Keep Christ in Christmas=Show Christ this Christmas~

Wow...once again, it's been awhile my sweet readers and friends.  As the old saying goes, "that's life".

A little catch up before I get to the point of this post...

Let's see, we left off at Thanksgiving?!!

We had a wonderful weekend with both girls before one headed back to work and the other to take her competency tests for grad school.

Wow, a lot can change in less than a month.

First we headed to MI to visit my MIL and winterize her home. Y'all she is amazing!  98 years young and still living in her home.  Unfortunately, she ended up in the hospital while we were there with a GI bleed.  However, she was able to return home the day we were scheduled to fly back home. We were only able to by the grace of God and the help of her sweet caregiver.  I pray for that dear soul everyday!  She truly is a godsend!!!

Our youngest passed all her comps, and most recently (yesterday) scored just a few points shy of a perfect score on her licensing exam!  No surprise for those of you who know her. Oh, and did I mention? Moved home last week. It was a balmy 30? degrees when hubby and I arrived in Knoxville. We'll take it.  Nothing is worse than moving her in and out in 100 degree heat + 100% humidity in Waco, TX. Oh, and the girl can pack...just saying (not sure where she gets her organizational skills from ;-)  All settled and put away!!  She's super excited to begin her externships in January.  Full circle-back to her old elementary school for 8 weeks and then on to the hospital where she was born for the final 8 weeks.

Most of you know our oldest switched careers 4 years ago.  She was a PR/Marketing major, but decided to go back and earn her teaching degree.  She taught for 4 years, and coached 2 1/2 years. However, she recently resigned from her teaching/coaching position.  This girl put in well over 80 hours a week (went above and beyond)!!!!  Took her cheerleaders to STATE their first comp season!!!  And, didn't get so much as a thank you, congrats, nothing!!! On top of being a Special Education Teacher having to deal with difficult kids and IEP's!  While her girls are devastated...they TOTALLY get it.  She deserved so much more.  She's our go getter, that girl.  Resigned and had a better paying job with better hours within less than a week I tell ya!! And, is pursuing her MBA!!!

To my friends and readers who are teachers...God bless each of you. I pray for you daily.  You are one of the most under appreciated in the work force!

So, that leads us up to now...the week before Christmas.  I had hoped to have posted our holiday home tour by now. But, between all the busyness and the rainy weather...pics still need to be taken and edited. But, that's ok.  It'll happen when it happens.

I did however stumble upon this...

I know many Christians get upset this time of year when someone says, "happy holidays" rather than " Merry Christmas" ...(some may just be trying to "keep" their jobs.)
I think the best thing to do is just SMILE REAL BIG AND SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS back, or show God's love through our actions...hold that door, give up that prime parking spot, make faces at that little one who's crying and whose mother is at her whits end, show Christ's love in your actions rather than words.

Give it a try!!

Being Thankful~Happy Thanksgiving

May God bless each one of you today as you spend time with family and friends.  May we take time to reflect on all His goodness, grace and mercy.  And remember to be thankful not just on Thanksgiving Day, but each day we are blessed to wake up and enjoy everything He has given to and provided for us.

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful for each and every one of you.

Paleo Mexican Casserole~It's What's for Dinner

Does anyone else feel like this month is just flying by?  Hard to believe that a week from tomorrow we will all be sitting around the table eating Turkey!

I thought I would share this yummy recipe in case you will have a house full of company, either for Thanksgiving, for a holiday brunch, or on Christmas morning.  It is perfect for all three, and could not be easier.

Paleo Mexican Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb Chorizo
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
12 Eggs
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
4-5 Green Onions/Scallions, sliced thinly (about 3/4 cup)
Cilantro to garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Brown chorizo and drain.
3. Grease casserole dish (9x13) with fat of choice. We used avocado oil.  Be generous or the eggs will stick to the bottom.
4. Layer chorizo in bottom of casserole dish.
5. Dice red bell pepper and thinly slice green onions.
6. Crack eggs into a large bowl and whisk well.
7. Add bell pepper and green onions to eggs and stir to combine.
8. Pour egg mixture over chorizo.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is nicely browned.
10. Garnish with cilantro.

You may want to serve your favorite salsa along side, or you can add a dash of Tabasco if you like a little heat.

You can make this ahead, store in the frig, and reheat when ready to serve.

Original recipe can be found here.