Oh what a wonderful feeling...

Oh what a wonderful feeling... 

to have a quiet holiday, 

cooking, 

decorating, 

eating, 

and relaxing. 

That was the wonderful week had at 
the Kenney house this past week. 

Patrick took a FULL week off, which is a rarity indeed. 

I decided to get out ALL of the Christmas decorations 

and start at the beginning of the week.  

The intent was to decorate before Thanksgiving day so we could all relax and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.  

Because we were transitioning to this new southern state last Christmas, 

all of our holiday items were in storage 

so 

we missed seeing them for an entire season!  

We started off our holiday week by seeing the latest Harry Potter movie.  Hot, buttery popcorn in hand, the movie was 

a wonderful adaptation of the book.  

We thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to see it again on DVD.  

I enjoyed playing around with our tableware, dishes, platters, and candles to attempt a holiday table.  

Patrick's family will be arriving in 4 weeks for Christmas.  

It was fun to set out the table and see how I can arrange everything.  We've never hosted a Christmas before so we are anticipating it with delight.  

I love to plan in advance so this is the ultimate planning party

...Christmas dinner!  

Madeleine and I went out shopping today to look for ideas for the place cards.  

Ever since she was about 4 years old, she has helped me create some sort of place card for the Christmas table.  

I have kept all of them and they are a sweet testament of her whimsical ideas.  This year, she chose a sage green filmy leaf, small vintage decorative tabs and rustic colored bells.  

We didn't know this would become a tradition.  That seems to be how most traditions come into being... they just kept repeating themselves until they are expected the next year and then... a tradition is born. 

Roasted Pork Loin stuffed with Apricots and Plums

The wintry weather in Houston certainly isn't "frightful" 

(as the song goes...).  

It certainly has been 

"delightful".  

We are still able to take daily walks.  Some days are nippy but most are sunny with low humidity.  We miss the wintry snow but have to admit that these temperatures 

are pleasant and easy.

The holidays are upon us again!  

Meal planning is in the works.  So far, the menu may consist of:

Beef Wellington

Potatoes Au Gratin with gruyere cheese

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Buttery bread rolls

Dessert:  Apple crumb pie (always), possibly birthday cake for our nephew Ethan (Xmas baby!!)

Time to get working on those Christmas cards...