Our Christmas was blessed as well as very relaxing

Something I learned is that you can't please everyone. Everyone has their own ideals of how Christmas should be and as I've found they are often far, far, different than my own. To me Christmas is a time to reflect on my faith, celebrate my Saviors birth( whether or not it's the correct time of year) make things pleasant for family and friends, relax and enjoy the day with my family.  We had just that, a relaxing day, filled with much grazing at the table( although I was very good and only ate 3 pieces of fudge and 2 tea cookies) We watch a Walton's Christmas episode, as well as a Little House on the Prairie Christmas episode. My Dad and Brother came over and grazed some too, sharing with me how much they enjoyed the pan of homemade cinnamon rolls we gifted them for their Christmas morning breakfast. 

The goodies Cortney and I worked on off and on for a couple of weeks all were big hits, my Dad admitted he's over done it on the sweet on Christmas eve and was feeling poorly that night. We had ham, sliced, mashed potatoes and gravy, a Pistachio pudding salad( Mike and my Dad's favorite), whole wheat rolls, a homemade cheese ball, goat's cheese( Amy this was the last of your gracious gift) homemade whole wheat crackers( recipe can be found in the 2nd Tightwad Gazette book) several relish tray items, most all of them were homemade canned goodies( my Dad like HOT pickled peppers mixes, so he brought some).

Cortney loves her purse, we still need to felt it( I wanted her to choose). She also got $$ for buying beads and notions for her beading craft( from my parents as well as her Grandma Nita, Mike's mom) as well as a Tracphone( she really didn't need one but, sometimes when she's with friends it will come in handy)  Mike and I didn't exchange gifts( we typically don't) because we'd purchased a new TV( ours up and quit one day a few weeks back) so decided that was our gift to each other.Especially since it was a Want and not a Need!) We did receive a really cute snowman ornament from my Aunt and Uncle in Miles City as well and several friends gifted us with baskets of fruit, homemade cakes and cookies and even fresh bacon, a sharp cheddar cheese, some other goodies as well.

Now soon it will be time to undecorated the tree, pack away all the decorations and get ready to ring in 2011.

Our weather was beautiful( except for the wind), Christmas day was 47F, that is unheard of in Montana.  Today and the first part of this next week( through Wens.) is forecasted to be in the low 40's and gradually working down into the teens by Friday and into the single digits over the New Years weekend. Snow is being forecasted for Wens. through Friday.  It seems December came in like a lamb but is leaving like a lion*sigh*  I know this is what to expect but I NEVER look forward to the sub zero temps and frigid sub zero windchill of January. It's miserable on everyone, especially the animals and I just have to keep in mind that it's only for a month, February is usually much milder and by the end of Feb. we are starting our seeds.  WOW! the time is slipping away from me and I have such a long list of inside chores and jobs to do yet! I'd better get a move on it*wink*
Many blessing to you all.