Despite the fact that I know everyone's holidays are more interesting to themselves than to others, I still have to share a few precious moments from ours!
Like the return of Kevin from Alabama with his fiancee Molly...
...And Greg -- he doesn't live so far away, but we love it when he comes home!
A Christmas centerpiece with greens from the tree and holly from the yard.
Our cookie baking on Christmas Eve #1!
Everyone has their own style -- Greg's is meticulous.
Kevin likes big.
Molly is colorful.
Rick is creative.
There is time for a nap or a rest.
There are mimosas on Christmas morning.
And of course we drink a toast!
And every year we have the same strata breakfast casserole!
There are the obligatory family portraits.
And lots of present opening! And covering up with the wrapping paper -- a tradition!
On Christmas Day #2 we enjoyed "Les Miserables" (highly recommended, but don't drink in the movie and hit the bathroom first). Then we welcomed friends Kate, Mike and Richard and my dad's cousin Marie for dinner.
Rick made shrimp and grits and Kate's salad was thinly-shaved cucumbers, fennel and apples, very lightly dressed.. Dessert? Peppermint stick ice cream and Christmas cookies!
We enjoyed two lovely parties right before Christmas and seeing lots of friends. But we've enjoyed rich one-on-one time, too.
And now it's onward to 2013. Hang on!
oh Jeanie your family is so beautiful and it looks like you guys hd such a wonderful time. I especially love to see photos of you an your darling with these huge grins on your faces.
ReplyDeleteGreat family photos, Jeanie. I did miss one little face but maybe Lizzie was hiding from all the commotion. Yes, 2013..It will be a good one :).
ReplyDeleteI actually love seeing photos from others holiday gatherings as I love seeing what traditions they celebrate! It's cool to see the different food and fun that is had! I am glad you had a wonderful Christmas with your boys!! Mine was wonderful as well - I just can't really believe it's over!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are perfect examples of the words in the "About Me" on your sidebar. The all show your joy, compassion, fun, friendship, family, love, creativity and happiness. I loved seeing them all.
ReplyDeleteWhere in Alabama???? I'm from B'ham.
ReplyDeleteAs for breakfast, ours was close. We had casserole that we forgot and it overcooked a bit and my cheese grits taht we decided would NEVER be done and mimosas too.
Happy New Year. Thank you for your visits to my blog!
V
Ha! Mimosas chez vous, aussi!!!! A wonderful start to Xmas morning...we served them with breakfast as well, even my Mum indulged!
ReplyDeleteLooks like great and beautiful fun here...isn't it fine to have the "kids"around? Such a joyful noise....and hoopla - loved every second of it here...was thinking about posting pictures, too....yours are GORGEOUS!!!!
Now, before I prattle on further in praise of Christmas and your blog and pictures, could you please pass some of those cookies? We're all out of ém here!!!
Joyeux Noel season and Bonne Annee!
It looks like an absolutely delightful Christmas celebration[s]. Full of love, good company, good people and fun.
ReplyDeleteWell, I personally found your recounting of Christmas activities quite interesting and seeing all the smiling faces brought a smile to my face. I especially loved the family portrait. You are surrounded by healthy, strong looking, handsome men. You are blessed.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like Rick to make me that wonderful dinner. Oh, and make sure I get some of those cookies too. Just wishing...
you're brave to decorate cookies
ReplyDeleteon Christmas eve! I love how peaceful and relaxed
your celebration sounds:)
hang on, indeed,
Jennifer
Love your family Christmas Jeannie. Looks like you all had a good time. Happy New Year to you and Rick.
ReplyDeleteLove your Christmas traditions, especially covering up in wrappings. Looks like your family knows how to have fun. Have a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the family cookie-making and the creative menu! (At least it seems very creative to this Minnesotan.) And mimosas! Thanks for posting these photos; they are filled with love and happiness.
ReplyDeleteIt looked like a beautiful and memorable Christmas, Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic NEW YEAR with your loved ones..
It looked like a beautiful and memorable Christmas, Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic NEW YEAR with your loved ones..
Fabulous photos of your Christmas.. thanks for sharing :-) I have a feeling 2013 is going to be fabulous for everyone :-)
ReplyDeletebig hugs,
Cheryl
I love to see you share your family celebrations with us, Jeanie. These are all attractive and memorable photos. Have a wonderful New Years Eve and all the best into the New Year! Yeah... Downton Abbey in a week's time!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Jeanie -- it looks like a warm and festive Christmas (and maybe especially delicious!): a perfect Christmas celebration. Cheers to all of you -- and wishing you all the best in 2013!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to pop by and wish you the happiest new year. May your 2013 be full of blessings, laughter, and happy surprises. Thank you for being a blog friend and a joyful part of my life.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie--
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wondrous time was had by all! Your family is lovely! We have Strata and mimosas every year on Christmas morning too! Except this year, I changed it up and made chile relleno casserole and tamales and the mimosas had a splash of tequila in them ;)
Happy New Year!!
~Lorraine
Wowzers my friend. What a lovely family you've got there. And such a brilliant time with them too.
ReplyDeleteHandsome looking fellas and a great daugther-in-law. I can totaly tell you've had a marvelous time. Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you from my side of the planet THE most wonderful 2013 and we will meet again next year. FOR SURE. Gladd you've found me and are so openly willingly being my friend.
Warmest hugs for you all.
Dagmar
Looks like a fantastic family Christmas! Hope 2013 brings you only good things, dear Jeannie!
ReplyDeleteHooray! There was cookie decorating on Christmas eve! Some traditions just have to continue. I've never heard of covering up with wrapping paper - that's just funny. It's like a day at the beach, covering up with sand. Funny and fun.
ReplyDeleteThat strata looks great. Are you willing to share the recipe sometime? I have a recipe that looks like it might be similar to yours, but I just know that yours would be better!
Happy New Year!
Oh my, I love this post. You are all so photogenic. Glad you enjoyed the holidays. With our move right smack in the middle of December, it seems like we skipped it. I have meant to make a strata for years now. The Family Stone is one of my favorite holiday movies. And those mimosas sound PERFECT too.
ReplyDeleteXOXO's,
Marcia