Hannah Morrison

Momma’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole

You know those things that absolutely HAVE to happen or else the holidays just didn’t feel quite right? That’s what this breakfast casserole is for me. It’s just not Christmas morning without it. For as long as I can remember, every single Christmas morning in my memory begins with a waft of spicy sausage sizzling in the skillet from the kitchen as mom gets it ready to place in the oven for us to devour after gift opening.

I am so excited to partner with Samsung Appliances today to share this easy yet absolutely delicious breakfast casserole, packed with cheesy goodness, for your own Christmas morning that has reigned a staple in our home for decades. As a bunch of you know, Paul and I moved into our first home last year. I have been slowly but surely knocking out projects room by room, but one of the things we were most excited about was that the previous owners had purchased a new oven and microwave before selling! Not having to worry about appliances was such a relief when we purchased our home. Sleek and clean appliances are a big deal to us, and I was so excited about this Samsung duo in our home. Plus, it meant one less thing we had to buy or replace! I know for a fact I can count on my Samsung Oven to cook my favorite family recipes perfectly, and that they will last a long time for us.

Momma’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Begin with a casserole dish and spray with a nonstick oil. I tend to use our smaller square dish for a fuller and fluffier final dish!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients

8 eggs

1 lb ground sausage, browned in the skillet (I prefer “hot” for more flavor!)

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (This is just a base… I poured in the entire bag for this specific casserole pictured and it was the BOMB.)

1 loaf of bread (I used 18 for this dish – 3 x 3 rows x’s 2 layers of Udi’s smaller slices. Depending on your loaf of bread used, it will vary due to slice sizes! The end goal is two layers of bread.)

8 eggs

2 cups of milk (we used almond, but any kind is perfect!)

1 tsp. mustard

Steps:

Brown your sausage in a skillet and set to the side. Layer the bottom of your casserole dish with the first layer of bread. Mix together your eggs, cheese, milk, and mustard. Pour half of the mixture on top of your bread and add half of the sausage atop the bread and egg mixture. Repeat for a second layer and top with shredded cheese.

Place in oven for 35 minutes. Remove and let cool. EAT UP! If you like spicy, you can even add salsa to the top of yours. We often do this, but make it optional for people who, like my grandma, think everything is too spicy. 😉

I told you it was easy! There is nothing better than sleepy eyes around a beautiful Christmas table in pajamas and usually a new toy in hand while devouring this casserole. It just says “Christmas for me”, and I hope it does the same for you!

Merry Christmas!

Check out our amazing and affordable stove here! 

All photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah x Samsung Appliances

Advent: LOVE

 

If you receive my weekly devotionals in your inbox, Sweet Thoughts, then you’ve been going through the weeks of Advent with me. We have read more about Promise (the promise the Lord gave to save his people through the words of the Prophet Isaiah), Preparation (Preparing our hearts to remember what Christ did for us and will do), and Joy (the joy that the Lord brought to a dark world, and how we can live in a state of joy by knowing Him).

Because there are technically FIVE weeks of advent and the next Sweet Thoughts would send on Christmas Day, I am mixing it up a little for these final two. Today, week 4, is on love. I hope you know how cared for and loved you are always, but are especially reminded of it today. If you enjoy today’s blog post but aren’t signed up for my weekly devos that hit your inbox at 6 AM every single week… You can sign up right here to join my inner circle community. Being part of my emails means you not only get my weekly devos, but you get first dibs on any new products in the shop or for exciting news!

Today’s Scripture: John 3: 16-18 (ESV & The MSG versions are my favorite!) 

Random fact about me: I was a dancer my entire life- from age 3 all the way through college where I danced on the team at my university. Performances were my favorite thing, and knowing people I loved were there in the audience was so special to me. I would always try to find them in the audience before making my way onto the stage, giving a wave and blowing a kiss. As much as it truly meant for them to be there cheering me on, I wanted them to know I saw them. I wanted them to know that their showing up to my performance meant the world and I felt honored, cherished, and loved because of it.

My mom and dad, no joke, missed not a single performance my entire life. Y’all… That’s a lot. We are talking every single one. Every recital, every basketball game, every football game, every show in college. They were there. Usually somewhere right in the middle, because they would get there early enough to assemble themselves in the best seats. As I write about this, it actually makes me cry. They showed up. Their love was shown to me by always being there. On my best days and my worst. The days I hit that triple and the ones I stumbled out of it… they were always there clapping, smiling, and -if you’re my dad- crying more often than not. I absolutely get my cry at the drop of a dime from my daddy, which I think is so sweet. My dad is the epitome of a hardworking man to me, yet he has the most tender, gentle spirit bundled up inside of him. I love that about him.

Anyways, it has been 6 years since I have done any kind of a performance, yet I am brought to tears even now when I think about how much effort it took on their part to be present and show me how much they loved me by being at EVERY. SINGLE. PERFORMANCE.

