Oh my tummy....

Our dinner was....divine! Yes, I'm using "divine." It was so good and so rich and so good!! In fact, it was so rich (Frenchy, Frenchy) that Jeremy didn't even eat as much as he could or as much as he normally does. No matter the amount consumed, I am quite proud of myself - it was heavenly!

Please note that I am not a food stylist. So things don't look as oo-la-la as they tasted. Plus, I couldn't find scallops in their shells in the greater Frisco area (what, do we not live close enough to a cold water ocean?)

Our little romantic family dinner...candles, faux champagne and all!

 Asperges Au Naturel with Beurre Au Citron

(Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce)

 Couquilles St. Jacques A La Provencal

(Scallops Gratineed with Wine, Garlic and Herbs)

 Crepes De Pommes De Terre

(Grated Potato Pancakes)

 Pear "Champagne" - so much better than real champagne!

 Mousseline Au Chocolat

(Chocolate Mousse) 

If you don't own 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' by Julia Child, I would highly recommend it! So far, the 4 recipes I've made have been incredible! Can't wait to make some more!!

NYE Feast!

Bonjour! A couple of weeks ago I watched 'Julie and Julia' and got all cooking inspired. So, for Christmas (my domestic Christmas...more on that later) I received Julia Child's cookbook, 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking.' The recipes look incredible and tonight I will attempt to make a few of Julia's dishes. 

Here's what on the menu at the Chateau Kampen:

Asperges Au Naturel with Beurre Au Citron

(Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce)

Crepes De Pommes De Terre

(Grated Potato Pancakes)

Couquilles St. Jacques A La Provencal

(Scallops Gratineed with Wine, Garlic and Herbs)

Mousseline Au Chocolat

(Chocolate Mousse)

BON APPETIT! 

(I'll post pictures of the final products)

Christmas

It's amazing that Christmas has come and gone. What a wonderful whirlwind!

We had an incredible time spending the day with all of our family - a rare treat to be able to celebrate with both sides of the family on the same day. Yes, we were exhausted by the day's end, but it was worth it. 

There are too many pictures to post on the blog so check out Shutterfly to see all of the pictures: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZM3DRw4bs2LF6A

 Here are some highlights:


One of our best Christmases ever!

Christmas Eve

Christmas morning....everyone was still sleeping except for me. I still get excited about Santa Claus:)

Conner loved what Santa brought him!!

Here is Princess Mackenzie. She's refused to take this dress off since Saturday. It's been a battle every bath, nap and bedtime - a blessing and a curse.

Yaya and Kiki

Conner took a good nap Christmas morning. Can you tell?!

The insane amount of presents at the Kampen Christmas get together. Gifts for 11 adults and 5 children!

Gigi and the Princess

The day after Christmas. Papa had eye surgery and his eyes are sensitive. That's why he's sporting sunglasses inside at 6pm. But all is right in the world while cuddling with Kiki.

Operation Bye-Bye Boppy

S.U.C.C.E.S.S!!

We wrote Santa a letter last night and included Mackenzie's beloved boppy (pacifier) in the envelope and put it in the mailbox. 

It worked, it really worked! She slept great last night - no crying, no waking up in the middle of the night. It was the perfect time to say goodbye to boppy. A little milestone with our baby girl...she's growing up too fast:(

Cousins & Cookies

Movie Date

A bag of popcorn, a Diet Coke and my precious little Kiki...a perfect movie date to see Tangled!

It was awesome - time with my baby and the movie was cute too. Plus, I think Mackenzie had a great time!!

sorry the pic isn't that great, i don't have a fancy phone & i forgot the camera

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

We celebrated an early birthday party for Jesus today with Mackenzie at her school. 

This is what Mackenzie did when she saw us come in. Kids are so unpredictable!

 Singing a birthday day for Jesus...everyone expect Mackenzie as you can see.

 Aaaaa the brownie made everything better! How did she get icing in her eyebrow?

 Conner enjoyed himself as usual

 Hi daddy!

 I have green frosting on my teeth!

 Mackenzie and Mrs. Elisa

Wreath

I blogged yesterday about Mackenzie's friend, Grace, coming over to play and decorate princess cookies.  

Well....

Grace's precious mommy, Molly,  made me the most beautiful wreath out of magnolia leaves. (yes, I'm stealing this idea so you will see it again soon) 

It's silver and goes perfectly with my china, glass and silver that I have in our china cabinet! 

Such an easy thing to make too: 

 (1) pick some magnolia leaves (we have a tree in our backyard if you want some leaves)

 (2) get a cheap wreath since you don't even see it

(3) spray paint the leaves any color you want

(4) hot glue gun them to the wreath

(5) presto! you have yourself a homemade wreath!

Cookie Decorating

We had Grace and "Mommy Grace" (real name, Molly) over today to play and decorate cookies. 


The girls are so cute together! They both love Disney Princess so only princess sprinkles and frosting would do. 


Not quite the production and excitement I was hoping for, but I think they enjoyed it nonetheless.