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Monday, January 7, 2019

Christmas in the Rearview



Hello, dear friends.  I hope that you all enjoyed your holiday.  My only complaint is that it was far too short.

For two weeks, I never knew what day of the week it was. I almost missed Trash Day which is celebrated like a national holiday in our house.  I also didn't watch the News and never missed it.   

We made some wonderful memories during our visit with the girls and our future son-in-law.  Btw, this was our first Christmas with Adorable Jonathon.  

It's my first post of the year, and I already have a confession to make.  Here goes.  Many At times, I felt that I liked Adorable Jonathon more than my girls.  Don't worry... my girls are fully aware of this fact and no feelings are hurt.



I learned that Adorable Jonathon only has one mood - happy.  No walking on eggshells early in the AM with this guy.   And he is every blogger's dream... he will pose at a moment's notice for the camera!



Even first thing in the morning!
As a reward... I let him use a couple of favorite mugs.






Both Chowdah and Chili were in their glory having everybody home.


Believe it or not, the hooligans had baths days before the holiday.  You'd never know it by the time our guests arrived.




We had lunch and caught up on some last-minute shopping in charming Hingham on Christmas Eve day.



We also played a new game called Cards Against Humanity.



It's a bit racy.
Can you tell by the Mister's blush?







The Mister has his own reasons for enjoying Adorable Jonathon's company.  It's not easy being outnumbered by women constantly riding an emotional rollercoaster.  Until AJ came along, the Mister's only ally was Chowdah.






Dear Santa... please send over some floor-refinishing elves this year.  Ours have been destroyed by doggies.






Gift giving went well.






Everyone was pleased with their gifts except for one person whose wife wanted to surprise him with something he supposedly said that he didn't want, but she thought he should have.



  As you can see, he was a good sport.




The rest of the evening was spent with the Mister flexing his muscles like this.  



By the way, I have good news.  I mentioned to the royal couple that some of you were interested in hearing more about the wedding details.  Well, you asked for it - you got it.  Our #1 and AJ wrote a blog post giving you the deets on their big stay.  Stay tuned.






As you can imagine, the Mister spoiled us rotten with one delicious meal after another.



It has been our tradition to feast on all of our favorite appetizers on Christmas Eve.  Toasted Naan chips, chicken wings, steak tartar (my fave) and Canadian bacon, Swiss, and Spinach Quiche were on the menu.








Last Christmas, our #1 gave the Mister a Sous Vide, which he got a lot of use out of during the year.  The first night the Mister served the most tender steak, lobstah mac and cheese, and asparagus with pancetta. 




I skipped the asparagus and helped myself to an extra helping of pancetta because I was watching my waistline. 








I told you... the kid never stops smiling.



The roving photographer better sit down before Chow inhales her dinner.




The Mister's apple crumb tart ended the evening on a sweet note.



Before we knew it, our girls and AJ were packed and ready to get back to the Big D.  Their trip was anything but smooth - the flight was due to depart 4PM, and they landed in Texas at 5AM.



I always hate the emptiness I feel after the girls leave. At least I have some things to take care of on my to-do list.  The first item is to see if I can hire an elf to come and take down all my decorations.  While he's at it, maybe he could refinish my kitchen floors.  

A girl can dream, can't she?




The second item is to make an appointment to have my jaw wired and after that, book a reservation at the Betty Ford clinic.


Until next time...






I'm on Team Chili.  
She wants to keep the tree up because it's her favorite place to nap.

Linking up with:
Amaze Me Monday
Mix It Up Monday
Inspiration Monday
Hello Monday
Preppy Empty Nester
Preppy Empty Nester

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Feel free to contact me through comments and email. I love to hear from my readers!

36 comments:

  1. I need that Betty Ford reservation too. Too much wine and too many festive cocktails, so I've been skipping the wine at happy hour/sunset and going for coffee or tea this past week. Can't wait to hear about the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Dr Ekpen for the good work that his doing around the world, many of you must have ahead of him and what his doing. The reason why I'm appreciating him on this site is because maybe someone out there is facing the same challenge and he/she don't know what to do next to fix the issue, Dr Ekpen is a great spell caster and friendly also, if you have problem in your relationship you can contact him right way and he will be clad to help you out. Contact him now via email at ekpentemple@gmail.com or on whatsaap +2347050270218.

      Delete
  2. What a wonderful Christmas! It looks like AJ is just a joy to have in the family. I think my extended family feels that way about Michael - he's a lot more easy going than I am and fun to be around! Happy New Year!

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  3. This was just plain fun....loved seeing the holiday gathering and I for one am just waiting for wedding details....what a beautiful year you're going to enjoy...hugs from Texas Katie!

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  4. Looks like a fabulous holiday!! Your Mister sure puts together a yummy meal!!

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  5. Jonathan looks like a keeper for sure. I am from a family of three girls and we all say that the son in laws are the favorites.

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  6. I love all your photos. Your home looks so festive. The mugs are the cutest and the dinner wounds amazing. I hope you have a wonderful year!

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  7. I know that feeling of angst all to well. There’s always a sad adjustment period when they leave. Your Christmas looked amazing ❤️

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  8. Katie, I really enjoyed reading about your Christmas happenings. Y’all look like a perfect family that enjoys one another and likes to eat! The future son-in-law is so cute, and to happily pose for photos makes him a keeper. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

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  9. I loved everything about this post! And, yes, looks like Jonathan is a keeper for sure, such a great smile! And, the food, oh, my, can't even imagine having my own built in chef. How awesome! And, I cannot wait to read the blog post about the wedding details! Hoping that elf shows up for you. I hated every minute of taking my down and I didn't have all that many decorations but I still didn't enjoy taking it down.

