'Twas the "Day" Before Christmas....

....and all through the house, not a creature was stirring (except for Kevin who had to be at work at 7 a.m.). AND of course ME! I have to admit to lying in my nice warm bed, longing to just roll over and snuggle in for another couple of hours, but then I knew what awaited me in the kitchen. I've been a prisoner to that room since Sunday afternoon and today doesn't look to be much better. So far I've managed my tortilla rollups, sausage stars, cookies, buckeyes and bacon/sausage/brown sugar wraps. Today's agenda includes my taco dip, party mix, the thawing of the shrimp, a banana-rum cheese ball, and the final arranging of various cheese/salami and cracker platters. Enough to feed an army you say? Well, that's a fair description of what will invade my house later this afternoon.

Photos will follow throughout the day....

It's now almost 1:00 and it's time to get out of my flannel pajamas and make myself look "festive". The dishwasher is being unloaded for the third time in 24 hours - much to the despair of my "elves". The Buckeyes were Kelli's contribution and she did a great job!!! Her special addition to the recipe - Rice Krispies.

I made the Tortilla Roll-Ups yesterday and just finished slicing and arranging them. It was hard not to eat them while I was slicing - OK, I'll admit to maybe just a couple. I LOVE these things!

Homemade Party Mix is a holiday staple in this household. I've already had to chase "Rock Star" away from the bowl and listen to his whining, "but I'm HUNGRY".




And of course, my taco dip - another family favorite. I can remember when Bobby was a little boy, I'd get so mad at him because the first thing he'd do was to dip RIGHT out of the CENTER - and mess it all up!



More photos to come - as soon as I'm looking presentable and the hot things come out of the oven.

OK - it's 3:00 - one hour until my peaceful house will be bursting at the seams with children, grandchildren and enough wrapping paper to wrap my house! The shrimp is thawing and the Sausage Stars just came out of the oven. I think I can actually sit down and relax for awhile!