Short Stop

Home, again.

2012-01-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

We got back from Hawaii this past weekend and I would just like to pause and say PRAISE THE GOOD LORD that my husband let me sleep until 1pm on Sunday because I don't know that I would have survived this week without that bit of grace.

Ever taken a red eye? Well, let me just say that the people folk strollin' through LAX at 4:30am are a very colorful and expressive crowd.

That is all.

My in-laws stayed with the boys all week while we were gone and they were and are such a gift to us. They stepped back in time 30 years and handled every challenge of caring for four children with such grace and love and we are so grateful to them for the way they loved our boys.

We've been taking it easy this week. Our boys are home on a break from school and we've been enjoying 60 degree days outside and playing games and just gettin' back to the normal stuff we do around here.

I've started sifting through our Hawaii photos and well - I did a whole lot of this:

I kind of a little bit love to take photos.

We did and saw so much. We even had dinner with the Obamas. Kind of. Don't really agree with their politics - but they sure know how to pick a restaurant.

I can't wait to share our trip with you and how much fun we had celebrating our first 10 years of marriage in such a beautiful place.

Hawaii is everything you hear it is - breathtakingly beautiful, fun, sunny, warm, sand-between-your-toes delightful.

We showed our photos to the boys.

Max asked when he and his brothers can go to Hawaii.

"When you're older and get married", my husband replied.

Max responded, "Ew. Gross."

Mmm hmm.

We'll see about that, sir.

Four

2012-01-24T09:30:00.001-05:00

You love:

Mickey Mouse.
Your belly button.
Cooking.
Fruit snacks.
The mall.
The Jesus Storybook Bible.
Frosted Flakes.
Snuggling "weally, weally cwose."
Pairing socks.
Mary Poppins.
Your "boy radio to hold on".
Cubbies.
Trampoline jumpin'.
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox.
Whatever Jack and Max are doing.
Your kitchen.
Target.
Your new grill.
Flashlights.

And, most of all.

"Tookies." {Cookies}

You are:

Ours.

And, we can't imagine life without our Winkin.

Happy 4th birthday - to a most special ~~please stay little for Momma~~ big boy.

Two Big Dreams

2012-01-13T23:15:00.002-05:00

When I was a little girl, I had two BIG dreams.

1. That I would get married one day.

2. That someday I would get to go to Hawaii.

This past December, my husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary.

And, tomorrow morning, he's taking me to Hawaii.

Our four little buddies will be spending the week here at home with their grandparents - who are loving us in such an immense and sacrificial way by coming down here to all the CRAZY and caring for our littles while we're gone.

They will be so loved. The kids. And, the grandparents.

I am happy. I am sad. I am exhausted and excited and I suppose when you leave part of your heart to go nurture and fill up the other, well - it's just a big ol' bucket of bittersweet.

So, while I head off to celebrate my anniversary and soak up every lazy, sunny minute with the one I simply can't get enough of - this little space of mine will be quiet.

Quiet. I'm looking forward to some of that.

And, sleep. I am really looking forward to that, too.

Ten years ago, my Jason married me.
Tomorrow, he's taking me to Hawaii.

I guess you could say he's my dreams come true.

My Favorite Christmas Present

2012-01-12T08:45:00.001-05:00

Pepper Jack Potatoes

2012-01-11T09:00:00.004-05:00

I love mashed potatoes.

Always have.
Always will.

I really love mashed potatoes and gravy. Mom's Roast Beef paired alongside a heaping pile of Creamy Mashed Potatoes with gravy smothering the whole thing - well, I'd rather have that for dinner than just about anything else.

But, most of the time, when I'm making potatoes as a side dish, there isn't gravy and the potaotes need to stand on their own. Like when I'm making:

Grilled chicken.
Shish Kabobs.
Steak.
Smoked sausage.
Ham.

This past Sunday, I had a block of Pepper Jack cheese in the fridge and whipped up some Pepper Jack Potatoes to go with the chicken my husband was grilling. Or should I say the chicken that my husband AND precious little three year-old were grilling. {sigh}

I LOVE Pepper Jack cheese. I really like spicy foods and Pepper Jack cheese has that zip and zing that makes it so good on crackers and on top of chili.

But, I discovered that it is also delicious paired with potatoes that are boiled until tender and mashed with butter, a splash of milk, and Pepper Jack cheese. Then topped off with more cheese. Because, well - can you really have too much cheese?

That's it.

Easy.
No fuss.
Weekday.
Sunday dinner.
Whenever.

A perfectly simple, flavorful, zippy side dish that you can serve with just about anything.

Enjoy!

Pepper Jack Potatoes

2-3 pounds boiling potatoes, such as Russets or Yukon Golds
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup milk
8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a small baking dish (ex. 8" x 8"). Set aside.

Cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Add potatoes to a 4 quart pot and add water to cover - about an inch above potatoes. Bring to a boil. Add a dash of salt to water. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes fall apart easily when pierced with a fork.

As soon as the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander.

Place 2 tablespoons of butter in the bottom of a mixing bowl. Add potatoes. Beat with a mixer for 2 minutes. Add milk and 4 ounces of Pepper Jack cheese, salt, and pepper and slowly beat until creamy and cheese has melted.

Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Top with remaining Pepper Jack cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until cheese on top has melted.

*This recipe can easily be doubled and made in a 9" x 13" dish to serve a large group or to take to a potluck. It can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator and reheated when ready to serve.

When Magic Happens

2012-01-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we got home from church and my husband started on dinner.

It was a grillin' Sunday - which means he's got the main dish, and I do the rest. I started peeling potatoes at my kitchen sink and looked out the window.

There he was.

The one I've been married to for 10 years. The one who wears gray Converse - which I find so sexy and irresistible. The one who has let his beard grow back so if you thought you were gettin' a photo of him with his baby face - well, not a chance.

I finished peeling the taters, went upstairs to change, and came back downstairs to finish up dinner.

Then I looked outside.

Sometimes, I can verbalize what a moment feels like. As a writer, I love the challenge of putting into words my thoughts in a moment - using my limited vocabulary to express what only words can.

But, sometimes - a photo says more than words can ever say. As a photographer, those moments are magic. They don't happen often - which is why they are so special when they do.

