NYE 2011!

Seeing as today is January 15th, I'm just 14 days behind in posting about how we said good-bye to 2011 and rung in 2012.   Fortunately, my New Year's resolution wasn't to blog more.  If it was, then I'd be miserably failing already...

If you recall from our Christmas post, James and I drove from Georgia to Texas in two days.  We left Texas on the 27th, and drove another two days to Florida.  I will save you the trouble of trying to figure out "how" and "how long" - it was around 20 hours and once you hit I-10 in Houston you're golden.  A looooooong drive, but along our nation's gulf coast and through some of our lovely gulf states.  It sure beat the I-20 route we took driving there - Biloxi is a far better Mississippi town to stop in than Vicksburg!

Some random pics from the iPhone along the way...

We were fortunate enough to see even more family this holiday season, as we spent New Year's with James' family (on his father's side) in Boca Grande, Florida.  I've come to really, really enjoy that little Gasparilla island over the last five years, especially because of all the people on it.  However, it's also very quiet, peaceful, and quaint.  Oh, and there is always a party going on.

Sunset on the Island

Side Note:  The Bush family (including George H.W. 41st and George W. 43rd) were also celebrating on the island, but we did not get to see them.  I was hoping to, as I have lots of questions and comments regarding the latter's latest book.  (Yes, folks, I read AND enjoyed it...there is much more to this flaming liberal than you may think....)  ;)

Every time I go to Florida, the weather almost convinces me to move there.  Sunny all the time, lovely temps, and the ability to be in your bathing suit in late December.  (Plus no state income tax - sign me up!)  James and I would have to slather ourselves in SPF 75 every time we left our front door, but easy trade-off.

Love these guys!

Fishing Buddies

Flounder

Note to two eyes on the one side - Evan taught me that!

While we fished off the dock, we had to be careful not to bother a pair of Osprey who build their nest upon one of the boat lifts each year.  Seeing as one was always perched upon their nest, here's hoping there is an egg (and babies!) this Spring.

Of course, we said goodbye to 2011 in style.  There was great food, nice champagne, music and dancing...plus, some really great people.  I've heard it from a few, but I think I can concur:  the past year was definitely a tough one.  Still a lot to be thankful for and many blessings that we can't ignore, but I was ready to start looking for 2012 around the October timeframe.  Here's hoping that this year stays exactly like how we brought it in:  filled with love, laughter, and very happy times and memories!

James and Kim

Max says "Hello 2012!"

And...this party animal is out.

...along with these two.

Wishing you and yours a very
HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

Jennie - 1, Technology - 1

I admit, I'm not that tech savvy.  Figuring out how to even work this blog took a while (and I still admit I can't do half the cool things I see my friends doing on their blog).  I also now have an iPhone and an iPad, but between the two have less than 10 apps.  I just can't figure them out!

And, Pinterest, don't get me started. I can't figure out how the heck that works, despite Kellee M trying desperately to help me out.  I get totally stressed out because it says people follow me despite the fact I never do anything on it!  I do, however, really enjoy going on and seeing what other people are posting, er, pinning.  (I've even saved down a couple of the recipes you've pinned, Jenni C!)

However, yesterday I had a breakthrough - I pinned something all on my own.  Christy P had put some very yummy looking coconut caramels on her Facebook page, and instead of just saving the link to my favorites (like I normally do - so old school), I thought "wait, is this what I'm supposed to be pinning!?"  Well folks, I pinned it.  I'm not sure if that's what I'm supposed to do, but I did.  Woo Hoo!  Now I can go back and find it once James and I are off this New Year health food kick that we're suffering through right now.

But, technology did come back to bite me in the bum later that evening.  I worked very hard to prepare some homemade shrimp enchiladas with a salsa verde (a combination of several recipes plus a few experimental ingredients I was trying out.)  Everything was going perfectly!  The filling came out so great, with poblanos, onions, yummy spices and fresh gulf shrimp.  The salsa verde - que rico.  After baking them I put them under a low broiler for just a BIT to brown the top....and then heard my Words with Friends app sound that it was my turn to play.  (Yes, that's one of the few apps I have - I'm with Alec Baldwin in that I just can't get enough.)  I guess I was distracted trying to figure out how to use the X on a TL/TW combination row when...I smelled it....burnt cheese!  AUGH!  BURNT ENCHILADAS!

