Dave and I had the most wonderful, fun and family filled Christmas week. This year, we decided not to travel to visit family. After all, Dave only gets a limited amount of time off, and so he wanted to try and rest up for the next semester as much as possible. I also was offered many opportunities to work that week, which will help us pay off my last tuition payment, so in the long run, staying home was the best decision. The week started off with a wonderful dinner at Mom and Mike's house in Dallas. My mom always decorates a beautiful house for Christmas, and I wanted to be sure to see it. So, Monday night, on one of the coldest nights of the month yet, we trucked it to Dallas to enjoy their company and mom's comfort food. On Tuesday, we were invited by a friend from church to a tamale dinner. It is a tradition for them to invite family and friends over each year to exchange gifts and eat tamales. I had never had a tamale before, and loved them from the first bite. We felt very special to have been invited to such a tradition as this. Wednesday was Christmas Eve. I worked and early shift at Target, and them Mom and Mike came to Grapevine to celebrate. They joined us for Christmas Eve service at our church, and then came back to our house for dinner and gifts. I made a killer pot roast (it was perfect!!!!!) with scalloped potatoes, salad and rolls, plus a peppermint ice cream cake for dessert. I am truly my mothers daughter and was more excited about planning menus this week then about some of the gifts! After dinner we opened presents. Below is a picture of mom and Mike in front of our tree. Don't they make such a Sweet newlywed couple!
Mom and Mike gave me a gift I had been wanting since last year.....the 12 days of Christmas ornaments from Crate and Barrel! I love these ornaments and when I went to buy them last year, I was informed that the company had sold out of them nation wide in two weeks!!! I was so excited to get a set this year and was even able to enjoy them on our tree for a couple days. Here is a picture of me and my new ornaments.
Christmas day was excellent!!! Dave and I slept in and opened presents with our coffee. Here is Dave with his new ear phones and some new clothes (and his Christmas beard).
After we opened presents, we went to see a movie (a semi-Norvell tradition) and then we came home and I again outdid myself in the food department by making a killer dinner. Roast turkey breast, Cranberry Yam Bake ( a child hod favorite) Broccoli gratin and caramel apple upside down cake for dessert.
(notice the chapstick in this picture)
We had such a great week and felt so blessed to have time to spend together. It had been such a busy and hectic semester that these past two weeks with both of us home have been a much needed blessing. I must also say that Dave totally out-did himself in the gift department this year. He picked out some beautiful clothes, books, and movies, and even a spa package that includes not one, but TWO massages!
I leave you now with a video of Dexter enjoying one of the Christmas gifts we got him. He tends to go a little neurotic with toys that squeak, as you will see in the video.
PS- does anyone else notice how empty the house feels when you take down all the Christmas decor?
Christmas day was excellent!!! Dave and I slept in and opened presents with our coffee. Here is Dave with his new ear phones and some new clothes (and his Christmas beard).
(notice the chapstick in this picture)
5 comments:
Looks like so much fun!!! We haven't taken our decorations down yet (mainly because we haven't had time) but I will be a little sad to see this Christmas go. The house definitely seems empty when we do!
Karen, you are such a little Martha Stewart! I gotta get some of those recipes. Also, have I mentioned how great you look with long hair? What are your plans for 2009?
It sounds like you guys had a nice Christmas! Please tell Dexter that Maverick says "thank you very much!" for the greenies and the sweet card. And, you can tell him to be expecting a new year's package of his own...or you can wait and let him be surprised :)
So stuffed animals are short-lived where Dexter is concerned, but so much fun! I'm glad you guys had a great Christmas!!
Hi Karen and Dave and Happy New Year to you! Thank you for the Christmas card and picture!! much appreciated!
I smiled when I saw the cranberry yam bake, one of my favorites!! I make every year, well, most years...and it's your mom's recipe as well!!!
I too, feel 'trumped' when it comes to blog land and my posts! I love reading yours and keeping up with your family!! love you, aunt carol
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