Well.

Somewhere in Raleigh, North Carolina, on a grillin' Sunday, early in the month of January, on the back deck of our home, a new Christmas present created one of those moments.

Magic happened.

Brunch Favorite: Hot Fruit and Sausage

2012-01-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

I was chatting on the phone with my best friend this weekend - telling her that I was preparing to go to a baby shower brunch.

"I'm taking that fruit and sausage dish", I told her.

She gasped. "You need to put that on your blog. That stuff is awesome."

I quickly grabbed my camera as I was walking out the door and took a photo of this dish that she, and so many of my friends and family absolutely love.

Because it does belong on here - as it's a family favorite that I make and serve all the time.

It's an unexpected combination - warm fruit and sausage all in one dish. But, this recipe takes ordinary browned sausage and combines it with chunked pineapple and sliced banana - coated with a brown sugar and cinnamon sauce that really is the perfect combination and is a great addition to any brunch table.

If you come visit us here in Raleigh, you'll probably see it the next morning on the breakfast table served alongside one of these main courses:

Stuffed French Toast
Savory Croissant Breakfast Pudding
{Light and Fluffy} Buttermilk Pancakes
Mixed Fruit Scones
Overnight Sticky Buns

I like making this dish when we have company because it's ready in about 10 minutes and I don't have to fuss around the kitchen to get it prepared. I like taking it to brunches because I know that there will be nothing else like it - and whether there are muffins, pastries, breakfast casseroles, potatoes or all of the above on the brunch table, I know this dish will complement all of it.

An easy, hearty, brunch favorite.

I hope y'all enjoy this one as much as we do.

Enjoy!

Hot Fruit and Sausage
recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

2 packages (12 ounce) uncooked or frozen sausage links (turkey, beef, or pork)
1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 medium bananas, sliced

In a large skillet, cook sausage according to package directions; drain. Drain half of the juice from the pineapple and add it to the pan along with the sausage, brown sugar and cinnamon; stir to heat through. Stir in banana just before serving.

"...You go and do something like this. And, TOTALLY redeem yourself!"

2012-01-06T14:30:00.003-05:00

This is my baby when he wakes up in the morning.

(Excuse the blurry iPhone photo.)

My baby bares an uncanny resemblance to someone.

Any guesses?

Need I say more?

It was the Jeff Daniels as Harry in Dumb and Dumber impersonation that finally did my husband in.

Sarah, you have GOT to cut his hair! And, I mean today.

I pouted and closed my eyes. Today? Today? This poor baby has this crazy, curly hair that I have been trying to figure out/understand/tame for months. One minute, it's ringlet curls all over his head. The next minute he's Lloyd's sidekick driving a Sheepdog around town. But, I just didn't want to lose his curls. I love his baby curls.

So, yesterday, I took him to get his first haircut.

I walked into the haircut place/barber/salon - whatever they're called anymore - and embraced my inner insanity:

This is my baby. I have never cut his hair because, well, look at it. See all these curls? But, in the morning, he looks like Harry from Dumb and Dumber, I have a photo, Do you want to see it, and when it's not humid outside at all or when he's slept on it or when it's not newly washed it kind of goes straight a lot and well, my husband says that I have to cut it or he's taking matters into his own hands and well, he'll buzz the whole thing off and I just can't handle it if those curls are gone forever because this is my baby we're talking about and I'm just not ready to have him be a teenager because I cut his hair and I know I sound crazy and really high maintenance and I'm not usually like this, I'm usually so laid back, you should ask my friends, I mean, I have four boys and I'd never survive if I was high maintenance or Type A but...

The girl cut me off.

I know just what to do, she said, as she put her arm around me.

Then she gave me a lollipop.

And, a Valium.

Thirty minutes later, I walked out of there - holding my new baby boy, and I squeezed him as tight as I could, looked him in the eye and told him:

You. look. MAHVELOUS!

And, he does.

Do you wanna see?

Here is my new baby:

He still has his curls! The girl said maybe they'd be gone when it was a lot shorter, and maybe they'd stay and guess what? THEY STAYED!

It waves around his ears and I could eat him for having waves around his ears.

Waves that turn into curls all over the back. Curls that are now 2 inches shorter but THEY'RE STILL THERE! Praise Jesus who gives us such good gifts like baby curls that STAYED.

Hello there, lovely.

He looks older to me now. No hair in his face or in his eyes.

A little boy haircut.

But, he's still my tiny in his blanket sleeper playing with his cars and being all precious and sweet.

I love you, happy one.

And, your new haircut, too.

World's Best Hot Chocolate {'Cause Baby, It's Cold Outside!}

2012-01-05T08:45:00.001-05:00

When I wanted a mug of hot chocolate, I used to rip open the ol' Swiss Miss packets. Because for my whole life, that's what hot chocolate was.

And, I have loved - I mean LOVED - hot chocolate for my whole life.

My brothers and sisters and I would come in from the snow, peel off our snowsuits, throw them on the floor by the back door, and Mom would have the little blue box of hot chocolate out on the counter along with our mismatched mug collection and the tea kettle would be buzzing until finally - it screached and hollered and made a big ol' fuss.

Then - WE GOT OUR HOT CHOCOLATE ON.

If we were lucky, there were dehydrated, pea-sized little marshmallows in the bottom of the packets. "You bought the marshmallow kind? YESSSSS!"

Right? You, too?

And, when we were finished, we'd play Pac-Man and Space Invaders and Pitfall on our Atari while we smacked our chocolate-y lips to have been given such goodness.

I still buy Swiss Miss for my littles from time to time. Because I'm nostalgic that way and it's just easy and LORD KNOWS we run out of milk around here.

But, for me - for our guests, for gifts, for most of the time - I make this recipe for hot chocolate. My sister got this recipe from a friend many years ago, and she and I will serve each other no other hot chocolate.

What I love about it:

It's a dry mix (keeps forever), but there is no powdered milk.
That unexpected hint of cinnamon.
It makes a big ol' pot. Or a mug. Or anywhere in between.
REAL chocolate.
I have the ingredients in my pantry - always.

And, it's the best. If you're gonna claim something is "World's Best", it better be.

