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?

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