All things Christmas.

This Christmas, I cried my little blue eyes out. Not because I was sad. Because I was feeling so overwhelmingly blessed. I couldn’t figure out what to do with all that emotion. So I had to let it out... in the form of tears.

It began on Wednesday of last week when I got to spend an entire day alone with my husband - a rare thing due to our conflicting work schedules and out-of-town family we love to visit. I woke up early, read a book while Mr. Smith slept next to me, then woke up to have breakfast and exchange gifts. We watched a movie, we talked, we went out for coffee, we played with our puppies, we got all dressed up for an amazing dinner at Cafe Nonna and we went to Opryland Hotel to enjoy the lights. The most perfect of all perfect days.

Opryland Hotel. Pure magic.

A couple days passed, then it was Christmas Eve. I took myself to brunch that morning while my sweet husband was bringing home the {figurative} bacon, finished a good book and spent the afternoon relaxing.

Brunch at Fido.

Feeling we'd experience more pressure than pleasure, we were off to the tour de Christmas: six stops in two days to fit in all the loved ones we wanted and needed to see.

But then we arrived at my parents' house and all feelings of anxiety were gone. I was in a place of comfort, full of love, with people whose company I enjoy so much it makes my heart swell. We had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. (Steaks for all, salmon for me with sides of twice baked potatoes, shrimp and salad... the Christmas Eve dinner I've eaten as long as I can remember.)

My sweet family at Christmas.

Christmas morning was nothing short of perfect. I woke up next to my husband and ran to my sister's room to wake her up. My parents woke up when they heard the pitter patter of little feet... puppy feet, of course. (There were five pups to love!) Gifts were opened one at a time, as is the custom of my family, and I felt more spoiled than ever.

A whole family's worth of gifts. So blessed.

Over the next two days, we  
drove hundreds more miles making five more stops,  
ate more food than should be allowed,
opened more gifts than we deserved,  
hugged more necks than I can count,  
laughed more than I have in ages,
cuddled many a puppy and
loved, loved, loved every single second of it.

It's my sincerest wish that each of you had as lovely a day as we did to celebrate the blessings of sweet baby Jesus in whatever way you were able.

Facebook.

Hey, hey, hey... guess who's got herself a new Facebook page. Pretend like I'm all fancy and important and stuff for a second and go "Like" me, pleaseandthankyou.

XOXO, Mrs. Smith

Menu Monday.

I got back on the cooking bandwagon this week, but, as you know, it was the week of CHRISTMAS (oh happy, happy Christmas!!), so there were some outings and family dinners and whatnot that prevented me from fully employing my culinary ambition.

Pumpkin Shells and Cheese served with some amazing Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Grade: A+
Comments: I've made this mac and cheese recipe before for a work potluck. It didn't disappoint then, and it doesn't now. I'm totally in love with this and might even get crazy and make it in June. Wild woman! The brussels were a great compliment and I used the recipe on the back of the veggie bag. Ghetto, but it worked and I'm totally doing it again. See the recipe as modified by me below.

Creamy Beer Cheese Soup with Sourdough Bread from Publix
Grade: A
Comments: This is oh-so-rich and oh-so-good. Here's what, though... I needed it to be spicy. And it wasn't. So I added about a Tbsp of chili powder and 2 tsp of both cumin and cayenne pepper. Plus about a tablespoon of sriracha. Then, it was fabulous. Ohhhh, and it was a little too thick and cheesy, so I added a full cup of the evaporated milk to thin it out a bit... but it was still thick. I will play with the proportions more next time. Still, though, a great recipe.

Deep Dish Pizza
Grade: A
Comments: I adore this crust recipe! I've made many a homemade pizza crust, and this is my official favorite. I'm not sure how it would hold up for non-deep dish, but I'll report back when I try it out. My oven typically cooks a little slower, but I didn't want to burn this... and it ended up a little doughy in the middle. Other than that... I skipped the fresh tomato slices and added fresh basil leaves in their place. Good choice. :)


Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Makes 2-3 servings

8oz brussels sprouts, stems cut off and halved
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp fresh thyme, chopped fine
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp pepper
salt to taste

1. Add oil to small skillet and heat to medium.
2. Add brussels and all other ingredients to pan. Toss and stir while they cook for about 8 minutes, until brussels are bright green and slightly browned.
3. Remove from pan and serve.

Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours, we wish you the very merriest Christmas and happiest of holidays.

This week in rambles.

Here are a few thoughts, gathered from my brain throughout the week. Some version of a pensieve. (Please tell me you know this term!!)

