Christmas Wrap-up

It appears I have a problem making timely holiday posts. Nonetheless, I still want to post a bit about our Christmas for the record and in the interest of my family, who are curious about such things.

Preparations :: While we did not have a tree this year, we did decorate the apartment a bit, burn scented candles, listen to Christmas music, and bake/consume tons of cookies (peanut butter blossoms, coconut macaroons, and gingersnaps to name a few).

Christmas Eve :: We ate chili (Keith's favorite recipe) and cornbread, carrying on my mom's tradition. Sadly, we did not plan ahead to attend a Christmas Eve service, which I hope to change in the future.

Christmas Day :: Again following my mom's lead, I served Pineapple Walnut Muffins, sausage balls, and coffee for breakfast. We actually ate it in bed while opening gifts. I suppose in the future we'll probably gather around a tree, but this was a romantic substitute, fitting for our first Christmas as a married couple. We were delighted by the gifts and notes showered upon us by our family. Even Evangeline, though still in utero, received some, including a fuzzy pink receiving blanket from Keziah, crocheted booties from Aunt Evie, a teddy bear from Aunt Annie, and a silver rattle from her Oma and Opa. [Note: my parents bought the rattle two years ago for my first baby before Mr. Miller was even in the picture. Talk about an act of faith!]



That afternoon, we strolled several miles through our neighborhood to work up an appetite while my husband, in response to a slew of questions, gave me a comprehensive history of the Republican Party of the 20th Century and the rise of the Evangelical Right. Fascinating stuff. After arriving home and to keep Mr. Miller's hunger at bay while I made the big meal, I served him hot stuffed mushrooms accompanied by a silky pinot noir by The Jibe. Then, we feasted on Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens, Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes, and broiled asparagus (see photo below). By some miracle, we both saved enough room for a slice of delectable Blackberry and Blueberry Pie smothered in vanilla bean ice cream.

Throughout the day and that evening, we were able to connect with my grandparents, my parents and Ev, and the Haupts over the phone as well as use our new webcam (thanks Dennis and Chris!) to talk to Zach, Kaley, and Keziah in Louisiana, and Mr. Miller's parents, other siblings, and some of the extended Miller clan in Washington.

It was, in short, a lovely day.