Presents from Japan

The first gift opened Christmas morning was the package shipped from Japan. David sent us a huge box full of goodies and gifts for everyone, but these were definitely the biggest hit:

Don't you wish you got a sweet ninja mask for Christmas?

Yeah, I thought so.

One, two... one, two, three ... how many Santa's do I see?

Some people think I collect Santas. I don't. I collect cute, adorable, "gotta'-have-it" Santas.

Picked this guy up in Alaska. Couldn't resist him; his bell really rings. One...

This Santa's hat is wired and can be twisted any which way. Two...

Skinny, wooden, four-foot Santa. Three...

Love the corduroy suit and buttons! Four...

Big fat three-footer. Five...

Yes, even in the bathroom. Six...

I know, these aren't Santas. But they're the perfect piano topper!

This Santa is so woodsy and rugged. I love his blue eyes and detailed beard! Seven...

This sparkly guy is even a bobble head! Eight...

With Mrs. Clause. Nine...

Just stinkin' cute! Ten...

No Santas here.

Eleven, twelve... (small one is from Germany)

This one has adjustable height anywhere from two to four feet! Thirteen...

Fourteen...

Another fat three-footer (I have three of these). Fifteen...

Sixteen...

This "baker" Santa has a chalkboard to display today's holiday menu. Seventeen...

Not a Santa; just a reindeer.

Final fat three-footer. EIGHTEEN!

To the tippy top!

So, my amazing "stud muffin" husband decided to hang exterior Christmas lights on our house this year. He perfectly aligned colorful bulbs around the garage doors, lower windows and front door. Then he asked me to come take a look. I was so impressed. I said, "DANA!!!! These look awesome! It's going to be so beautiful when you're done!" He turned to me and said matter-of-factly, "I am done." We both laughed. After some coaxing, he agreed that it would look so much better if we had lights on the "tippy top" of the roof. It took a 40-foot extension ladder and risking Daniel's life and limbs, but we now have lights along the roof line and both gables. The exterior of our home is almost as festive as the interior. I LOVE IT!!!!

Thanksgiving for FOUR.

I thought this year's Thanksgiving might be a bit sad: no David, no Jennie, no extended family, no friends and their families, just the four of us ... Dad, Mom, Daniel, and Jessie. It was actually really nice--stress-free, meaningful, productive, and fun. My wonderful husband steam cleaned all the carpets in the house, we had a delicious turkey feast, went to see "The Blind Side" and then decorated the house for Christmas. We have so much to be grateful for, especially each other. Our hearts are full of thanks.

Autumn is for turkeys.

This turkey was so freaking juicy and flavorful!

Last day of this seasonal decor.

Whipped garlic potatoes. I promise, they taste better than they look.

Let's eat!

Don't forget the (non-alcoholic) sparkling cider.

Mmmm... buttery corn.

I call this "Sister-in-law Salad". Spinach and romaine with candied pecans, feta cheese, and craisins -- drizzle with homemade poppyseed dressing.

And the best part ... the stuffing!

Best dang roll recipe I've ever tried.

My cute little family.

My amazing husband ... aka "stud muffin".

Dan the man.

My Jessie girl.

Gobble ... Gobble...