On the Fourteenth Day of December......

A fantastic day, that started with quiet prayer.

Husband E took the children to church and I finished preparations for my family's Christmas gathering.

We started with brunch and had:

fresh fruit, fritatta, stollen , orange juice and coffee.

We then opened presents, such fun. A beautiful handmade necklace made by my Mother. The Groovy Aunt is offering her expertise in therapeutic massage as a gift as well.

We retreated to couches whilst eating chicken balls and sweet chilli sauce, pies, quiches, salmon fillo pastries and spinach rolls. Then some salmon and dill ricotta and rare roast beef/sundried tomato sushi. The Groovy Aunt brought some cut vegetables and dips, olives (which we did not get around to eating) and crackers.

Some snoozed, others read and others watched Christmas DVD's.

10 year old son and husband went for a bike ride (it's a boy thing.....)

Then, homemade icecream and chocolate almond cake.

The children and adults went out to play and Grandpa started the BBQ. 6 year old daughter is almost riding a two wheel bike by herself and 2 year old daughter loved her new tricycle from her grandparents. The Groovy Aunt played many rounds of handball.

We then enjoyed Moroccan lamb, chicken kebabs, salads and garlic bread that the grandparents had brought. Also potato salad.

Then when everyone could not fit another thing in, The Christmas pudding and thick custard. My first attempt and it was good.

We drove around the streets looking at Christmas lights, then children showered and put to bed.

A nice cup of tea and a chocolate from my "Thankyou for being host" gift from the Groovy Aunt.

An excellent day. I had to work hard to remember that today was still a school day!!

Yesterday was also the 14th day of the month, so I am submitting a late entry for "A Day in My Life."

Chicken balls:

1 kg chicken mince

2 eggs

1/2 cup coriander

1 cup grated cheese

1 cup bread crumbs.

Mix and roll into balls. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

This recipe is from the "Coles Supermarket " Christmas leaflet.

Rare Roast Beef Sushi:

200g rare roast beef (from deli)

100g sundried tomatoes

Onion and chive Philadelphia cream cheese

Cut the beef into long strips, place a teaspoon full of cream cheese and a slice of tomato and roll up. Use a toothpick to keep it altogether.

Mrs B gave me this "Weight Watchers" recipe.