Fortunately, the actual enchiladas under the burnt cheese were salvageable, and still very yummy.  However, James thought this was humorous enough to snap this picture, post on Facebook, and make fun of his wife for being a Words with Friends addict.

Oh well, I guess yesterday was a tie:  Jennie -1, Technology - 1.    :)

Christmas Round Two!

This is a bit of an experiment, as I want to update the blog on our second Christmas celebration / adventure, but we have yet to return home to GA!  So, I have downloaded the blogger app on my iPhone and am attempting to post from I-75S.  Whew, typing on the iPhone takes some patience, especially for someone who only recently gave up her blackberry.  I could have written a novel on that thing!

So, per usual, I wanted to drive down to Texas for Christmas.  James begrudgingly agreed, even though he hates the 14 hour trip.  Especially because we were taking "the gerbil", which is what he calls my little hybrid.  But it gets 40+ mpgs and still has room for presents.  No brainer!

Driving through Alabama we had to evacuate the interstate due to a tornado.  That was - fortunately - the most eventful part of the trip.  Christmas itself was wonderful, and we loved getting to spend more time with all the Kerrs and family friends.  We were lucky enough to visit with two sets of Caswells, plus the Loyds.  (AND I got to love on their little baby bump! So sweet!)  Between Mexican train, a very generous Santa, day after Christmas swooping, and our long road trip, we had a blast!

And as we left Texas it wasn't the same 14 hour trip back home.  Oh no - even more road trip adventures because we spent New Years in Florida.  Even more excitement to come, but this post at least should close out Christmas.

I didn't even get out my camera, so I will have to document our trip via Instagram photos that I took with the iPhone.  Also because I don't know how much more I can type on this thing!

Can't head through Alabama without stopping at Dreamland

Someone had the grand idea to stay at DiamondJacks Casino...

...can't beat the jacuzzi in the bedroom!

Welcome to Texas - Yeehaw!

Daddy loved his Chihuahua plaque to commemorate the
year he and Mother adopted Pedro.

Mexican Train

Fun times with Aunt Jennie at Poppa Rollos

Holiday Decorations!

Our first time to decorate for Christmas in our new home on Peachtree Hills Ave!  It's always a little complicated to figure out how to decorate a new home.  I pretty much had the condo down pat, knowing exactly where each of our three trees, five nativities, and slew of other knickknacks went in that 1,000 sqft of space.   A new house is pretty much a blank canvas!

Because we were not able to decorate until December 10th AND we are going to be gone for the last 10 days of December, we did not put out everything (broke my heart.)  We focused on the main floor and the rooms where we would have company.  It's sort of like rapidly cleaning your hall powder room when people are going to stop by, to try to "trick" them into thinking the rest of your house is that clean, too.  (Anyone else do that, or just me?)

I know that many (especially the Kerrs and Texan friends) aren't able to be here in person, so I wanted to give a little tour of the house, all lit up. Without further ado, a few shots of the decorations.

Here is the entry way to our house, complete with garland and outdoor wreaths.  I was a little disappointed that my first single family home and we have no strung lights (but wasn't about to push that one with the hubby).  It's sill gorgeous though.

Out of the three, we only put up our main tree this year.  However, it was a stunner.  I love the lights and the decorations (including the super cute "Yes, Virginia" ones that Ms. Leron got us this year!)

If you recall from last year, I only managed to finish James' stocking.  I didn't have the energy to string one more sequin on my own in 2010. I'm happy to report that I completed mine this year, and it joined James' on the mantel.  Yea!

Because of my love for nativity scenes (especially nativities of different ethnicities), I was happy to add a couple of new ones to the collection this year.  First, there is the beautiful fireplace decoration that came from Ms. Leron and Aunt Wyllene (see above), and then the lovely ornament below that my Mother got us.  (Both baby Jesus look German - one of my pet peeves - but still beautiful additions to the collection.)

The dining room (which is devoid of any decoration most of the year - this is a 2012 project!) felt very warm and inviting.  Of course I had my casual Christmas china out - nothing says "I'm from Texas" like Cowboy Santa!

And last, that hall powder room I referred to - couldn't let that go without any decorations since we did manage to squeeze in lots of guests during this crazy time.

My towel and James' towel...hung in sequential order.  :)

Funny story about that vintage Santa.  I found this (along with about 6 others) at an antique market up in North Georgia.  When I inquired about the price, the woman up front said "make me an offer".  I said "$5", she said "sold" and faster than I could run to get the others (what a STEAL!) some other lady - PLUS MY OWN MOTHER - beat me to the back to grab the others.  Oh well, at least I got this little cutie.  I think it's precious hanging from the original 1925 doorhandle!

