359/365: Hanukkah on Ice

What a great way to spend Christmas...on the ice! Sam laced up for the first time and Jay took him out on the ice at the annual Chabad event, Hanukkah on Ice at The Flyers Skate Zone. We enjoyed fun Hanukkah music, yummy traditional foods and of course, some ice time, too! Sam braced himself with a big orange cone and did awesome for his first time...no fear and determined to do well! Sam and Jay's matching Flyers cold gear got them some attention and they are going to be in the AC Press tomorrow! Luke and I were great spectators, too! Thank goodness for Hanukkah on Ice (a great way to spend Christmas)!

358/365: luminaries

One month after we moved into the neighborhood, we got a notice on our front door about the neighborhood tradition of Christmas Eve luminaries. It was made to be a "mandatory" obligation that we felt forced to comply with but after a couple years of seeing the beautiful finished product, we now enjoy seeing the streets of Schoolhouse illuminated for the holidays. Thank goodness for luminaries

357/365: peanut butter and jelly muffins

Some creamy peanut butter mixed into the batter and a little spoonful of strawberry jam in the middle makes these little treats a yummy favorite! Thank you Parent magazine :) Thank goodness for peanut butter and jelly muffins

356/365: festival of lights

Like Mimi shared with me from the Jewish Exponent, the real miracle of Hanukkah is not that the oil lasted for eight days, but rather that someone tried and tried seven subsequent nights. Thank goodness for the festival of lights

354/365: continuing traditions...

Since the boys have been a year old, we have always shared a night of Hanukkah together so this year was no exception. "Mom-Mom Area" made yummy latkes and we enjoyed lighting the menorah and hearing the boys sing their preschool Hanukkah blessings and songs. Thank goodness for continuing traditions

352/365: meatloaf

The onion soup recipe for meatloaf is such a breeze and Luke loves it too which is an added bonus! I don't remember eating meatloaf growing up...but then again I think I spit out more food than swallowing it so that isn't saying much! This is an easy new recipe to add to the repertoire for a day that I work. Thank goodness for meatloaf

351/365: Aunt B's latkes

Not too greasy and not to dry... Not too big and not too small...not too salty but not lacking taste...these latkes were just right! Which made them perfect for our Hanukkah party this year because being together is always "just right!" Thank goodness for Aunt B's latkes