Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for so many things in my life.

A Husband that loves me, children that continue to thrive and grow, good health for all of us. 

Friends that are the glorious flowers in the garden of my life.

Today is my favorite holiday.

I am going to spend the day with my lovely daughter in the kitchen cooking up a storm.

This is the first year she has actually volunteered to help prepare our dinner - previous years it was like pulling teeth to get her to help.  

Colton's girlfriend is the only company we are expecting. 

I'm feeling some serious Holiday cheer.

We put up the Christmas tree last night.

This is the earliest we've EVER done that. 

Usually I put the kids off until at least December 1st.

I'm attributing this incredible holiday zeal to my new job.

Last year at this time I was working an insane amount of OT and it completely drained me of any good holiday feelings.

The new job has almost zero stress and absolutely no OT.

A friend of mine worked 13 hours yesterday and has mandatory OT of 4 hrs fri/sat/sun.

YAY for not having to work like a maniac anymore! 

A little week review.

The wine tasting last Saturday was fantastic!

Good wine, good friends, good food.

Have you ever had olive salsa before?

Well neither had I.

The owner wouldn't give us the recipe, but did provide the five main ingredients, from which I googled enough and found a few recipes that might be it then threw them all together.

Last night I made it:

1 can black olives finely chopped

1 jar green olives with pimentos finely chopped

half a red onion finely chopped

as much garlic as you want - I used six cloves finely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese finely chopped

dash of pepper

1/2 cup EVOO

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

small sprinkle of italian seasoning - would have used only oregano if i'd had it tho

refrigerate about 2 hrs 

serve on your choice of crackers or whatever

I used black pepper olive oil triscuits

YUM!!!!

Yes, I'll have the worst breath for a few days, but totally worth it!

This salsa is totally addicting and I'll be making more today.

The Hubby's cow came home Sunday.

She looks good and is indeed pregnant.

He has taken to calling her little white face.

When she was over at the neighbors she sure stuck out with that little bit of white - the other cows were all solid black.

Shasta snuggling up on a carelessly tossed jacket and extension cord. 

Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday :)

I'll be braving the crowds this evening to take Chyann and a friend shopping. 

eek!