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- you are so very lucky to have such a great family. It brings back memories of when my Grandma and Poppa were still with us. Merry Christmas Blessings Paula
Sweet memories. Have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow, enjoy all your family (and the food)!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hi Sweet Girl! You enjoy a few days off with your folks. You’ve entertained me all year…it was January when I stumbled on your blog. Loved you and it immediately. Thank you!
Merry Christmas!!
Rhoda -Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family as well as to Rhonda.
Greetings from Texas 🙂
Rhoda,
I wish you and yours a most wonderful Christmas time together! I, too, will be enjoying my family and reflecting on the many blessings we’ve been given this year! Jesus IS the reason for the season! 🙂
Merrry Christmas!
Cindy~
Merry Christmas Rhoda! I love reading your blog and following your journey in your new home. I pray that God will continue to bless you and use you to bless others! I know you are a special person.
Thanks for sharing stories of your family. Sweet pic of Lauren and her Granddaddy.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and your family!
Marilyn C.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You and your lovely family.
Your family is great! Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas! 😉
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Rhoda. It is a blessing and a privilege to share your journey; thanks to you and your wonderful parents for bringing us hope, joy, and inspiration.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for your wonderful posts. I love your parents, and, reading about your home and family.
Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful projects around your house. I have really enjoyed your posts. I am always amazed by your parents. Many blessings to you and your family this Christmas and the New Year!!
Merry Christmas, Rhoda! You have a lovely family! I know this will be a special Christmas in your new home! May your holidays be filled with many blessings! Hugs to your sweet parents!
I read here all the time but don’t think I have ever commented before.I love your blog and all your decorating ideas but I have never loved any picture more than the one of your daughter setting in her grandpas lap.My children do not have grandparents on either side of the family.I had the best grandparents ever and I hurt for their loss.I hope you have a blessed New Year.I will be watching whatever your sharing.
Hi, Melita, thanks so much! Lauren isn’t my daughter, but my niece and we think she is pretty special.
I think we all agree that you are a big blessing in our lives. Wishing you all the best!
Annette H
My husband is a lot like your dad when it comes to “helping” in the kitchen. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
May it be a good and restful holiday for you!
Take care!
Merry Christmas!!! Thank YOU for sharing YOU and yours with us! ~Nancy from Ohio
Merry Christmas, Rhoda! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season in your new home.
Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with us. I truly enjoy seeing what you do….Happy Holidays to you and your family!!