Happy Birthday to my Hubby

Today is my wonderful husbands birthday. I just got off the night shift, and have beeen up for over 24 hours straight, so my mind is dull, but I coulnt let this day go by without wishing him a very happy birthday!! The kids and I made his favorite dessert -do you remember Jello cheesecakes?? He isnt much of a sweet eater, but loves this. If you havent had one in a while, you should revisit it, it is as good as you remember. I am about to stay up just a bit longer in oreder to make another favorite of his, baked mostacolli. I want to have it all mixed together and prepped, so when i wake up and he is home from work, it will be ready to just pop in the oven. Happy Birthday babe, I love you very much!!

Fun Holiday ideas

I just finished reading today's post over at centsational girl and know what my next project will be! She just made a really cool Advent tree, using branches. Check it out, but come back! I am a branch lover too, and have various branches that I got from around our yard, stuffed in vases around the house. I love the outdoor look indoors. I just so happen to have left-over spray paint from the bedroom furniture project, that will go nicely on some of those branches. My plan is to shop dollar bins, looking for various boxes. I will let the kids decorate each of the boxes - won't that be fun to have over the yrs to come. Then I will fill them with little surprises, that they can open each day of December. The last gift will be baby Jesus, that they can place in the manger after opening, since He is the greatest gift of all. I am really excited to start gathering all the items needed for this, and will post my progress.
My friend Kim, (she doesn't have a blog, well she does, but DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING ON IT AT ALL) has the CUTEST ideas for all kinds of things, from headboards, bows, monogrammed camera straps, shower curtains, and her latest Christmas ornament wreath. She NEEDS to blog about these so you all can see her great work!! She does post her projects on facebook, but, anyway. I also plan on making the ornament wreath and can't wait for that too! What fun things are you working on or planning to do?? Do share!!

Baked French toast Casserole (Paula Deen's recipe)

Julie, over at Three against one, is having her Tuesday Tasties. She is hosting a Holiday recipie party. Go check it out after you read this YUMMY breakfast casserole from Food networks, Paula Deen. I have my family over every Christmas morning for a brunch, and make this along with some egg casseroles....it is to DIE FOR!!! And it is sooo easy, as you prep it the night before and just pop it in, in the morning, the smell as we open up the kids presents is WONDERFUL!!

1 loaf french bread
8 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1 cup milk
2 tblspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash salt

Slice french bread into 20 slices, 1inch each. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9x13 baking dish, in 2 rows, overlapping slices. (I usually just jam them in all over, the more the better). In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half and half, milk sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat with a whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Cover with foil and refrig. overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350degrees.

Spread Praline Topping (below) over the bread and bake for 40minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. The recipie states to serve with maple syrup. But I never do, it is delicious on its own.

Praline Topping: (AKA to die for)
1/2 pound (2sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend well.

This is the easiest, most yummiest thing that will ever pass your lips and land on your hips:)