Christmas Day

Jen and I survived Haleigh's sleepover. I'm so glad that I have her in my life! Our whole crew dropped my Mom off this afternoon. Please pray that she would have a safe trip! It is a very long flight with layovers and time changes. It is pretty hard, and she is by herself. Although she has done it many times, it is exhausting!

Now on to Christmas. I woke up on Christmas day very excited. My family was coming over and we always have such a great time! We had planned out the menu. Our home was clean. The tableware was ready to be set and the candles to be lit. Then I looked out the window, and I felt like my head was going to explode! One of our neighbors had friends over the previous evening, and they had left their car parked right next to our driveway. You see they had plowed the night before, and because their car was in front of the driveway. There was a huge pile of snow in front of our driveway. Great! Just great! This was the last thing I wanted to deal with. So I quickly changed, and Brian asked what I was up to. I told him I was going to go clean up the mess. He said he would take care of it, but I knew he needed to get started on dinner. So out I went. At this point slush was falling from the sky. I decided to tackle the walk and such first, before the mountain. The snow was heavy, and I was getting drenched Brian kept telling me to come inside and get warmed up. I wasn't cold though, I was so hot! I went onto the front porch and took off my sweater and went back outside. Then I started to tackle the mountain. I was mad and cursing under my breath. Who would do such a thing?! How thoughtless and selfish! I feel like going and banging on their front door "Why don't you go and clean up the mess that you made in the front of my driveway!" Don't they know I have people coming over! I was so frustrated. It's Christmas I don't want to feel this way! I was about 2/3's of the way done when I decided I should get a drink of water. I started to head to the door. When another one of our neighbor's came out. She said "Merry Christmas, I thought I would come help you with this pile of snow." I told her don't worry about it. She insisted and I thanked her over and over. We chatted and finished tackling the mountain in no time. What a thoughtful gesture. It really helped change my attitude, and put everything in perspective.



Here are some photos of our day together.

Raspberry Royales, place one tsp. of chambord into each glass and fill with sparkling white wine. Everyone loved these!

Tyler, Katie, Mira, and Ian

Ron, Susie, Tyler, and Mira

Brian, Elizabeth, Harry, and Stella

Stella resting her head on Mira's pillows.

Ian and Harry snuggling.

I'm just realizing now that we forgot to put out the crystal water goblets...oh well!

Presents. The lady in the argyle sweater is my mom...she really was there.

Here are the recipes if you are interested

Beef Bourguignon (This is Brian's speciality for Christmas. He doesn't use the tomato paste or the pearl onions.)

Mashed potatoes with olive oil and garlic (Barefoot in Paris, Ina Garten)

Rosemary roasted cashews

Cafe Latte's Turtle cake