Christmas Cornicopia

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful and most blessed Christmas! My family had a good one, we were surrounded by the ones we love and one to many delicious cakes ...the combination can make anyone full....and blessed. The week prior to Christmas my family and my brother and his family went to Tuscaloosa to the home of my brother and sister in law, who host their annual Supper and Christmas movie night. The food is always so scrumptious. This year we watched the classic, "Jingle All the Way". Here are some pictures from our family Christmas movie night...

My brother in law is an artist for the Tuscaloosa Newspaper. He drew this image for a story he did about the Polar Express. He had his drawing enlarged and gave our family a copy of it for Christmas. The picture features Tuscaloosa in the background, complete with Bryant Denny stadium, Denny Chimes and downtown Tuscaloosa landmarks. Needless to say, we were thrilled to own it! Thank you, Tony!
(Click picture to enlarge details)

















On Christmas Eve I hosted Christmas Lunch at our home. We had standing rib roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, salad, Corn casserole, rolls and a plethera of desserts.

Peg was able to join us this year, we were glad of that. She is truly in a fragile state, we don't know how much longer she will be with us, so it is always an honor to be in company. My daughter, "Sister Sledge" is her number one. They have a very special relationship. She might not remember anyone, but she will Sledge. She calls Sledge her "cheerleader". It's a beautiful thing.

Following lunch, it was time to open gifts. I think everyone got something that they liked. It's always fun to watch the children, they truly do encompass the spirit of Christmas.

After everyone left, we all rested, put up our feet and then re-energized with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

Then, we waited. And waited. And waited, For the city's tradition of having Santa drive down the streets of town on a firetruck. I think many cities do this, it's a wonderful and magical tradition, I don't care how old you are!
Finally, we heard the wail of the engine and ran outside in just enough to see Santa whizz past our home.
















Now it was time to all pile into the car to look at Christmas lights as we made our way to our friends, the Dassau's annual Eve gathering.
Their home is always so lovely, with the glow of Christmas shining within.























The children play, anticipating Santa's arrival later in the evening.

The Dassau's make their annual soup bowls. We are fortunate to have friends, who are also wonderful cooks with knowledge of Cajun and creole cuisine. Every year we are treated to stock pots full of their Homemade Gumbo and Homemade Corn and Crawfish Bisque.
















With our tummy's full we bid ado and hugged with Merry Christmas'. We tucked the children in beds with visions of Lego's and cell phones in their heads. "Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved."  Before you knew it, the peacefulness of Christmas Eve was gone. ‎"We plunged into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice."
















It was enough to tire even the toughest of men.

















And puppies.
After opening gifts at our home, we headed to my parents home, 15 minutes away. We were greeted at the door by my little niece, who was thrilled to show off what Santa had left her for Christmas. Meet "George", a mini dapple dachshund.

Prior to Christmas my cousin Beckie contacted me with a great plan. Beckie's mother (Ruth) and my mom's mother (Buena) were sisters. Both are long deceased. Beckie found a letter that Buena had written to Ruth in 1929. Beckie had ever seen the letter, and because it was in Beckie's possesion, she was certain that my mother had never seen it either. Becky saw my post on my blog and said it would be a good idea to frame it. She sent it to me and I did....It was our gift to her.
















My mother adored it!!!! Thank you Beckie! You are so amazing!!!!
















Everyone seemed to get what they wanted....

There were smiles all around...

And on this day, Christmas Day, the holiest of days... the day of miracles

















Came a miracle in and of itself in the south....
A white Christmas.
Something I have never seen before. And it was beautiful!
One couldn't help but pause to look at it.

And one couldn't help but play in it either!!!

Whew! It was a whirlwind of a fantastic and glorious Christmas. And this was only part of it! I plan to share the food, and the recipes as well as what my daughter gave to me this Christmas. It is hands down my most favorite and special Christmas gift ever.

Thank you for dropping in today. If you have posted about your Christmas, I hope you will let me know. 

And even if you didn't, I'd LOVE to hear from you. You are special to me. So, leave a comment, it's my roadmap to your blog....and if you don't have a blog, your friendship.

Thank you!

XOXO,

Leigh