Cookies for Santa 365/364-365

The kids always leave some cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas eve.

December 30, 2011:

• We  washed all our bed sheets and blankets, hubby did most of it then I did our clothes  later at night.  It was almost 2 am when I got done folding.
• We visited my FIL and we tried to  look if the wind has blown the battery operated  helicopter that we bought  for our son but crashed on it's first flight at my FIL neighbor's roof.  There goes the $30 dollars wahhh.

December 31, 2011:

• We want to start our new year with a clean house so we started cleaning after we ate breakfast.  I vacuumed the floor, dusted and polished the furniture, and  hubby  steam vac the  living room set's cushions.  After this post, I have to clean at our basement.
• Ms. Burrito helped out by cleaning up the dishes  and the  kitchen table, thanks Anak.  Mr. Burrito on the other hand   volunteered to spray some air freshener and helped me polishing the  furniture.  It's nice to have kids  who are willing to help in household chore.  I am so proud of you Burritos.  Keep it up!
• Cleaned up the basement and gave Champ a bath.
• We visited my FIL to wish him a happy new year but we did not stay for the gathering, my husband is feeling  sick and he doesn't want  to spread what he has.  Sorry guys, we would have stayed but  we don't want you to get sick.
• I made spaghetti for dinner.  We ate it with  buttered  french bread.
• I made a  veggie tray to snack on while we wait for the new year.

I managed to update this blog daily this year and I am planing to do that on my photography blog.  I want to post  one photo a day there.  I hope that I can do that again here but let us see.

Happy new year everyone!

The Crinkle Kids 365/363

The kids had so much fun making the chocolate crinkles few days before Christmas.

December 29, 2011:

• My husband tried to put together the bicycle that we bought for Ms. Burrito yesterday.  To his dismay, one of it's part was  mashed so he he took it back to the store.
• The kids and hubby went to  my father-in-law for a visit but I did not go because I  was determined to finish the puzzle that we started a couple of days ago.  When they came back, I was almost done so they helped me in finishing the 500 pieces puzzle.  The kids had a set of four  boxes of this puzzle for Christmas.
• The weather is getting extremely cold and I am worried because  both of the Burritos are now coughing.  I am glad that Mr. Burrito's diarrhea is now gone.

Christmas Cookies 365/362

Just some of the holiday cookies at the cottrill clan's dining table during the family's Christmas get together.

December 28, 2011:

• We went to Kmart today and bought some things such as gym padding, holiday tote's  for my  Christmas ornaments,  and a bike for  our daughter.  So much for the green machine lol.  She insisted to have a green machine for Christmas but then  the green machine is way too big for her so we put it away for a while and we bought her a bike.  Oh kids!
• We visited  my FIL on our way home from the store.  I also put down his Christmas tree and put it away.  
• We ate  at Taco Bell  for lunch but we were disappointed that they changed their whole menu.  They get rid of baja challupa which I like so I don't think I'll go back there anytime soon lol.

Veggie Salad 365/360-361

 We went at  Eat N' Park  on the 22nd and had our dinner there.  Below are my lovelies getting some fresh  veggies at a salad bar.

 Ms. Burrito love  vegetable salad.  I find it hard to make her eat meat these days, she said she is a vegetarian wahhh.  It isn't bad  to be a vegetarian  but she needs  to eat some meat too as she is still young.

 Mr. Burrito  enjoyed a ball of  grapes while waiting for his pizza.  I always  order their  Nantucket Cod,  the taste is eXcellent!

 December 26, 2011:

• I made some  pork chop for lunch.  Green beans was our side dish.
• We were going to  the store but Mr. Burrito hasn't been well for several days now.  A couple of days before Christmas, he got  diarrhea then he  got well on Christmas day.  Then he started  vomiting, we might bring him to the hospital because he is complaining of stomach ache now.  

December  27, 2011:

• I was   planning to sleep in this morning but  Mr. Burrito woke us up early complaining of a tummy ache.
• We brought him to the doctor this afternoon to see if they can do something about it.  Guess what  she told us, keep him hydrated.  That is what we been doing  for few days now because he had a diarrhea and vomited several times.  The doctor said that  they don't give kids medicine on this cases, we just have to   wait for it's course to get done.  All I can do is pray that my baby boy will be okay now.  It is hard when your kids  are sick.  
• I made some pork giniling for dinner.  