This hot chocolate is THEEE best.

You will never want to drink Swiss Miss, again, because you will be so spoiled rotten by your homemade kind. And, you will save beaucoup bucks because you won't be hittin' up Starbucks for hot chocolate every mornin'.

A couple of tips:

1. I always make a double batch of the mix and keep it in a tupperware container in my pantry.

2. I usually use whole milk because there is a bit of water in the recipe. And, whole milk makes it richer and creamier and so delicious. {You can use any kind of milk (skim, lowfat) - just try it at least once with whole.}

3. This hot chocolate mix makes a GREAT gift. Mix up a batch, put it in a mason jar or tupperware container and attach the instructions. Your friends will love it!

As we head into the coldest time of year, make up a batch, a pot, or a mug of homemade, really good, really comforting WORLD'S BEST Hot Chocolate.

Y'all will love this recipe!

Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________

World's Best Hot Chocolate

Mix:

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (I use mini-chocolate chips)
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Store mix in an airtight container.

For 4 servings:

2/3 cup cocoa mix
1/4 cup water
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large pan on low heat, stir cocoa mix and water until melted. Add milk and beat with whisk until smooth. Heat on low until hot. Add vanilla. Serve.

*For a single serving, add 2 heaping tablespoons of mix in the bottom of a mug. Pour 1/8 cup boiling water (don't measure - just add enough to cover the chocolate) and stir until the chocolate melts. Add milk to the top of your mug and add a splash of vanilla. Microwave until heated.

65 Years. A Great Big Family.

2012-01-03T23:45:00.002-05:00

Today, my husband's grandparents - who have become very much my grandparents and whom I love so dearly - celebrate their 65th anniversary.

SIXTY-FIVE YEARS. Of loving the same person. For better or worse. Every single day.

They will tell you that the secret to a life-long love is easy: Follow Jesus. Trust Him. Thank the Lord for every good gift.

Following through on that? Every day? Every month? Every year for sixty-five years? Not always easy.

I've watched them. For fifteen years, I've been watching the two of them. Taking mental notes as I tilted my head and wondered:

What is it about them?

And, here is what they say about life-long love - without using any words:

Hold hands.
Laugh together.
Cry when you mean it.
Whisper in each other's ear.
Put her coat on for her.
Repeat yourself. Don't say, "Nevermind."
Give grace.
Talk about good food.
Put your arm around her.
Call her, "My girl."
Retell the same stories.
Pray earnestly.
Give him knowing smiles.
Talk about when you first fell in love.
Relive your younger years.
Let everyone know you love her.
Let everyone know you love him.

Our family celebrated their anniversary with dinner and a slideshow of memories.

When a photo flashed of Gram sitting in the grass on a picnic in their early years, Pappy shouted, "There she is. That's my girl."

I pray and long for this kind of lifelong love. I want my husband and I to know this deep sense of trust and knowing and I want us to laugh together for our whole lives.

And, if the Lord will give them, I want lots and lots of grandchildren.

And, even more wiggly great-grandchildren.

I want to remember - as the years go by - the way Pappy always looked at Gram.

And, the way she always looked back at him.

65 years after their honeymoon.

Choo-Choos & Cheesesteaks

2012-01-01T21:00:00.002-05:00

Each Christmas since Jack was a baby, we've visited an amazing train garden at The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, MD - not far from my in-law's house.

My kids love this train garden. And, while we're there, Jason and I hork down cheesesteak subs at Italian Gardens - an Italian restaurant right next door. This place has the BEST cheesesteaks we've had anywhere. We have yet to find a single place in Raleigh where we can get a decent cheesesteak sub (we never found one in Michigan either), so we savor every bite of our Italian Gardens subs when we visit each Christmas.

Trains for the buddies.
Cheesesteak-horking for us.

I believe they call that a "win-win".

This year, all FOUR boys got to enjoy the trains. Whitman was a wee newborn last year, and watching his little sixteen-month old face light up was pure delight.

We simply LOVED watching each of them.

This train set-up is incredible. There is so much to look at and it is so well done.

Baltimore Ravens stadium? Home of the 2011 AFC North Champions! Yes, please.

Helicopters flying above amidst dangling Christmas lights.

Each one of them takes everything in - in their own way and time.

The baby was so utterly precious. Looking at his Grandpa - then back to the trains. Then back at Grandpa. Pointing. OOHing. Giggling.

Mesmerized.

We love sharing these moments with our children.

Finding things we know they'll love, loading them and all the anticipation in the world into the car, and watching the magic unfold.

I love these little boys.

So very much.

And, the baby who owns these little feet dangling from Grandpa's arms, too.

A little bit of Christmas night.

2011-12-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

We left Christmas morning all over our family room, and loaded up the car to head to Grandma's house. We wondered if they'd be sad - leaving their new toys and heading out of town.

Nope. The lure of Grandma and Grandpa and cousins and aunts and uncles is so strong that they hopped right in the car and said, "LET'S GO!"

(That was an answer to prayer. Truly. We have never driven on Christmas day. So thankful.)

Mom's house. There are so many of us. It's the best.

Grandpa always reads the Christmas story before we open presents. It's a really special time with all of the littles huddled around the Christmas tree.

And, then it's full on chaos. A lot of laughter. A lot of squeals. A lot of, "Mom - Looook what I got!! NO WAY!"

There was some dancing. And, wide eyes that can't wait to get started.

I love their expressions. They're all so different - each one trying to take it all in.

And, Pappy. Sitting in the corner with utter delight on his face. He sits like this every Christmas and his expression is always the same. I wonder what he's thinking as he watches these little ones - eighty years younger than he is. I do know this - he loves them. So much.

The two newborns from last Christmas are now these precious little babies that are so wonder-filled that we just sit and OOH and AHH at them.

Whit - the Christmas tree was his favorite gift this year. At our house and at Grandma's.

Well, that and his little Maisy board books. He is so sweet pretending to read them. And, looking up at us and begging, "Again?"

Rachel - my husband's sister - is expecting a baby girl in March. She has won the hearts of all of my children and their cousins. She will be a fantastic mother. I can't wait to see her with her baby.

After we ate dinner, the kiddos snuggled in front of a movie and the adults got our WHITE ELEPHANT on.

