Christmas - Version 2010

Jed and I had a wonderfully blessed first Christmas together as "the Johnson's." We headed north to celebrate with my family this year. The special treat of the year was that Emily, Bud and baby Claire were able to be home for Christmas too! Claire was a big hit and had her best Christmas EVER! I'm convinced I have the cutest nieces in the whole world. Some of you may disagree, and that's okay because I'm pretty sure EVERY aunt thinks that. Anyway, we forgot to take pictures when Jed and I exchanged gifts before we left for Minnesota but it was very fun. We both got each other sweaters, which was kind of funny and a few other little things. One of my TOP FAVORITE gifts of the year...
It's so good. Really.
Jed has been trying to convince me that we need a dog. I'm trying really hard to stand my ground but I gave in and got him...
:) He didn't think I was quite as clever as I thought I was.
Once we got to Minnesota, we did A LOT of baby holding and baby watching and not a lot else. Here's the proof:


Christmas Eve...

Christmas Day...
Ready to open some presents!
Jed's stocking loot!
I get Bud a tshirt every year from Raygun in the East Village. He LOVES them!Dad got a camera!
Mom's just happy to be holding Claire bear.
Claire got a VERY fancy hat. Perfect for tea parties.
Some fun books!
She REALLY liked her "lovie."

We also played a lot of euchre and ate LOTS of yummy food! Tomorrow we head to Omaha to go to our church/association of church's annual winter conference, FAITHWALKERS! We are so pumped!
Last but not least, Claire would like to say...
Peace on earth! :)

Merry belated Christmas!

Isn't this just the cutest Christmas present you've ever seen?!?

Slumber party!

This weekend, we fortunate enough to host the Thomas' as they were on their long road trip/journey north to Minnesota for Christmas. They made their first pit stop in Nashville, and then drove to Des Moines on Saturday. It was soooo fun to spend time with them - all 4 of them (Emily, Bud, baby Claire AND their dog Lacey)!
Here are some pictures from our slumber party!
Look at me I really am sassy!I love my Uncle Jed!
Lots of smiles!
Check out my ADORABLE hat!!!!!!!

The BEST cookie you'll EVER eat!

That's right.
This is a FABULOUS, easy and delicious recipe. I don't know where my mom found it years ago, but it really is the BEST recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms. They always turn out perfect. Every single time! It's like a Christmas miracle.
I tackled one batch of these on Wednesday night and have the fixins to make another before Christmas. Good thing Jed's nickname is "the cookie monster" because otherwise, I'd be the one eating all of these cookies.
Here's the recipe and some photos of how to make these cookies!


YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

An afternoon project...

Jed went to the Drake basketball game this afternoon and I got hit with a cleaning bug... my greatest accomplishment among the vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing was this...
The before...
Embarassing. Poor, poor neglected linen closet.
The after...
You can even see the full garbage sack on the floor. Wow! That felt good. Do you have any sad closets or cupboards that could use some attention? This really only took me about 15 minutes!

2.5 weeks...

until I get to see this little beauty (and her Mom and Dad)! :)