For those of you who aren't here to see it in person, we hope you enjoyed a little tour of our home, all lit up for Christmas.  Wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season!

Multi-Part Christmas, Round 1

Part of me is sad that we can't have one gigantic Christmas with both James' and my family all in one place.  Maybe somewhere in the middle - I hear Mississippi is nice this time of year?   However, that means it would all happen in one day.  So, that sad part of me quickly realizes that multiple families in multiple spots means MORE FESTIVITIES!  YEA!  I love that we get to spread holiday cheer throughout the entire month of December.  It means more family time and more food.  Two of my favorites.

Last night we celebrated our first of a few family get-togethers, with the Copeland Sisters (as I fondly refer to them as), James' brother, and some good friends.  The Copeland Sisters (James' mom and aunt) always bring a good time and are so wonderful to praise my cooking even if it's a little dry (in my opinion), a little late to the table, and maybe not as traditional.  Like when I add lemon zest to pumpkin pie...which James really liked, right James? (wink)

This Christmas, we enjoyed the following:  Roasted turkey breast and gravy, sauteed green beens with shallots, a baked potato gratin in a rosemary crust, homemade rolls (a shout out to Fresh Market for making them), and a pumpkin pie with marshmallow merengue.  Pretty tasty!

On a side note, preparing these holiday meals reminds me of a few things:  1) I love to cook for people, 2) I need learn to thoroughly read my recipes beforehand, and 3) timing how to get food to the table at the same time (and at a reasonable hour) is an art form.  But I digress...

A few pictures of the family!

James and his mom

James' brother Chris and Aunt Wyllene

And a few pictures of the present exchange that ensued after dinner.  Definitely not the reason for the season, but it sure is a fun part of it, isn't it?  I think it means I'm getting older and more mature, but I enjoy watching people open what we got for them more than I enjoy opening for myself. (Well...okay, I still enjoy opening for myself, too. I'm not THAT altruistic!)  :)

What a lovely evening with the family - I feel blessed to be a part of it.  We will definitely miss them on Christmas day (and I'll probably keep thinking more about my Mass 2012 Christmas Celebration in Mississippi....)

Christmas Time is Here!

And what a better way to kick it off than with our annual high tea up in Washington, DC.  Something I look forward to every year, and don't dare miss even since I've moved down here to Georgia. I'm a sucker for a good tradition.

Speaking of traditions, we stayed down in Old Town Alexandria - my old stomping grounds.  Brought back so many memories!  I made sure we hit up Murphy's, even if it was for breakfast.  Hey, an Irish Breakfast is a legitimate reason to hit up a pub at 10AM, right?

We stayed at this super cute boutique hotel called Hotel Monaco.  We all know my preference / loyalty for a Marriott, but this place warms my heart with their pet friendly policy AND habit of putting goldfish in your room, if you're without your pet and miss the company.  Love it.  (On another note, they had the best wall paper in the bathroom.  It's now inspired me to redo the master.  That is for a whole other blog post...)

Our Christmas tea / Engagement anniversary weekend also coincides with the annual Scottish Heritage day in Old Town.  Add some bag pipes, and you've got yourself a good old party!

But the real reason, of course, is to see one of my best friends, Andrea, and the lovely ladies who all have the privilege of being friends with her.  We were back at the Mandarin Oriental, which meant beautiful atmosphere, delicious treats, and celebrity sightings (why hello, Mr. Di Nero.)

On Sunday, I got to catch up with my good friend, Jessica, before spending some good QT with my husband.  There is always something new to see in DC, and this time it was the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial.  Impressive and beautiful - I'm glad to see it standing among our other National Monuments.

Of course there are some oldies, but goodies.  One of my favorites is the Korean Memorial.  (Both my grandfather and James' father served in Korea, so this one is especially important to us.)

And, because it was Christmas time, we had to hit up the National Tree.  This is the place that James was supposed to propose 3 years ago, before I ruined all his plans and said 'I REFUSE TO STAND OUT HERE IN THE SLEET, BABE!'.  :)  It was really gorgeous on this day, so we had time to troll around and find our State trees.

What a wonderful time of year! I love this weekend, this season, and all the people we get to spend time with in it.  More to come, because this just kicked off the holidays for the Sassers!