I hope you each are having a wonderful and joyous Christmas season.  We spent yesterday at my Dad's home celebrating Christmas with my side of the family.  We had a truly wonderful time.  My two precious children spent some real quality time with my sister and brother-in-law as well as my Dad and his wife.  There was lots of tickling and laughing!  The children wrestled with my brother-in-law and learned some judo moves.  They have my BIL really sweating!  Never underestimate the endurance and stamina of a 7 year old little girl or a 10 year old little boy!!!  They'll certainly keep you on your toes!

We had a simple and easy meal of brisket and all the trimmings (very Texas style!). 

And you know what?  We all made homemade gifts.  My sister gave us branches of their rosemary bush to dry for use this winter.  We also received some of their homegrown garlic and canned apple butter (which I can't wait to try!).  The children received homemade bulletin boards which they absolutely loved!  Each one matched my children's interests.  There were no battery-operated toys or gadgets, nor were there tons of unnecessary items.  Each item received was something to be used and treasured.  My sister also made my daughter cookie dough along with a set of paintbrushes. We have a very old Betty Crocker cookbook that has a recipe for Paintbrush Cookies.  So, my daughter plans on making the cookies today and "painting" them with an egg yolk mixture before baking.  She's going to LOVE this!  What an enjoyable Christmas!

Everything we gave this year was canned from our endeavors this summer:  Mustang Grape Liqueur, Mustang Grape Wine, Mustang Grape jelly, Hot Pepper Butter and Peach Preserves.

I just hope you each have a wonderful Christmas season, spent with family and friends.  We have more activities planned for the week, but yesterday was a truly special way to start the week.

Here's a little something for you and the kids!  Merry Christmas