This week is going to be a relaxed one. Lauren is home with her hubby, Philip and we’ll all gather at my sister’s house for Christmas Day and her husband’s extended family will be there too. It will be a nice day of enjoying family, eating (as usual!), and being thankful for another blessed year.
Here are a few shots of what has been going on with my parents over the weekend. I know you love to see them! With Lauren home, they love to have her around as much as possible so I took some pics while Lauren and Mom made cheese straws, a Southern delicacy. I’ll have to see if the lady we got the recipe from will let me share it with you and I can do that later. Cheese straws are at every Southern wedding.
They mixed up the cheese dough with the KitchenAid mixer.
Mom had an ancient cookie press that they used to squeeze them out.
After a little trial and error on which tip to use, they finally got it right.
Filling the press.
This tip worked much better and these looked really pretty and tasted great. They did have a bit of trouble getting them to get done and had to bake them longer than the recipe called for (that’s why I hesitate to pass it on).
Dad loves to supervise in the kitchen, even though he is definitely NOT a cook. He will offer his opinion on how things can be improved upon, just ask him. Or better yet, don’t ask him, he’ll tell you anyway. 
He’s so happy his baby granddaughter is home for Christmas, sitting in his lap as she has been doing since she was born 30 years ago.
Merry Christmas to all of you, my readers! I’m so, so grateful for every one of you who take the time to come by and visit me every week. I love talking to you all and sharing my life with you and I’m so glad you find this family interesting!
May this season fill your hearts with joy and peace and remember who we celebrate this time of year. Jesus is truly the reason for the season! Be blessed!
I’ll be back on Wednesday with a post and Thursday with the Best Projects of 2012 party, so I hope you’ll link up with me.
Rhoda, your blog brings me JOY. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Thank you.
Kathy
Ditto what Kathy said in the comment above!
So glad that this Christmas finds you in your OWN beautiful home. Enjoy your family and Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Miss Rhoda!
Many blessings to you and yours.
Your first holiday in your new home! Wow, you so desire it! Merry Christmas to you and all your family!
Wishing you and your lovely family, a very Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas – what an adorable family! I love your blog!
Merry Christmas to you as well Rhoda! AND to Rhonda! Loved this post and got a chuckle from the 30 year old in your Dads lap! AND a chuckle from the comment you don’t have to ask him, he will still tell you. I kinda figured that. lol YES we love your family they’re a hoot especially your Mom and Dad! Tell them to have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us in bloggy land! 😉
I have enjoyed “getting to know you” on your blog. We have similar taste, so I get lots of great ideas! 🙂 I look forward to seeing you put the finishing touches on your new home in 2013. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Gainesville, GA!
Merry Christmas to you! I know that you are so happy to be in your new home and enjoying family this season.
I feel as if your blog is part of my “family” too.
Lovely post. Wishing you the merriest!
Lisa
Leeshideaway.blogspot.com
I have the exact ancient cookie press handed down to me from my grandmother! I made holly wreath cookies with it this year but I’m definitely going to have to give cheese straws a try 🙂
Merry Christmas! Kelly
Hi Rhoda. Thank you for sharing your family and your life with us. I LOVE your blog, and it is always a ‘go-to’ for me each day, to see if you have left something new! Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family.
Hi Rhoda, I do love seeing & hearing about your parents. Happy Holidays to your lovely family & thanks for sharing your home with us.
Thank you for sharing so much with us and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
I love cheese straws!!
Merry Christmas, Rhoda!
Hope you have a wonderful and safe Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Rhoda! Thank you for sharing your wonderful family pictures with us. Your parents are so warm and loving, no wonder you are such a Sweetie! Best wishes for a memorable holiday and all the very best in the New Year, 2013!
xo,
Margaret, Virginia Beach
Rhoda, Love your blog…I read it every day and never tire of it…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family….
Merry Christmas!