Family Christmas, part the 2nd

Christmas Day
with my man's family
My family & my man's family, of course, both being very much our family!

Caleb wanted to try his hand at a recipe from his new grilling cookbook, so for Christmas dinner he dug his smoker/grill out of a snowdrift and made us some fabulous steaks.  We made the tomato salad to go with, and I made rolls and a green salad (simply a must).  We took it all over to his parents', and, together with their food, we had a feast.  I say we should made it a yearly tradition!

Greta-girl's Christmas outfit, complete with new boots with pink stitching.

(Compliments of Aunties Leah & Ana and Daddy & Mama)

A Christmas Day nap in Auntie's fairytale room

*******

Family Christmas, part the 1st

Better late than never, right?  I think so! 

Christmas Eve

with my family

Sibling fellowship is such a joy.

So is having great uncles!

Mama & co.'s lovely tree.

Must share the joy of my new cookbooks!

A familiar and loved sight: Mama in the kitchen.

My sweet table-setting helper-girl.  Such the best buddy.

Mama and Livi preparing supper.  Chef and sous-chef.

Pa and my Josiah-boy. 

Pa knows how to keep teething little ones happy!

Caleb and Will had fun with Caleb's new toys tools.

It sure sounded good!

("Georgie")

Beloved place and sight.

 We don't even make it to Mimi's house before Greta tells me, "Mimi havs dough foh me!"

Mimi always 'havs' dough around and is so fun 'cause she shares it!

Merry Christmas from all of us!

 

L'chaim!



 Beef Burgundy, our Christmas Eve tradition, with Will's venison!

Wow.  Delicious.

Back inside from caroling, time for treats and presents.

Eggnog, an annual delight, with agave!  Yum & yum.

Evening goodies

Family present exchanges are such blessed times. The love in each gift overwhelms.

"The Art of Dairy Delights".  All her own.  Oh, joy.

The Old Peabody Pew, gorgeously old and perfect, but she doesn't know that yet...

Silas of all doggie handsomeness

I love these guys!

*****

Unto us a Child is born...



Mercy.  Joy!

Evening quiet

The Eve of Christmas Eve

Ornaments for Gramma & Mimi, decorated by Greta, glitter drying; fire in the woodstove for the night; snow.

Christmas, Home Made

My December days were filled with projects for Christmas gifts, as always. Certainly not all our gifts this year were homemade, but I so enjoyed putting together the ones that were.  Now that most of them have been given I can give a peek into what I've been up to for the last while...




Lavender Sachets

Sachets



Beeswax Candles



 

Felt Ornaments



Glass Bead Bracelet





Gemstone & Glass Bead Necklaces







Christmas Tea

from Bulk Herb Store

(wonderful stuff),

in small jars with ribbon



~Collage Calenders for 2011~


One for Mama...



...and one for me!





...one for Olivia...



a December date

pizza for two

So glad He came!

In Eden’s bliss we walked with God
Unhindered by the curse.
Yet we rebelled and were expelled—
Estranged; alone; perverse.
Two mighty cherubs barred the path
To Eden’s holy place;
No more could men, now stained by sin,
Behold our Maker’s face.

Beneath the Law we sought the Lord
Through sacrifice and priest.
One time each year one man, in fear,
Sought God with blood of beast.
Still mighty cherubs blocked the way
So sinners could not pass—
In curtain sewn, on golden throne,
They stopped the rebel fast.

Then Christ appeared to clear the way
To God for sinful man;
Fulfilled the Law without a flaw—
Our Temple, Priest, and Lamb.
Astounded cherubs stepped aside;
Each hid his flaming sword.
With nail and thorn the Veil was torn;
Draw near through Christ the Lord!

In Jesus’ name we boldly come
Before the throne of grace.
With empty hand, in Christ we stand
To seek Almighty’s face
Till saints and cherubs join in awe
Around the Savior’s throne.
With one great voice we will rejoice:
“All praise to Christ alone!”.

~hymn by  Chris Anderson

5 Years

I am so thankful for this guy!

Love you, Man.