The rules:

$10.
No food.
No gift cards.

It. was. HILARIOUS!

See that black and gold box? The evil-looking, horrible, loathsome one? That was the gift I brought. I wondered if anyone would touch it. (We are RAVENS fans in our family. Steelers = YUCK!) Inside? A Raven's purple casserole baker and purple and black striped socks. {I squeezed every bit I could out of my $10.}

See what Lincoln's holding? The Windshield Wonder. As Seen On TV gifts were Jason's brother and his wife's gifts of choice. Lincoln is still carrying that thing around. He wuvs to cwean.

Jason's sister, Aimee, opened the gift Jason brought - a yard stick-sized beer glass. This was the most popular gift of the night. The men all wanted it and stole and re-stole it from one another all night long.

Well, that and the COLD HARD CASH that my brother-in-law Justin brought - he froze a ten dollar bill in a bowl of water. Brilliant.

We laughed through the whole thing.

Christmas with our family - laughing, stealing gifts, babies playing, littles dancing, aunts peek-a-booing, Pappys gazing.

Full hearts from spending this Christmas day with the ones we love most.

A little bit of Christmas morning.

2011-12-28T17:00:00.002-05:00

'Twas the night before.

The night we get to play Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

It is just as magical for us as it is for them the next morning.

This year, we went to Target right after Halloween when the costumes were 75% off and cleaned them out of the boys' sizes in every costume we could find. We spent $3-$5 per costume and we couldn't wait to finally give them to our boys.

We hung them all over the room!

Spiderman.
Obi Wan.
Indian.
Thomas the Train.
Iron Man.
Waluigi.
Wario.

My children love to make-believe.

By the late-night glow of the Christmas tree, we showered them with our love for them.

Buzz and Woody - of course.

After many years of mismatched stockings, we finally ordered new ones this year. After having two friends with toddlers pull a stocking AND stocking holder off of the mantle and heading to urgent care for stitches, we decided to hang them on out-of-reach shelves this year. Until the toddling ones understand.

We stuffed while they slept.

We turned off the lights and went to sleep - with the gifts we'd chosen for each of them tucked under the tree.

"I can't wait," I whispered to my husband.

A few short hours later, they were up.

Wrapping paper everywhere.

Would it be a holiday without at least ONE of them feeling queasy? Jack - our over-the-top, wild one curled up in a chair. Barf bucket, glass of water, and his presents. It was pitiful.

Still - hand-picked gifts just for him bring on the joy.

It's what I've ALWAYS wanted. Is there any better gift as a parent? Their joy wrecks us.

It was just us. In the wee hours.

On Christmas morning. 2011.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:15:00.002-05:00

“I can’t stop loving you.
You are my heart’s treasure.
But I lost you.
Now I am coming back for you.

I am like the sun that gently shines on you,
chasing away darkness and fear and death.
You’ll be so happy -
you’ll be like little calves running free
in an open field.

I am going to send my Messenger - The Promised One.
The One you have been waiting for.
The Rescuer.

He is coming. So, get ready!”

(The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones)

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-12-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

I don't have the best recipes for everything. I kind of like the food I like and, well - I don't like what I don't like and you won't find recipes on here for foods that I (and my family) don't eat all the time.

Recipes you won't find on Short Stop:

Ground beef. Not a fan. I like a good burger once in a blue moon (Hello, Five Guys!), but that's about it. I use sausage in my pasta sauce, ground turkey in my chili, and ground beef casseroles are out. (I had a bad experience with Hamburger Helper as a child and that trauma runs deep, people. Anyone wanna try to convert me with a REALLY good ground beef recipe? I'm all ears.)

Fish. No likey. I have one tilapia recipe on here, but that's it. I do not like fish unless I'm at Long John Silvers. (This makes my husband cringe. "That's not really fish, Sar.") Fish just smells and tastes fishy to me. I've tried, but I just don't like it.

So, you see - I don't claim to have or know or make the best of everything. I don't even like a handful of things.

HOWEVER.

I do happen to have the best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe on the planet. It's OK if you disagree, but you may only disagree IF you've made Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies, tried them while they're still warm on the cookie sheet, and then if you still insist they're not the best, you must share whatever recipe you have that you think is better. Deal?

I didn't think Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies could possibly be improved upon. Because they are, in fact, without a doubt, absolutely, positively the BEST chocolate chip cookies on earth.

But, this past weekend, I had a bag of Andes Mint Baking Chips (they're everywhere this time of year) and decided that I'd add them to a batch of Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookie dough.

Folks, Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies just got better. EEK!

I made cookies out of the dough for my kiddos and their little friends. And, Pizookies for the adults.

They. were. AWESOME!

The mint was subtle - not like mint cookies where you add peppermint extract and you're like, "WHOA, NELLY - is this toothpaste?" But, combining regular chocolate chips and mint chips gave these cookies this perfect, minty flavor that was just absolutely divine. Mint and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations and these cookies are the perfect home for that duo.

A new twist on Mom's famous cookies.

Perfect for Christmastime.

Enjoy!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Note: This recipe is for a DOUBLE batch!)

1 1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla
6 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 (10-ounce) bag Andes Creme de Menthe Baking Chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter and shortening and two sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add flour, 2 cups at a time. Add baking soda and salt with last 2 cups. Stir in chocolate chips and Andes baking chips.

Drop by large tablespoons (or small ice cream scoop) onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Cookies will seem underdone when first removed, but will set as they cool!

Cinnamon Toast Popcorn

2011-12-16T11:30:00.003-05:00

***Warning: This stuff is crazy addictive.***

This is my favorite way to eat popcorn. And, it just might become yours, too.

My kids LOVE cinnamon toast. Heck, I LOVE cinnamon toast. One day, while my husband was out of town and we were lookin' for a movie snack, I made a batch of this for me and my little buddies.

WE DEVOURED IT!

Cinnamon, sugar, and butter - melted together then drizzled over the top of plain popcorn, then baked for 10 minutes - just to bind it all together.

It's so easy. It's so inexpensive. It's so good.

