Working at Home

There are pros and cons to working from home.

The good:  making my own hours, working at my own pace, watching little boy with a double ear infection.

The bad:  camping out in the dining room for "privacy", not having a set work day, watching little boy with a double ear infection who is feeling better and playing with everything he received for Christmas.

It's wonderful, having the flexibility to work from home if need be.  But it's a bit challenging.  I like it, but I also like the office environment, where I can see my co-workers and engage in conversation.

Another plus:  watching three year sit across dining table for lunch and hearing him ask "Can I be excuped?"

Oh yeah, and getting to eat leftover bread pudding from the fridge.  Not that I have done that (ahem), but it's good to have the option.

Snowfilled Backyard

It's kind of pretty, this snow, all untouched.

My mums

Awesome - one of my plant holders.

Good thing all my herbs are perennials.  I am expecting more basil, oregano, cilantro next springs!

The lone peach tree

Snowmaggeden, Christmas 2010 Edition

This morning, we woke up to a few inches of snow  It seems the power went out in the middle of the night too.  After a few hours (and full bellies!), we ventured outside.

Lots of snow.  At least, for the South.

Helping with the shoveling.

He went outside, insisting he was going to make snow angels.

Patrick attempts a walk in the snow.

The poor bird feeder and tree branch are going to be history if we get any more snow.

The Gator flag wavers in all kinds of weather.

"Deadly" icicles

This is half a block up the road from us.  So pretty!

Another One for the Memory Books!

Christmas morning - he loved the train table and set.  

So many toys!

A movie!

Everyone was happy

 From Mikey

Mikey was intrigued, amazed, astonished!

I have a good life.  I am very lucky.

New books

See?  He really liked the train table.

Another good dinner - roasted turkey, stuffed.  Enrobed in bacon.

Served alongside pork loin with homemade mojo sauce.  Nom nom nom! 

Bacon wrapped green beans

A new menu item - baked corn.  Success!

My meal, minus mashed potatoes.

Mable cheesecake

Making Christmas

We start Christmas preparations relatively early in our house.  I mean, it's not a big deal in that we are a small family here in North Carolina.  Presents are pretty few, but still, we work hard during the month to get cards out to family and friends, take advantage of holiday celebrations in our community and make the most of the holiday season.

Like baking cookies.  

We made baskets for friends and neighbors.  Plus, we got to eat the broken ones!

We headed out to visit new friends.

And tried our luck at making a second, already built, gingerbread house.  Success!

Patrick became acquainted with an old friend.

And got to hang out with the man in red.  This year, he happily stood in line and chatted with the big guy.

I finally took my Christmas dishes out and used them.  Christmas Eve dinner.

Spiral ham, veggies, roasted potatoes and squash.

Homemade chocolate mousse with homemade whipped cream.

Despite a bad cough, he enjoyed the afternoon.

But even more, he enjoyed setting *this* up!

And this!  Carrots and chicken for the reindeer.  :)

Once he went to bed, the elves got busy, setting everything up.

And I mean, everything.

Naturally, the elves must take a break and eat a snack.

Naturally.  :)

Santa Claus and the elves are tired.  And tomorrow will be another full day.  For now, the elves are going to watch "It's a Wonderful Life."  Merry Christmas, Bedford Falls!

Very Proud Mama

Patrick practiced for days and days for his school holiday performance.  However, when he was "on stage," he erupted into a fit of coughs.  Good job, Patrick - you did your best!