Family Time...A long post..

Good Day Everyone.. 

This is what we woke up to this morning..

A lot of snow.. 

There are 30 - 40 cm. about in the province so far .. 

This afternoon it is still coming down.. 

Church services have been cancelled and such.. 

Yesterday, we had our wonderful family Christmas day..

Shonda and her family came Friday night and stayed overnight.. 

We had a lovely time and then woke up and had breakfast.. 

They enjoyed the no knead bread recipe that I share HERE..

I made 2 loaves on Friday and decided to make another one early on Saturday morning..

She was a great help.. 

Setting the tables and carving turkey and all those little things that needs done.. 

I love doing the cooking and she is a great organizer as her Dad told her.. smile..

Thank you, Shonda.. 

Her and I are a bit excited because we are planning a homespun Christmas next year.. 

And... 

They are planning on being here on Christmas Eve and staying over...

 Oh joy... 

On with the story...

Turkey was done and a ham was in the slow cooker.. 

Gravy , roasted root veggies, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, stove top dressing and a big pot of fried rice..(the rice was mostly for my in-law children..smile)

Cranberry sauce, pickles, bread, and such.. 

Here is someone's plate.. grin..

I know it is Dustin's because of the end piece of bread.. grin..

There are 7 boys but their table was not quite so fancy, I see.. 

They seemed to be having a great time.. 

And then there was dessert.. 

AND a line up... grin..

This is their all time Christmas favorite.. 

Did I hear that someone was back 3 times.. 

A grandson....smile..

Homemade Ice Cream Cake.. 

Here is the recipe.. 

An extra large lasagna pan.. 

You need 24 ice cream sandwiches.. 

Put 12 on the first layer.. 

Then cover with a large container of cool whip.. 

Another layer of ice cream sandwiches.. 

Another layer of cool whip.. 

Spread around and swirl some good caramel ice cream sauce and sprinkle a half package of skor bits.. 

I always put in toothpicks.. 

Cover with plastic wrap and FREEZE FOR 24 HOURS.. 

Then we had some cheesecake from Costco.. 

And dear Veronique brought her blueberry cheesecake special..

Thanks, dear.. 

Some pumpkin pie, tea and coffee or punch.. 

That just about wrapped up the meal.. 

Taking our coffee or whatever to the living room we all opened up our gifts for each other.. 

So much fun.. 

It was the first Christmas with us for 3 of them.. 

I wonder what they thought.. grin..

Wrapping paper and tissue and laughter.. 

Such a dear family.. 

We all loved everything.. 

One lad got a huge bottle of French Mustard from Gramps.. 

You never know what might be coming your way.. 

Then it was time to relax although the dear girls did all of the dishes.. 

Thank you Tammy and Shonda..

Someone thought to bring Grandpa the paper..

And someone decided to enjoy the comic section.. 

Sweet, eh?

Then it was time for them to go...   

Good bye dear lads.. 

Yuppp.. 

You will remember this as the year that Mom fell off the chair... (That's another story)..grin..

And now today I am thankful.... 

Not for the presents..

 nor the trimmings on the tree..

 or even the food on the table..

Although..

 I am thankful for all of those things..

 But today I am more thankful for the dear memories that have been collected, labeled and stored away in the compartments of my heart..

To be taken out and looked at and to marvel upon whenever I need to..

Days when I miss my children and grandsons then I will remember..

The sweet hugs and kisses... 

the laughing and the chattering all through the house.. 

the sound of Grandpa teasing those boys.. 

the smell of the turkey and the clatter of dishes.. 

our bowed heads while the blessing is being spoken.. 

the sweet warmth of the fires... 

the feel of an arm on my shoulder and a whisper in my ear.. 

the look on my child's face even when they are all grown up.. 

my Mom being here.. 

even falling off a chair while my sons try to rescue me...

and for the love that is so special in a family.. 

Thank you my dear Jesus.. 

I do so appreciate it all.. 

Then when they had all gone.. 

Terry and I sat down and talked about our day.. 

What had been said and done  and how good it was to be all together.. 

And now today.. 

It is just Grandpa and I again... 

Oh, life is wonderful..

And a whole new year around the corner...

What are you sweet ladies planning?  

Sweet hubby gave me these.. 

He truly knows the way to my heart.. grin.. 

Now all I need is a cup of coffee and I can start making my list of projects and as my dear son -in -law mentioned we had best make our new year resolutions.. 

smile.. 

So from our house to yours may the richest of God's blessings be upon you and your dear families.. 

May he guide and protect you with his love.. 

And may he reign supreme in your lives..

Thanks for stopping by.. 

Leave me a note.. Please.. smile.. 

Luv ya all..