Baby Announcement

I am thrilled to announce the arrival of the latest addition to our family...isn't she ADORABLE??  I have loved the little Scion xB since I first saw one about 5 years ago.  We just got her 2 days ago and I love everything about her!  Fun to drive, peppy, I even like the sound her blinkers make!  She turns on a dime and didn't cost us an arm and a leg!  Given a name it would be 'petit amour'  I guess that's enough gushing for one day.
I'm not sure how much driving Gord will get to do...that's me behind the wheel. :)

Family is Love

The table was set for 24, the turkey was stuffed and cooked, carved and set on the platter.  The house was filled with hugs and love and laughter.  What a blessing to have an extended family of people who enjoy being together.   I must say, Mr Turkey looked lovely!  Golden and juicy and delicious!

We had a fun gift exchange for all who wanted to participate and there were many creative and 'unexpected' gifts.  I made my sisters each a little primitive x-stitch hanger.  My older sister made us each a primitive spool head plus an antique quilt block and tin tart pan from France.  My younger sister gave us each 3 humongous gourds that are perfect...scruffy and grungy with lovely long stems.  Thank you for these absolutely wonderful and thoughtful gifts!  And thank you family for a day we could spend together!

I happened upon this.  What a concept!

Christmas Day 2010 is just a wonderful memory.  We enjoyed a delicious brunch of croissants, french crepes and yoghurt with our family and then opened gifts.  I have come to realize what generous children we have.
These are some of the gifts I opened from our kids.  Love them!

Today was more relaxed.  We took a long walk in the rain and then I knitted the afternoon away.  I am making a baby blanket for the 3rd grandbaby due in June.  I had hoped to have it ready to give yesterday to our son and his wife but, as you can see, its only about half-done.

Tomorrow, the entire extended family will be here for our family Christmas dinner.  I have a 25 lb Mr Turkey thawed and ready for stuffing and cooking early tomorrow morning.  We expect about 25 so the house will be bursting at the seams.

A Merry Christmas to all...

I still wake on Christmas morning with some of that sense of wonder I had as a child.  That moment when you realize...its Christmas!  It's magical!

We hosted our traditional Christmas Eve party last night with wonderful family and friends, many old and some new.  It all began almost 30 years ago.  We had moved back to the West Coast from Winnipeg. We had a 5 month old baby and decided to have 2 couples over for the evening.  From there it has grown, friends have come and gone, children have been added and have grown up and now show up with boyfriends and girlfriends or spouses.  Our kids have invited their friends over the years.

Everybody brings a contribution of food but we also have some dishes that we've made every year...our maple appetizer meatballs are always a hit.

This morning we will have brunch with our 4 kids, 3 spouses and 2 grandbabies.  Then open gifts and maybe play a game or two before everyone goes on to their next family gathering.  I am so excited, especially for one gift I made for one of my daughters-in-law.  It was her request months ago but I hope she'll still be surprised.

This is one of my sister's designs from Country Quilts, Santa in the Photo Booth.  It's been a hit at all the Quilt Markets we've attended.

And so, wishing all a Joyeux Noel and a blessed Christmas Day!