THE NEW CAMERA

My big present from santa this year was a digital SLR camera, the Canon Rebel XTi to be exact :) Now that I've figured out how to upload the images to my computer I thought I'd share. I will be taking a camera class in January to learn how to use the advanced features on the camera. For now, these pictures were taken in the automatic mode.

Ready for some bird hunting.

Ross's awesome brisket, smoked all day!

Chase.

Calhoun's and the parents.

Bro and Sis.

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Vegg'in Out

We're setting records over here with our new blu-ray/surround sound system. Currently our media room only has one couch, but we have managed to fit 4 people and 1 73 lb Weim on it.  Picture this: Mom, Jeff, Liz, and Ross ALL on the couch with Roma spread out on our laps. Bonding time indeed. Too bad I didn't have my camera.
We watched District 9 last night. I can't say I loved the movie, but it was original and had a unique perspective on what might happen if aliens and humans were to coexist on earth. At first, I hated the ending , but I must admit, it grew on me. If British accents and aliens are your thing, then District 9 is for you!

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Baked Beans and Brisket

First off, we got news that Grampie had a fall while on his walk outside and broke his elbow... we are thinking of you Grampie- get better soon!
Ross has been smoking brisket all day long and we are about to partake :) He's also making "The Best Baked Beans" straight from Steven Raichlen's BBQ USA book. It should be some good eats. We had a nice afternoon at the dog park too... Roma needs to get better at fetching ducks when she goes hunting so we practiced with a fake one.

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All I want for Christmas...

Ross and I spent Christmas Eve night at the Huebel's and had a nice family gift exchange (and some egg casserole) Christmas morning. My family came over for Christmas Day brunch. What a blessing to have everyone together! In the evening, after returning to our house, we had the Aldrich gift exchange. Perfecto!

Ross was so excited when he got his speckled belly goose decoys.

The spread.

My favorite stuffing EVER.

2 fried turkeys and 2 fried ducks.

Roma's Christmas present.

Mom was surprised with the Nespresso machine :)

Cheese!

Sleeping little baby girl.

Grannie and Macy.

My flower girls!

Grandad and Grannie.

My little buddy.

Family dinner at REEF. Amazing! Cheers with a brandy alexander...

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Holiday Cheer

I've been slacking at my blogging the last couple days, but I've been enjoying the family and food! Here are some pictures from the family's arrival and Christmas Eve...

Pups begging Dad for a cracker.

Ross teaching Dad how to make risotto.

Jambalaya Risotto with shrimp and venison sausage.

Aldrich Family.

Couple Picture

My boy and the Dads!

Mom and Jeff.

Mom and Liz.

Christmas Eve at the Huebel's

Adam and Danielle-- getting hitched in May!

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Starbucks in MY Kitchen

This is what I woke up to this morning...

A latte straight from my own kitchen, made by Barista Mom :) This might be my favorite way to wake up...
My family made it safely to Houston TX!!! I'm not sure that I've seen the suburban more full before. I liked all the presents that came out of it too. Mom and I were on a furniture mission today and I'm happy to report success! We have a new sofa table that looks great in our family room. Pictures to come. The boys (dad, Jeff, and ross) went to the gun range to try out my dad's guns. Yes I did say guns in the plural. they went to the rifle range for target practice with the gun dad BOUGHT and they went to shoot skeet with the gun that Grampie GAVE dad. I'm glad mom and I were doing our own thing :) We plan to see a movie tonight!

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Slowly but Surely

I just talked to my parents and they are now in Louisiana, making the drive to lovely Katy, TX for the holidays. They expect to arrive around 3-4pm today. I'm thinking a trip to the dog park will be the perfect activity upon their arrival... a chance for them AND Roma to stretch the 'ole legs. Ross and Adam went bird hunting this morning. I bet it was a beautiful sunrise because the weather is looking perfect from my window. Last night we made Chicken Butternut Tagine, a Cooking Light recipe, and pistachio couscous for dinner. I doubled the recipe and I think it had more liquid than the original recipe intended, but it was good- lots of Moroccean flavors. I didn't add the olives (because I'm not a fan) and I think it was an important flavor component to this dish, so next time I will have to suck it up and add them or get the saltiness from something else.

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Migrating West

Jeffrey got to Charleston late last night! His flight was delayed a couple times, but most importantly he got out of Philly and arrived in CHS safely. The Aldrich family has begun the 2-day drive to spend the holidays with Ross and I in Houston, TX! They will spend the night in lovely Gulfport, Mississippi and get in tomorrow afternoon. yay!!
On another note, I am 1 of 2 people on my team working today. the 19th floor is pretty much empty. I scored a very nice parking spot this morning.
Last night we had Sole and vegetables, steamed in foil packets. It was good, but not great. There was just not a lot of flavors, even with the lemon and white wine sauce. I'll have to think of how to spice it up some.

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Blue Skies and I Do's!

Meagen McDonald is officially Meagen Moreno! You got it... Ross's cousin got hitched on Saturday. The weather was GORGEOUS just for Meagen's special day...

Waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Brian's Family.

Meagen made her own wedding cake! Beautiful!!

The wedding was held in the afternoon, so Ross and I decided to go out for date night afterwards. We went to Mockingbird Bistro for dinner. It was a special meal indeed!

Liz: Scallops with red wine risotto and rainbow cauliflower.

Ross: Porkchop, pork belly, and bratwurst over sauerkraut with potatoes and green beans, served with 2 different kinds of mustard. Basically, a perfect meal for Ross...

We are really hoping my brother can get a flight out of Philly tonight! His flight was canceled yesterday and he had to spend the night in a hotel. Today he got bumped for standby on another flight and is supposed to leave at 8:30 (to Charleston). Please Please Please!

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Purple Party

Last night I went to a purple themed girls christmas party. Ashley hosted the party at her townhouse and she did a great job of accommodating 14 hungry interlopers :) I brought Spinach Salad with Mango Vinaigrette (dried cranberries, toasted almonds, goat cheese, mango). The whole party was lots fun. During the secret santa gift exchange things got slightly heated (in the game, you can steal presents that have been opened) but all in good fun. I'm happy to report that there were no "dud" gifts this year and everyone made away with something decent.

Liz and Brit

Brit, Kelli, and Taylor

Lindsey and I

Lindsey, Brit, and I

Mistletoe!

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