Monday, January 4, 2010

A little Christmas

A White Christmas

So I really like Christmas. Sometimes it takes me awhile to get into the Christmas spirit, but once I do look out. I headed back north to Canada to spend Christmas with my family.



This is our Christmas tree. Mom always waits until I get home so I can help decorate. And we got pretty good at decorating it because it fell over three times! The arrow is pointing to our temporary angel. Our old one mysteriously disappeared so this one had to work until we got a replacement.

The first day I was there we got seven inches of snow, bring the snow pack total to a foot and a half deep. The great thing about winter in Canada is we have SNOW PLOWS! Not so much in Missouri.



This was the view Christmas morning. We were at my grandparents who live just south of Calgary. There is nothing better than the Rocky Mountains!

On Christmas Eve we headed to my mom's cousin's house. There were over 40 people there between all the kids and adults. With so much snow I was even able to go out on a snowmobile ride! I think it had been at least six or seven years since I had been on one, and it was awesome. It's a tradition at the Groeneveld Christmas Eve that my Grandpa and Uncle Jack make wings, and cousin Kim makes shrimp. I have to get her recipe because there are awesome.



My cousin Kim had to step in and give my grandparent some guidance.



My sister, Uncle Barry and Cousin Kerrie also helping in the kitchen!

One of the highlights of Christmas Even is when Santa comes! The kids' faces lit up when they heard his jingle bells. I had to laugh when one of my little cousins asked why Santa's eyebrows were brown, weren't they supposed to be white? My aunt quickly replied, "Haven't you seen me dye my hair!" It was a good enough answer for my cousin, and she quickly ran off!



I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed time with your family and friends!

4 comments:

  1. It was great to have you home. Although it is always too short. I am a bit disappointed that the highlight of your trip wasn't mentioned.....the return of the missing Christmas tree. Love Mom

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  2. Crystal...It looks like you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and your view on Christmas morning was fab!

    Have a wonderful 2010!
    Wrenn

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  3. Loved all the pics...funny story about your poor tree:)

    Looks like a wonderful time with family and I can't wait to see the recipes...sounds Delish!

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  4. After seeing Aunt Lorraine (for all those out there, Crystals Grandma)yesterday at a family bridal shower she was telling us how she was your "Blog Stalker". However she said that she never reply's to any of the Blogs because she is worried that she would say something that would embarrass you, so she just waits to talk to you over the phone. What a great Granny you have! She was bragging on your bog so much I thought "I must check it out!" I have got to say i was very entertained until i got to the Christmas page. Really... me and my big belly hovering over food... go figure! However I am ready to share with the world the "Secret Shrimp Recipe". Although i often take credit for the great dish it came from good friends in the US. Several years ago Charles Crochet, who used to manage Camp Cooley Angus out of Texas came up to the Calgary Stampede with his good wife Charlotte. They are originally from Louisiana and while there stay cooked us a cajun meal, and Charlotte was kind enough to leave the recipe. I bumped into Charles at Denver this past January and had to mention that the baked shrimp was still a family favorite!
    Here it is for all the world to see!
    5 lbs Uncooked Shrimp
    1/2 cup Margarine
    1/2 cup Butter
    3 large Onions
    4 large Oranges
    5 stalks Celery
    1 clove Garlic
    2 Green Peppers
    4 Lemons
    2 Limes
    1 tbs Black Pepper
    1 tbs Salt
    1 tsp Red Pepper
    2 tbs Warchester Sauce
    1 large Bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing
    • Wash shrimp
    • slice vegetables and fruit and layer with shrimp in baking pan adding butter and margarine as you go.
    • mix other sauce ingredients and pour over shrimp, vegies, and fruit.
    • Bake at 350º at least 30 minutes stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. Bake until shrimp are pink but to not over cook.

    If you want you could serve in bowls. Use french bread to dip in the sauce mixture.
    Kim

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Thanks for stopping by! I love to hear from all my readers. Hope you have a fabulous day.

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