This week's episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was OOC. The Kim/Brandi story is getting dumb, but the Taylor/Russell confrontation just broke my heart. I can't imagine what that was like for everyone involved. For Camille to have that extra layer of stress. For Kyle to have to deliver such horrible news to someone she cares so much about. For Russell to realize how people truly feel about him when it seems like he felt he was heading in the right direction. For Taylor to feel like even her friends had deserted her, not knowing how Russell would react. Oh, the thoughts that spin.


I have a pretty amazing job. This week, even though I was working at 6pm one evening, I was so thankful that I was doing it from the comfort of my couch, puppies at my side, with the light of my candles and Christmas tree. I feel truly blessed. And that's all I have to say about that.


Mr. Smith and I have our own Christmas celebration. He works long hours this time of year with minimal time off for Christmas and lots of family to share our time with, so we took Wednesday to spend time together, exchange gifts, play with puppies, fancy dinner, celebrate our blessings. It was such a perfect day. :)

I joined in on a fun idea over on Latte Love. She created a "blogger map" so all those who follow along with her blog could post where they're from and maybe meet up someday with bloggers locally or during travel. I think it's pretty fun, so join on in if you're interested.


January sounds like a good month for a giveaway. I don't know what to give away, but someone remind me I said this in a month. I want a chance to give back to you lovely ladies for all the happiness you bring me by following along with me.


What's on your mind tonight?

Menu Monday.

Warning: a very sad excuse for Menu Monday will follow. I couldn't manage to drag my lazy, Christmas-crowd-averse self to the grocery till Friday evening. After that, I got bakey, not to be confused with getting cooky. (Also, not to be confused with kooky, like crazy.)

Moving on.

I really only have one question for you guys, anyway. IS REVENGE NEW THIS WEEK? OMG IF IT'S NOT I THINK I WILL CRY.

Here's what I cooked.

Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas with Mahatma Saffron Rice (actually the Publix brand this time, keepin' it real... cheap)
Grade: A-
Comments: The minus is because they aren't great as leftovers. Fresh from the oven though, these are the thing of a veggie, health-conscious girl's dreams. You could even vegan-ize them if you grabbed some soy cheddar from Trader Joe's instead of the pepper jack and cheddar mix. I topped them with a dollop (ew, what a stupid word) of sour cream. Great recipe!

Yep. That's it.

Now, I'm off to finish my happy little dinner of pumpkin shells and cheese with a side of brussels sprouts.

Books, books, books.

I've gone through a few more library books. On that note, who else still goes to the library? Books can get expensive, and I love the idea of sharing with other people who love the same words I love. So, library, you still have this girl's love.

Okay, here's my latest list.

&  

Matched and Crossed // A-

The first two of the trilogy have been released, and I'm hooked. I must admit, I preferred Matched over Crossed, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the sequel. I think it builds perfectly to the yet-to-be-released trilogy finale. In the vein of the Hunger Games and Divergent, these young adult novels drew me in with the tales of a life ruled by an overpowered government that tries to divide its citizens into neat little groups and refuses to recognize the power of those who are *just a little bit different.* With a little love story mixed in for good measure, of course.

 

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt // A-

About 25% of the way through this book, I began wondering where it would lead. And at halfway, I realized there would be none of the expected suspenseful buildup to a climax in the story. At 75%, I decided I liked that change of pace and was excited to see where the story led. The story of this young girl and her troubled life is beautifully told. Each of the characters is built so perfectly. I just loved it. Such an entertaining and light yet somehow incredibly affective book.

 

My Horizontal Life // D

I hated it. Funny? Yeah, sure. Vulgar and borderline unreadable? Yes, that too. I did laugh out loud a couple times. I mean that: twice. But most of the time I was shocked that she willingly told the world these stories. Around page 50, I decided to make myself finish it so I wouldn't be a quitter. Still can't decide if I made the right choice.  

 

Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me //

As much as I hated Chelsea Handler's first book, I've read her second and third books in the past and really enjoyed them so I gave her fourth a chance to redeem itself. Fantastic choice. This one is told from the perspective of her friends, so it was much more, shall I say, sheltered-semi-prude-friendly. Every single bit of it is up-to-par with her humor, but told from the perspective of her closest friends and family, Chelsea seems more real, more funny, more loyal, more of someone I would want to be around. (For those of you who've read this, please don't judge what that last part of the series says about my personality. :) )


Have you read any of these? What do you suggest I read next? And if you're on Goodreads, check out my list on the sidebar and add me to your friends!

Menu Monday.

It's been two weeks since my last Menu Monday. Wanna know why? Because I've been too lazy to go to the grocery store so we've been living on whatever I can pull out of the pantry and take-out. At this time of year, I avoid all stores like the plague... that includes grocery stores. It's just madness! But I have managed to cook a wee, wee bit and would like to get back on the cooking wagon this week. Crowds be darned. Here ya go!

