The Post Where I Try To Get Back Into Blogging Mode

After taking somewhat of a computer break during Christmas, I'm now finding it difficult to get back to blogging. So, I guess I will start off by filling you in on some of our random holiday happenings...

We had such an enjoyable Christmas! On Christmas Eve, we hosted my side of the family (about 25 of us). For Christmas Day, we went to my husband's twin brother's home for their side of the family. Everythng went nice and smooth. It was all pretty stress-free.

Some gift highlights: My mom gave me a KitchenAid Professional Mixer. Yes she did! Very excited about that (now have to find a spot for it in my kitchen). Santa brought our 11 year old son a set of drums. Yes, a set of drums. Very fun and very loud. Our 13 year old son and 15 year old daughter both got laptops (thanks for helping out with that, Grandma). Our 18 year old got a GPS for his car and some very nice headphones. Lots of other goodies for everyone, too. We feel very blessed!

On Christmas Eve night before we go to bed and await Santa's arrival, we let the kids open their gifts from us and each other. This year, we were all sitting around the Christmas tree, in front of the fireplace, opening our gifts...and watching Tosh.0 on TV.  Totally inappropriate, I know. And, a little embarrassing to admit but what can I say. The show is hilarious (and very inappropriate).

I made these White Chocolate Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodle cookies that I read about on a lovely blog called Joy's Hope. Believe me when I say they are pure awesomeness! I'm not usually a white chocolate fan, but these cookies are truly divine. I would pop one (or four) in the microwave and have with a cup of hot tea...so good!

Cute story: I met up with one of my best girlfriends for a belated Christmas lunch yesterday. Each year, her family reads Twas The Night Before Christmas as one of their Christmas traditions. This year, they let their youngest daughter (1st grade - a fairly new reader) read the story. When it came to the part that says, "He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself" little Emma read it like this, "And I laughed when I saw him and spit on myself." Very cute and something I'm sure they will always remember when they read the story each year.

I didn't go out for any after-Christmas shopping. I just didn't have the energy (or money) to do it this year. Did you pick up any post-holiday deals?

My plans for the remainder of 2011: Not much. I intend on being fairly lazy and hanging out at home catching up on some movies and reading. My husband has a lot of out-of-town work coming up in the next few weeks so it will be a very hectic time for him. I may tell you more about that later, it's a pretty cool, yet demanding gig.

How was your holiday? Would love to hear about it....