I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

What a time this Christmas was. Taylor and I shared stockings at our house before heading over to my mom and sisters house for "Christmas". At their house "Christmas" consists of 5 kids, 3 adults, 2 dogs, 2 cats and one big surprise! So lets get back to stockings for Taylor and I. I found this adorable nose warmer for her and it was even in her college colors....

How cute is she!!!

So after Taylor and I got dressed we headed over to the Meyer/Clark household for some good ol' fashioned chaos! I of course, had camera in hand but just enjoyed being with my family and watching expressions, listening to conversations and just being entertained by all arround.

With Taylor, I also brought Shane who came as a surprise to the family! The gift he is opening is from his newes neice...Taylor. Some might quesiton her gift buying abilities! You be the judge for yourself!

The Ultimate Bail Out!

So I just realized how long it's been since I've blogged last! I can't believe it actually. For something that is so addicting how can I have neglected it for so long??? I thought I'd post a quick one since I'm hopefully headed out the door soon. I just had to tell you about one of the nicest guys I know! This is Justin...

Family man, married and has 5 adorable children yet he still came to help Taylor and I bail out of the driveway. After our first sonw on Sunday I was driving my new jeep and slid down the hill into our culdesac. Strange thing is I have 4 wheel drive and jeeps are made for this kind of weather! Well needless to say I was a little gun shy to drive my car so we are now driving the Mountaineer which is handling beautifully! We wouldn't be driving this car if it hadn't been for Justin coming over on Wednesday and helping us get it un-stuck from where I had managed to get it!

Yep....right out the driveway! STUCK! Justin bought us a snow shovel and brought over a regular shovel to help get the car out. After that he followed me to the storage location where we had the snow tires, followed us to Les Schwab (which by the way they were swamped - go figure!) and then made sure we were set! So a huge shout out goes to Justin for all his kindness! Who knows, if he hadn't helped us Taylor and I would probably still be stranded!

Here are a few more photos from this last week.

What kind of a pet mom would I be if I didn't include some adorable pics of Bear?

Ok, so obviously that isn't Bear but it is Doug and I at my moms house! We were taking Abbie and Taylor out sledding at the school! Loads of fun but boy was it freezing!!!

Christmas Presents that keep giving!

Taylor and I were blessed with a special gift from her Aunt Nancy and Uncle Harry from Arkansas. The gave us a cooking class at Sur La Table. Taylor and I headed out to downtown Portland to see if they could teach us anything about cooking! ;) Taylor loves to cook and when she's home from college I get completly spoiled. The menu you ask?

Christmas Dinner for the busy cook:

Apple and Chestnut Soup

Parsley and Thyme Crusted Roast Beef with Shallot Jus

Roasted Baby Carrots with Caraway, Fennel and Mustard Seeds

Potato and Parsnip Gratin with Parmesan

Orange Mousse Trifle with Dark Chocolate Topping

Sounds difficult but it was sooo yummy!