A Binford Family Christmas

I don't know where the last few weeks have gone, but Christmas came and is now a thing of the past.  We enjoyed several celebrations with the Binford family, and as always, there were many laughs.

Meet the newest addition to the Binford Family... Sugar Lily Binford.

The highlight of the holiday was the arrival of Sugar Lily Binford.  She was dropped off by Santa, and she has melted the hearts of us all. She is a tiny Maltese, and only weighs about a pound.  Hopefully she will grow to be a whopping 4 to 5 pounds.

Talking to Santa...her annual phone call. He said he had a white puppy on his sleigh!

So, her face was priceless when she realized it was something alive. 

And then a mad dash to see what it was.

She kept saying, "I think it is a dream!"

The Little Man didn't know what to think.

They both kept checking her out.

I think she was scared to open her kennel... Scott finally took her out.

She was so happy!

Poor puppy!

And even more love!

I think Daddy loves her too!  He said she doesn't even have puppy breath!

Our happy little Pickle.  She had to share with Daddy...

So, regardless of her other presents, all she cared about was Sugar Lily.  The Little Man on the other hand was feeling so bad...he didn't care about anything other than Mommy!

One of the traditions we adopted after my Mom died was to have matching Christmas pajamas.  I made sure we all had white long sleeve t-shirts and made pajama pants for everyone. Reference the above picture...Scott didn't participate until I threw a fit, and he changed before our friend's joined us for breakfast.  I failed to get a picture, the Little Man had to be changed, so again, we didn't match. Oh, well. We have next year!

The Little Man played with his new tool bench for a minute...

Then it was back to the couch and Nuggie.

This is the coolest gift Pickles received.  Alison and Annabelle our next door neighbors and the best babysitters ever, knitted an entire wardrobe for Pickle's American Girl dolls.  This picture doesn't do it justice, but I want to put these up instead of letting her play with them.  They said they have worked on these since summer. What an awesome gift!!!

And they knitted stocking caps for both children.

And Annabelle crocheted these animal for the Little Man. I think they like our children, just a little bit!

So, even though we didn't get to see my family, we had a wonderful Christmas.  We enjoyed Christmas Eve communion and Christmas morning worship at church and celebrated the true meaning for the occasion. The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful he was born on Christmas Day!

To me, this was one of the best Christmases ever!  The sheer joy on Pickles face was priceless.  And just for the record, she has yet to let the puppy be at peace.

I hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Christmas Joy

Today, I am going to be quick and share with you a little Christmas Joy.  I have been so overly busy and stretched to the max, that I haven't even penned a few words to you in quite some time.

As many know, our Little Man is sick yet again with tonsillitis.  I know this is not the end of the world, but he has been really bad this time.  We are getting our tonsils out soon, but not soon enough.  I hate when he is sick, but really hate it this time of year. His difficulty and craziness level is multiplied by 20.  Now add codeine to this, and we are into literally everything.

In the midst of this, we are also having work done on our house.  So, combine all the Christmas festivities, a sick child and an upside down home, and right now my life is chaos!

Tonight has been one of those nights when I would like a restart button.  I picked him up for school a lethargic little lifeless man.  He was pitiful!  That is to say the least.  We got home, another dose of Motrin and we are ready to eat.  He ate merely half a hot dog and a handful of Goldfish, and he is now destroying as much as he can faster than I can keep up!  I don't know where his energy come from, but now I dread giving him the cough  medicine.  Thank you Lord that he if feeling better.  I will gladly clean up behind him!

On the upside, I wanted to share our Christmas pictures with you.  OK, I should say the children's pictures.  And I know you will ask, I did make their outfits, and I know my sister will disapprove!

My sweet babies!

We told Santa all that we wanted!
 

The Little Man even checked to make sure his beard was real!

Sweet Girl!

 And since I was feeling overwhelmed with all that is going on, I impulse purchased Jim Brickman's "All is Calm" album tonight, and it is perfect.  This entire CD is full of  relaxing Christmas carols!  I love it!

During this busy time, we have been reminded of the Magic of Christmas in several different ways.  Our little Pickle and her friends made blankets and delivered them to the Children's hospital in Memphis.  It is very humbling to put it into perspective for them that everyone is not healthy and spending the Holidays at home with their family.

