Merry Christmas!

I hope you are having a wonderful day!  Instead of snow – we woke up to POURING RAIN!!!!!   While I would have much preferred snow – I couldn’t complain about the rain – the rain meant it was nice and WARM out!

Christmas morning – we always used to go to my parents house to open up presents.  But over the years, the tradition has sort of evolved.  After my youngest uncle moved out my Grandparents’ house – they would always come over and join us!  Now, we’ve moved the tradition to their house because it’s easier for us to move around!

We got to my Grandma and Grandpa Stewart’s around 9:15 – and lots of fun presents were waiting!  Puggle tail! Lando got right to work on a “Christmas Kong” I had made for her: Last year I made a calendar with pictures of the whole family – and they loved it so much – I decided to do the exact same thing again this year!   I got the same reaction as last year! Landy and all of her presents: Everyone paying attention to my adorable little pup opening presents: She’s a total attention hog! My favorite gift?!?! A Garmin 405!!!!!!!!  WOOOOHOO!

Once we were finished with all the presents – it was time for delicious Christmas breakfast!!

Strata! Spinach & Feta: (I tried to get my mom to add tomatoes – she vetoed)Bacon & Cheddar (the boys devoured this one!) Notice the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce – mid-pass across the table.  It’s a family wide addiction… 1 Christmas gathering down – 2 to go!   I hope Santa was kind to you all!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!!!!   I hope you are all visiting with your families/loved ones and enjoying the holiday season!

My evening was fantastic – and so rather than give you a long written out post – I’ll keep the words to a minimum and let the pictures do the talking!

My appetizer contribution:  Baked Brie (stolen right out of this pretty lady’s play book) Obligatory Family Christmas photo: Sure I’m partial – but aren’t we good looking?!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!

I’ve got two words for you.  MY. GOODNESS!

I really didn’t think it was possible for things to get any crazier – and yet – somehow – they did!    I’m not barely in the holiday spirit this year because – I don’t know how it’s already December 23rd!!!!  I’m still stuck in October thinking I’ve got time before the holiday!!  (I’m going to be one of those people out shopping tonight and tomorrow…   )

If you read the blog regularly – you also know I’m a maniac glutton for punishment spaz who always likes to take on a lot, and I can’t just let one thing fall by the way side! So if it means I’m awake for 22 hours a day – I’m awake for 22 hours a day.    I’m sick, I tell ya. 

I digress! I bring this all up because…

In the whirlwind that has been my life, I’ve been doing a lot, getting lots of fun presents for the holidays , giving lots of fun presents for the holidays (at least I THINK they are fun) – and the ONLY thing I have pictures of yesterday…are my boring boring boring meals that I managed to make quickly, and chow down in order to keep moving at lightening speed.  Go figure! 

PB&J breakfast: Totally random, thrown together lunch – sweet potato & cuke with hummus: But don’t worry – I didn’t STARVE myself…There have been treats out the WAZOO at work this week!

My friend Jen brought in some struffoli (apparently a treat from Southern Italy that she just whipped up – I felt so cultured! ) Followed up with some DD, some kick BUTT homemade crumb cake from Kristin, and a plate full of homemade cookies! I’ve definitely helped myself to some of the home made sweets – I just can’t pass on sweets when I know there is family tradition involved! (or at least – that’s my story – and I’m sticking to it!)

By the time I got home from work and then Christmas shopping last night – it was 9:15!!!   My hunger made me smart though – and at my last stop (the grocery store) – I made sure to pick up a ready made dinner so I could devour eat without having to worry about prep! California roll with brown rice?  Done, and done!

I’ve crossed a few people off my list – just a few more to go – and I hope to have them all done tonight!  I’m done with work for 4 days straight – and there’s an end in sight!  CHRISTMAS HERE I COME!