Christmas 2010

The week before Christmas was very challenging. Jack was a little sick and didn't sleep during the night the whole week. I had to gather the little energy I had to drive the kiddos to their Christmas events, participate in my events, and help Julianna with her Girl Scout Commitments (we baked cookies, cut fringes on blankets, helped with the Sampson Toy drive, etc). I was also asked to teach in Relief Society this Sunday, and the lesson was particularly challenging... so I spent a lot of time on my lesson too... anyway, after I came home from Church yesterday, I was extremely exhausted. But all the time and effort was worth it. I just hope next Christmas I won't be up during the night. :-)

Here is what happened on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve, we had a yummy Turkey dinner.

The Menu:
A 13 1/2 lbs turkey, cooked to perfection (ok, I exaggerate a little)
Salada de Batata (my mother-in-law's yummy potato salad recipe with homemade mayo and lots of olives)
Arroz Campones (yummy rice with lots of veggies)
Chorizo and Pistachio Stuffing (new recipe - definitely a keeper!)
Special Turkey Gravy (from allrecipes.com, super yummy, but a little too thin. I'll keep the recipe, but will put less liquid next time)
Banana Cream Pie (Pampered Chef recipe that I've been making for years)
Pudim de Leite (Flan, my mom's famous recipe - so good!)


Here is picture number one. Sadly, it's missing a plate of stuffing and the gravy.

After dinner and dessert, we watched the Living Scriptures DVD of the Birth of Jesus. Then the kids got new pajamas from mom and dad. Then, it was time to see who could find the pickle ornament I hid in the Christmas tree the fastest. Julianna won by finding it in 5 seconds. Raphael was second finding it in 37 seconds. Michael gave up after two minutes, but he was a good sport about it.


After that we opened presents from Grandma Noeli and Grandpa Vilmar. Lots of good stuff!! We played a little and then it was time for bed.

Needless to say, the kids woke up early. They waited patiently for us to wake up too and then it was time to open the presents.

Then it was time for Rabanadas (sweet bread, kind of like French toasts). They are a Christmas tradition in Rio de Janeiro, where I am from. My mom taught me to make them and Julianna made half of these herself on Christmas day. She did a great job.

Oh what joy