Christmas Cookies, Presents and Food!

Christmas Eve. I really love the sound of those words together. The anticipation. The joy.

We spent several hours of Christmas Eve with the Toddler Twosome so their parents could go to the gym in the morning and later, to a holiday party. There was some cuddling.

And cookie decorating. This has always been a full-family thing done after dinner on Christmas Eve. But times and ages of participants changes things and so it was me and the baking assistants in the afternoon (while the other adult baking assistant in the room took the photos.)

After a near-sprinkle accident, we got our rhythm down. (lesson learned: Don't give a toddler a jar of sprinkles and say put some of these on your cookie, because they will dump the whole jar onto the cookie sheet!).

The rhythm -- I frost cookies and hand some of them off to the sprinkler. Who covers them with sprinkles and eats them.

Meanwhile, our junior assistant's purpose was more as a taste tester. He was eating cookies as fast as I could frost them. His method? Lick the frosting off, then eat the cookie. I was glad I made many the size of animal crackers so it wasn't as decadent as it sounded! (Fortunately, the clean-up crew was under the table, doing their due diligence!)

Time for Christmas Eve dinner. Kevin made perfectly grilled steaks, Molly did a terrific salad and we had mashed potatoes with it. All delicious.

There is something about dinner by candlelight. So soft and gentle.

Of course, it wasn't all soft! I love Christmas crackers! Gotta wear a crown!

This group had particularly good "presents" inside. (They were by Emma Bridgewater -- if I see her brand again, I'm getting them!)

Our Big Guy was very into blowing out the candles!

The next morning brought presents! Big Guy delivered -- and helped us all open our gifts.

Rick and I gave the boys each a tent. They were hits!

Then Big Guy got his beloved Buzz Lightyear that lit up and talked!

While the kids played...

Kevin got breakfast ready.

More candles, more blowing, more play! Grandpa was invited into the tent to share time with the Big Guy and Buzz.

While Molly got the boys ready to head to the next family Christmas, Rick took a little break! This is one of my favorite photos from the time with the kids.

And soon it was over, they were out, we were on the road home. But this is the image I will keep in my mind! The magic and joy of being a child.

We got home in time to get ready for Christmas dinner. Fortunately, I'd set the table before we left.

That tablecloth is from our blog friend Rita at Panoply. Her downsizing generosity is now part of my Christmas decor!

It was mom's china, silver and crystal with some bunny ornaments for napkin holders.

Mike and Kate arrived, Kate bringing the rest of the dinner -- a salad and peppermint stick ice cream for dessert with our Christmas cookies.

That, the prosecco and a few appetizers set us up well for dinner!

I made jambalaya. And very good. I used THIS RECIPE but if I did it again, I might cut some of the spices in cooking and add them near the end or at the table. It was super spicy!

And then it was over.

Kind of perfect, actually. I couldn't have handled more people after the Toddlers and being prepped for Christmas dinner (and Kate's contributions) made it so easy. It has been a very good season.

And now, we're ready for a nap! On to the new year!

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Holidays are Over. Let the Holidays Begin!

You heard about the tough part of our Thanksgiving weekend, but don't feel as though it was all bad! The week leading up to it and times after were great fun. We kicked off the season with our annual city light parade.

The weather was in the 50s, so being outside to enjoy was fun.

The parade was followed by fireworks behind the capitol.We had a great spot to stand!

The next day, my friend Jan and I went with her mom and aunt to the greens market in the town of Northville.

 

It was hard to choose between the wreaths, swags and arrangements. They were all perfect!

This is one of the most charming towns I've ever been in and the shops were decked out in full finery.

They were ready for us and we didn't disappoint the Northville merchants. So many lovely things to get us in the spirit!

Then, a few days later, was Thanksgiving. As you read in the last post, the day wasn't without its challenges. But it also had moments of great joy and beauty. The weather was perfect, with the temperature in the 60s.

Rick and I enjoyed a lovely walk through "the ditch," savoring the rich tans and browns and water that reflected the blue sky.

We were able to see Kevin (who now lives in Alabama) and his finacee Molly. We've missed them both so much! Greg came by on Sunday.

I was able to bring out the turkey dishes (Johnson Bros. "His Majesty") -- Mom bought these when I was maybe nine or so. I remember driving to Canada to get them at a better price.

 

I was able to repurpose a centerpiece that Rick received while he was in the hospital last month with MRSA using some corks I'd saved and some wheat courtesy of Diana.

We were able to enjoy a dinner with the GGs (the Great Gang of Women!) This time we let the guys come along.

And of course we took photos!

 

(WARNING! Cat photos coming up!)

I was also able to enjoy some snuggle time with Mlle. Lizzie Cosette.

 

She always has something to say. (I am fearing some challenges with the Christmas tree -- she is already captivated by the lights and not in a good way, as she'll swat at them.)

 

Fortunately, there are 25 pounds of kitty litter on each leg of the tree stand. Ballast.

 

 Let us prepare for the quiet time. The advent season. Time to reflect. To anticipate the season ahead.

'Tis (Almost) the Season...

'Tis almost the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly!

And, while I'm not quite ready to bid farewell to pumpkins and mums, I am stocking up on the greens!

It was greens market day in the charming small Michigan town of Northville, not too far from Ann Arbor for you Michigan folk. And quite the wonderful place it is!

So, my buddy Jan and her mom, aunt and I headed that way for their annual greens market.

Now, we weren't seeing snow flakes -- in fact, after our chill October, November has been remarkably warm if not always sunny. But it was lots better than last year's pouring rain! In fact, it was downright perfect -- sunny, 50s, festive.

Here's Jan -- picking a great wreath. I ended up with a centerpiece, wreath, some holly and a beautiful kissing ball for the hall.

And this gourd woman's work was just amazing.

You can bet I left with something from this stall. A little too much from that stall!

And after, a visit to a wonderful garden/home decorating spot. But the photos for that? That's another post!

Then late lunch/early dinner at a nearby restaurant, and eventually home. I've got to say, with my bruised (broken?) rib(s) and only five hours of sleep, home was good.

Holidays are nearly here -- which leads me to the holiday crazies. Buying the greens is easy; figuring out all the rest of it -- that gets tough!

I've lots of UFOs to finish for an upcoming show, and I'll share some of those soon. Here's one I don't remember posting. Meanwhile, we're just taking it one day at a time!

Rick continues to improve and is appreciating all the good wishes you passed along his way! I'm grateful to finally get back to creativity and for all the inspiration I draw from you! Now if I can get that badly needed dose of energy and rest and a little less discomfort, I'll be a mighty happy camper. That might take a few...

(Now at Chopsticks and String -- a fun new book meme!)