Christmas Eve

Today is my 40th birthday.  I spent a few hours this morning at the Sow's Ear, knitting, reading an old book, and sipping an extra large mocha (all heavenly).  Karl and the kids spent all morning cooking my birthday lunch and decorating the cake.  The red and green is a yule log, and you might think that was the cake, but it was actually meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  (Jodi's cows--so yummy!)  Albin made buttercup squash quiche, but we had to cook it extra long, so we actually ate it at dinner, instead.  We also had kale with olive and fresh parmesan, and Karl made herbed dinner rolls, too.  The house smelled delicious all morning, and then we got to eat it--so lovely!

Elise is catching a cold, and  was tired and sick this morning, so we gave our Nutcracker tickets to friends.  They had to get one more for the baby, and we haven't heard yet how that worked out, but I really hope they were able to see the show!  We were able to laze around after lunch, and then went to the local St. Vinnie's, where we found all kinds of treasures, so we had a lovely afternoon.

And look at this birthday present from my Grandma.  She handsewed and handquilted a Rainbow Quilt for me.  This is the fourth one she's made, and I believe there are over two thousand squares in each one.  Ye gods.  Isn't it gorgeous, though?

We opened a few Christmas presents, too, as it is Cooper custom to open on the Eve.  Now I have to chase the kids to bed so Santa Claus can make an appearance before too long...