In that same way, God sent Jesus to us to prove His love and faithfulness. He had promised His people for hundreds of years that He had a plan. But as we know, God’s timing is perfect and they were longingly waiting for it. They waited for dozens and dozens of generations to see the promise fulfilled. And, honestly I cannot blame the Israelites for starting to wonder if they messed up one too many times or if He had changed His mind. But, no no, God didn’t change His mind. He waited until the darkness was too dark to deny -the perfect time- to send His light that would save the world. The darkest of darks needed the brightest light of promise, hope, joy, and love! Isn’t it true that when the light is shown in the darkest part of the night, its light is appreciated most? A light at dusk isn’t as necessary as 2 AM. God waited for His 2 AM, if you will. He showed up in the dark in a most perfect, gentle, graceful, peaceful way to prove His love once and for all. And, not because He has to prove His love. I mean… He is God. But, love shown is love received, and He came for His people so that they would receive His love as a promise fulfilled and doubt His love no more.

Just like my parents showing up, planning ahead of time to make certain they got the best seats, it’s bonkers to me that God loves me even more than that. He loves you, sees you, and celebrates you. On your best days and worst of days, He loves you with a love that cannot be denied. He doesn’t show up to condemn you or accuse you of your wrong-doings as this scripture says, but to prove to you -despite your shortcomings- that you were worth showing up for.

Aren’t you grateful for a Savior who came down, put on flesh, lived a life you couldn’t live and died the death you deserved in order to prove just HOW MUCH He loves you?

Merry Christmas, my friends!

Our Merry Knoxmas Celebration!

This last weekend we had our now 1 year old’s birthday party! It wasn’t because our kid was going to remember this party or because I wanted to put together a “Pinterest-Worthy” occasion -although, it was a little selfishly because I really do love any reason I can get to put together a good party. But, rather, it’s because I wanted to gather together our closest community who have helped us survive this first year of parenting and celebrate the fact we’ve all three made it out alive.

There was a reindeer cake, there were hot cocoa mug cupcakes, there was a hot cocoa bar, there were streamers and balloons. But, most importantly, my home was packed full of people I love and am so thankful for. People who I have texted to ask if I am feeding my baby enough. People I have asked the most detailed questions about breast feeding and postpartum recovery. People who have watched Knox for us so that we can have a day together. People who have watched Knox in the nursery at church every single Sunday, and people who pray for all of us often.

No, I didn’t throw a party for Knox. I mean, I did… But, not really. It was a party to celebrate a joyous year as a mom and dad to the sweetest little boy with the best friends and community around us that a family could ever ask for. That’s what I was celebrating. And, our community’s love and overflow of generosity was on full display when very much to our surprise Knox had dozens of sweet gifts to open. Like, I am not kidding, we legit thought we would be opening family gifts afterwards and maybe a few others. But, wow. Just… WOW. I was so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on our sweet bubba.

For our Merry Knoxmas theme, it honestly was really easy considering I deck my home out for Christmas as is. I kept things really simple. I am not a great baker, so I bought a plain round chocolate cake at Market Street, and I purchased this antler cake topper. I put a Cherry Sour for the Rudolph nose and done! I then used this idea from Pinterest for the hot cocoa cupcake. We are talking boxed cupcakes people and they were a hit! 😉

We set up a cocoa bar with cute little odds and ends from the dollar section at Target, and I used my cake stands I already own.

For the streamer back drop, I intended on doing a supposedly “cheap DIY” project I had found on Pinterest. I am serious, it was to purchase big crepe paper and cut hundreds upon hundreds of little slits into the sides… for an “impressive” $30…. Well, I got to Party City and found these white ones ALREADY with the slits and the perfect width… for $3.99 a piece. I bought two and it was the perfect amount. I am not kidding y’all. I saved about $20 and at least 3 hours of my life by getting these pre-made crepe paper streamers.

I cut them in roughly 4.5 foot long pieces. I then taped the top, twisted down- all done in the same direction for each piece- and then taped the bottom. That’s it y’all… SO. FREAKING. EASY.

For entertainment, I set up a table with blank pages to write letters to Santa with crayons. And then, I had a cupcake decorating station where I had frosting, sprinkles, candy bars, and marshmallows. The biggest hit of the party was a $3 inflatable penguin bowling set from the dollar section at Target that the kids legit played with almost the entire time. Best $3 I have ever spent haha.

Our cute wooden truck out front to greet people was made by our sweet friends, Kristen and Brian, and it was seriously too perfect! Such a fun photo backdrop for people.

Frankly, the most money I spent to go a little “extra” on this party was on the balloons. But, I think every party needs balloons and it was $40. I didn’t break the bank, but it transformed the whole room! These letters were only $2.99 a piece and are self-inflate. It was way easier than I expected and went fairly quickly.

All in all, Merry Knoxmas was simple and so fun with people we love! I had such a blast putting together this party for our sweet miracle!

Christmas Movies & Stocking Stuffers with Dillard’s

Just a little over two weeks until the big day!  But, honestly, it’s the weeks leading up to Christmas day that I love so much. I have shared our Morrison Family Christmas Traditions, our Christmas lists and guides… But, I am SO excited about sharing our movie line-up for the holidays, because, in my opinion, there are three things that keep the spirit of Christmas alive all season long:

  1. Christmas Movies playing from sun up to sun down.
  2. Christmas candles lit at all hours of the day whilst watching said movies above. (I also diffuse “Christmas Spirit” by Young Living!)
  3. Christmas Pajamas ALL DAY LONG while, of course, doing the two previously mentioned in them.

