Christmas 2014

My sugar consumption triples about this time of year, even if I'm not inclined to eat many sugar plums.  Goodies seem to be offered every where one turns.  And who can say "No"?  Several weeks before the big holiday, many of us were baking, baking, baking.

When I bake, every inch of the kitchen gets used.

I baked pumpkin and sour cherry pies.

Reece, Ruby and Pierce were busy rolling out sugar cookies.  They employed their aprons and hats that I made a couple of Christmases ago.

For 25 years I have had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Tea with my close friends from Irving.  We get dressed up and wear our lady hats.  We eat scones with clotted cream and fancy jams, tiny sandwiches, decorated cookies, and, of course, hot tea (after champagne)!

Back row: Jan, Lorraine, Kathie, Chris.  Front row: Di, Linda

Lorraine shares a humorous story with Linda and Jan.

We celebrated Christmas a few days early with Lindsay and family.

 Lindsay, boyfriend Jeff, and Celeste.

Like all 5 year-olds, Celeste liked the present-opening the best.

On Christmas Eve we were in Kansas City with all of my family.  Olivia and Chad hosted us.  The house was beautifully decorated inside and outside; it could have been featured in a home decor magazine!  We went to the children's Mass at Visitation Church, followed by yummy lasagna dinner made by Felicia.

Rusty and Sam, waiting for Santa.

a pensive Pierce

Ruby and Papaw share moustache faces.

Oui, Oui, Madam.

"Is that my wife?"

The Three Moustaccios!

Christmas Day morning began with some sleepy-eyed adults.

Pierce, Reece and Ruby were anxious to see what Santa had brought.

Ruby got a unicorn outfit, complete with wings.

Pierce liked the bow and arrows.

Reece enjoyed the easel.

We had good discussions...

...some quiet relaxing time...

...a little wine...

...more relaxing...

...really good food...

...some good cuddles...

...and pie!

After Christmas the whole family came to Lincoln to see Grandma and Grandpa Fowler, and also one of the girls' good friends.

We played Pic-up-Sticks.

We did some drawings.

and everyone had a turn at the keyboard.

Just hours after this wonderful family time, we had Christmas with Anna and Jake.  Why didn't I take any pictures?



This classy lady puts on a delightful New Year's Celebration!

Chris, our beautiful hostess.

It was a traditional event with late dinner of oyster stew and ham sandwiches.

There was plenty of champagne.

Happy New Year!