Yesterday, today and the days in between...

Ooops looks like I neglected my blog! Let me catch you up! I got so wrapped up in the cookie party I forgot to write. December does have a way of doing that too you, you have a list a mile long of things that need to get done and before you know it the month is near over.

The cookie exchange was a hit. I myself had a load of fun and was happy to hear friends saying "can't wait to do this again next year, Robin."  I met friends for the first time in person on that day and introduced strangers to each other. I am proud of myself for only being here 4 months and feeling like I had made enough friends I felt like I could have them over for a party. Usually it takes me up to a year to feel like I have become established with a group of friends so I'm not sure what happened this time...I blame a lot of it on Facebook! 7 of the 9 ladies who came I had a facebook connection with first...how funny is that? And I invited 11 ladies...two couldn't make it (and one not pictured) but they were also facebook connections.

I really feel like I've bonded in a special way with each of the gals. They are all sooooo different. Different ages, backgrounds and interests.  They span in ages from their 20's to their 60's! A very unique bunch and yet we all had something in common...me!  LOL

Everything I know about throwing a party I learned from my Mom. I could never pull any of this off without her showing me the way all the years I lived at home. I watched her throw party after party and it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling having her in my heart and mind the whole time I was preparing for this cookie exchange.

I can remember how exhausted my Mom would be after one of her big events, I think most people would shut off the kitchen light, lock up the house and go to bed...leaving the mess for the next day. But my Mom never did...she closed the door saying goodbye to the last guest and then went into Cinderella mode cleaning the house. Not just the dishes and putting away the left over food, but she would vacuum, mop, break down tables and it wasn't until you heard the hum and swish of the dish washer you knew she was finally sitting down with her feet up.

Usually this would be the first chance she had to eat as well...a small plate in her lap with bites of this and that, there she would be with her fluffy slippers on and one eye already closed.  I miss my Mom when I have events like this, I always wish we lived in the same state (or even country!) so she could see the influence she had on me. Sure I send her pictures so she can see the results but I often wonder how she would feel seeing me in action...being the hostess with the mostess, the one she raised me to be.

I did all the cleaning up after my party and when I finally collapsed into my chair I picked up the phone and called her. When she answered I thanked her for all the wonderful parties she had thrown for me over the years, the birthday's, showers, my wedding and all the ones she has done for everyone else. I really think unless you have done it yourself you have no idea what really goes on behind the scenes.  She giggled when I told her how tired I was and for about the next 60 minutes we laughed and reminisced over parties from the past.

So...cookie party has come and gone. Shortly after that we had a potluck Christmas party to go to...which I was again cooking for. I should keep my grocery receipts next year just to see how much more money we spend in December on food compared to the other months.  I made a huge batch of "party potatoes" (also knows as funeral potatoes) and quadrupled my recipe so there would be enough. It was a work party of Michael's and some of those young single guys can eat so I had to be sure I had plenty, also took a chocolate cake.

I've completed my Christmas shopping in what could be considered a whirl wind shopping trip in one day! It was a mad dash to get it all done and I did. I am glad to have that taken care of, however, now I am mentally preparing for Michael's 41st birthday! Yeah...it just doesn't end this month...on top of Christmas we have hubby's birthday. I always try to make his birthday extra special, growing up he recalls his birthdays pretty much non-events. I think a lot of December babies get ripped off. He was usually told "pick one of the presents from under the tree and that can be your birthday present." Breaks my heart to know he was just clumped in there with no special hoopla.  I know Gabby and I treasure the day he was born and we make sure he knows it.

I suppose in two weeks time things will go back to normal. The house will go back to normal decor, the spending will slow down and I will start throwing out hints for what I want for MY BIRTHDAY in February. AND for the record I am NOT cooking on my birthday. :)

Recipe for party potatoes AKA Funeral Potatoes

Ingredients

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32 oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns shopping list

2 (10 3/4 oz) cans cream of chicken soup shopping list

2 cups sour cream shopping list

1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (I like to use sharp cheddar cheese) shopping list

1/2 cup melted butter or margarine shopping list

1/2 c. chopped onion shopping list

2 cups finely crushed corn flakes shopping list

2 Tbs butter or margarine melted shopping list

How to make it

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Grease 9x13 baking dish and preheat oven to 350

In large bowl combine soups, sour cream, cheese, onions, and the 1/2 cup of melted butter.

Gently fold hash browns into mixture.

Pour mixture into pan.

Combine crushed corn flakes and the 2 Tbs. of melted butter and sprinkle on top of potato mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes.

*If wanting to, you can use cubed potatoes instead of hash browns but you will need to increase baking time to 55  mins.