A Christmas Eve and Its Traditions

Christmas Eve and, although we got off to a late start on our traditional festivities, we are enjoying our family and this season.
For the first time, but likely not the last, we made cups of hot chocolate and went to a nearby park that had a "Festival of Lights" display.

It was a frigid evening so it was a very nippy walk.  We were warmed slightly by the hot chocolate in hand but we were definitely ready for the hot pot of posole awaiting us upon our return.

Our traditional Christmas Eve meal is posole, tortilla, chips and salsa.  Delish!

Then we sat by the fire, made s'mores (another tradition - Santa doesn't get cookies here, he gets s'mores!), and the boys opened two packages each.  Those two packages contain the traditional pajamas and books.

We lingered and enjoyed each others company...

...then the boys grabbed more munchies and went to play games while "Santa" got to work.

Now the stockings and gifts are awaiting the morning and the tree is glowing beautifully.
I love this moment.  I stand alone with the tree lights and candles illuminating the otherwise darkened room, breathing and thinking about my family, who they are and who we are, and my hopes and dreams for them and how all of that is reflected in these gifts that I offer up to them.
It's a beautiful, sweet moment for me.
It is Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Thanksgiving day has arrived and the feasting begins.
We always begin our day with a bunch of goodies to graze on while we await our Thanksgiving meal.

The menu for this years grazing buffet included pumpkin bars, apples and caramel dip,

salami flowers and prosciutto crisps with goat cheese and fig jam,

and cheese straws, crackers and charcuterie,

and pumpkin dip with gingersnaps and cinnamon sugar graham crackers, chocolate covered pretzels,

and hot tea, hot chocolate, orange juice and spiced apple juice.

While grazing and keeping track of football scores we prepared a feast.

Herb fried his first Thanksgiving turkey and was served alongside stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, broccoli with cheese, cranberries, rolls, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, baklava, sparkling cider and wine.

It was a feast, indeed, and enjoyed by all!

I am so thankful for all these guys.  I am thankful that my husband is home, retired and healing.  I am thankful that I have all my boys around me for at least a short period of time.  I am thankful that my girl has such a wonderful group of friends to spend Thanksgiving with.

I am thankful!

A Happy Mother's Day!!!

What a glorious, wonderful, happy mother's day!!!

The day began with a lovely message from Christian from the other side of the world.

I then heard wonderful wishes from each of my darlings and I spent time with those at home.

Herb and Bishop made dinner - Cornell chicken, pasta salad, corn on the cob, ice cream sundae bar replete with fudgy brownies.

It was a beautiful day full of sunshine and beauty...

 ...and beautiful, beautiful gifts!!!

Perfection!

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!!!

My Lord Has Risen!

Alleluia!
The Lord has risen!

And Easter celebrations have begun.

The boys Easter baskets were full and awaiting them.

Dyed eggs were abounding...

...and the purple tulips were brightening our Easter table.

Aren't the Easter bunny napkins adorable?

We had ham, peach chutney, green beans, asparagus, loaded mashed potatoes, and rolls for our Easter dinner.

For dessert we had cream cheese pie, carrot cake cupcakes and festive little dark chocolates.

And, together we feast and fellowship and, most importantly, celebrate our Lord's resurrection!

Our Lord Has Risen!

He has risen, indeed!