If you're looking to make any last minute homemade Christmas gifts - but don't have time for cookies or candy or anything else fussy, you can make batches of this popcorn, put it into tins , and I promise you - not a kernel will be left at the bottom of those tins when you're friends and family are finished with them.

*Gift idea: We LOVE our Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper. It is one of the BEST kitchen appliances we own. It makes fresh popcorn (which is so much better and so much cheaper than microwaved popcorn), and the kids love watching it pop. One of these and a tin of Cinnamon Toast Popcorn would make a great gift for anybody!

Cinnamon Toast Popcorn. It's that salty sweet perfection we all love.

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Toast Popcorn

8 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place popcorn in a large bowl.

Combine butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl. (You can also do this on the stovetop, but the microwave is so easy.) Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave an additional 2 minutes. (Mixture should be bubbling. That's good!)

Pour mixture over popcorn and toss until popcorn is coated.

Place popcorn on jelly roll pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Store in an airtight container.

ENJOY!

Our Love Story, Part 4: Our Wedding Day

2011-12-15T08:45:00.001-05:00

Ten years ago today. December 15, 2001. Our Wedding Day. I always wanted a Christmas wedding.

As I prepared to post about our wedding day, I realized that it is quite impossible to post how I felt that day. And, as I flipped through the pages of our wedding album (and through 400 proofs), I realized that it would be similarly difficult to choose just a few pictures to share with you.

So, I'm going to share one very special story about that day, and a few pictures. Well, maybe more than a few...but, some of my favorites, and a few that will help tell a picture story of our day.

So, here it is. Our Wedding Day...

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A Story

As a little girl, I had always dreamed of my Dad walking me down the aisle on my wedding day. So, when Jason and I got engaged, I was excited to share the news with my Dad and laugh with him about how fun it would be to take that walk together.

Unfortunately, my Dad got very sick in the months leading up to my wedding. As he and I were talking on the phone a few months before my wedding, he told me that he didn't think he'd be able to walk me down the aisle, and doubted he'd even be able to attend.

I was devastated. But, I understood.

Jason called me a few minutes after I finished that conversation with my Dad. I was inconsolable as I told him through oceans of tears that my Dad not only couldn't come to our wedding, but that my dream of my Dad walking me down the aisle was shattered.

Jason responded, "It'll be alright, SG. I'll come and get you, and I'll walk you down the aisle."

And, that he did. On my wedding day, as the doors in the back of the church opened, Jason came and got me, and walked me down the aisle. And, my Dad was well enough to watch from the front pew!

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Getting Ready

This is Jason's favorite...

But, this is how I really felt...

"Do I really have to wear a piece of jewelry for the rest of my life?" Our wedding bands are both engraved with the same phrase..."for the hand that holds my heart"...

The girls. I am still great friends with every one of them! (Love you guys!)

The Ceremony

Jason coming to get me...

Walking down the aisle together...

By candlelight. The way I'd always dreamed.

Vows.

YAY! Finally married!

Two of my favorites...

Our photographer took a photo of everyone who attended our wedding. I love this keepsake. So many of these people are SUCH an encouragement to us and our marriage! (Click on it and it'll get bigger.)

Our Reception

We rode to our reception in a white stretch limo. We loved having time - just us - to laugh and just relax together before heading into our reception.

Our cake. A wrapped present!

We had the most delicious mocha filling inside of our cake. (I think the Lord knew to start caffeinating us early cause he was about to send us FOUR boys. LOL!) No cake face-smashing. Today? He'd cream me. Guaranteed.

Our first dance was to "Never Will I Leave You", by Michael Card. We took three weeks of ballroom dancing lessons while we were engaged and our instructor choreographed a dance for us. That is my Dad looking on...one of my favorite pictures! (I miss him so much. I'm so glad he was there that day.)

Jason had a big ol' time with this. I remember thinking, "Ack. EVERYONE we know is watching you" just as he removed my garter. This photo also shows the sneakers that I wore. There was no way I was spending this day that I had waited almost 5 years for in uncomfortable shoes. So, I wore platform sneakers. I decorated them with rhinestones, and shimmery silver ribbon for shoelaces. I LOVED them! (And so did Jason!)...

And, we were off to begin our happily ever after.

It was everything I dreamed it would be. It really was. It wasn't perfect or lavish or expensive. But, it was our day. And, I'll never forget how I felt marrying the one God chose for me.

Happy 10 years, my dear Jason.

You are such a gift to me.

Our Love Story, Part 3: The Dinner That Sparkled

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

February 10, 2001. His parents house. He invited me to dinner.

We walked up the driveway into the house and before he even closed the door behind us, he said to me, "Since I have to work on Valentine's Day, I thought we'd celebrate tonight. I made you dinner and need to finish a few things, so you can just relax for a while, OK?"

I comfortably settled onto the sofa...for a few minutes. And, then I started scrutinizing the situation.

Problem #1: The table was not set. No plates or silverware or glasses or candles or flowers or any of the things that might make for a romantic dinner for two. Or eating even possible.

Problem #2: He was wearing his winter coat and going back and forth to the backyard. Out of sheer curiosity, I finally took a quick peek out the back door while he was "working" in the kitchen, and noticed some sort of fire.

Yikes. Panic. It was February and freezing, and I had visions of him thinking that S'mores might be a romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

I sat back on the sofa and decided that no-matter-what he had "planned", I would put on a good face and enjoy our TV tray dinner. AND my S'more.

I didn't know what was waiting for me. And, that made what was about to happen so much more special.

He came in to get me and took me to the living room. And there it was. A beautifully set table for two. Complete with red roses and candles AND eating utensils.

The menu. My favorites.

Filet Mignon (that he had charcoal grilled...outside!)
Twice baked potatoes
Steamed broccoli
Caesar Salad

We had the best time together...with lots of laughter.

The details of Jason's proposal are written in my journal and on the diary of my heart, and I'd like to keep them there.

But, that night, my Jason spoke four precious words that I had been longing to hear.

"Will you marry me?"

And, my left ring finger got a makeover. A sparkly one.

Ten months and five days later, I would pull into church and dart up the stairs. Only this time, it would be my wedding day...

(Our engagement photo)

Our Love Story, Part 2: The Moment I Knew

2011-12-13T09:45:00.001-05:00

Sunday Morning. Church. He was going to meet me there.

