Bless Your Heart

Finally- the Christmas post.

Christmas Eve we gathered at Sara’s (my sister) for dinner and presents. I brought over a big pan of baked mac & cheese and I also made a fabulous dip. It doesn’t really have a name, but it’s good. Cream cheese, splash of lime juice, southwest seasoning- all smeared on the bottom of a baking dish. Top with chili (I go bean free on this one) then top that with plenty of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle cilantro over the cheese and bake at 350* for about 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

We had a wonderful dinner. Sara set the table with her wedding china. First time I’ve ever eaten off it, so it was a big deal. I wish I’d taken a picture of the table.

Then we all gathered in the living room and opened presents. The boys loved it, and loved all their gifts. We all did.

After presents the boys went to bed and CSP & my BIL Marc went out to the garage to help Santa with the assembly of 2 battery powered trucks. They were way bigger than I thought they’d be.
I’m sure they went nuts the next morning when they saw them.

We were there way too late but I finally dragged CSP home.

The next morning Jon’s parents arrived bearing homemade cinnamon buns and gifts. I learned a valuable lesson on Christmas. Hosting Christmas is a lot of fun, but all that running around getting drinks and putting out hors de voures (sp) leave not much time for picture taking. So my pics are few. Sigh.

Anyway, we opened presents and hung out with them then around 4 Jon’s Aunt Deb & Uncle Erv, their 2 kids Dana & Lee, and Marsha & Larry (honorary aunt & uncle to Jon & I and best friends with my in-laws) arrived. I popped A Christmas Story into the dvd player and we all watched that and visited while snacking on another round of that dip and other goodies. CSP was outside setting up the boil. We did a low country shrimp boil for dinner. It was so good and everyone loved it.
Deb, Erv, Lee & Dana left after dinner and that’s when we exchanged gifts with Marsha & Larry.  They are always so good to us and so thoughtful.

I’m really proud of myself this year.  Everyone LOVED their gifts.  It was easy to tell.  Jon’s mom even jumped up and down when they opened one.  Papa yelled out “Hot Dog!” when he opened one.  And I did everything on a budget and without going to the mall once.  I don’t know how I’m gonna be able to pull that off again next year!

The rest of my Christmas pictures are here.