T Minus One Day to Vacation

Well folks, the day ended up much better than it had started and I was able to get a bit done at work yesterday once I finally arrived. We also had a Holiday party to attend last night for the guys at Nick’s work. Nick did a great job hosting the event; had a great turn out and everyone had a good time. We went to one of these Brazilian places where they come around with meat on a skewer and slice it onto your plate. To be honest, I didn’t think it was all that amazing. Both Nick and I had heard so many good things and it had been talked-up so much that I guess we just expected more. It was really nice to meet everyone’s spouses and to honor a couple of employees for reaching company anniversaries and what not.

As strange as it may seem, last night was the first time we have ever had a baby sitter! We have always had family watch the kids but that is not an option any more now that we are 840 miles away from everyone we know! One of the teachers from preschool graciously offered to watch the kids last night – she even brought them home from school. It was perfect because I knew the kids we be comfortable with her already and not like who the heck is this lady? And it was perfect more me to not have to worry all night about if the kids were being taken care of, I knew they would be more than fine.

When we got home, Mindy showed us a note that Mackenzie had written to the bad kids on UP that had stolen Kevin. Maybe you remember that I’ve mentioned before how upset he gets in movies sometimes. I just had to share this because I love that his reaction is to write a note. To the kids in the movie. Which is animated. What can I say? He is an advocate for cartoon dogs and real life people alike.

The other day Mackenzie wrote a similar note to me and Nick about not touching the ornaments on the tree – that if we touched them, they would get broken, so you better not touch them or you will not be invited to my Christmas tree again.

He cracks me up.

As for today, I am trying to finish up some end of year accounting for the office, do laundry and pack for our two week trip to Seattle. This is the first year I’ve had to travel for Christmas and it is a totally different experience. Trying to make sure that all of the gifts make it to Seattle, let alone packing for two kids over two weeks is a lot to keep track of! We have presents for 40 people… I kid you not.

I can’t wait to be on our way! We are leaving tomorrow afternoon.

I have just a few more recipes for you before we ring in the new year.

Eggnog CHO Yo

Prep Time: 5 min Freeze Time: 2 Hours, in intervals. Serves: 36 ounces.

Ingredients:

2 Cups Chobani Plain, 2%
3 Cups Eggnog
1 Tbsp Nutmeg
4 Packets Splenda

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a quart sized zip lock bag. Mix thoroughly.
Freeze on a flat surface for thirty minutes. I placed a cutting board on one of the shelves in my freezer in order to create a flat, solid space for my bag of yogurt.
Remove from freezer, knead with hands.
Freeze additional 30 minutes before kneading again.
Repeat and knead once more.
After total of two hours freezing, you will be able to scoop and serve.
**If you plan on keeping in your freezer for longer, transfer to a more permanent container (I reused the Chobani container). The fro yo will be hard to scoop if left in freezer for long periods of time so set out on counter for 5-10 minutes before serving.