Christmas 2014

As usual, I stunk at pulling out the camera. But here are a few iPhone pics that captured some of the holiday festivities.

Merry Christmas!

...To all the single ladies. And everyone else too. ;)

xoxox

3 DAY COUNTDOWN

Remember that one time I thought it was a good idea to do a twelve treats of Christmas? In being true to my procrastinator self, I waited to the last minute to do them and it ended up being a way more stressful experience then I anticipated. 

But it means you have a whole twelve gluten and dairy free Christmas recipes to choose from each year! Yay for you!

Merry Christmas to all...

and to all a good night.

A tale of a Christmas Eve past

Let me tell you all a little about Christmas.

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it.

I am rather depressed that it is now over, but am already looking forward to next year!

This year was rather a quiet one for us, while Christmas morning was deprived of any children-we did spend some quality time with the local ones on Christmas eve. {we did see them later on Christmas day as well}

This year for Christmas eve, we started a new tradition of an authentic Jerusalem dinner. The idea of this dinner was to bring us back to the reason for this holiday, and away from all the hustle and bustle that comes with it.

My sister Julie {her blog over here} really did all the work, and provided the cute kids.

Heres a few snaps from the evening:

Hummus, crackers and gluten free flat bread.

Quinoa Salad

Olives, grapes and feta cheese.

Stuffed cabbage {it was really good- I'll admit I was leery about it at first}

Dinner on the floor.

Lentil soup {This was my one contribution to the meal}

Everyone was in their festive garb, which mostly consisted of bathrobes and scarves on their heads.

A couple of shepards, and a bear?

That boy. and that blanket.

Linus anyone?

One really awesome wise man, who really didn't want his picture taken.

Some of the crew.

All in all, I think this dinner was a success. Next year, hopefully will be even better with a little more research and preparation.

Thanks Jul for hosting!

and maybe the rest of the fam will show up? Please?! I missed you all!

Tomorrow I'll show you a few more snaps inside my holiday weekend, but once again I was slacking at pulling out the camera so too much was missed!

and then there was that time I made my dog wear clothes, and she gave me dirty looks the whole time.

here are a million-and-one bad photos of the worst dog model on the planet.

She literally hides her face when the camera comes out, and than I make her wear clothes! Only in my dreams would she ever be cooperative of this situation.

I love this pup mucho!

Even if she won't let me dress her up in holiday attire.

Merry Christmas from Penelope and me, to you and yours!

I am dreaming.....just like the ones I used to know

Christmas is coming....(the goose is getting fat)

The time for treats and eats has arrived. 

After failing to complete my countdown to Thanksgiving, I won't make any promises as to a posting consistency. I will however provide you loyal readers with some edible Christmas cheer. (does anything make you more cheerful.?...)

I shall be making some goodies I have yet to conquer, as well as free the gluten from some old time favorites. There's also that Christmas dinner that has to be made-Thanksgiving part deux anyone?