Christmas Eve Happenings!

Christmas Eve this year, started at 4pm at my parents for a delicious, fancy pants dinner with Jeremy and Renae's crew as well. Mom set the table, and Jeremy did the bulk of the cooking. He was definitely in his element Christmas Eve. Everything was amazing!

Morgan sulking, because she wasn't given the privilege of sitting at the head of the table.

She got over it in time to toast her brother and Aunt Renae with a glass of white punch.

We had a nice green salad and a jello salad to start, and then the main course. Corn pudding, red, purple, and Yukon gold potatoes with a brandy cream sauce. And a yummy tenderloin with creamed horseradish. Everything was perfect!

After we stuffed ourselves at my mom's, we went over to our friends, the Gunderson's, for some more yummy good, and a little gift exchange. Morgan received her gift from Cassy, and was so excited to open the fingernail polish.

Gabe got a Bokigan toy...

And Chandler, a toy truck.

Matt and I came to the exchange with an "As Seen on TV" Shake Weight, and a throw blanket, complete with feel good movie. We came home with an "As Seen on TV" Brownie bake, cut, and serve, and a Tower Fan. Thanks so much Gundersons and Beasly's! You are such awesome friends!

Then we returned back to my parents, where we unwrapped jammies, hot cocoa mugs, and settled in for one of the longest nights of my life! (6 kids in one basement family room on Christmas Eve)

Christmas Preperations and Cousin Fun

Thursday morning, when Renae brought Morgan and Chandler back from their sleepover, the three Christensen cousins decided they wanted to stay and play. We did hot cocoa with marshmallows and candy canes, and the got to baking. These two were the only ones who wanted to stick around for the sugar cookies, but they were very helpful, and good workers.

Then we got to the fun part....decorating our cookies.

Morgan insisted on piping her own lines and dots onto her cookies. I asked Morgan to pick up her favorite cookie, and this is the one she picked.

My littler baker.

We Love You Grandpa Stastny!

We had an early Christmas present this year, and Grandpa Stastny had to come into town for a business trip, so we headed into Anchorage after work on Tuesday to have pizza and visit with Grandpa Stastny and the Carters. It was so great for the kids to see grandpa, and they were very reluctant to let him go. I think he was darn near knocked off his feet here, with Chandler giving a giant hug, and Morgan grabbing him around his legs.

MMMMMMMMMMM

This was my easy friends and neighbors gift this year. I made Carmel popcorn, put it in boxes I bought, and drizzled melted white and dark chocolate over them. Want the recipe? Yummers close up!

Jenn's Carmel Corn

2 cups brown sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup butter

popped popcorn. (I prefer buttered microwave...about 6 bags)

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a sauce pan, and bring to a boil. Boil for about 1 minute, or until soft ball stage. Poor over the popcorn, and toss till everything's coated.

In our house, this never lasts long.

The Gingerbread Tradition.

Thanks to my grandma, this has become a Christmas tradition every year. At our family Christmas Party, we get the kids together, and decorate gingerbread houses.

Jeremy helping his crew out.

Chandler and I created this house together. So much fun.

Gabe is always so proud of his minimalist creations.
Morgan opening up her jammies and book from Grandma. A Christmas Tradition.