We had been dating for just a few months. (We did start dating several months after that night in the study lounge.)

I spent extra time this particular morning getting ready for church since he would be there. I curled my hair, wore a new outfit and new shoes, and did what girls do when they're trying to impress their boyfriend.

I pulled into the church parking lot and darted up the stairs to the gymnasium where our friends often met to munch on donuts and drink coffee before church started. My eyes caught his and I walked over to where he was standing with our friends.

One of his friends looked up, "Sarah, you look really great today. I love your hair like that." I don't remember how I responded to him because my attention was focused solely on Jason - the only one I really wanted to notice me.

He was looking away. I couldn't catch his eyes. He looked so uncomfortable.

I wanted him to chime in and whole-heartedly agree with those statements. "Yes...she looks so beautiful, doesn't she? I'm the luckiest guy in the world." In my mind, that would have been perfect!

But nothing. He said nothing. And, I was so hurt.

I quietly stared out the window as we drove up to his parents for lunch. I didn't understand.

In his soft-spoken and tender way, he asked, "Sarah, what's wrong?"

I immediately unloaded. (And in true "girl" fashion, I was so glad that he finally asked.)

"I don't understand you. I was so excited to see you today. I wanted to look really nice because you were gonna be there. I walk into church, and [your friend] compliments me on how I look and you didn't say anything. You just stood there. I feel like you purposefully said nothing, and I don't understand."

I will never forget what he said next.

"I did do that on purpose."

What? I was totally stunned.

He continued. "And, I'm so sorry that I hurt you. I love you very much. And, you are incredibly beautiful to me. But, when I get married, I want my wife to know that she is the only girl I ever doted on that way."

From that moment on, I wanted to be that girl.

I knew that I wanted to marry this boy who loved his wife before he even knew who she was. And who was saving his doting words, and deepest feelings for her. And only her.

I would have to wait 3 1/2 more years. But, one cold winter evening, Jason would ask me to be that girl...

(A friend's wedding. August 2000)

Our Love Story, Part 1: The Star Wars Boy

2011-12-12T13:00:00.001-05:00

Preface: In honor of a really special day coming up on Thursday, I thought I'd spend the next few days (re)sharing Our Love Story - how I met, fell in love with, and married my husband. How do I sum up what seemed like an eternity of waiting all those years ago? Brevity, my friends. Snippets. The important stuff. That's all you're gettin'. And, I'm guessing, that's all you really want!

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College. 1996. Reformed University Fellowship meeting.

I was sitting at a table with some of my girlfriends when he walked into the room. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a larger-than-life Yoda on the front.

He sat across the table from me, and I was periodically distracted by the fact that Yoda was watching my every move.

That's my first memory of him. Yep, the stuff romance novels are made of.

One year (and many icky dining hall meals) later...

I peeked my head into my dorm's study lounge on the way back from class one evening, and he was there playing cards with some of our mutual friends. He was wearing a Star Wars hat.

What was it with this boy and Star Wars?

He slid over just enough to make a spot for me. Loving the competitiveness of any and all card games, I dropped my backpack, and plopped down on the floor next to him.

I didn't really know him; but, he made me laugh. And laugh. And laugh some more. We concluded our card game well after 2 am. I wanted to keep playing. I kinda liked this Star Wars boy.

This boy named Jason.

It was the beginning of our love story. But neither of us knew it…

The Year Christmas Changed For Me. Forever.

2011-12-09T12:00:00.001-05:00

Do you remember a Christmas that changed you? One that is so extraordinary in some way that as you revisit Christmases past, it pushes and shoves its way to the front of your mind and cries out, "Surely you remember me."

I have one of those.

It is the Christmas I became a mother.

My world changed that year. Christmas changed. I sat and watched my new baby lying on a blue and white gingham blanket monogrammed with his name, Jackson Henry - staring with wonder up at the lights on our tree - and I simply could. not. believe. that he was mine.

Did God know that this gift of my son would pale every other gift I'd ever received? Did He know that I would never be the same? Did He know that soft skin and baby toes and this new kind of love would bind my husband and I together in a way nothing else ever could?

Did He know that it would change Christmas for me? Forever?

Surely He did. He, after all, was the Giver of this most precious gift. And, doesn't the Giver wait in anticipation as the one He loves opens and treasures and discovers?

I learned something that year.

The most meaningful gifts are not things.

But, Sarah - you're a Christian. Did you not know that before?

No, dear friend. I did not.

Christmas in my mind and heart was the exchanging of meaningful things. And, the things represented what was in the heart. An understandable approach, I suppose.

But, the year I birthed my son, God reached into my heart and showed me that material things - exchanged even with the noblest of intentions - will be reduced to dirt on the ground when compared to the joy of mothering a child.

As I travel around town with my four children this Christmas season - I'm often on the receiving end of unfriendly looks and stares and whispered comments: "There are FOUR of them. Ugh. And, they're all BOYS."

Why, yes, dear stranger. They are. They are my Christmas gifts. They are not shiny or perfectly wrapped. They don't sparkle and they can't be turned on and off at will.

But, they will never end up in a garage sale or in a bag for the Goodwill. They - unlike the Tiffany's bracelet I received 10 years ago - will never tarnish in the bottom of a jewelry box.

They are my best gifts. This year. Every year.

The miracle of Christmas began with a new mother holding and loving her new baby.

Seven years ago, it began this way for me, too.

Focus

2011-12-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

*I wrote this post two years ago, but I relive it every year.

As I contemplate another Christmas - the joys of today, the sorrows of years past - I pray that God's grace continues to heal the broken places in me, and that I live with thankfulness overflowing for His redeeming love.

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I always feel nostalgic this time of year.

I suppose everyone does to some degree or another. My dreams and daydreams and quiet moments, rare as they may be, are flooded with memories.

I remember my first Christmas as Jason's wife. Life was new, again. I woke up with my best friend next to me, and yet, he was a stranger. I'd only known him as my husband for 10 days, and I couldn't get enough of how wonderful and new he was to me.

I remember my Dad. Over and over, again. I remember my Dad.