Another magical moment was when we were caroling with our church. The pure joy on the faces we sang to was touching.  Especially an older man who is wheelchair bound. He opened the door just so Pickles could sing directly to him.  She was so moved that her song and voice meant so much to him, and that he found her singing so special. She now wants to go and take him a special gift and make sure he has a very Merry Christmas!  That my friends is what it is all about!  It didn't cost us anything, and I promise you couldn't have put a price on her gift of song.

I sincerely hope that you and your family are celebrating all the joy that is to be had during this Christmas season, and remember that Jesus is the reason for Christmas!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

I have a love affair with pecans.  There, it is out in the open and everyone can now be in the know.  It started when I was a small child, and still continues today.  I can remember picking through shelled pecans with my Mom, and eating as many as I put in the keep bowl.  I was so excited this year when the pecans started dropping in my backyard.  You see, we haven't had enough pecans to pick up for the last few years.  This year, the ground is covered.

I was a little sneaky enlisting help picking up these precious pecans.  I got Pickles in on the action.  At first it was just fun, and then she decided she too likes them, and the next thing you know, we have successfully picked up 39 pounds of pecans.  I took them to the local feed store, and they cracked these precious gems for us, and lets just say it was worth every penny.

I am surprised at how expensive pecans are in the store.  I purchased some when we were in Oklahoma for Thanksgiving, and they are much more than almonds or walnuts.  Regardless, I always choose pecans.  I love pecans to eat raw, toasted, toasted in a salad, spiced and toasted in a salad... a little to Forrest Gumpish, but you get the idea.  Last night I made the first batch of Sweet and Spicy Pecans for this season.  I think that I will have to make a few more batches if I am going to have any to give.  They are so delicious, almost like the nut stand in the middle of the fair where you can smell the aroma on the other side of the fairgrounds... My house still smells great, and I guess I will have to make another batch to share with my friends!

My jar of Sweet and Spicy pecans... A great gift for pecan lovers like me!

In a large bowl, place one egg white...

Whisk egg white until it is foamy and no liquid remains...

Here is my whipped egg white...don't you love the soft peaks?

Gently add your pecans.  I place mine to one side so they don't deflate my egg white.

Gently toss to coat making sure that all pecans are evenly coated with egg white.  Remember this is the glue that keeps your spices and sugar attached to the pecans.

Add the sugar and spice mixture and toss again until evenly coated. 

Place on a cookie sheet lined with either parchment paper or a Silpat and place in the oven at 275 degrees for 1 hour.

Allow to cool, and place in a pretty jar.  These are ready to go!

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

1 pound pecans (about 4 cups)
1 egg white
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon spice mix
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Dash of Cayenne Pepper

In a small bowl, combine sugar, spice mix, salt and pepper. Set aside.  In a large bowl, beat egg white with a wire whisk until foamy and no liquid remains.  Add pecans and gently toss until evenly coated.

Pour sugar mixture over the coated pecans and gently toss again until they are all evenly coated.  Place pecans in a single layer on a 15 x 10 jelly roll pan that is lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 275 degrees for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and spread in a single layer on waxed paper and allow to cool.  Store in an airtight container.

If you aren't a big pecan fan, try substituting almonds or even walnuts.  I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Spice Mix
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons dried ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all spices in a small bowl.  Store in an airtight container.

A Quick Dip

After college, I met this older lady in Texas that made the best dip in the world.  I worked with her daughter and she made if for the office one day.  I was in awe.  I didn't know anyone could beat the little packet of Hidden Valley Ranch powder that you mix with sour cream!  Boy, oh boy was I in shock.  I asked my co-worker if she would please get me the recipe.  I am pleased to say that she did, and it is still in my recipe box.

Over the years this dip has evolved a little, but is still pretty much the same.  I am sure that many out there make this dip, or have had it, and only looked for the recipe.  The title is really simple...Dill Dip.  You guessed it, it contains dried dill! My children love this dip, and will eat carrots, celery, broccoli or any other veggie dipped in it.  It is even good on baked potatoes in place of sour cream.  I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

Here are the spices you will need...The only one that is special is the Beau Monde and it is made only by Spice  Islands. The others are Dill Weed, Parsley Flakes, Minced Onions and Garlic Salt.

In small jars, layer the spices starting with the onions.

Finish with the dill, and place the cap on and decorate.

