Buon Natale.....Happy Christmas Everyone

Happiest wishes to you all this Christmas! I've been busy baking, cooking, shopping and wrapping since I waited until the last minute to do everything. We are hosting Christmas Eve dinner tonight. Since Dino's family is Italian (bet you couldn't figure that out) we always do the feast of the seven fishes. Not that I make any of the fishes...just a shrimp ball ~ does that even count? My MIL brings everything hot to our house, how lucky are we??? Dino and I switch our dining and living rooms so that there is enought space to seat everyone at one big table. It's a lot of work but it's so worth it not to be crammed. I'll be making appetizers, desserts and drinks today. Below is a recipe for the best punch ever. I make it every Christmas Eve....just watch out it really does pack a "punch"!

Yesterday was Lydia's last day of school and will be off for the next 10 days. We have big plans for more baking, ice skating, shopping and definitely going to the movies. Our cousin Jason was a lead animator for the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. We are planning on dragging him there and embarrassing him! He's a good guy. It will be fun and we are all so proud.

I hope that you'll be doing some wonderful things this holiday with your family and friends. Wishing you many blessings for a very Merry Christmas!!

Love and warm holiday hugs ~ Jenn

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

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Christmas Eve Punch

1 bottle (12 ounces) Lime Juice
1 can (46 ounces) Pineapple Juice
1 fifth of Rum
3 small cans frozen Limeade, defrosted
1 Lime, thinly sliced
1 bottle Champagne, chilled

Combine lime juice and pineapple juice and freeze in an ice ring.

In a tall container, combine rum, limeade, and lime slices. Chill for several hours.

When its time to serve, place the ice ring in a large punch bowl and add the chilled rum mixture. Slowly add chilled champagne, stir and serve.

Makes approx. 25 servings.