Creatively Speaking

I thought I would give a shout out to this kit club.  I have no affiliation with them at all, however I subscribed for a while and now I still keep an eye on their kits.  They make beautiful kits every month and their January 08 kit “Irish Eyes” is no exception.  I love the combination of colors.  There is a lot of Maya Road in this kit too.  I see Maya Road microchips, chipboard crowns, sheers and a mini album.  I love those rub-ons too.  Here is the link if you are interested in taking a closer peek:  http://www.amillionmemories.com/monthly_kits.php. 

Well the flu hit here.  Whatever wasn’t finished for Christmas, isn’t getting done, I guess.  I have had it really bad, but Brad got a milder case.  He has been taking care of the kids.  Today I am up and trying to get some strength back.  The kids are making cookies at their grandparents house for a while and they were so excited to go.  Poor guys have been stuck mostly in the house.  So we are going to have a really quiet Christmas this year.  I just want the kids to enjoy themselves.  They are so excited, they are jumping off the walls.  I told Lauren, one more sleep and then it’s Christmas.  Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. 

This is a yummy soup recipe!  My cousin, Donna gave this to me and it has become my favorite soup to make.  It is based on the Olive Garden soup recipe, but I have made a few changes to it. 

 1lb mild italian sausage in bulk (or links)

1 onion chopped

1 clove of garlic

3 stalks of celery chopped (optional)

1 can of corn

6 red potatoes chopped with skins on

3 cans of chicken broth

1 cup half and half or can of condensed milk

basil

oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Brown the sausage, garlic and onion (and celery if added) until done then add to a soup pot.  Also add the chicken broth, corn, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.  Chop the potatoes into bite size chunks and add to the pot.  Once boiling, lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.   Add the 1/2 and 1/2 (or canned milk), blend together and serve.  You can add a nice loaf of french bread or a salad.  This is the perfect cold weather soup.  The sausage adds just the right amount of flavor.  Enjoy!

I made these fun ornaments last night using Maya Road star coasters, Birds of a Feather chipboard, ribbon and glitter.  The patterned paper is from Daisy D’s Christmas lines. 

I got another package with some new goodies for CHA-W.  Caroline and Deb from Maya Road do such an amazing job coming up with new ideas.  I can’t wait to post some of my projects, but I can’t post them until after CHA-W in Feb, so keep a look out.  Right now I am busy working on them.  I am also busy getting ready for Christmas and trying to plan some of the details for James’ 7th birthday party in January.  It’s a busy time.  A hectic time too since we have all had days of not feeling great around here.  I recently began physical therapy again for what we now believe is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  After 11 months of pain in my neck, arms and hands, I hope to be working toward some relief.  Brad is our rock around here.  He is house hubby/Daddy as well as our working full time hubby/Daddy.   I hope you are all enjoying your holiday season.