It was a Merry Christmas.

Well, it is over. It seems like there was so much to do in so little time and then poof it is all over and you are wanting just a little bit more. I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. I know I did. It was a quiet one compared to Christmas past. On Christmas Eve Shelli and family and Mike and family came over. We fixed soup, ham, yams, rolls, pies, cookies and candy. Then the next day we had a full on feast, but only Mike and Susann and the kids came. But Mike and Susann scored on the left-overs.

Here are the highlights:
Favorite Food: Dressing and Gravy. Jim outdid himself. Runner up - My cheesecake
Worst Food: My pumpkin pies. Why did I choose today to try a new recipe? Never again. Why mess with perfection?
Favorite Gift: Cute outfit
Favorite Moment: Sitting with family near the glow of the Christmas Tree, seeing the excitement on the little ones faces.
Favorite Kindness: Susann cleaned up the kitchen.
Favorite Saying: Something Katie said, I thought I would be sure and post it for all to enjoy, but now I can't remember it. Does that mean I am getting old?
Biggest Disappointment: I didn't get my scanner because someone procrastinated and it was sold out.
First Thing I am going to buy: My scanner
Biggest Surprise: Betty Boop allowed another dog in her house and even seemed to enjoy it.
Melancholy Moment: Realizing my family is now grown and from now on Christmas will be smaller.
Christmas Resolution: I will be done early next year so I can enjoy without the hustle.

It's a Holly, Jolly Christmas!

I am so busy I haven't had time to post. What a busy week. On Monday I had our office cookie exchange and it was so fun. Great brunch and good cookies. I am putting my recipe on the side bar. It was extremely easy to make and so good. I think it is my new favorite for cookie exchanges.

Next was a goodbye luncheon for Marilee. She is moving to Tucson, AZ. I am going to miss her so much. Not only was she my counselor but one of my closest friends. I try not to think about her being gone, it will be hard not having her nearby. I have grown to really depend on her wisdom and humor. It just won't be the same without her. I am sure this is a good move for her family but we are going to miss her. However, the luncheon was a huge success, even though the rain was an unbelievable downpour.

I made sugared pecans (about 6 lbs) to give as gifts for friends. They were also easy to make, delicious and look good. I hope everyone enjoys receiving them. I still have toffee and fudge to make then most of my Christmas treats will be done. I think that will be on the agenda for tomorrow.

Woke up at 4:00 in the morning on Saturday with a million things running through my mind. I couldn't sleep so got up wrapped presents, boxed them up to send (they are in the mail) then wrote my talk. I had everything I needed to do done by noon. What a great feeling. I was the only speaker for sacrament today. Huge responsibility, lots of stress but I did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. That really left me exhausted.

I also had 2 escrows last week (Yeah!!!) but one of them was a foreclosure and nothing but trouble. I spent hours and hours on it and it still hasn't closed. At least there will be a small pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

All I have left is a few presents for Jim and then the cooking for the dinner. Merry Christmas!

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

Friday's adventure was a fun trip to San Diego and Balboa Park to see the Christmas Lights. We drove by the embarcadero and grabbed a bite at Anthony's. The entire city was lit up and it was gorgeous. We finished the evening with a drive through Balboa Park. We were going to get out and walk around, but as you can see by the drops the rain started coming down hard and we were without umbrellas. So we settled on a beautiful drive. It was a fun evening.