Christmas 2013

It's hard to believe how quickly 2013 has come and almost gone.  Lots of new changes took place this year, from the addition of Chloe, to Stephen and Amber being engaged.  Our family continues to grow, and we are truly blessed.  We thank our Father in Heaven for His Goodness, and His continual love and guidance.



Michael, Valerie and Chloe came over early afternoon on Christmas Eve.  Chloe is exploring all her toys now, and enjoys shaking her rattles.

The standing rib roast was in the oven, and all the fixings to go with dinner were prepared ahead of time as the roast occupied the oven for 5 hours.  I followed a recipe from Allrecipes.com called Foolproof Rib Roast.  They weren't kidding.  The roast was tender, melted in our mouths, and had the most amazing flavor!




Along with the roast, we had wild rice, green bean almandine, 7 layer salad, mashed potatoes, and roasted cauliflower. Pumpkin pie with cool whip was our dessert.  All the flavors blended well.  This was by far the best meal I have prepared! :)



Chloe was changed into her Christmas outfit for her visit to Santa.  Valerie wore this when she was a baby..aaahhhh!





Chloe didn't quite know what to think of Santa, but according to Valerie, she loved his beard.  Santa was given a nice recliner this year as a special gift.



Nana (Valerie's Mom) and Valerie wondered what Chloe would do if they put the bow on her head.  Well, you guessed it...she posed!  Not just for one, but several pictures.  She didn't even try to pull it off!  Instead, she turned her head so we could see just how big this bow really was. :)



I am so thankful these pictures were forwarded to me.  They put a huge smile on my face, and joy in my heart.



I took advantage of this "quiet" time to practice before heading off to Midnight Mass.  I stepped out of my box and learned some new songs this year to accompany the choir.  So, no singing for me this year, only playing my heart out on the piano and keyboard.



The house was festive for those looking at Christmas lights.  Clif and I hope to go out sightseeing before the weekend.  Folks these days like to take everything down the day after Christmas.  Not us, we leave it up until Epiphany Sunday, then it comes down.



We were up bright and early Christmas morning.  Michael and Valerie spent the night.  Stephen and Amber joined us at 7am after they got off shift.  The presents were stacked.  We were ready to dig in.



Enough of the pictures, just get the presents out already.



Stephen and Amber were creative in putting Michael's present together.




Valerie was happy with her gift. :)



It wasn't long before the presents were opened, and all were happy.



Chloe enjoyed some bonding time with Uncle Stephen before heading off to Nana and Grandpa Bill's.

After a nice breakfast the kids parted, and I took a 5 hour nap while Clif transferred all my files to my new laptop.  It was a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. 

We extend a Merry and Blessed Christmas to all our loved ones.  May God continue to bless you and extend His favor to you. :)