Holiday Fun

I love the holidays. I've had a wonderful 5 days off of work. It's been full of fun and holiday cheer. We've been busy the past couple of weeks:

Every year since I can remember, my mom makes her delicious tamales for our Christmas Eve dinner. I've tried many a tamale in my life but none seem to compare to hers. I always tell her she should sell them since they're so amazing! This year, I tried my hand at helping her a bit. It's definitely harder than it looks...and I only made the sweet tamales, which are a lot easier to put together!

Doesn't look very appetizing but it's oh so delicious! That's raisins and pineapple in there.

Since we bought our first house this year, we decided to host a little Christmas party and kept our guest list limited to college friends since we don't have a huge house. We also invited Kay, her husband Steve and their princess since she's always invited us to her great parties and I always love seeing Raffy. We had such a great time having them over. We have a small house and sometimes it makes for tight quarters but that night, our house was simply warmer and full of love and friendship. We are so blessed to have friends like them. We had some appetizers out and baked a couple things. All of our guests came over with at least one bottle of wine so the alcohol was flowing all night. It was a great time. I stole an idea from Kay when I went to her holiday party last year. My husband borrowed a Poloroid camera and we took a picture of everyone that came over. We asked each of them to write down their wish for 2009 on the actual poloroid. We punched a hole in it, put some red ribbon around and voila!...made each one into an ornament for our tree. I thought that was such a cute idea and I love that we have a keepsake of everyone that attended our first holiday party. I plan to make this a holiday tradition...given that we host a little shindig year after year.

The raspberry shortbread bars I baked...YUM!

We recieved our one and only Tiffany's ornament from Kay, Steve and Raffy. I LOVE it so much. It was such a thoughtful gift and it is now my new favorite ornament hanging on our tree. I hung it right next to our other new ornament that I bought in honor of our new house.

My nephew Adam turned ONE! He is such a blessing to our family and puts a smile on everyone's face...he is such a joy to be around. Watching him eat his own cake was such comedy! He ended up practically sitting on top of it! Happy Birthday Adam. I love you!!!

Adam and his Uncle Art (my brother)

Christmas Eve dinner was at my parents house this year. We had a great time. Christmas Day started off at my sister's house in the morning and ended with my husband's family. Santa was very good to me this year and brought me chocolate brown Uggs (YEY!) and a Michael Kors down jacket. I love them both! Thank you to my handsome Santa! :)

My new Uggs! :)

We went bowling on Saturday night with my husband's sister and cousins since they invited us to go and we had no plans. I bowled my best game ever...103! I know that doesn't say much but I was happy since I've always wanted to break 100.

Last night we had my husband's friends over who were visiting from the Bay Area. His best friend Jason also came over. It was another night of appetizers and wine...a good time had by all. We are very blessed to have our own house and invite friends to come over. I love playing hostess.

So now we are closing in on 2008. It's been a great year and I feel that 2009 is going to be even better. My resolutions for 2009 to come soon...

Merry Christmas everyone!