Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Hope all of you had a most wonderful one too! We got to spend it with both families which made it all the better. We were so blessed that Garth didn't have to work Christmas Eve. We spent Thursday morning and afternoon with Garth's family ( including his Brother and family who was here from Texas) we had Christmas dinner and opened presents. Then played games and watched a movie. Then we headed over to my parents at about 7 to have dessert and have a Christmas Program. Christmas morning we got up at about 8:30 (we could have slept in longer, but we had to be to my parents for breakfast) we woke Kaylee up and did our little family Christmas. We then went to my parents house for our annual Christmas breakfast. We do this every year and I love it. It is one of my favorite traditions. We have something that everyone asks for. This year we had biscuits and gravy, waffles, aebleskivers (w/buttermilk syrup), hash browns, and fresh oj. Then we opened presents and watched a movie. We headed over to Garth's sister's house to visit for a bit then back to my parents for lunch. We had a wonderful day and are glad we were together. Kaylee had tons of fun playing with the new stuff she got. I got exactly what I wanted. I got new cansolidators for our pantry! (can rotation system) I also got a small crock pot, and some storage containers, and of course my cricut. Garth got the game Carcassonne with all of the expansions. He loves the game. He also got diamondback pajama bottoms, and lots of camping gear. We got a dutch oven from my parents we can't wait to use it this spring. We got lots of movies. ( we don't buy movies through out the year so that we can get them way cheap on black friday) This year we gave 6x6 BE Tiles to some friends and neighbors and 12x12 ones to some family members. I made over 20 of these and lets just say that although I had fun and loved them, I am definately getting started early on next year's gift this next year. Here are some pictures enjoy.
This is the 6x6

Oh I am so happy! & Garth's Bday

So first off, I am so excited. I won my first giveaway! I won a really cute apron (flirty aprons) from The Frugal Girls blog. Here is what I won...


Next, today is Garth's 24th Bday! He caught up to me. :) I just wanted to wish my handsome husband a happy birthday. He has been so wonderful to me and Kaylee. I couldn't have been happier with anyone else. He is a great husband and an amazing dad.

By Popular Demand - Pumpkin Cheesecake

I've had a lot of people ask for my Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe. I love this recipe I came up with for the very fact that I love cheesecake and the pumpkin flavor is not to strong. One main reason I don't like store bought pumpkin pie - the spices are way to strong. Enjoy. This is absolutely delish!

Ashley's Pumpkin Cheesecake

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F.

Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
4 Tbs light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (omit if you use the cinnamon graham crackers)
1 stick melted salted butter

In bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix well. Press down flat into a 9 inch springform pan. Set Aside.

Filling:
3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, at room temperature (make sure you don't skip this step or it will be lumpy and won't bake evenly)
1 (15 oz) can pureed pumpkin (if using pumpkin pie filling don't add the spices)
3 eggs plus 1 yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbs flour
2 tsp vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs & yolk, sour cream sugar and spices. Beat until well combined. Add flour and vanilla mix well.

Pour into crust. Spread evenly. Bake on middle rack for 75 minutes (check center with a knife after an hour). Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes. Remove side of pan and wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours. Top with whip cream and sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon if desired.

Home made Whip Cream
1 pint heavy whipping cream
2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Whip cream and sugar until soft peaks form add vanilla and cinnamon. Mix to desired consistancy. I like mine to be thick so I can pipe it onto the cheese cake.

I used pumpkin pie filling once, it works, but I prefer the taste of pureed pumpkin instead.

enjoy!