To mix you will need 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise.  

Add the dip mix...

And stir... That is all there is to it!

Serve with your favorite veggies...Pickles chose carrots for her snack.

Dill Dip Mix

1 tablespoon dried onions
1 teaspoon Beau Monde Seasoning
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Layer ingredients in a small jar.  To make Dill Dip, mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup sour cream. Stir well and allow to refrigerate for about an hour before serving.  Enjoy!

Spiced Mocha...Perfect for a cold night!

This has been a wonderful Saturday!  This morning, I took my two little ones, on sick and one obsessed with picking up pecans to help Scott haul hay.  We successfully moved all the hay we needed to in about an hour and a half.  It was a miracle that The Little Man never once climbed out of his car seat!  He was content just riding along watching the tractor.  Guess he is sicker than I thought!

Pickles on the other hand, with bucket in tow, couldn't be bothered opening gates, as it infringed on her time picking up pecans.  I am so thankful I have a helper now.  She decided she loves to eat them, and better pick them up before the squirrels and chickens eat them all.

Today was a beautiful December day here in Mississippi.  This was the perfect day to do any outside activities.  I should have gotten my outside Christmas decorations put up, but they will be there another day. We enjoyed playing on the farm and "checking out" our new baby...

The new baby and it's Mommy...Not sure if it is a boy or a girl...maybe we'll find out in a little while.

The best gate girl ever! She loves doing ballet and closing gates... Love this little angel!!!

As I continue giving ideas from the kitchen, today I share Spiced Mocha Mix. This easy to make mix is so delicious. I typically don't like instant coffee or mixes, but this one is super special. I used a good quality instant coffee.  There are some cheaper, but not for this coffee snob.

Ready to give... Little jars of love! Add a card or label with the mixing instructions.

Place coffee, creamer, sugar, cocoa and cinnamon in a bowl.

Mix well...

Portion into little jars...these are left over baby food jars.

To enjoy, mix 3 tablespoons with 6 ounces of boiling water... Delicious!

Spiced Mocha Mix

1/2 cup instant coffee
1 1/2 cup powdered creamer
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix all ingredients well.  Place in an air tight container.  To use, mix 3 tablespoons with 6 ounces of boiling water. Use within 6 months.

Sugar Scrub...The Perfect Gift!

The Holiday season can be stressful, to say the least.  It seems that we seem to over schedule in every area this time of year. Sure, the party's, cookie swaps, get together's and family time are fun, but then we try and make sure every gift is perfect and that we try to please everyone.  It all adds up to major stress, especially when our budgets get stretched thin.

Today on the Rachael Ray show, she was talking with Mario Batali.  I have always thought he was not only a great chef, but a really cool guy.  He was asked what the perfect hostess gift would be and his answer was, "Anything homemade."  He said he would like jams, jelly or even a jar of Dilly Beans.  The gift is not meant to be expensive, or even served at the party, but just as a gift of gratitude to show your hostess that you appreciate their hospitality.

Tonight, I wanted to share something that is perfect for any hostess.  It is a sugar and olive oil scrub.  Yes, you read that right, it is not a food item, but rather a spa gift.  I don't know of a woman alive that doesn't like to pamper herself on occasion, and if a man will admit to it, they would love this too!  It is super simple to make, and so easy, even your kids can make it without supervision.  That is, if you are brave.  There are no exact recipes, only guidelines.

Pair this with a small candle, a loofah, or even a nice lotion, and you have the perfect gift for anyone.  Make an extra one for yourself, I promise you will love it!

Two little gifts for two special people.

Here is all you need... Raw Sugar, Olive Oil, Essential Oil, and a clean jar.

Fill jar 2/3 full with sugar.

Add olive oil to bottom of threads on jar.

A few drops of essential oil...this is lavender.

Give it a stir, and you are in business.

Put your lid on, and you are good to go.  Now to decorate the jar.

Cut a small square of fabric, about 3 inches bigger than the diameter of the lid.  Secure the fabric to the jar with a rubber band.  It took me a while to figure this one out!  Slow learner...I know.

Tie with ribbon and remove the rubber band.  It's that easy.  Now you have a wonderful little gift.

This took all of about five minutes from start to finish.  I promise anyone can make this!

Again, I hope you enjoy the ideas from the kitchen...

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah