Christmas at Garvan Gardens

Iron Mountain Houseboats

Iron Mountain Houseboats-we watched these musical trees for several minutes!

More Houseboats

The Dock going to the boats- I look huge....it's my fluffy coat!

Ann, Randy, Luke

Me & Luke @ Garven Gardens

Randy & Ann

Ann Roasting Marshmallows

A Gingerbread House

Christmas lights

The beautiful sunset we saw going to Hot Springs

Saturday night Luke and I went with Randy and Ann to Garvan Gardens. This has become a yearly tradition! I was really impressed with myself as I could actually walk the gardens in my boot. The lights were so pretty and the weather was great. We even got to roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate! We got lost from the guys one time....when I called Luke and he asked where we were I said, "Oh we're by the lights!" Duh...there were lights everywhere! After the gardens we went to eat at Jasons (another tradition). Their catfish is SO good. We left Jasons and headed over to Iron Mountain. This year we took our cameras and got some pics of the houseboats decorated for Christmas. The money donated from Iron Mountain goes toward Make a Wish....and one guy told me that by the time the season was over they would have made 1 total wish come true...how cool is that!

Christmas Lights

Me & Amber in the car

Luke & Mark

The Benton Courthouse

Someone really went all out!

We liked this one

Me & Luke with Aly & George

Mark & Amber

Mark and Amber came over last night to look at Christmas lights. I fixed Spaghetti, Bread sticks, & Salad for supper. We ate and then headed out to look at Christmas lights. We had hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to take along too! The lights were pretty and we had a blast visiting. Some people really go all out while others seem to make it simple with their lights. Either way I sure do enjoy this time of year. After driving around Luke and Mark decided to fix the belt on Mark's car. Well, I guess they decided to do it right then as it went out while they were on their way home! Amber and I watched some of Jon & Kate Plus 8 and even the Duggar Family (which really irritates us!!!). We had a good time. Thanks guys for being wonderful friends!

Lunch with Lily and Christylee

My sweet Lily

Love that face!

Christylee's Christmas tree....I'm jealous all her stuff is already wrapped!

Christylee and Lily

Her 4 outfits I got her....I'm loving the berry shirt and jeans.

Today I went to Christylee's house and had lunch with her and Lily. We had fun as usual. Christylee made a honey-mustard pizza that was great! She also make coconut chocolate chip cookies that tasted so good and warm! I really wanted to give Lily her Christmas (well she doesn't really know I gave her anything...but these outfits I couldn't resist!). I bought all of this at Carters in Branson. I really went overboard...which was easy to do when Luke was so supportive! I can't wait to see her in these outfits...maybe we can do a photo shoot soon! Thanks for lunch Chrusty!

Potato Ham Soup

Ok, this recipe is WONDERFUL!!! It's what we are having for supper tonight. It can't get any easier! I even added a few handfuls of shredded cheddar and even some Parmesan to it! Enjoy!

Ham & Potato Soup
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery ( I didn't use this!! It's fine)
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules (I used 1 bouillon cube!)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
DIRECTIONS
Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

Christmas is Here!

Well, it's been here at our house since Halloween....but I haven't had time to post. Enjoy!

Christmas in our bedroom

Our bedroom tree

Christmas in the kitchen

Our living room tree

My Gingerbread Men

Christmas in the Guest Room

The Guest Room Tree

The Guest Bathroom tree

The dogs room tree

Just in case you don't get a Christmas card from us...these are the ones I made this year...love my Cricut!!!

An MRI is in store for me!

I get to have an MRI done tomorrow on my toe. Dr. Wright (my PCP) told me it was crazy to still be in a boot in 5 months...so she ordered an MRI and we'll see where to go from there. I feel better knowing something is being done...this boot stuff is for the birds! Oh yeah, and I have another ear infection!!! Go figure...I did figure out I am able to do a 1 mile walking video in the living room...so not all is lost! I am going to take some Christmas pics today of the house and share later! So stay tuned!!

I love being a Tutor

Volunteering is a wonderful gift! Some people don't volunteer because you don't get paid...then there are others that don't think they have the time...well all I can say is that if you volunteer your time, the Lord blesses you beyond measure.

I was blessed today. I met my tutoree- a sweet little 4th grade girl. She loves to read (right up my alley) and has trouble counting change (that's me too! Thank God for cash registers!!!). We visited and she seemed to have a good time today. I cannot wait for next Monday. I'm sure I will have a little gift for her every Monday. At first, I was afraid I wouldn't get to meet my little friend because she was so late! Then, I felt ever so nervous sitting in the office....let's just say I was never one to be in the office as a child! When the principal came and introduced herself to me, I was all "Yes Ma'am." I think I even stood up straighter! It all seemed to work out in the end...and I didn't even get in trouble!

I don't know why the Lord chose to put this little girl in my life, but I'm forever grateful He did. Just knowing that I am able to help or encourage her in her school work is so worth it. I thank God for his wonderful blessings...and knowing He cares about every little part of our hearts!