Buckeyes 365/357

My FIL loves peanut butter balls or buckeyes. We made some chocolate crinkles first, then we made the sugar cookies, and my FIL asked John when is he going to make the buckeyes lol. He even bought the ingredients we need so my husband made it a couple of nights ago when we visited.

I only helped making the  mix into a ball hehehe.  My husband is the man when it comes to making sweets.

December 23, 2011:

• We visited my FIL for a while then came home.
• I baked a pan of home made pizza.

Merry Christmas 365/358-359

I was in agony the whole day yesterday, my migraine was so bad but I busied myself making some egg roll or lumpia.  We did not get to go at the family's get-together due to  Ms. Burrito's function in church. We visited him  after the mass last night.

This morning, I made some puto and pancit and we brought it at my FIL's.

These Christmas  plates were given to me by  a Korean friend I met in South Korea, thanks Mia.  I got to use them today.

I decided the lumpia I made yesterday and gave  it to my SIL, NIL, and FIL then I cooked some today for our after-Christmas get together.  We had dinner over at Dad's.  My NIL brought a pot of  bean soup and my SIL made some corn bread.  Then I also brought there   the food I made this morning.

December 24, 2011:

• We stayed  at home  yesterday ad made some food.  We went to church at 4 and attended the 5 pm mass till six.  The SJS choir did a really good job singing all the hymns and other Christmas songs.
• We proceeded to my FIL after mass, spent some time with SIL and FIL, then we came home

December 25, 2011:

• Hubby did some of the laundry this morning and I am finishing it  now.  Thanks Hon.
• Brought the food I made today at Dad's and stayed there for a long while.  The Burrito's rode Mr. Burrito's bike given by "Santa" last night.
• The kids had a lot of fun  opening their gifts when they woke up this morning.  Thanks to all who gave  the kids gifts, greatly appreciate them.

Asian Wok 365/356

Hubby and I ate lunch at Asian Wok inside Beaver Valley Mall when we went to Monaca PA last Tiesday.

December 22, 2011:

• We had a  surprised visit from my FIL this morning.  Hubby was dusting while I was filling out some holiday cards that we sent out today.  Thanks for visiting Dad!
•  made some  chicken peppered for lunch.
• Ms. Burrito had a  singing practice at church  this afternoon.  They will be singing  at Christmas eve's mass.
• I finished two more albums, I thought that the two albums I bought at Walmart would be enough, but I still have like 100 photos left wahhh.  I also put some pictures on a big frame.
• It was almost 11 pm when I got done with the photos so I am just now  updating, whew.  
• Me and Ms. Burrito had fun with the dress up game, I'll show you some wacky photos next time lol.
• Mr. Burrito has a slight fever tonight, he was complaining of a head ache earlier so hubby gave him some meds.  I pray that he won't get sick as Christmas approaches.
• It's 12:30  so after this post, I will be hitting the sack.

Parties With A Difference

Looking for a unique party idea? Playing hostess is both very fun and rewarding - planning an event everyone will love and watching it come together is reward enough, but enjoying the company (and praise!) of friends and family as they relax and enjoy themselves is something which everyone can enjoy.

Parties have changed massively over the past few decades, transforming from being a primarily disco-balls-and-snack-foods affair into a variety of events which provide unique experiences. Makeover parties have become super popular, especially for groups going to prom or weddings, and spa parties are quickly following suit - who doesn't have time to unwind with a glass of champagne and a fish foot spa?!  If you're looking for something more unique, though, try incorporating a food element into your party. 

Sweet-Toothed Fun

Cupcake parties can be brilliant fun. Whether you employ a company to provide instructions and ingredients or go shopping for the cutest food colorings and sugar toppings, getting together with the girls and creating cupcakes is a great past-time, and one which is very tasty, too!

You don't have to stop at cupcakes, either. Some bloggers have shared huge success with having wedding cake parties, attended by a leading baker and a group of friends who help to bake and decorate the wedding cake. While it isn't for everyone, it's a great way to add your own touch to your wedding cake.

Image from Wikipedia

Cookery-Book Mania

For the less sweet-toothed, try hosting a cooking party. Offer a selection of recipes to the guests to choose from beforehand, and pick up the ingredients. You can then make the dish together - and, of course, enjoy it together! Curry parties have grown in popularity recently, and whether you hire a chef or use a cook book, it's a great way to improve your skills while spending time with the ones you love.

