Thirteen Things That Make This Christmas Different Than Last Years:

1. Steve and I live in our own house.
2. I wrapped my own gifts.
3. Heather will not be here.
4. Cory will be here.
5. My brother will be here.
6. My mother bought me gifts instead of giving me money. (yay!)
7. Steve and I exchanged gifts (first time).
8. Right after Christmas something wunnaful is gonna happen to me.
9. I got an amazing package full of Christmas gifts from Teri.
10. I didn't get my Christmas cards out in time.
11. I didn't get Rachael what I wanted to get her for Christmas. (ran outta $$).
12. Im going to be taking pictures with a digital camera.
13. I have two kitties I need to get gifts for this year!

Ham and Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup diced cooked ham
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

Servings Per Recipe: 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 199

• Total Fat: 10.3g
• Cholesterol: 34mg
• Sodium: 292mg
• Total Carbs: 19.8g
•     Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g