Great Day in the Winter

We had such a great Christmas! Most of my family was here; the kids,my Mom, both sisters, David's brother, even Dakota made it for dinner on Christmas day. Hap had sick family and couldn't come, but Allison and all of her family were here, along with Debbie and Kim. The weather was lovely, we had tons of food and everyone had a good time. I love my family! Gina and Nic made 6 pies- peanut butter pie, pecan, pumpkin. They also made cookies, pumpkin pie bars and a beautiful german chocolate cake. She also made orange fluff. Megan brought spiced cranberry sauce, ham, Allison made the best rolls ever, they brought salad and veggie tray. Deb and Kim brought more pecan pies- chocolate and regular. So even though I did a lot of cooking, everyone helped so much it was pretty darn easy.

Jared and Heather flew in last Wednesday, and Jared had to fly back on Sunday. We have Heather until this Wednesday. It's so fun to visit with them and hearing all their escapades.

I made gifts this year- fancy spa stuff. Men's Pine soap, Women's lavender soap, bath salts, bath fizzies, hand cream and even a few lip balms. They are made with almond oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and/or olive oil, and essential oils. Everything turned out really good, if I do say so myself. I made the soaps the old fashioned way- lye, water, coconut oil, nice rich things. It was a lot of work, but fun, and everyone seemed to like them.