Wrapping up 2008

The busy, anticipated season of Christmas has ended, and with it, 2008.
I must say, it was one of the most enjoyable Christmases we've had as a
family. Our "French" theme was embraced by all the family. It began
with our greetings @ the door of "Joyeux Noel"as the family arrived @
our home. Then, the surprise costumes, worn by Danielle, and Lorrie.
It was perfect!
As the presents piled up under the tree, and the family chatted away, I prepared the first course of our French Dinner...french onion soup. After toasting the french bread, I spooned the hot soup over it, and sprinkled mozzarella cheese on top(well, not everything has to be french). We decided to serve everyone, so with my helpers, each one got a bowl of soup. It was a hit by all.
Then with my kitchen help, we made the Strawberry spinach salad with
poppyseed dressing, and served that next. That was followed by the main
course of spiral ham, and Aligot(creamy mashed potatoes with creme fraisse,
and french bread. Oh, I almost forgot, we planted a bean in the potatoes, and whoever found it, would be king or queen for the day. Little Nevie found it, so a crown was made for her.
We decided to break from eating, and gathered on the porch to hear Grandpa Earl tell us about our French ancesty, from Aumale, France to the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, and then to Norfolk, Va.
then we opened gifts,with Nevie getting to open hers first, many homemade, all clever with a french ideas. But the tear-jerker was
Mitch's gift to Jonnie-a homemade book about all the things they
have done together over the years, "Remember When..." But the
biggest surprise was my book of photos, given by the Gort family
and on the last page was a picture of Aidan and Nevie holding something up. It turned out to be
a positive pregnancy strip. Baby # 3 is on it's way in July. We are all so happy for them.
After all that excitement, the children gathered around the dining room table, and crafted their own puppets. This was followed by a puppet show directed by Auntie Chris.
We were supposed to have the fourth course of fruit and cheese, but we decided to skip that one, and go right for the fifth and final course--desserts. Lorrie made two beautiful yule logs, and Sharyn brought banana creme pie, and pumpkin cheesecake.
I also had a french card game we could play called Mille Bourne, but we had a relaxing end by sitting and talking with each other. It all was just perfect.
That's how I will remember the year ending as New Year's eve brought me down as one sick puppy, catching the stomach flu that was going thru the Johnson family the week before. I sure didn't feel like chips and dips, let alone, drinks to hail in the New Year.