Family Christmas party

We had a family Christmas party for my side of the family last Saturday.

We used our church building which always works nicely, did it on Saturday afternoon and had pizza, so it was an easy party!

My 2 sisters and I had been shopping the day before and saw some shirts we liked for a good price.  We decided to each get one for our husbands and suggest they wear it to the Christmas party.  I also picked one up for my brother and gave it to him when he arrived.  He was suspicious but put it on.  It didn't take long for them to figure out they were all matching and there were some good laughs.

Here they are, looking good!

We played some fun games.  In this one there is a little gift for each person that's wrapped and tied with a string. On the end of the string is a name.  The gifts get put on a platter and then wrapped. Everyone takes their string and they all pull together and all the gifts pop out.

Cassie was having a great time with Alaina and Ruby.

Playing tic tac toe with solo cups.

The whole group enjoying supper.

Connor slept through a lot of the party, but was awake during supper.

Cute girlies by the tree!

As the party was winding down, the girls were finding fun things to do with solo cups.  It was a very fun evening and always good to see family we don't get to see all the time.

After this I'm taking a blog break.  As you read this, we are traveling to Kentucky to spend a little time with our son Andy and his wife Nikki.  After that it will be busy with Christmas.
I wish you all a blessed Christmas, remembering the true reason for our celebration.  Emmanuel - it means God with us!  That baby is why we celebrate.

Cooking Thursday

We had a ladies Christmas party at church last Saturday and I was asked to bring a dessert.  I made this chocolate peppermint dessert that looked festive and was perfect for a Christmas party.  It's very pretty when cut because you can see the layers and it was tasty and refreshing!

Chocolate and Peppermint Cream Delight

36 oreo cookies, crushed (with frosting)
6 tablespoons butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint bits, divided
2 - 5.9 ounce boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix
4 cups milk
16 ounces Cool Whip, divided

Stir together the crushed oreo's and melted butter.  Press into a 9x13 pan. Place in refrigerator while you prepare the next layer.
Mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Then stir in the peppermint extract and half of the Cool Whip. Spread over the oreo crust.
Sprinkle half of the peppermint bits over the cream cheese layer and place in refrigerator while you prepare the next layer.
Stir together the chocolate pudding mix with the milk until there are no lumps.  Pour over the crushed peppermints.
Allow pudding to thicken, then spread remaining Cool Whip over top.
Place in refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight before serving.  Immediately before serving, sprinkle the remaining peppermint bits over the top.

Special Christmas Things

Today I'm sharing some of the things I put out at Christmas that are special to me.

These are old fashioned Santa ornaments that Bob carved quite a few years ago.  I enjoy seeing them on the tree every year.

My sister Terri, gave me this ornament last year, the first year without our Dad present.  It has his name, birth date and death date. The little piece hanging down has a glass piece in it, and if you look into it, his picture is there.

One of my patients' daughters gave this to me.  Her mom made these bells before she was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.  Her daughter and I are still friends, and I treasure this bell.

My sister Cheri gave me this ornament after my mom passed away. She found someone who could transfer this writing from a card from mom and put it onto fabric.  Another special ornament.

Another carving that Bob did.

Last, but not least is this nativity set that always holds a place of honor.  Laura made this out of modeling clay when she was 16. A few things have chipped over the years but it's a treasure.

Here's a close up.  It has an angels, the shepherds and wise men, cows, a camel, a donkey, sheep and even chickens.

Hope you enjoyed my sentimental Christmas favorites!