Christmas Light Parade

Once again, good ‘ole Huntingburg provided quality holiday activities for the whole family over the weekend, and naturally the Smith women took advantage of it. Along with my mother, aunt, cousin, and some friends, Ava and I attended Saturday night’s Parade of Lights on Fourth Street. This included the Southridge Raider marching band, which provided Christmas music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live walking Nativity scene, and various lighted floats. Plus, everyone carried candles and enjoyed refreshments at Salem Church afterward.

Even though it was a bit cold, everyone was pleased that at least it finally felt like winter!

My New Favorite Green Beans

For my first foray into blogging recipes, I am sharing one for green beans that I found in a random magazine while at the library. Of course, I didn’t copy it down and instead relied on my mad mental skills to remember it. Yes, I should have known better. So this is my own version, a combination of memory and winging-it. Why did I choose this particular recipe to share with everyone? Two reasons. (1) I absolutely LOVE this side dish! (2) No one else in my family enjoys it AT ALL—and I’m determined to find someone who agrees with me. So if anyone actually likes to eat green beans, please try this recipe and tell me if it really is that good!

1 lb. green beans
1 tomato, diced
1 onion, chopped
5 slices turkey bacon
½ c. chicken broth
1 tsp. EVOO

Fry the turkey bacon according to package directions. Crumble into pan and add chopped onion. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Add green beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and EVOO to pan. Stir and cook covered on medium-high heat 2-3 minutes. Then uncover, stir, and cook another 2-3 minutes.

So easy! So delicious! So healthy!
So enjoy!

The Best $30 I Ever Spent

I know, I know, it doesn’t seem like much. But after a REALLY LONG DAY, it truly feels like stepping into the rainforest. Even if my particular rainforest includes adult animals that pee three feet from the waterfall, small friendly creatures that like to hold animated conversations mid-shower, and tiny yet surprisingly loud babes that sometimes screech throughout the entire experience.

You know what? For $30, it’s still a brief tropical escape. I’ll take it!

Holiday Singing Debut

Look closely—Ava is the center one in the red dress

Last night, Ava debuted her singing talent to the world (or at least a large part of the greater Huntingburg community). Her preschool put on its annual Christmas program, and this was her first year participating. Although she was admittedly nervous, she put forth a spectacular performance. She knew all the words and motions to all the songs. Even if her smile was fleeting, her professionalism was applaud-worthy.

And the best part? (Besides her beautiful singing voice, which DOES NOT come from me.) Her wardrobe! After dressing in her Christmas dress, tights, and ballet flats, she informed me that she still wasn't ready. I added a red hair bow. Still not ready! Briefly, Ava disappeared into the bathroom. When she reemerged, it was in all her fashionable glory. She had added a sparkly festive scarf around her neck. (Believe it or not, it actually matched her dress quite well!). On each wrist was a colorful ponytail holder, one red, one green. On the top of one hand was a glittery princess sticker. Now she was ready!

In all, it was a debut to remember. Way to go, Ava! Or should I say, the Divine Miss A!

P.S. Yes, I know the picture is poor-quality. My camera doesn't approve of low-lighted situations. Plus, I had to stand in my seat, swerve dangerously sideways, and anger a few people seated behind me just to get this single shot. Yes, I was one of THOSE mothers.

Telling It Like It Is

One of my many favorite things about my daughter is her ability to cut through bullshit and get right to the heart of a matter. She may be only three years old, but believe me, she’s got your number! This approach especially applies to her father. Yes, I suppose they’re too much alike for a calm, peaceful relationship. At least their fireworks keep our household interesting.

Take last night. Ava wanted something. Erik denied her. She asked. He denied. And on and on and on. Until…..

Ava: Please?

Erik: NO!

Ava: But I promise I’ll….

Erik: NO!

Ava: You’re not listening to me….

Erik: NO!

Ava: OK! You know what Daddy? (A finger drills into his chest). I hate to tell you, but YOU’RE ON THE NAUGHTY LIST!

Would this have been a good time to tell her that my personal nickname for her father during the holiday season is Scrooge? Nah, probably not.

Here Comes Santa Claus

This year, while a multitude of adventurous souls braved the shopping craze that comes with Thanksgiving, the Smiths snuggled into Christmas decorating. A feat which took several days, mainly because Mommy was lugging all the decorations down from the attic ALL BY HERSELF, thank you very much. Also, the long process may have had something to do with the fact that the playroom (which is where we christen our tree) was in and of itself a total mess. I wish I'd taken a picture of THAT!

Of course, I needn't have worried, as Miss Ava plunged whole-heartedly into the decorating fiasco. If you need a bit of history on her holiday enthusiasm, see last year's post about this time (It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas). Surrounded by boxes and with Christmas music blaring, we transformed our humble abode into a veritable holiday castle. I'd love to take all the credit, but Ava honestly did as much work as I did. Did I mention how much I LOVE my daughter!?!

My favorite moment with Ava came shortly after we had assembled the tree. Indeed, it nearly brought tears to my eyes! I was explaining the importance of "fluffing" out the boughs before adding decorations (as any of you with artificial trees can understand). Yet little miss impatient could hardly wait to unpack the tools of the trade. Before I was able to finish properly "fluffing" the tree, I had to go into the kitchen to make Hudson a bottle. This took only a few minutes, mind you, but by the time I had returned, the entire bottom half of the tree was covered with ribbon and ornaments. ADORABLE! If you look closely at our tree, you'll notice how the ribbon is crisscrossed around the boughs in a rather haphazard pattern, all thanks to my little decorator! It was so precious I didn't have the heart to redo it, so I simply mimicked her style on the top half of the tree with a little help from her. Then we ran out of ribbon at one point, so I simply added red bows to the very top. In all honesty, it's my favorite Christmas tree so far.

Lastly, we added the Christmas train, and this was my favorite moment with Hudson. He was a rather casual observer during most of this, but as soon as we turned on the train, he was HOOKED! In true little boy fashion, he had to sit down and watch that train with real gusto. He giggled, goggle-eyed, kicked his feet, and even waved as it passed by! What a sweetheart!

Finally, Ava had to pose with the finished product. This year, per her request, we put the tree in the corner of the playroom. Personally, I love it because it's more out of the way and leaves extra room for playing! There's something about a lighted tree that makes imagination even better, don't you think?

More holiday stories to come. Stay tuned!

Thanksgiving Recap

Yes, I know I posted this Thanksgiving clipart last year, but I can't help it! It's as true in 2009 as it was in 2008. I have so many, many things to be thankful for in my life, and trying to list them all would be a disservice to everyone involved. So let me simply say THANK YOU for all that I have been given. It is my daily goal to be appreciative and grateful for these myriad blessings.

Although, as usual, our Thanksgiving day was a busy one, we nonetheless enjoyed every minute of it. Family, food, and fun! You can't ask for more than that. Ava and Hudson weathered the travel rather well, and even though I wasn't pregnant this year, I managed to eat a fair portion of my meals. It was a simple day with simple blessings.

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was a joy to them as well.