Game Night!


If you aren't blessed in the kitchen department, how about ordering in a take-away before entertaining your guests with online casino gambling games? You can even access these through some TVs, and from multiple-choice questions to betting on sports events, it's the perfect adrenaline rush to enjoy together.

Whatever theme you choose, make sure you've got enough food and drink to keep everyone happy, and make the venue as comfortable as possible - sofas, cushions and beanbags are all welcome additions! Party decorations can be picked up in most large stores, or make your own by filling jugs and vases with confetti, sequins or baubles. Then just relax, and enjoy the party!

Mini Candy Canes 365/355

Mini candy canes that H&R Block has during their Santa event.

December 21, 2011:

• It was 53 degrees today so even if it was raining, we brought the kids to the mall so they could play at the  play area there.
• On the way home, we  dropped by at my SIL Michaele and delivered her Sarri's candies.  We  tried to deliver it earlier before we went to the mall but she wasn't there.
• We visited Dad  and decided to go to Walmart afterwards.  We  bought some groceries and  few items for the kids.  We are done shopping for the year lol.
• I just got done wrapping gifts.   I asked the kids to  go to bed early so I can do it.

Finger Foods 365/354

Some of the finger foods that were served at H&R Block event at Highland Hills.

December 20, 2011:

• Did some laundry then we went to my FIL's and made some peanut butter balls or buckeyes.  I also made us dinner and ate with Dad.

Wild Rice 365/353

I mentioned on my previous posts that I love the long grain rice mixed with wild rice from Uncle Ben's. I always buy two or three boxes of it and stack it in my lazy susan so that when I crave for it, I can just whip it out and voila, I have it.

I prepared a box of  the Uncle Bens rice and then  steamed a bag of brocolli, then made some  grilled chicken.  Our lunch was delicious.

December 19, 2011:

• We went to Monaca PA today and bought  the green machine  at Walmart there.  It's the only location where they have it on stock so we drove for about an hour to buy as it wasn't available  to buy online.  It was a nice drive though because  we got to go without our kids,  so it was  kind of a date for the two of us, wink.  Ms. Burrito wants a green machine for Christmas so that's what we bought for Santa to give to her lol.
• While we were there, we dropped by at the Beaver Mall and did a little shopping for more gifts to the kiddos.  
• We ate at Asian Wok, not impressed with the food we ate but it's worth the try.
• When we came back, the kids had a movie night at our neighbors.  It gave me time to  wrapped the gifts without them seeing it.
• Now it is almost 1 and I am still awake wahh.. I am almost ready to drop on the floor, so I better  end my blurb here lol.  Thanks for visiting everyone.

Ceramic Ornament 365/352

Ms Burrito gave me a surprise present when she came home from their Christmas Party. She painted and decorated this ceramic ornament, wrapped it and gave it to me.

Our Christmas tree is getting full of ornaments from  the kids' personal creation and  ornaments given by friends.

December 18, 2011:

• I was going to clean the floor today but hubby volunteered so it gave me time to arranged photos into two more albums.  I think I have 300 more photos left to arrange.    Thanks hon!
• We went out and ate dinner at Eat n' Park.  I accidentally left my digital camera on the table but luckily, they kept it for me and was able to  get it back.
• We baked the sugar cookies that  we prepared yesterday.  We might make some buckeyes tomorrow.
• My husband picked up the free exercise machine that our neighbor's friend gave us.  One of it is brand new.  They gave us three machines!  Thank you Don for helping my husband  and Mr. John for giving us the  equipment.!  Now, we have all the   stuff we need to keep fit, if we get fat, it's our dang fault hahaha.

Flower Sugar Cookies 365/351

One of the cookies that was served at the H&R Block event.

December 16-17, 2011:

• We made some  crinkle cookie batter  yesterday and baked them today at Dad's.
• We went to Highland Hills in Wheeling West Virginia  today.  We were invited by my NIL  for their company's event, a day with Santa.  We did some crafts and  took some photos with Santa then we  explored the beautiful display at Cabela's.
• We  ended our   day by getting  together at Dad's made some cookies, eat dinner made by Jen.  Thanks for the sumptuous dinner Jen!
• I fell on my seat because  somebody put the  ball medicine   beside my seat and  I did not see it as I stood up.  I was just glad that it wasn't the baby that I stepped on.  I thought for sure that she was the one I stepped on because I was just talking to her.  So when I felt that I stepped on something I immediately lifted my  leg and fell wahhh.  I got a  nasty bruise in my arm as I caught the  handle of the vent.  Oh boy!  Other than that, our day was wonderful!

