The Holidays

Christmas is unofficially over (not official until the tree comes down), so now is the perfect time to sit back, recall the funny moments, relive the scary times and regret all the over-eating!

The Funny

Nothing is as joyous as a 3-year-old tackling the presents under the tree! Mitchell didn't seem to understand that they weren't all for him. (I blame that on his birthday being just one week early). I'm thrilled with my new Dutch oven, the double-sided grill/griddle thingy and the under-cabinet radio/CD player. It will all be fabulous in our new house!

The Frightening

It just wouldn't be a family gathering without a trip to the emergency room. Yes, Noah joined the ranks of family who spend the holiday at the hospital. His RSV took a turn for the worst on Saturday, but he's on the mend, thanks to the respiratory therapist and fantastic pediatric ER staff at NCBH.

The Food

No Gannon family gathering would be complete without lots and lots and lots of food. The feeder started Sunday when Mitchell decided he wanted a cheeseburger for lunch. In the spirit of the season, we even let him choose the joint. Big'Z - a great choice, we all decided. It was chalupa burgers all around (some with chicken, which is my new fave), and Mitchell enjoyed his cheese - not so much the burger. He also commandeered the Curry Ketchup, declaring it his. Yes, he is one of us!

Christmas lunch now includes the tradition of smorgasbord. I'm known around as the Dip Queen, so I couldn't pass up my Mexican Clam Dip or Black Bean Dip. Add in the requisite little sammies plus shrimp cocktail and a few other goodies. Yum-O!

Now for the feast of feasts: Christmas Dinner! I'm proud to say I rocked the role of chef! Our roast beast was beautiful, thanks to P's expert grilling. I offered up an array of sides, including the required Yorkshire Pudding plus Squash Gratin, mushroom compote (known by some as gravy in it's thinner state - hm, wonder what I'm known as in my thinner state?!) plus new offerings of Green Beans with Sage and Pancetta (pictured) and a new "mystery sauce" that turned out much better than expected. (The trick? Letting it sit overnight then finishing off with butter as described in the recipe.) Dessert? Now that I don't make. But, we enjoyed a huge Tootie Pie, compliments of my friends at Digett. (Thanks, Mark, for contributing to my ever-growing bottom line.)

So now, it's back to life as normal, sort of. Paul is frantically packing, and I'm back at work. Already dreaming of what we'll eat next year!