)!