Christmas, Christmas time is here...

So the holiday season is in full swing, and today marks the beginning of family obligations. Thankfully, we will be getting Steve's family out of the way tonight... err, I mean giving them first dibs... this year by going out to dinner. I love them, I really do. But it's very harried and whirlwind whenever we see them, but then, there is a toddler in the mix with this group.

Next up, Christmas Eve and Day, per our tradition installed at the year prior to our marriage, at home, just the two of us, spent mostly in pajamas. I have a food extravaganza planned, most of which will be pre-prepped so that I only have to put things in the oven or crockpot and then go knit.

Boxing Day will be a trip up to my parents house to spend (relaxing, lazy) time with mom, dad, sis, and Tutu (my maternal grandmother). We will be leaving prior to my mom's-side-of-the-family gathering on Sunday, so as to avoid traffic on our return trip. Prior notice was given that it would be better for us if this gathering was on Saturday, but alas, the logistical aspect didn't work out. But I just saw most of them over Thanksgiving, so no sweat on that.

Don't worry... there will be pictures of the food extravaganza. :-) But to tide you over, here are the recipes I've got planned. Most are thanks to Ree (of Confessions of Pioneer Woman) so avoid if you are shy about butter or heavy cream (I'm not, and hey, it's Christmas!).

Christmas Eve
Cioppino (my adapted version will be a "Feast of 7 Fishes" version, since Steve's family is Italian)

Christmas Day
AM: Strata and Cinnamon rolls
Dinner: roast chicken with chestnut stuffing, corn and wild rice casserole, braised red cabbage, no-knead rolls

p.s. I think I missed my blog-iversary. So Yay for me... my how time flies.

random facts

1. I hate the sound of metal on metal because it reminds me of going to the orthodontist and having them mess with metal on my teeth. I could feel the vibration through the bones. Eeewwww...

2. My middle name (Martina) is after my dad's middle name (Martin).

3. I like wearing heels. And pantyhose (if they are comfortable). It makes me feel girly.

4. I will eat raw green peppers til the cows come home, but I don't like cooked ones unless they are on fajitas.

5. I have a light up alarm clock. And even that can't get me out of bed some days. But I do consider myself a morning person.

6. I trained as a classical opera singer in college when I was majoring in Biology.

7. I've broken three arms: right, left, right (again). All were results of rollerskating accidents. But I love to ice skate still!

8. I am obsessive about lists, putting things in a certain order, and arranging things, but my bedroom floor is a MESS of clothes 50% of the time.

9. I like coffee. Black, or with cream and sugar, or with milk. Doesn't matter. It just has to be HOT.

From the mouths of babes...

THIS... is all any boy needs to know about dating. Perhaps if we TOLD them this stuff early, it would stick in their heads til adulthood...

Alec Greven

How to Talk to Girls

Leave it to a fourth-grader to make one of life's complexities look like child's play. With How to Talk to Girls, 9-year-old Alex Greven lays out some elementary principles: comb your hair, dress nicely, try not to act desperate, and don't overdo it with the compliments. With accompanying illustrations, Greven's book makes for some whimsical—and remarkably practical—advice on an age-old dilemma.