Now that's a snow storm!

Fairy Triad

I have been saving this box for the perfect snowy day and today is that day.  The Northeast is getting blasted with a huge storm.   We are still in our pj's, fire is going and we are going NO WHERE today.

We have planted four different plants in this little house.  When they grow they are suppose to attract the fairies.  Which according to the package will be know to us if:  1.  We hear the bells ring.  2.  Sudden cold.  3.  Unexplained trembling of the leaves.  4.  A whirlwind or dust devil  5.  A feeling of something crawling in your hair when nothing is there.   (heh heh  I know my friend Lelan over at Good Gravy will LOVE that!)

While I am glad this product is made in the USA.  We have a little bone to pick with Mr. David W.  Our box did not include the colored fairy rocks.   So as you can see from the pics above we had to use part of our stash of shells and rocks. 

 David W. your complaint letter will be coming  in the mail any day now.

I will keep you posted if anything grows!



Now that's A LOT of garlic!

In my quest for a healthier, skinner New Year- I have the crockpot out and 8 truck loads of garlic to try to put some flavor into our dinner.   Luckily I got the new Better Homes and Garden crockpot cookbook for Christmas.

Thyme and Garlic Chicken

6 cloves of garlic, minced
1.5 teaspoons of dried thyme
3 to 4 pounds whole chix breasts (with bone)
1/4 orange juice
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

Sprinkle thyme and garlic over chix.   Place into crockpot.  Pour over orange juice and vinegar.  Cover and cook 5-6 hours on low.  2.5-3 on high. 

Remove chix from cooker (cover with foil to keep warm).  Skim fat from cooking juices.  Strain into a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered about 10 mins until reduced to 1 cup.  Pass juices with chix.

I told you it was a ton of garlic!  You should smell the house.  No vampires here........and I apologize for my breath in advance over the next few days.

Winter Fairy houses

We are really on a fairy house kick right now!  The girls have watched this movie several times and love it!

This is how I know I am in trouble.....

The look of sheer joy on Olivia's face the entire way down the hill.   Now look at Abby's- sheer terror.  Abby is my quiet, less adventurous one.   Olivia...... well....  nothing has scared her yet. 

Potty training

That's what we have been doing around here.  Not a ton of success yet, but we are still hopeful!  Staging area is set with all the comforts of a bathroom right in the kitchen/dining area.   Potty seat, baby doll on right next to potty seat, extra seating for those who choose to hang out with the one in training, books to pass the time, wipes and of course the reward that makes it all worth it in the end.  M & M's. 

Those are for me of course!

Sometimes a cash register helps pass the time too!



All their dreams came true!

If you remember from the girls Christmas list  it included-Olivia dreaming of peanut butter and Abby a snowflake ornament.  Luckily Santa came through for them and luckily for Santa in these tough economic times their demands were not that high!

She was truly happy with the peanut butter!

And my Christmas wish came partly true- both of them were cooperative when it came time to get into our Christmas garb.  However, many pictures came out less than perfect.   Here is Abby doing her ET impression with her neck!