CarrieDaway

This is the picture I wanted to use for our Christmas card but Danny wanted another one. I’m just glad we got the Christmas cards out.

I’m determined to be healthy in 2018 and am not waiting to start. We tried three new recipes this week that had more vegetables than any food we ate this month. I’ll definitely be keeping this blog post handy.

Slow-Cooker Persian Lamb Stew – I couldn’t find lamb so we used beef. It wasn’t as flavorful as I hoped but it was an easy Monday night dinner with Mr. B

Lemon-Ginger Chicken and Green Beans – I love this recipe because Lucas likes to help cook green beans. The cucumber salad recipe included is amazing and we’ll be making it regularly (I made it to go with the recipe below.

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Za’atar, Potatoes, and Greens – This is going on a favorite’s list. Super easy and delicious. I put the chicken in a gallon bag and randomly added the following spices for the Za’atar at similar proportions.

• 1/4 cup sumac/lemon pepper
• 2 tablespoons thyme.
• 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds.
• 2 tablespoons marjoram.
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano.
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt.

I don’t need a new dress but if I were getting one for the holidays – this would be it (50% off is tempting).

We probably didn’t need this but it helps complete the living room and is great for storing Lucas’ toys. I really feel this will be the year we get the house looking exactly like I hoped.

My loathe of shopping is evidenced by the fact Lucas LITERALLY reminded me that HE needed to get a present for Danny today. Glad he’s on the ball.  It’s not that I don’t like giving things to people because people-pleasing is a weakness, it’s the ‘random’ deadline and forced nature that takes the fun out of it for me. Anyway, I did find a few gifts that I’m especially excited to give – including Danny’s which will be the most epic gift ever.

• Lucas loves to do yoga and help me clean so I can’t wait for him to open his presents.
• This sweater sums up B perfectly – plus it’s Stitch!
• I can’t wait for Cara  to see this shirt I got for Lily, I so wish they had another one for Emily.
• I think Madeline will like this as much as (maybe more than) Kensley.
• I saw this penguin book and had to get it for the Hakalas

On a random note, we have two trees this year and on the one downstairs we bought two ornaments – Spiderman and a race car to represent some of Lucas’ favorite things from this year (I’m still looking for Elmo). Each year we’ll get ornaments that represent his favorite things. Another fun tip from Joanna Gaines.

And you know I going to make Danny recreate Harry and Meghan’s engagement photos this summer. That pink dress would kind of be perfect for it…

Merry Christmas!