Christmas reflections

Had a very nice time-

a picture of the kids at Christmas, before we had 45 for dinner- dh made vegetarian Swedish meatballs in sauce with egg noodles, made from walnuts, rice, cheddar cheese, I made a savory cheesecake with crackers for an appetizer, then I made a triple batch of chocolate bread pudding with chocolate chips and walnuts for dessert. Made mashed potatoes, people brought turkey and ham for the meat eaters, wild rice casserole, spinach salad with cranberries, feta, and pine nuts, cookies, apple pie, dd made glazed cinnamon cookies and sour cream chocolate cupcakes with fudgy frosting, my brother brought wine, and my friend brought Amaretto to have with cream and/or coffee.

We had a Chinese white elephant gift exchange.

The TV and Wii were a BIG hit. DD age 8 had been quizzing me about Santa this year, then when I went up to check on the kids before I went to bed at 2:30, she had already been in her stocking and said thanks, mom, but when she saw the TV she said, "How did you think Santa got it here? Did he tie it on his sled?" It made a believer out of her all over again!

Dh got me a t-shirt that says, Minnesota Kid Rancher, Shoestring Ranch! Plus tons of candy. Dd got me my favorite candy, a box of See's.

All in all, a great two days! Everyone was happy, they all liked the time together and the kids are very happy with some new things. Today some still in pajamas, eating leftovers and playing with all the loot! We are very blessed, didn't attend church on Christmas, but go every week. We remembered the reason for the season, and also had fun with all the trappings of presents, food, and company.