Holiday Time

Sunday, January 1, 2012 |
I can't believe how quickly Christmas arrived {and left} this year. I was actually doing really well until the last week before the holiday when I was "gifted" the tummy bug and a cold with barky cough ~ these were not on my list to Santa this year.

If that wasn't exciting enough, on Friday before Christmas Eve, after school let out for Christmas break, I was driving down 95 to finish my shopping {delayed due to illness; not insanity} when my transmission went out ~ not the shiny bling I was hoping Santa would bring me this year :(

We rallied {thankfully, Kevin was home and not at sea ... whew!} and enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Eve at our friends. Sadly, I forgot my camera so I have nothing to show of the evening. It was fun getting all dressed up. I bought a great dress for the evening and Kevin looked so handsome. Everything was picture perfect and I have to say that Brenda is a fabulous hostess who remembers every tiny detail and welcomes her guests with such grace and ease. It was an intimate dinner of 17 {her words} with a wonderful group of friends. With amazing talent, she pulled it off in grand style. The evening began with cocktails at their full bar station and then we were escorted to a candle lite dinner. Amazing! Kevin and I are still reliving the night :)


Christmas morning began with a nice slow pace of opening stockings, gifts, followed by a light brunch. It was really nice not to rush around this year.



Picnik collage


Picnik collage


Picnik collage


The pink fleece is a gift from Bentley. He "rearranged" the zipper on mine one afternoon when I wasn't looking. He was very proud of his gift ... hoping to get his paws on this one too, I'm sure.

After a brief clean up, we headed to our friends for Christmas dinner. This was a much more relaxed affair and the best part ... the men do the cooking! How neat is this tradition of theirs?! They wanted to try deep fried turkey so we let them borrow our turkey fryer. Kevin manned the boiling pot of oil ~ he fried two turkys and both were delicious. 

Picnik collage

Picnik collage

It's the end of December and we have green grass. Crazy! This has been such an incredibly mild winter. I'll be honest, I'm ready for snow. Yea, you heard me correctly. I can't believe I'm saying that after last years never ending snow storms.


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We ladies had time to chat and enjoy a glass of wine while the guys were prepping in the kitchen.
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Courtney's birthday is on Christmas day. Since we had to arrive before all the other guests to get the fryer ready, I gave her gift. I made soft faux fur scarves this year. I'll post more about that later.

Picnik collage

My husband is rather handy around the house which has provided many great additions to our home. This past year he helped Mike with a few of his projects in their home. As a thank you gift they gave Kevin a beer making kit. The best part of the gift was the mustache they drew on the box. I'm sure I posted about this but Kevin decided to exercise his facial hair ability this past summer and grow a mustache while at sea. Let's just say that I'm glad this "phase" has past :)



I was asked to bring a dessert with a request it be something in the  chocolate food group . Always happy please, I made my Kahlua cake. It's easy to make and soooo yummy! It's great for breakfast the next morning as well ;)

Picnik collage

We had a great day filled with fun, friends {their families} and {way too much} fabulous food! It is really dangerous to have a circle of friends that enjoy cooking as much as we do.

My word for the new year ... d i e t  ... my jeans are screaming for some relief!

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I hope you were all able to enjoy some special time spent with family and friends over the holiday as well.

We are very blessed and being surrounded by the people we love is a great reminder.


Leave A Comment

17 comments:

elliotts said...

Looks like a great holiday!! Can't wait to hear more about the scarves!

XO
Diane

Dee Stephens said...

Wow! I would liove to see pictures from Christmas Eve! Sounds amazing! Your cake looks awesome as well! Happy New Year!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas! We got that same sickness bug down here as well and are just now starting to feel human again. And the transmission blew out of my minivan in early December too! Seemed like one thing after another this year. But I do have to say... I am enjoying the lack of snow here this year. Although I hear it's going to get a lot colder starting tomorrow. Happy New Year!

NanaDiana said...

Oh-It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. I would have loved to see pictures of Christmas Eve~I know, I know, I can't tell you how often I have forgotten my camera when I attended something special!

You hubby makes me smile- I think he looks like such a nice guy- easy going and sweet. He looks like one of our Wisconsin friends here. You are just stunning! What a cute couple you make.

A most Happy New Year to you- xo Diana

Susan R said...

Sounds like a great time. That cake looks devine. I made your chocolate sweet potato cup cakes the other day. They must have been good because by the time I got back from shopping they were gone, every last deadgum one of them. I never even got to try one.
That's miserable news about your car. Did you have a new transmission put in, or did you decide to get a new car?
We are faced with having to buy a 3rd car...teen drivers now.
Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy New Year.

carolinagirl said...

Happy New Year!

That cake looks to die for...

Love that last photo of you two!

Lauren said...

Your Christmas Eve dinner sounds divine! What a great gift after sickness and car fun (yuck)! And it sure looks like your adorable pups loved unwrapping their gifts! How cute! Okay...men cooking and your amazing cake....now THAT is a meal! :) Happy New Year!

Suburban Princess said...

Looks like a great way to spend Christmas! My jeans are causing me pain...a good way not to eat ever again!

Tessa said...

happy new year, beautiful girl!! i've been MIA lately but it was so good to catch up tonight! sounds like a wonderful christmas, minus the tummy bug. i too could use a little snow. xo, tessa

French Basketeer.com said...

Looks like a fantastic holiday week, Jo~ wishing you a wonderful 2012 and maybe just a little snow this year!

pam {simple details} said...

What fun traditions, looks like you had a wonderful time! Those pups are TOO cute! You and your hubby, too! :) Glad I found your blog!

Jen said...

Are you going to share the recipe for that fabulous cake? It looks delicious...

NanaDiana said...

It looks like you had your priorities straight this year- less is more! I think you are onto something there. I love the Trader Joe's story...what a wonderful testmant to the goodness of others- xo Diana

Lori said...

You look SO pretty in your ruffles and pearls, wow!! What a wonderful Christmas, love the pjs pics and your dogs are hilarious! lol
So wish you had pics of your elegant dining evening, I would have loved to oogle over. :)
What a fabulous cake, please do not post that recipe, thank you.
Happy 2012, hope it's a fabulous year for your family!!!!xo

Henley on the Horn said...

Your home was gorgeous!!! I hope you enjoy having it up in January!

Kathy said...

I wonder how many points that cake would be? :) It looks fantastic! And you look beautiful! What a lovely picture of you and Kevin. I'm so glad you had such a nice holiday. I too reveled in the delicious food a little too much. wonderful photos!

Pierre BOYER said...

Great moments...
Best regards from France,

Pierre

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