My Angels

Merry Christmas, Ally (nearly 7) and Ava (2 1/2)

Yuletide Recap

Happy to say, Christmas Day was wonderful. For all you who may have doubted me, I DID get it all done!! AND I went to 10pm Mass on Christmas Eve - SO THERE!!

Christmas is different now that our children have grown. We did not rush to open gifts in the morning. I did not stress that their clothes were perfect as company started to arrive. I did not worry that they would be cranky as they did not get enough sleep.

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. We ate, drank, and laughed (sounds like a typical Sunday!) After the 'guests' went home, Mr.W. and I gathered with the kids and opened our gifts. This was the first Christmas our oldest son has been home in 6 years. This was a special Christmas for us.

I am glad that Mr. Wonderful and I still have the ability to continue to make Christmas magical for our kids....

One week to go

So:
the tree is up
the stockings are hung
the menu is planned
the cookies are scheduled

All that's left is the shopping for gifts!

The Ladies Club

I hosted a cocktail party last Sunday afternoon. JUST WOMEN. It started with just the Mah Jong girls but quickly grew to a group of 12. I decided we would have our "First Annual Holiday Party" just for the girls.

We had appetizers and desserts. Adult libations were available for all who desired them. We did a Grab Bag Swap and traded 'war' stories.

Something magical happened when this bunch of women got together. Some people knew everybody - some knew just a few. It didn't matter. We were all together for a purpose. We were doing something JUST FOR US. Our age range spanned over 30 years, but there were no age barriers. It didn't matter. Some were still working, some were retired. It didn't matter. Some celebrate Christmas, some celebrate Hanukkah. It didn't matter.

There will be lots of Christmas gatherings this season. I will always treasure the moments shared by this group of women.

The Mom Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMhuAtyFCrw

This sounds like every mom I know (including me!)

Mr. Postman, leave me a letter

Two of my granddaughter (not mentioning any names) will be receiving a letter from Santa telling them how proud he is of them for thinking about Guga and Papa all year long! The letter goes on and on telling them how they are getting nice gifts for Christmas and ends up with "Guga and Papa miss you and love you both so very much!"

I just wish I could see their faces when they get it!

Doggie Luvin'

It has taken a while - but it looks like Louie and Sammy have finally come to terms with one another. Sammy finally understands WHO is the Alpha Dog!

Bliss

Yesterday was our Wedding Anniversary. Mr. Wonderful and I have been married for 31 years. (Do the Math, I was a child bride by today's standards!)

He surprised me with some gifts - a towel warmer, so I can always have a hot towel when I get out of the shower, a toothbrush sanitizer for travel (I am a bit of a germ-a-phobe) and an infrared pain reliever for my sore neck. There was a time when I would have been expecting jewelry, but, seriously, after 30+ years - WHAT THE HELL IS LEFT FOR HIM TO BUY ME?? I think he was very thoughtful and sweet, as I proclaimed for the last 2 weeks that I did not want anything.

I bought him some chocolates.... (and a VERY expensive lens for his camera).

There is much to be said about growing old together. He is truly my best friend.

"Happy Anniversay, Honey. Love you always..."

Recipe

Thanksgiving Butternut Squash

So easy, but has a huge WOW factor:

Cube butternut squash (1" pieces). Toss in a bowl with some olive oil, salt and pepper.

Roast in a high oven (450) for about 25 minutes - you want the squash cooked through and have some carmelized edges.

Place roasted squash on a flat platter. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. Then scatter coarsely chopped honey glazed pecans on top of the cheese.

TA DA! - Nice combination of sweet, salty and crunch!