Christmas Part 2: Drazin Extravaganza

We headed down south to spend Christmas with my family.

Christmas Part 1: Shaw Christmas

This past Saturday night the Manor hosted Shaw family Christmas (minus the Ahlgrens--we missed you! xoxo) We started with exhcanging gifts. Then we ate a hearty crockpot meal of chicken, veggies, gravy, and stuffing. We ended the night with dessert and a hot chocolate bar. It turned out to be a lovely night, we all agreed!

Hurry Christmas!

We can hardly wait for Christmas to get here! Our gifts are wrapped, our treats are baked, and our plans are made. This weekend we get to have an early Christmas celebration with the Shaw family. Then we'll head down south to enjoy a Drazin Christmas. Westly can hardly wait! (well, Mama, too)

Cooking Resolutions

I know it's a bit early to start thinking about New Year's resolutions, but I've been thinking of some that are specific to cooking and food. I was browsing some of these fancy cook books I got at my bridal shower and never really explored. And I got inspired. So here are some things I would like to try in 2012!

I adore cheesecake and have ambition to make my own!

Cheese is my favorite and primary food group and my dream is host a cheese-tasting party!

I pay $1.95 for scones at Starbucks, and am thinking I should just make my own.

I have never made a cake from scratch. I want to go all out this year and make a cake and icing, etc. from scratch for someone's bday

When I found a recipe for chocolate eclairs that did not look too complicated, I smiled. I HAVE to make these (and share them with Papa Shaw)

Now I just need some great occasions for these special foods, and a little extra grocery money!

Happy Mid-Week

I love my two super-heroes!

'Tis the Season

Thanksgiving weekend, true to tradition, we decked the Manor halls with fa-la-la, and Westly got to be a part of it!

He got his to open his first gift of the the season: a Behtlehem book from Auntie Li and Uncle Ky!