Thursday, December 17, 2015

Magical Family Day

I have not taken near the photos I should be taking. I've  missed:

  • Katie, Krista and Arielle - need a roomie shot. 
  • The Progressive Dinner crowd. 
  • Krista dressed in her outfit Michael brought from Afghanistan on her way to work. It's spirit week. She was Mallah.
  • Arielle and Stacia snuggled on the couch - with me - watching "girl movies." 
  • The Boys Christmas Shopping. 
  • Dad in the back of a truck working on lights from the roof. 
  • Mom and Dad over here for dinner and visiting. 
After everyone slowly got ready, we went separate ways.  We invited Mom and Dad to come over for Chili and Cornbread (one of Arielle's favorites) for dinner.  The boys went to get a van seat from Mom and Dad's garage and on to Christmas shopping. 

Arielle, Stacia and I headed to Winco to buy groceries for a few dinners. Arielle made my day when she asked if we could put left over chili in the freezer for her to eat later. She said she'd told her friends, "Mom is coming and we'll have real vegan meals."  I couldn't say no....and suggested a few other meals we could make and freeze for her and Krista to quickly grab (Veggie Pot Pie, Lentil Spinach hot pockets....).  We made enough Chili to feed us all and put these in the freezer...and Instant Pot and a crock pot full.  Yes, I DID bring my instant pot with me. 

We got home from Winco before the men made it home. We snuggled under blankets on the futon, watched The White Christmas, and ate popcorn. Arielle promptly fell asleep on my lap - it was magical. 

Krista got home from work, as Arielle was leaving for work. The kids played Catan - Krista dominated. We ate dinner. We visited. Mom and Dad went home. 
Note the "guard fish" on the corner of the piano
They're all playing Snow Board Kids now....I'm blogging...we're waiting for Arielle to get home from work.  

We need to make a plan for tomorow. Maybe a light show at Hope Chapel, or a drive through Nativity in Elmira, or just pizza and games here at the house. 

Whole-Wheat Drop Biscuits (Vegan!)


These were good! Not quite the fluffy goodness of the white, butter-filled biscuits I have loved in the past....but good. You won't taste the applesauce. These are very low fat - the only fat coming in the non-dairy milk. I added some Italian spices and GARLIC. This is another Happy Herbivore recipe.  These were easy to make in my tiny trailer kitchen - they should be easy to make in your kitchen.


For more yummy eats (some vegan, some NOT) click the "Yummy Eats" tab under the cover photo.

We're in Oregon

Over the river and through the woods....yep....it was a good call by Weatherman Nate and Jennifer. Thanks, friend. It was good for us to leave on Wednesday rather than Saturday or Friday.  The roads weren't bad - but there was a feeling that snow was going to dump at any moment.


It was 30* when we stopped for lunch.  We are used to snow in the mountains but its usually not down to the valley and the road. 
 

It was a beautiful drive. I had a hard time leaving our tiny home on wheels in CA - but it's best for this trip. We certainly make better time without it. ::snort:: 


We are staying at Krista, Arielle and Katie's home this week. When we arrived Mom was at the girl's home,  cooking for a youth group progressive dinner which was going to be popping in at any moment. We pitched in, then sat and ate and visited with the kids when they arrived.  Krista left with the gang for the next house. We caught up with Arielle and Mom. Dad came over for a visit. Krista got home. Mom and Dad left. Bre stopped by (she had AWANA earlier). We visited a few more hours.  It's good to be with the Gherkins. 

We've arrived early - so we'll try to stay out of everyones way until THEIR holidays begin! LOL The boys will arrive after Christmas.