Thursday, December 15, 2011

An Early Christmas

Do you wrap gifts as you get them, or like me.. wait until the shopping and making is all done, then do a marathon wrapping session?  Tuesday hubby headed out for a doctor appt and to shop for the holiday dinner we were hosting on Wed for our older son and his family.  I began to wrap and wrap.. one done, lots more to go!
And here is the tree after all the gifts were put beneath and around.   
The reason we're having Christmas 10 days early for our son and his family is that they are heading to his inlaws home in Agoura Hills, Los Angeles, CA to spend Christmas with his wife's family - and attend her younger brother's wedding just days before the big day.  I thought it would be good to give the boys their gifts so they'd have something to play with on the trip south in the car.  The boys are fascinated with our tiny skating rink.
The boys were even more fascinated with who's name was on what gift under the tree. :-) 
My little North Pole village from Dept. 56. 
Dayle made a feast for us for dinner!  Baked ham, corn casserole (which turned out FANtastic! Recipe below.), scalloped potatoes, sourdough baguette, sparkling apple cider - and for dessert, fresh brownies with peppermint ice cream on top!  
We really enjoyed spending the evening with our son and his family.  Lots of old memories shared, new things to celebrate, the boys loved their gifts.. and said the meal was great, and it was.  :-)
I hung some large snowflakes on the old light fixture above the dining table and was pleased with how they glowed in the candle-light.   
I was so happy when the boys arrived as they had made me these adorable ornaments to hang on the tree!  I will always treasure them. 
Gabe made the gingerbread man and Mikey made the reindeer with a wreath around his neck. :-) 
I forgot to show you this Jim Shore patriotic ornament I found last year. 
And this Italian cherub I found on Etsy this year! :-) 
And the other Italian cherub I found on eBay.  Is he playing a tambourine? 
Here is a tiny glass train ornament set from last year I meant to hang on a little tree... 
My Jim Shore manger scene on the top of our china cabinet from Dayle's parents. 
Corn Casserole 

1 can creamed corn
1 can kernel/niblet corn (un-drained)
1 small can Ortega diced chilies (if desired)
1 small (8 ounce) sour cream
1 stick of butter (softened)
1 egg
1 package Jiffy corn bread mix

Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 for 40 minutes until golden brown. 
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If you like cornbread and if you like corn.. you will *LOVE* this recipe.  In fact, we're having it and some of that yummy ham for lunch today.  Mmmm.


I am going to work on my Christmas cards today.  I am very late with them, but.. better late than never, eh?

:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:
  *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦: 
((hugs)), Teresa :-) 





19 comments:

  1. What fun to have an early Christmas. You know the wife's family usually wins for the big day. But, nice to see you were all able to get together early. I wrap in on big mess. But then always have those last few trinkets to do. Just glad the shipping one's are out of here. That ham looks yummie and the cornbeard recipe is a keeper. Rest up today. I'm guessing you will be at another party real soon.

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  2. Now I need to go eat. That ham....corn casserole...I'm going to be big as a house by the time the holidays are over....

    I make, Hubby wraps. I shop, Hubby wraps. I spend money, Hubby cringes...isn't that how Christmas is supposed to be :)

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  3. Looks like a wonderful time was had by all. The dinner looked and sounded divine! I have a similar corn casserole recipe. I will try yours and do a shoot out!
    Cute boys, and fun times!!!

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  4. What fun to have an early Christmas Teresa. The boys' faces are shining with happiness at the table. I love the ornaments they made you and I love that little train set...so cute. I am a marathon gift wrapper. I just have my Hbs left to wrap tomorrow night as he will be out at his work Christmas party so can't spoil any of his surprises.Take care,
    Jane x

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  5. It sounds like you had a wonderful time at your early Christmas get-together :) How special! Your decor is beautiful. I love the little village and the manger scene. Sets like that have always fascinated me. Also, we use that same corn cassarole recipie (minus the chiles)with my family! It's always a favorite!
    ~Lacey

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  6. Ahhh yes, Christmas cards. Mine are right beside me...unopened boxes...hmmmm(: But I have just a little wrapping left to do. I love your lights and decorations and many loving moments of celebration!

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  7. Hello Teresa,
    I do a marathon wrapping after all is bought and I spread out and make a big mess. BUT only once. I like to do it that way, sometimes I have to take a break and then just go back and start again. Love your early Christmas with the boys. Dinner looked great! xoRobin❤

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  8. You know Teresa, I do believe that you and Dayle are really Mrs Claus and Santa! Your home is beautiful and from the outside it could be in Lapland! I have just found the sweet little Scandinavian Heart that you sent me last year along with the accompanying Xmas card, which I`ve also put back up this year because everyone admired it so last year!Lovely post full of warmth and love. Thank You. x

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  9. Hello Teresa your early Christmas looks as though it was a great success with yummy food. We once had a Christmas in March. My eldest son had been away in South America for five months- travelling and did not come back until end of February. I called at the supermarket on the Friday evening for some last bits and pieces after school. I saw a colleague as I was leaving the shop and she said Happy Christmas and the faces of folk about me were priceless. We celebrated the Christmas Day the next day and it actually snowed. We had presents a turkey and all the trimmings and play games and look at slides of our sons when they were young. Their wives (who were girlfriends then) were with us too. It was wonderful. Extra special as well as Matthew had finished his travelling around the world.
    I love your village and other Christmassy things. Sorry for such a long comment. Anne x

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  10. Wrapped all of mine yesterday and am now starting to feel a little "Christmassy". It hasn't felt quite the same for me this year - not sure why but things will no doubt start to ramp up this coming week prior to my o/seas visitors arriving on 22nd. I wish my house looked like yours Teresa - yours is just beautiful and so festive. Glad to hear you enjoyed your early Christmas.

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  11. Wowee! That living room is lit up like a, well, like a Christmas tree! Ha-ha-ha. I snagged that corn casserole recipe. Looks great and easy. Thanks for sharing it. I'm as bad at collecting recipe as I am crochet patterns!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS! Yee-haw.

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  12. It looks so festive at your house! Just gorgeous! I may have to try that recipe. Sounds like something my son would like.

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  13. What a wonderful evening. You are spreading Christmas out and really getting the chance to enjoy each special day with your family. The boys look very happy and full. Teresa your home is so welcoming and it is such a pleasure to be invited in. I haven't even taken a picture for my cards, not done wrapping or shopping. I had better get busy.
    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

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  14. Your corn casserole recipe sounds absolutely heavenly and the boy's Christmas tree ornaments are adorable! Love them:)
    Just started my Christmas shopping today--I have a ways to go!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  15. Your living room looks so inviting and wonderfully Christmassy! Wrapping is fun, but strangely hard work at the same time isn't it! All the gifts look marvellous under the tree, your grandchildren must have been oooing and ahhhhing when they saw them! Vanessa xxx

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  16. Fabulous tree and love the snowflakes Teresa
    Very warm and exciting it all looks xx

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  17. Hello Teresa thank you for sharing these gorgeous Christmassy pictures with us...I feel so festive when I pop over here! Thanks for the recipe too...I have never made it, but feel sure I would love it! Have a wonderful weekend.
    Helen x

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  18. So glad you had a wonderful time with your son and his family! Your home is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
    p.s. I'm a marathon, last minute present wrapper. :)

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  19. Ooh your blog makes me feel so christmassy Teresa. What a lovely evening with your family - the decorations the boys made for you are wonderful. Your home is so beautifully decorated. ((hugs)) Joanna xx

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