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  10. All that food looks lovely, visiting from the UK and from the Midlife Blogging Community! Happy New Year. Jacqui Mummabstylish

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  11. Made me smile, I need the same program after the holidays! Drink lots of water and consider the decor takedown exercise. Enjoy your stories and photos. Inspired. We do similar Christmas Eve snacks meal...my fiancée added king crab legs this year, nice! My sons getting married in May in MN, first wedding in our family, exciting!!

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  12. Can't wait for the blog post on the wedding dets! Curious minds want to know!!! Glad you all enjoyed a special time together. No girls or guys to come home here, so it's always quiet with just the two of us and Sadie. Simple life! I've had lunch and endulged in a little leftover cake from yesterday's mega shake, but just looking a the mister's delicious meals makes me want to rush into the kitchen and eat something, anything! My chef likes his Sous Vide as well. He used it for our Christmas Eve dinner.
    Happy 2019 to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awwwww adorable Jonathan! So lovely that your nest was full - and your photos really captured the day,which was fab. AJ and your husband are totally twinning in one photo - so lovely. I am with you on the food and drink - I am considering a corset rather than jaw wiring though, just so I can keep eating leftover cheese. Happy New Year x

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  14. Oh Katie, what a wonderful time had by all! And look at that food, there was no doubt in my mind it would be spectacular! The best picture of all of course is Chowdah at the table! Happy New Year beautiful xo

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  15. I enjoyed reading about your Christmas. There is nothing better than all the kids at home with you and Jonathan is a cutie for sure. Enjoy the next few months.

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  16. Just so you know, I am booking my ticket to spend Christmas at Katie's House next year. You'll hardly know I'm there (except at meal times and party times and all those happy moments that make me smile big) and I'll bring great hostess gifts! It looks absolutely divine!

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  17. Loved hearing about your Christmas and seeing al the lovely pictures. Chowder was one great pup to not gobble up the food on that plate, lol. Everything looks so nice and all the wonderful looking food :-) I hope your New Year off to a great start!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  18. And his presentation is always top notch...your mr that is...with his food!!! Would love to be his Sous chef!!!
    Do u need a roommate at the Betty????

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  19. Your home at Christmas is just dreamlike. Your Christmas Eve menu looks so Good. Yummy but casual.

    Happy New Year
    Patty
    GoodBetterBestFood.blogspot.com

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  20. Now that's a Christmas well spent. Having the kids as adults sure makes for the best gift, doesn't it? That food, oh my! I could put some meat on my bones staying with you guys! Glad your Christmas was a happy gathering. Happy New Year!

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  21. Hi Katie, I LOVE your idea of appetizers for Christmas Eve.....especially if someone else makes them. Looking forward to hearing about the wedding.
    Also, thanks a million for recommending The Red Coat. I ordered it after you mentioned it and absolutely loved it. Now I want a sequel about Rita's life in California!
    Debbie

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  22. Looks like you had a lovely Christmas! Would love to have your hubby do a guest post on entertaining/cooking/food presentation. I always feel so ill-equipped when I entertain. Maybe an idea for a future post?? Have a wonderful new year!!

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  23. Sounds like a wonderful Christmas celebration! Your family is just so cute and I cannot wait to hear about the wedding plans. You are going to have such a fun year! Cheers to 2019!
    Shelley

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  24. Ok, so the gals at Weight Watchers rave on and on and on and on and on about their Instant Pots, Sis. Perhaps we could hold a meeting at your place? Surely 33 women and a chap or two could sway Hubs.

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  25. Oh what a fun post, Katie...it looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. I enjoyed getting a peek at your lovely home and beautiful decorations too! Isn't it nice that AJ will be joining your family...it was pretty obvious he fits in well! Your Mister must be a fabulous cook too. That food looks like something right out of a magazine! Happy New Year!

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  26. Looks like you had a fabulous Christmas! Happy New Year!

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  27. Enjoyed every picture showing the holiday fun happening at your lovely
    home with your precious family. Wishing you a healthy and happy
    New Year! love, Phyllis

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  28. I just enjoyed this pistbso much . Loved all the family and food pictures . Dang, y’all dine some eating too . Yum . Loving the insta pot. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  29. Hi Katie, I really enjoyed your post and will definitely be visiting again. You have a lovely family, and a beautiful home. Happy New Year!

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  30. Hello my dear friend Katie
    I hope you and your lovely family have had a beautiful Christmas, I tried to leave you a Merry Christmas message but couldn't get the comment captcha to work so I had to just raise a glass to you all across the pond. I love all your pictures and I know that you had a wonderful first Christmas together. My aunt always says 'the house sings when the family are home'
    Its going to be a super-exciting year for you, and the royal couple ( love that!) enjoy every moment, and a very Happy New Year
    My fondest love as always
    Sally xxx

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  31. SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
    HE LOOKS ADORABLE!!!!!!!
    XX

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  32. What fun reading about your Christmas and seeing all of the fun pictures. What a wonderful time and all of the food looked delicious! Wedding blog...can't wait!

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  33. Oh my goodness! This is my first time reading your blog and I love it! I love your story about the holidays! It took me on a nice little mind vacation to someplace lovely! I love the look of your blog! Your writing style! I will be back! That meal looked amazing, by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a wonderful Christmas! I’m catching up backward to forwards and cannot wait to read #1 and AJ’s wedding update! xo

    ReplyDelete
  35. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Dr Ekpen for the good work that his doing around the world, many of you must have ahead of him and what his doing. The reason why I'm appreciating him on this site is because maybe someone out there is facing the same challenge and he/she don't know what to do next to fix the issue, Dr Ekpen is a great spell caster and friendly also, if you have problem in your relationship you can contact him right way and he will be clad to help you out. Contact him now via email at ekpentemple@gmail.com or on whatsaap +2347050270218.

    ReplyDelete

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