Sunday, December 16, 2012

Tex-mas...

  We are trying to keep things simple this year.  Not a lot of parties, presents, or places with crowds. We are sort of holiday hermits that way.  I know it is cliche, but for me it is the little things that make Christmas mean the most...   
Eating ice-cream on a warm night in the Woodlands.
The only store we've ventured to this month has been Williams-Sonoma.  The window was a mouthwatering treat.  That place gives me motivation to put on an apron.
John's work Christmas dinner downtown is one of my favorite nights of the year.  It is so fun to get dolled up and I really like his coworkers and their spouses.  The past two times it has been held here...
The walls of the restaurant were shipped in by rich oil guys in the twenties from an old castle in France.  
How about some cookies with those sprinkles.  Our friend, Jackie threw an awesome Christmas party for our playgroup.


James ate every last sprinkle on his cookies, had a sugar high, and crashed as soon as I put him in the car. 
It finally cooled down enough to turn on our fireplace so we rearranged our furniture to take full advantage.




We had a Nutcracker night as part of our Christmas Countdown.  Nut crusted chicken was served and we did a few fire-crackers.  Then watched The Nutcracker ballet while we ate.
The look on James's face when he saw his surprise was priceless.  It was probably the result of me not cooking for a month.
My friend Jana gave me this delicious Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad recipe found here.    Recipes from friends and family are my favorite because it makes me think of them while I cook.
I know, I know, John looks like he is being tortured.  He is taking one for the team.  I did just slave over the hot stove for him:)  James almost watched the whole thing.  He was enchanted by the soldiers and Mouse King.  

 The music from this ballet brings back the holiday magic from my childhood.  My new favorite Pandora station is Nutcracker radio. 
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My heart hurts so bad for all involved in Connecticut.  It has put things in perspective for me the last forty-eight hours.  All I can do is pray for the families, try to treasure my time with my little ones, and do my little part to bring peace on earth.
We hope everyone is staying warm this week.  Our friends and family are in our thoughts this season.  XOXO, Jessica

7 comments:

John said...

Great photos of the kids! I love the photo of James holding his plate of cookies. The only area of improvement for this post are more photos of you. I guess I better get on the ball. I love you.

Anonymous said...

i love catching up on your cute family! the picture of James looking at the dinner table is so hilarious! i enjoyed seeing some pics of you but John is right, there weren't nearly enough!

ColleenDown said...

You certainly do bring "Peace on Earth"--starting with your blog It makes me smile to see everyone cuddled in front of fire (in their t-shirts) and decorating cookies (on the porch)! I think I will go put on a little Nutcracker Radio!

The Vreelands said...

I love Christmas! Your kids are so darling Jessica! I hope you and your family have a great Christmas. You are the best!

Dave said...

James' face is awesome. I love it.

Aubrie West said...

I love that I can count on you to keep on blogging! You inspire me to be more creative and have "nut"cracker dinners.

Love you girl and miss you like crazy!

Heather said...

Looks like a peaceful, cozy Houston Holiday. Wish we were closer to share in Nutcracker dinners.

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