it's the most wonderful time of the year

I LOVE CHRISTMAS.

Especially as a mom - seeing Christmas through my kids eyes makes it that much more amazing.  They find joy in every single aspect of it... the trees, the lights, the presents (of course), the movies and tv shows - and to my delight - the traditions.

This year they all three remember what we did in previous years, and want to do it again.  This is so awesome to me, because I am a creature of habit in many ways.  (Except when it comes to blogs, which I regret to tell you I am dying to change the name of mine again.  I'm trying to resist.  Trying very hard.)

I love shopping for bargins, and that is fun for me this time of year, too.  For instance, look what I just got for a lovely 25% off AND free shipping:

They are from the Children's Place- they're listed as monster slippers but give me a break.  Those are totally dinosaur feet.

I'm also working along on an advent calendar with Homemade by Jill and I'm not sure if I'll EVER finish, let alone on time.  I have all of my little pockets embroidered.  I'm going to try to at least get a few ornaments done and see if I can keep up with the kids... 

I'll take photos when I get it hung.  Maybe. ;)

Amy's Creamy Wild Rice Crockpot Soup...

I wanted to try a recipe - and when I went to the bookmark it wouldn't pull up.  I searched the internet and found so many different versions of creamy wild rice soup that I decided to combine ingredients and try my own version.

I'm proud of how yummy it is.
The goods:

1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 can chicken breast chunks, rinsed and drained
2 boxes rice-a-roni wild rice (including seasoning packets in the box)
2 cups chopped carrots
1 can evaporated milk

Mix everything but the evaporated milk in the crockpot.  Set on low and allow to cook for about 6 hours.  Stir in the evaporated milk, let warm another 30 or so minutes.  Serve and eat your face off.

If it winds up being not soupy enough for you after adding the evaporated milk, add a little more water to your desired consistancy.

Spinach Artichoke Dip - in the crockpot!

This is my friend Adrianne's recipe - and it's awesome.

While preparing the other ingredients, melt 1/2 a stick of butter in the crockpot.  I usually add dry onions and let them soften in the butter - you could show me up and actually chop onions if you're like that.

The rest of the ingredients - just toss them in and walk away for 2 hours or so!

1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 8-oz package of cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup parmesan  cheese
1 minced clove of garlic
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 can (14 oz) artichokes - drained, rinsed and chopped finely
1 pkg frozen spinach - thawed, rinsed and drained

Serve with chips and don't think about the calories you're consuming.  :)