Tortellini with Brussels Sprouts
Grade: A
Comments: I made this up using what we had lying about, and I LOVE IT. Check out the recipe below, but it's really pretty simple.
 

Trader Joe's Quinoa with Vegetables and Beer Braised Cabbage
Grade: bleh
Comments: My beloved TJ's let me down. For as much as I wanted to like this quinoa, I hated it. And even though I've made this cabbage recipe twice before and liked it, something wasn't right this time. Maybe I should have used a dark beer instead of Landshark? Not sure what it was, but I think I went hungry this night.


Tortellini with Brussels Sprouts

1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 bag of brussels sprouts
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
fresh grated parmesan to taste

Cook tortellini according to package directions.
Cut the bases off the brussels, then chop into 1/3s or whatever makes them bite size.
Melt 1 Tbsp butter, add oregano, garlic, salt, pepper and brussels. Saute in a large skillet on medium till brussels are soft and bright green. (about 8 minutes)
Add another Tbsp of butter and melt. Add drained tortellini to the pan and toss well.
Move the pasta and brussels to a plate, top with Parmesan to taste.

What I'm thinkin' tonight.

This is been a rather strange week in the life of me, so here's a rather disorganized little post.


A friend of mine is moving. I'm happy for her and her new adventure, but I'm going to miss her! Even though I love her new city, I must admit... I like her in this city more.

I mean. How fun is she.

My sister is here to visit. She arrived this afternoon from Texas and will be here till the end of the month. It feels more right with her here.

On another people note, my mom is here tonight. Just for the night, but my house is full of puppies and family and happiness.

I got a Versatile Blogger award from Love You Muches this week. As much as I really and truly do write this blabber for myself, sometimes it just tickles my soul pink to know someone out there enjoys what I have to say. So, thank you, Beth!

Anyone watch the X Factor? I don't really like shows like this, but Mr. Smith does, so we watch it together. We like Marcus Canty best... but I'm watching him sing his Save Me song right now and I'm not sure where he'll be at the end of tonight...

But you know who was so.much.fun. Astro. Look at that face. Am I right?

We addressed our Christmas cards tonight!!!! Thay iz sew pritty.

I did most of my Christmas shopping in October and early November. Then when I had just a few more gifts left, I got overwhelmed and quit. Now it's time to take care of business.

Oh. Wow. Marcus stays. Rachel falls to the ground crying. And how awkward is the X Factor host? How did I not already say this? Someone needs to create a YouTube montage of his awkwardness clips.

Alright. Time to enjoy family and finish Crossed. I'm Audi. (Name that movie!)

Favorite {new} ornaments.

The great debate: themed tree or fun, ornaments with meaning?

I like both, but Mr. Smith hates a themed tree. Only heaven knows why, but I don't try to change his mind. There's no sense in that. For a couple years, I put up two trees: one pretty and themed, one cute and fun. This year, I only did our fun tree because my inherited second tree has finally kicked the bucket. RIP old tree.

We get new ornaments each year for the fun tree as gifts or that we just pick up along the way, and we've added a few new fun ornaments this year that I really love.

I got this from Sarah at Of Dandelions and Daffodils in a blog swap. She read through my blog and learned about one of my loves in life: shoes. :)

This one's from my sweets, Katie at Tale of a G.R.I.T.S. I'm so lucky to have found a friend like her through blogging.

This one... I just like it. :) We got it at Pier 1 in last year's after-Christmas sale. It's all glittery and shimmery and red and happy.

And our newest UK ornament. This one was a gift from my sweet grandmother-in-law this year.

Do you theme your tree? Or collect ornaments that just make you smile?

Breaking News.

I have a very sweet friend (hi Mannie!!) who's seriously allergic to cats which has given her a disdain for cats that I find deeply and profoundly... hilarious. On occasion, I send her emails with pictures of cats from I Can Has Cheezburger embedded in them. It's one of the biggest joys of my days. And today, I took it to a whole new level of awesome.

Yesterday, I sent an email like this to my sweet, cat-fearful friend and an innocent bystander* who I knew would make the email more believable.

Now, given the fact that Mr. Smith and I have been married for 2ish years, any person would naturally assume the attached photo was an ultrasound, right?

Nope. It was this.

I laughed so hard I could hardly contain myself.

I have a slightly sick sense of humor.

*My apologies that you got caught in the crossfire, Queen Sass. :)

More Smith.

If you're in the mood for a few more of my words and wants, check out my guest post on I Wanna Be a Domestic Goddess today. I was lucky enough to be a part of her Holiday Gift Guide and to share my shoe obsession with all her fancy followers.

Oh, and if you don't already read Rebecca's blog, you should. She's a doll of epic proportions, and one heckuva baker.