Cactus 365/350

My holiday cactus bloomed early and now

December 15, 2011:

• Ms Burrito's play was today.  I mentioned that  her role  is an Inn Keeper and she did a great job with her part.  She was so excited about the play because she love the  costume we got her. 

Moving

Thanks for the article from Laura Ryan

I am really hoping that this house is our last house because moving is a serious pain. I spent an entire two weeks packing our entire house but the last day in the house was the most exhausting because there is so much of a house that you can't really pack up until you are actually moving that day or the next day. I should have written down all of the ideas I had after it was too late because those notes would have become the perfect guide to a stress-free move. Besides the packing getting all of the utilities to be turned off at the old house and turned on at the new house all at the perfect timing was so much work. The cable provider that we did use does not come out to the new house, so I had to research our new options for TV. I went to http://www.expertsatellite.com/ and decided on satellite TV. I think we will enjoy it but in the midst of moving I really didn't want to have to be worrying about TV.

Sushi Erasers 365/348

A friend from Japan sent Ms. Burrito these colorful sushi erasers.  This is what they uses when they are playing pretend eating at a restaurant.

December 14, 2011:

• We  went to the store and  bought  some groceries  then we  visited my FIL afterwards.  
• Did a load of laundry when we came home.
• I was planning to  go to bed before twelve but I might not make it lol.
• Ms. Burrito is part of the Christmas presentation  at the school so we have to go there and watch tomorrow.

Veggies 365/347

I enjoyed our tour at  one of the  attractions at  "The Land" in Epcot Center, Disney World.  They showed  the extra ordinary  looking vegetables that are part of the plant research for  space agriculture.

December  13, 2011:

• I  finally sent out   the mails that goes overseas today.  I also sent  a package to a friend.
• We went to the bank after we got done from the post office.  Then proceeded to Krogers and sent the Christmas  money for my family back home through Western Union
• We visited my FIL after we got out from Krogers..

A Gift of Time

I have two Seiko Watches that is still in mint condition.  My husband gave these to me  on different occasion when I was still  living in my country.  The only one that I use a lot is the  Gucci because it is  cute and so chic with its pink color.  I can say that watches is a  precious gift that you can give to your love one.  It would always remind  them how special they are to you to be give a gift of time.

This holiday season, surprise your love one with  something that they could use  most of the time like a watch.  There are  great deals available  online  due to the Christmas season so you would be able to find   a very good deal for it.  At Blue Dial, you would be able to make an order and they guarantee that  it would be delivered right on time for the holiday.  So if you want to give a watch as a gift, you still have plenty of time to do so.  Check them out by  visiting the link provided above to see the beautiful selection of different kinds of watch at their site.  A gift of time is  something that  can be treasured for a lifetime!

Lumpia 365/338

I brought some of the frozen lumpia I made and fried it at Dad's this afternoon.

December 4, 2011:

• The Comacast technician came over this morning to hook up  our cable connection.  We switched  from DirecTV to Comcast because the  DirecTV  bill alone is almost a hundred.  DirecTV offered to knocked down $30 from our monthly bills in order for us to stay but it's too late, we already switched. They should have done that before so we wouldn't switch to another service.
• When the technician left, it was late  already going to church so we went for a walk and  did a little  shopping at a nearby thrift  store.
• We visited Dad  when we came back from our walk.

Modeling Clay 365/346

If you are looking for some things that your kids can do for arts and crafts, find the modeling clay. It is fun to make and it's affordable too.

December 12, 2011:

• Hubby and I woke up early today.  He had to take two final exams  so I had to walk  Rylie down to school.
• We reviewed some of her books because she will have a test  on Wednesday and Friday.  Their  Christmas play will be on Thursday and the last day of school this year will be  Friday.
• I finished all the   mails that I have to send tomorrow.
• I had some pending tadsk and need to finish them tonight so I would have some time to bloghop tomorrow (if time will allow me).