I remember the first Christmas I spent with a broken heart. Everyone around me wore happy, plastic faces, and I wore grief. I was an unlikely Grinch, only my heart had been trampled on and refused to grow, and I desperately wanted to sing with the Whos. I couldn't find my song.

I remember the year I got a baby carriage. It's the first Christmas I remember. I wore my Chatterbox nightgown, perfect attire for me at age six and still appropriate at age 34, as I pushed my new baby doll around our house on Sherman Avenue. It snowed that year.

I remember Christmas 2004 - my first as a mother. Jack was my world. He was the baby in every manger I saw, and "For unto us a child is born; a son is given" made my heart cry out a thousand thanks to God every time I heard or sang or read it.

I remember my Playdoh Fun Factory, and my hand sewn Cabbage Patch Doll because a "real" one couldn't be found. I remember my first pair of Guess jeans and my karaoke machine. I remember the mixed emotions of Mom's new engagement ring and our new Atari and all of it blends together in one big mental montage of Christmases past.

While we decorated our Christmas tree this year, I sat and wept for what had been. I wept for my Dad, whom I miss so much. I wept because I now have three sons, and they are the best gifts I've ever gotten. I wept for the beautiful sacrifice my parents made to give us a toy-filled Christmas each year. I wept for my broken heart 15 years ago.

I wept because I would never go back, but I want to close my eyes and relive the moments and gifts that took my breath away.

I opened my computer today to share with you some pictures of my family decorating our Christmas tree.

But, as my memory-filled montage plays over and over this morning, this week, this Christmas season - this one picture so tellingly illustrates my heart's prayer:

Lord, change my focus.

Allow my memories of the past, the joy and sorrow of yesterday, to fade into the background.

And, bring into perfect focus in my heart and mind Your blessings of love and laughter that fill my home today.

Insta-joys

2011-12-06T21:19:00.003-05:00

Has it really been a month?

You know what? It has. I know that it has. I've just been doing a whole lot of livin' - not recording or documenting or sharing. Just livin'. I used to think that if I didn't share on here what was happening in my life, that I'd be standing in front of the mirror one day putting on wrinkle cream and tweezing unruly hairs out of my chin warts and scream, "What happened in November of 2011? Does anyone know? WHERE HAS MY LIFE GONE? "

I have issues. I am fully aware of this.

But, after taking 365 days of photos - that not-so-little project that stretched my lazy, professional-non-finishing be-hind to the max, I just needed a little break from photographing and writing and sharing. A quieter season maybe? At least here on this blog.

But, can I tell you what really encouraged me over this last month? You. Thank you for your emails asking about me and my little family. I sometimes forget that you're out there (Is that ok?), and that you wonder what's going on with us when I don't write.

Though I haven't been updating here, I've been taking a lot of photos with my phone. Because it's always in my back pocket and I can whip it out and capture a moment any time I want.

My friend, Kristen, calls these Insta-joys. Quick and easy snapshots of day to day life. Moments that I just want to remember. Moments that bring me joy - the silly, the fun, the everyday, the kiddos. No big camera. No uploading. No Photoshop.

Just moments.

So, here is a bit of what we've been up to over the last month:

Insta-joy style.

Work projects. I've been making and photographing recipes for various work projects. My kitchen has looked like this a whole, whole lot. But, I enjoy my work so much - and, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do what I love and get PAID for it!

The boys tracked out of school for three weeks, so we broke out the homeschool box and had a ball. I loved having them home - such a huge benefit of year-round school. As soon as I start to really miss them, they come home for a few weeks!

Max is insanely good at Memory. He whips my toosh every time we play. He's FIVE!

Track out means late night, middle-of-the-week ice cream sundaes. Yes, it does.

Whit prefers cookies to ice cream. Me, too!

Three of the boys got the stomach virus while they were out of school. We're talking OFF THE TOP OF THE BUNKBEDS, onto the carpet below, onto me, onto everything in sight. AFTER eating Oreos all day. WHILE my husband was traveling. It was beyond horrendous. So, we moved all the furniture out of the rooms and prepared to have all the carpets in the whole house cleaned. It was that or arson, and we're not arnsony kind of people.

Everyone recovered and we went to Baltimore for the week of Thanksgiving. We loved seeing our family and celebrating with them. We ate and ate and ate. The kids table rocks!

Across from me were my husband's grandparents. They have been married for 65 years this January. If Jason and I get 65 years together, I hope it looks just like this!

This is post-turkey Thanksgiving.

This is coffee - the lifeblood for mothers of littles. Amen?

We got to visit old friends while we were back in Baltimore. My friend, Sandra, and I have been close friends since seventh grade. Almost 25 years! Such a gift to share so much of my past with someone so delightful.

Another kind of gift? Jason and I got to see TWO Raven's games that week. TWO! Best dates ever.

The second game was on Thanksgiving night. It was a perfect 50 degrees, the lights were bright, the crowd was CRA-ZY loud, and we had the time of our lives. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family.

We packed up the van and headed back home. When it was time to fill up, the 7-11 had this big ol' sign on the window! Really? Not on your life.

We're now back at normal everyday life. (Whatever that is.) The older boys are back in school and working hard. Jack made this project describing a holiday we celebrate together. Christmas = family. So proud of this boy.

Lincoln and I get to spend some really great time together while Whit naps. (An advantage of having my husband work from home.) This is Lincoln vs. Panera's bear claw. Lincoln won. Ate the ENTIRE thing.

I've been back at running errands, keeping the family fed and clothed and enjoying some of my favorite treats, too. I LOVE Gloria Jean's. This was some mint chocolate frozen bomb thing that kept me up til 2am. But, it was awesome.

And, these? I eat them almost every day. My absolute most favorite snack.

Peanut M&M's are a close second. In a GRAND travesty, I opened up one of the kids' fun-sized packs from Halloween and LOOK HOW MANY were in there? FIVE! That's it. FIVE measley M&M's. Terrible.

I walked into the kitchen one day last week and Lincoln was sitting at the kitchen island like this. "I just wike Daddy", he said. Definitely.

Mr. Whitman? Sweet as ever. And, still so tiny. He still takes his baths in the kitchen sink. It's perfectly Whit-sized.

I walked out of Target and DIDN'T buy this hat for him. FAIL!

