Christmas Countdown

Nov 13, 2014 /

I have found myself frequently asking Mike if it is STILL too soon for Christmas decorations. We don’t have much, but we do have a little 3 foot tree that I’ve been dying to pull out.

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t just LOVE Christmas.

I am no exception.

But my question is still.. How soon is too soon?

I mean, Christmas music is already exclusively playing in my car. When I walk around in this freezing tundra that is currently the state of Kansas I can’t help but think Christmas is only a week away.

But, 41 days.

Christmas just does something to my spirit. Last night I went to Target to buy toilet paper… It was a bad call, but it was so cold outside and I wanted to enjoy the warmth so, I walked around. I browsed. And slowly but surely the cart filled up.

You can add to that a cute little fox to match the bird, some Christmas gifts for family, and this.

Alfie’s first winter vest! It was $3 in the bargain section. Miraculously, I think he likes it. When I take it off for awhile and then pull it out to put it back on him (just to see how he feels about it) he just sits patiently waiting for me to put it on. Heart melt. And it’s reversible!

So today is going to be the start of Christmas season for me. I woke up this morning, ready. I made hot chocolate, put my feet by the heater, and sat down to work on our Holiday card. And maybe later this afternoon I’ll pull out our little tree from storage and play Christmas music through the house. That with laundry, dishes, cleaning, and writing out my November goals (no judging – it includes FINALLY changing my name on my social security card).

Happy Day! Has the Christmas spirit struck you yet?

Crockpot: Mexican Chicken Chili

Nov 11, 2014 /

This meal. It’s a staple in our home. I keep all the ingredients on hand just in case I decide to make it on any given afternoon. It’s one of those “throw all the ingredients in the crockpot and go” recipes and we just absolutely love it. It’s also perfect for the current “polar vortex” that is taking over America.

Mexican Chicken Chili: Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cans diced green chiles
1 can corn
1 package taco seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
Optional: shredded cheese, green onions, tortilla chips

I keep everything on hand. This would also be a really simple freezer meal. Just pour it all into a freezer bag and the morning of pop it into the crockpot!

Instructions

1. Add chicken, soup, green chiles, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth to your crockpot.

2. Let cook for 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high

3. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Return the chicken to the crockpot.

4. Serve warm and save your leftovers!

Let me know what you think! It’s great comfort food and really good at keeping you warm.

Happy Day!

Five on Friday

Nov 7, 2014 /

Good Morning Friday! Today I am linked up with April, Darci, Christina, and Natasha for Five on Friday!

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1. Family Photos

We took family photos a couple weeks ago. Thank goodness for sister in laws that know how to use a camera! She captured some truly beautiful photos of Mike, Alfred, and I – I’m of course teasing you because I won’t be revealing all of them until our Christmas card is out the door but I will share one.

That’s my brother in law in the back. This photo is a keeper and honestly I kinda love it enough to frame it! Also, the pup is literally looking right at the camera! This is the only one where he cooperated this well. But if you can’t tell, our photo shoot was a lot of fun.

2. Apple Cider Donuts

Have you seen my apple cider donuts recipe yet? These take a lot of work, but they are so worth it when you try your first bite.

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3. Thanksgiving Decor

If you’ve been following along, you know that I’ve been having this decoration life crisis… Well the crisis is feeling like much less of a burden and it is definitely reassuring that Fall decor can cover both Halloween and Thanksgiving. I haven’t changed anything in the house yet. I plan on pulling out Christmas the week of Thanksgiving, but I did change my little chalkboard!

I’m still working on mastering my chalkboard handwriting skills and I’m disappointed in the quality of this chalkboard. The black is rubbing off when I try to write on it so it makes it very difficult to get anything to show up. Next month I will probably put a fresh coat of chalkboard paint on it and see if that helps. Bummer.

4. A Puppy Update

Wednesday was the anniversary of when we got Alfred. It was also my brother in laws birthday (Happy Birthday Matt!). So, we’ve officially had Alf for 2 years. When we were in Arizona he got to stay with his cousin Boo dog. He came home and went under the bed and only came out twice in 24 hours. Once to go outside and once to eat. I think he had fun.

5. A BIG Thanks!

Our facebook page hit 100 likes this week! I have been feeling so blessed by this little blog lately and 100 likes adds to that tremendously. It may not seem like a lot to some, but it feels like millions to me. So, thank you for the support and if you haven’t hit like yet, maybe today is your day! CLICK HERE TO LIKE

You can also follow us on Bloglovin’ to read all our newest blog updates in one place!

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Happy Friday!

About Kelsey Jaderston

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