Good-bye 2011 ~ IT was the best of times, it was the worst of times. And that which did not kill us, made us stronger.

Family Pictures~This is all I wanted for Christmas.....along with world peace, good health for everyone, happy little boys, real estate to pick up, and a vacation on the beach, etc. :)

Merry Christmas~ we skyped Killian twice, had fun playing with Boo, and relaxed a lot.

Boo lost his first tooth today.

CHRISTMAS EVE

We had a great lunch with Big Papa & Peggy.  Then a nap, to church for a nice candlelight service, and what has become a tradition when we're home for Christmas with no company ~ to Kari & Leroy's.

Neighborhood Gifts this year thanks to Brooks blog post and www.pinterest.

• So far Tom and I have made 18 jars of jelly. Some small,some medium. We had to sample several jars w/friends and family. We're giving the rest to neighbors with cream cheese and ritz crackers and kahlua chocolates from Mexico. Good thing it's almost Christmas.
• JALAPENO JELLY   YUM, YUM, YUM!!!
• 1 cup finely processed jalapenos (we used the blender)
• 4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup vinegar
• 1   3 oz package liquid pectin  
• 5-6 drops of green food coloring (or any color)

(Always wear gloves while chopping peppers)  When I chop my peppers, I always discard 1/2 of the seeds.  So, every time I cut one length wise, I scrape out the seeds in half of the pepper. 

Combine peppers, sugar and vinegar.  Boil 2-3 mins. Remove from heat 1 min.  Stir in pectin.  Return to boil 1-2 mins.  Remove from heat.  Add food coloring.  Scrape off any foam.  Let sit 2 mins.  Pour into clean, dry containers.  I usually divide it into 4, depending 
on the size.  Sit for 5 mins, then gently stir one more time.  Let cool on the counter.  Refrigerate after.   Spread on Ritz with cream cheese and totally enjoy yourself!  :-)  

These are boxes of candy with the snowman paper wrapped around, and a pair of gloves tied on the top.

Sunday~A few more hours, then the parties over. What a great time.

SLEDDING ON THE FROZEN LAKE.

I need to take Chuck E Cheese home with me. Will he fit in the car?

Our kids, with their kids.

And they're Out. Got a text & this picture that K was out before they hit I-80 and Boo was out shortly after.

Saturday Night~More presents, more fun.

The Papa's bought this cute hat for "K" in a boutique we were shopping in, then "K" showed up with hats for them also. Great minds think alike.

Opening presents from Maycee.

Saturday~K's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's

Friday~Baby Maycee arrives today and we're having Soup and Santa