Christmas Day 2009

Christmas morning was so magical. "Monk" surprised both of us with her awe and quick love for her new Abby Cadaby doll. Rob taped it and it was really special. We agreed that it was a close second to the Christmas morning tape when we told the kids that Monk would be coming :)

Later, we hosted dinner, and it was a beautiful day.

Mimi and Papa outdid themselves...they brought a kick-butt, and may I had HUGE roast. Mimi stuffed the roast with the most delicious goat cheese and pepper stuffing too. I served a few of the good 'ole standbys- roasted garlic and cheddar red-skinned mashed potatoes, green beans with shallots and bacon, caprese salad and regular tossed salad. My main dish was my "white lasagna" that my brother has been talking about for four years, since I made it last. I don't make it often as it is so much work. It is comprised of a bauchemel sauce, carmelized vidalia onions and pancetta in between the lasagna noodles and topped with mozzarella cheese. It is very rich but oh so good!

For dessert, we indulged in Grammy's fruit and wine bowl, tons of Christmas cookies and Mimi's delish rum cake.

We were so fortunate and grateful to have this feast in our home this year...we are so lucky that we were able to endulge so much during such tough times. We don't take that for granted.

We ended up pulling a pretty decent Christmas together for the kids too...I try to point out to them the importance of this specific holiday and steer them away from the material things...but you know teenagers. All we want to do is be a little positive influence in their lives when there is so much negative influence out there...and I think slowly but surely we are getting that accomplished!

There is one more thing we need to accomplish as we did not before Christmas Day this year and that is volunteering to help a family in need or a group of people in need. I am searching the Manchester area and know that the right project will come to us. We hope that we can help someone else in their time of need as so many of our friends and families have done for us. Time to give back.