An Innocent Bystander...

It really wasn't his idea, but he went along with it anyway.
He figured that if it made his aunts happy, he would be glad to wear the green jersey with the number 4 on it. What's the big deal?
His Mommy and Daddy were both quite diplomatic and didn't comment or complain as we put it on him. They let him wear it home and then to his other Grampa's house. That's when things got a bit sticky. It seems that the Minnesota relatives don't like the color... or something. Well, I dunno.... What's the big deal?
His Uncle Mark says he has good taste as it concerns his wardrobe. He says maybe we'll get a little holiday miracle and the Packers will make the playoffs. In short, he says, the Giants have to lose and the Packers have to win. (and that's the big deal!)

What's for lunch?

Diane's White Chile
(This would taste good anytime, but was especially delicious on a recent winter day for my family. I doubled the recipe.)
Ingredients:
1 T Olive Oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cubed.
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/4 cups reduced-salt chicken broth
1 small (4 oz) can mild green chilies, chopped
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried cilantro
1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 can (15 oz) cannelloni or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 green onions (white part and 3 inches of green part) chopped
2 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions; cook 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in broth, green chilies and spices. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir in beans and simmer 5 minutes more.
• Serve chili immediately, topped with green onions and cheese.
• Add a green salad and warm cornbread for a complete meal.
• Recipe from Diane Powell - friend and educator.
  

Merry Christmas...

Lighted Christmas trees, so straight and tall;
With surprises beneath them for one and all.
Bright eyes and smiles and loved ones around
Christmas traditions and memories abound.

Look to the manger, the baby so small;
Emmanuel, "God with us", for one and for all.
Bright hope of heaven, the angels still herald,
New Christmas miracles and joy to the world!

Merry Christmas and may God bless us... every one.

Happy Birthday, Mimi...

When are you gonna act your age?

Hope you always stay so cute! Love, MM xoxoxoxoxoxxo

Aunt Anne saves the day...

...or "Making that all-important first impression!"

I was thrilled to be invited this year to the teachers' festive yuletide celebration. A relatively new tradition, it has been going on for about four years. Mostly attended by my younger colleagues, the party consists lots of laughter, teacher talk, good food and the usual libations; all of which precede the "Ugly Ornament Contest". (This contest becomes the topic of many teacher conversations throughout the year and, now, I know why. But that is a topic for yet another blog.) In my desire to make that all-important first impression, I knew I needed to bring the best dish to share. "Aunt Anne's Buffalo chicken Dip" went over so well, I think I might be "in" again next year. We had a blast, laughed out loud and made many new friends. Thank you, Aunt Anne!

Aunt Anne's Buffalo Chicken Dip
4 boneless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
1 12-oz bottle hot sauce
2 8-oz. Philadelphia cream cheese
1 8 oz bottle Blue Cheese dressing
1 8-oz bottle Ranch dressing
1 8-oz package Monterrey Jack cheese- shredded
½ cup copped celery

Mix shredded chicken with hot sauce and spread in bottom of 13X9 pan. Over medium heat melt cream cheese and dressings until smooth. Pour over chicken mixture. Top with Monterrey Jack cheese and celery. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes until bubbly. Let sit 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with Frito scoops.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Winter mornings...

We had a week of picture-perfect winter mornings that would have been suitable for a Lange calendar! The brilliant moon, though now waning, lighted the still-dark sky and bounced its beams off piles of snow from our recent 12-inch dump. Snow brings thoughts of Christmas and the carols played in my mind as I drove to school each morning. Morning after morning I delighted to see the moon up above; a polished pearl brightening the blue gray sky, while ribbons of sunlight began forming across the landscape. The whiteness of the winter added to my mood and the snow had its usual "youth-a-nizing" effect on me. What a gift from God.
Two melting days later, dense fog and gray outlines are all I can make out. Its just plain wet. Moon and sun are hiding. And just like any jolt of reality or major change in life, it is hard to take. But I have already decided to hum Christmas carols as I drive to school this morning, and thank God for ALL his wonderful GIFTS.