Christmas Wrap Up (Part 1)

Christmas was a little different for us this year. Normally, we have a house full of family to celebrate with, but recent events left everyone homebound. So our Christmas Day was a much quieter experience.

The young un gets his first look at the presents

"Just what I wanted!" (can you beat that smile)

The Mr. took a unique approach to name tags (To Ewe, From Mi)

Favorite presents? That's easy!

"Louisiana Girl" Flat Wallet
Hunter Pence Astros Jersey

Everything :)

Our Christmas Day was relatively low key. We set up Magnetix roller coasters, stored jewelry in a lovely new jewelry armoire, and tried out the bluetooth. We also took a trip to our favorite cinema- Alamo Drafthouse- for a late lunch and a Bedtime Story. Movie was cute and a light hearted touch to the festivities.

The day after Christmas was as loud and chaotic as Christmas Day was quiet. I braved the 7 A.M. Target crowd for a little gift card shopping spree. Let me just say that $200 will buy you a lot at half off! I was back home revelling in my success (mercury glass candle sticks, red glass birds, glass trees) by 7:45. I'm already planning all the fantastic displays I'll be able to create!

But that was only the start of the day, we still had to pack up all the remaining Christmas presents and hit the road for a 7 hour drive to good ole Russ Town for the second half of our family Christmas celebration. The celebration that involves lots of food, and a serious game of bingo. The celebration I'll blog about later :)

Happy Holidays

Milk & Cookies and a whole lotta garland

As is our family tradition, Christmas eve usually involves cooking/baking/dipping of some sort. For the past 3 years, it has also included grandparents & neighbors galore. This year, we're having ourselves a merry little Christmas all by ourselves. Which meant the cooking/baking/dipping was mine alone to conquer. Let's just take a moment to reflect on my kitchen aptitude. Raise your hand if you remember this shining example. But somehow, I block out those little moments and plunge right on in. I figured the slice and bake cookies were my best bet; a few sprinkles and tada!
Look at this yummy dough, just waiting to be transformed into sugar cookie deliciousness.

How about while they bake, I show you around. Let's start with the tree. We usually have several trees in the house each with it's own ornament set. Not theme per se, but more of a cohesive look :) Each year we pick out an "old world" style glass ornament.

Oh, that's one from our first Christmas... straight from Vegas!

And how can you live in Texas without a gingerbread cowboy on your tree?

This is one of the young un's favorites.

Now how about some garland? I loved these bird picks (17 cents!) and thought the gold would kind of add a little to it. It's a start for next year :) We also hung Christmas Cards and Stockings from the railing. There are 38 gold engraved ornaments hanging from the garland. My parents got one for my brother and I every Christmas since we were born. I continued the tradition with the young un.

Last but not least, we have the guest bathroom. A little more 17 cent wonderfulness and I can feel satisfied that Christmas has indeed been here.


Now let's go check those cookies.

WHAT?!?! Are you kidding me? Burnt? How do sugar cookies burn in less than 8 minutes? I don't think frosty's going to be coming back to life from this one. What to do, what to do....

Maybe I'll see what my friend Bailey suggests.

That's a great idea!

Marshmallows? Check. Melting chocolate? Check. Sprinkles/Peppermints/Coconut? Check.

And yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he's going to need some cookies. Let's try dipping them in a little chocolate too.

Maybe I should try one before setting them out...Yummy! (even if they are a little crispy)

Alright, that looks like it just about does it, all we have to do is plate them (I've been watching the Top Chef Marathon) and we're good to go. How can Santa resist those cookies?

And just in case the cookies aren't enough, look at that sweet note. This boy is trying to cover all his bases, no?

So with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, I wish you all a Merry Christmas & the most wonderful of holidays.