Graced with Grace

Sometimes life is crazy and hard and full of adult stuff. But sometimes its nice to just enjoy life ( not that you can't enjoy life while doing adult stuff, but maybe instead being an adult while using the eyes and heart of a child). Tonight was one of those nights. Today, after getting off from work and turning my paper in on time and taking a shower because work is gross and running to the store to get groceries, after all of that, I decided it was high time I made Sugar Cookies. When it comes to Christmas activities and Christmas music and Christmas baking, things just don't stay in their place for me. For example, I sing Christmas music all year long, I will make Sugar Cookies with Christmas themed Cookie cutters anytime I wish to, if I want eggnog in the middle of summer I will just make it (that hasn't actually ever happened, but it will one day....). December is far too busy a month to squeeze all the best activities and songs and best everything into, so ther...

This may not be the healthiest soup you've ever eaten, but it sure is delicious. It is a family favorite, so I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as we do. Cheeseburger Soup ½ pound ground beef ¾ cup chopped onions ¾ cup shredded carrots ¾ cup diced celery 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 4 tablespoons butter (or margarine), divided 3 cups chicken broth 4 cups diced, peeled potatoes ¼ cup all-purpose flour 8 ounces processed American cheese, cubed 1 ½ cups milk ¾ teaspoon salt  ½ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup sour cream In a 3-qt. sauce pan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same sauce pan, sauté onions, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile in a small skillet melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or u...