So, today, I bring you our favorite Christmas movies + jammies, as well as our stocking stuffers, in partnership with Jockey for Dillard’s for The Cake by Hannah.

Our Christmas Movie Line-Up

The Santa Clause

Christmas Vacation

A Christmas Story

The Star

It’s a Wonderful Life

White Christmas

The Holiday

Home Alone (1 & 2 ONLY!!)

Elf

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Frosty The Snowman

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the classic)

The Grinch (Jim Carrey)

Charlie Brown Christmas

Arthur Christmas

Meet Me in St. Louis

The Christmas Chronicles- A NETFLIX ORIGINAL AND SO GOOD! I wasn’t expecting it to be as amazing as it was!

A Christmas Prince- A Netflix Original and pleasantly cheesy!

Christmas Under Wraps- Hallmark, with Candace Cameron

The Princess Switch- A Netflix Original. Okay, this one is almost too much like The Parent Trap that I feel like they should maybe get sued for stealing… But… that is one of my favorite movies of all time soooo, count me in.

Stocking Stuffers

Growing up, I remember my mom putting underwear in our stockings, mixed in with things like cute socks, pajama bottoms, make-up, or some of our favorite treats. It was sorta mom’s Santa’s way of restocking us for the year in one fell swoop. As for my dad, we literally got him the same things every. single. year. *Because it was the only time my dad would justify us buying him new items he needed!* And, honestly, not much has changed if I am honest! 😉 It was always a toss up between us kids who got to give him his new pair of Wranglers (you think I am joking!), his new pack of underwear and white tees, and his new socks & slippers to get him through the upcoming year!

Following suit, our own stockings will be filled this year with the same things thanks to Jockey at Dillards, and I am thinking we will carry on the traditions of Dad’s gifts with them as well! It’s just too easy and perfect to NOT get him them. Jockey’s tees and jammies are so cozy, y’all, and they make for the perfect cozies for a Christmas movie night by the fire! Hot cocoa in hand is 1000% required.

You can shop below all of our pajamas and stocking stuffer ideas!

Photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah 

Post sponsored by Dillard’s

Family Christmas Traditions

Growing up in a family rich with holiday traditions, I knew I couldn’t wait to add them into my own home as well as adding some new ones. I love traditions, in fact you could say I am a stickler for them, and I hope that when my children are my age they will be able to say,

“We did ______ every year.

Mom made this dish every Christmas morning.

We never missed _______.” 

Below is a list of our old and new Christmas traditions we have meshed together for our own little family. I hope these inspire you to create your own list!

The Morrison Family Christmas Traditions

Cut down a tree the day after Thanksgiving

Listen to the Phil Wickham’s Songs for Christmas Album (SO DANG GOOD!) while dressing the tree, followed by the inaugural viewing of Christmas Vacation

A new ornament for everybody in the family each year

Pick out special wrapping paper for your own gifts to be wrapped in (Paul and I do this- I chose a pink and rose gold one this year!)

Secret wrapping paper for the kids- My mom did this all growing up and it’s so fun. You don’t put tags on the gifts for the kids, and the they are left guessing which wrapping paper is theirs all month long!

Christmas family photos for our card

Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Christmas Pops Concert– Paul and I have gone every year for the last 6 years with his family! It’s such a fun tradition, and it really kicks off the season for us.

Drive around Deer Park for Christmas Lights- If you’re DFW local, this neighborhood is AMAZING for lights. Grab a cocoa or cider on the way in, and sip it while you drive around and listen to Christmas music. (You could use our family playlist!)

North Park Mall + Santa Photo followed by Highland Park Christmas Lights

Christmas Eve EVE Pajama Party- This one is new and I cannot wait to implement it. Rather than the traditional Christmas PJ exchange on Christmas Eve, I want to do a sleepover on the living room floor with our kid(s) and new jammies. Christmas movies, cocoa, apple cider, and junk food. Baking Santa’s cookies together while munching on a few ourselves.

Christmas Eve Candle Light Service- This one looks different now than it did for me as a kid since Paul and I are on staff for our church, but it’s still so special. There’s nothing like a candlelight Christmas Eve service, and the excitement as a child you have as you sit through service knowing what is about to happen that night and the next morning. Please, if you don’t have somewhere to worship this Christmas, I personally invite you to Anchor Church for our Christmas Services! We have a bunch of times to pick from, and I would love to see you there!

Kids sleep in the same room together on Christmas Eve (This obviously will be added in as Knox gets older and has siblings… which, nobody freak out, isn’t happening any time soon. WE ARE NOT PREGNANT! lol)

Mom’s Lasagna Dinner on the special china for Christmas Eve

Christmas morning Baked French Toast Casserole and Mom’s Sausage and Egg casserole (I will be sharing this recipe soon!)

Merry Christmas, sweet friends!

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