His hair is completely out of control. I mean, OUT. OF. CONTROL. Crazy blonde curls that are totally unruly. He reminds me of Harry from Dumb and Dumber - especially when he first wakes up. And, yet - I can't cut them. I just can't. My husband is ready with the scissors if I don't do something soon. {sigh}

This relationship slays me. Jack is in love with this baby. He cares for him in a way that is so gentle and patient. It blows me away.

What else? I really like playing Words with Friends. I have loved playing Scrabble since I was really young and a few of my friends and I have WWF games going all the time. (I took this photo when I scored my highest point word EVER. This will never happen to me, again. Ever.)

In other family news, my husband shaved his beard and moustache after many years of scruff. Not really news, right? Well, this FREAKED out Lincoln so badly that he hid under a blanket and wouldn't look at Jason for hours. Yes, HOURS! The older boys started calling him, "Uncle No-Beard." It was a major family event.

Speaking of events (namely Monday Night Football - WOOT!), we got cable. BIG news for us. When the cable company called and offered us digital cable for $10/month, we decided to try it out. It's only been a few days, so I have no idea how it will affect or change our family (I'm praying it doesn't), but the fireplace channel is all the rage with the five year-old around here. Doesn't everyone get cable for the fireplace channel?

SO, we're getting ready for Christmas and enjoying the season. When I look at our tree, I'm reminded that very little ones live here. It is covered in their handmade ornaments and everything is bunched together and hanging off the branches all wacky-like.

It isn't a show tree.

It is our tree.

And, it is so very, very tempting to the little baby destroyer who rips all the ornaments he can reach off of it every morning.

These are the best days of my life. So far, at least. So much goodness packed into these days.

I am really savoring the joy of my family this season. I am so thankful to God for these precious moments with them.

Dere Dad

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

My husband travels quite a bit for work.

It's hard on my kids. It's hard on me.

We are all learning to be thankful.

Yes, learning. Thankfulness is a choice. And, we are all learning that choosing to be thankful helps us to feel thankful.

Thankful for a job that provides for all of our needs and many of our wants. Thankful for a company that appreciates our Daddy/husband. Thankful for God's love that keeps us while he's away.

My boys miss their Dad so much when he's gone. I don't want to be their father when he's away - I am their mother. I am the soft and gentle one who cuddles and comforts and makes cookies and hot chocolate for them.

Dad wrestles. Dad takes them on bike rides and builds LEGO masterpieces and his role in their lives is distinctly and solely his.

I will never be a substitute for him. That is exactly as it should be.

Jack came to me the other day - during one of his Dad's trips away - and handed me a piece of paper.

"Mom, can you mail this letter to Dad?"

"Well, bud. He'll be home in two days. It won't get there in time. How about I take a picture of it and send it to him on his phone?"

"OK, Mom. Can you just make sure he gets it?"

"I will, buddy."

Dear Dad, 10/27/11
Can you give me and
Max a present? We
would like Finn McMissiles.

From, Jack and Max

(Complete with a stamp in the corner.)

Jack wrote a letter asking for presents. But, to my husband - who misses us as much as we miss him - these misspelled words are on-the-road, precious reminders of home.

Two days later, my husband walked through the door.

With a suitcase full of dirty laundry, a travel-worn face, and...

Three Finn McMissiles for his little boys.

It's not easy - being away from one another.

But, we're learning to love each other - in little and big ways. Through handwritten letters with hand-drawn stamps. Through iPhones - our modern day Pony Express. Through three, shiny, blue cars buried at the bottom of Dad's suitcase.

And, we're learning to be thankful.

Oven Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders

2011-11-03T11:30:00.002-04:00

In keeping with attempting to find really good - but, EASY - dinners for my family, I made these last week:

Oven Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders.

I found this recipe on Pinterest some time ago, and just had to try them.

I love the idea of sliders - because they're small portions. And, my littles can eat one or two, I can eat two or three, and my husband can eat as many as he'd like. (Six, seven? He'll love me for that one.)

These. were. AWESOME!

I used King's Hawaiian Dinner rolls - my absolute FAVORITES. (You can find these right near the deli section in any grocery store. I remembered to take a photo for you after we gobbled up everything - hence just the wrapper.)

These rolls are the perfect size for sliders - and they're slightly sweet. I love that about them and the slight sweetness makes them perfect with lunchmeat - especially ham and turkey.

To build these sliders, you lather both sides of each roll with a combination of mustard and mayonnaise, then place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese in each one. Then you place them closely together in a baking dish.

Then you whip up the magic - a buttery, mustard, Poppy Seed sauce. This sauce is what makes these more than just your average little, cold sandwiches.

Pour this sauce over the tops of the sliders. (I had to go break up a squabble, so the butter set a little before I poured it on the sliders, but it worked great just the same. Yours will be slightly more runny.)

Then you bake them - and when you pull them out of the oven, the sauce has dribbled all down the sliders, the cheese has melted all over the place, and you have these delicious little sliders that are out of this world.

I bet these would be GREAT with smoked or honey turkey, too - for those of you who don't like ham.

Serve them at a party. (This recipe makes 24 sliders.)
Serve them for dinner with potatoes.
Serve them at a brunch. Perfect for that.
Serve them at a baby shower.

If you have any leftovers (NOT!), put them in a plastic bag and reheat them in the microwave the next day.

I. LOVED. these. A new favorite.

Enjoy!

Oven Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders
adapted from the recipe club...

24 King's Hawaiian dinner rolls
24 pieces honey ham (about 1 1/4 pounds)
24 slices swiss cheese (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2/3 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons mustard (I used Dijon)

Poppy Seed Sauce:

1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 stick butter, melted
1 tablespoon minced onion
1/2 teaspoon Worschestershire sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and mustard. Spread onto both insides of each roll. Place a slice of ham & a slice of Swiss cheese inside each roll. Close rolls & place into a large baking dish. Place very close together.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the poppy seed sauce ingredients. Pour evenly over all of the sandwiches. Let sit 10 minutes, or until butter sets slightly. Cover with foil & bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover & cook for 2 additional minutes. Serve warm.

*Sandwiches can me assembled a day ahead & kept in the fridge ready to bake.