We had such a good Christmas this year. I know, I say that every year, but it's true! Justin came by train from Chicago on Wednesday night. On Thursday we all did our last minute shopping, then went to Adolino's for dinner. It started snowing on Friday, so we stayed in - I baked pies, Justin and Eric played games, and Rick read. Justin made us the best French Onion soup for lunch. On Christmas morning, Andrew and Alison came for presents and breakfast. Then we went to their house for a wonderful dinner. Andrew made roast duck, pork, and lots of sides. Yummy! 

 

Justin is showing a bottle of wine that he got from Andrew. 

I was having a hard time getting a good picture of these two. We were all laughing and opening presents.

 

  Justin and Eric had a fun time playing Stratego and Mario Bros. on the Gamecube. 

I hope everyone had a great time with your families. Now, I'm ready to take down the Christmas stuff and get ready for spring! 

Merry Christmas...

from our little farm on the edge of the prairie to you!

Homemade Bread

What could be a better snack after shoveling the walk and driveway than warm homemade bread and strawberry jam? My youngest, Eric, couldn't think of anything better!

Joyful Days

After celebrating with friends and family over the weekend, I decided to treat myself to a little crafting time. I have been enjoying making seasonal banner this year and needed a Christmas one. This is what I came up with:

I can't remember what paper company this is, but I know that it is new this year. Since we don't have a mantle I have to hang my banners on various pieces of furniture throughout the house :)

Now it's time to get back to work - bill paying, laundry, dinner...

Here Comes Santa Claus...

I bought this 7gypsies printer's tray at Archiver's awhile ago and couldn't decide what to do with it. Since I had all this neat stuff out in my Christmas "Inspiration Station", I decided to use pictures of my boys meeting Santa through the years. Then I added scraps of paper and trinkets I've been saving. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Now I want to do another one that can stay out a little longer.:)

Holiday Treats

Every Christmas I like to make something special to give to the mailman, coworkers, and people who stop by. Quite often I make fudge, and sometimes homemade bread or jams. This year I wanted to do something different, and I remembered this cashew brittle that my husband and I got when we were visiting the Amish country in northern Indiana. It was so good, so I got a recipe from southernfood.about.com. It was very easy, though it took awhile to bring the candy to the correct temperature. When it had cooled,, I packaged it up in cello bags and tied it off with baker's twine. I made a tag with a Papertrey Ink stamp, added some ribbon and a bell. It looks very festive sitting in a basket by the door waiting to be handed out to friends. Now if we can just stay out of it....

Christmas Decorating

I have finally finished the decorating. I am usually done before now, but a pulled muscle in my back (from lifting decoration boxes) had me on the sofa for a few days. I do the decorations pretty much the same every year. We like it, and it makes it easy because we have so much to put out. Here are a few of our trees and stuff: