Happy Andrew Christmas!

Christmas had a great start this year! We celebrated last Saturday by visiting Tita Evie. My whole family was there and it was wonderful to visit. She was craving some Amish Chicken, Ribs and Potatoes from the Farmer's Market, so we picked some up and brought it to her. She had an appetite and was able to eat quite a lot and even have some coffee. She was also walking so it was just great to see her moving around. She even traveled to New Jersey the day before.

Saturday afternoon we headed to NJ to go to Tito Charlie's for our 2nd Christmas! The cousins were there and it was great to see them, eat great food and also play some majong. We were just exhausted when we got home.

Christmas Day was Sunday. We would say, "Happy Andrew Christmas!" Aileen, Dan, Amy and Justin were here for breakfast. We had french toast casserole, sausage and fresh fruit. Yum! After breakfast, we all opened presents just like it was Christmas morning.

 

Time passed so quickly and Andrew had to leave for his flight to California. It was hard saying goodbye, but I know he will be back soon. Andrew left first, then everyone else. Aileen came back later and we dog-sat Sammy. Justin and Amy came back too because they were staying here for the night. The kids and I watched the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and it was awesome! They bought me dinner at winging it last night too and we had a picnic in the living room. :)

Today we (Amy, Justin and the kiddos)  went to Target and then went to get frozen yogurt! Then Amy and Justin had to leave to see his cousin in NJ. The kids and I watched some TV, played the new Bananas Lego game that A got for Zoe, and played silly games. Jon came to pick them up at Andrew's place. We went there to see Ming Su and hang out with her for a while. We also decorated Andrew's Christmas tree so it was decorated when he got back. 

Now I am home and watching A Christmas Story. Andrew and I usually watch this on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I made some yummy Lasagna Soup too!

It has been a great Christmas so far. My family being here from North Carolina and all over has made me so happy. It's what the holidays are all about. Merry Christmas eve, all! :)

Overnight French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:
1 – stick butter (1/2 cup) melted
12 - slices Texas toast or any leftover bread
1 - cup brown sugar
1 - teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 - cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
5 - eggs
1 1/2 - cups milk

Directions:
Melt butter and pour in a 9x 13 . Mix the  brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and nuts if you are using them.

Whisk eggs, milk and vanilla together. Layer bottom of pan with half the bread pieces Sprinkle half brown sugar mix over the bread.

Layer second half of bread. Pour egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar on top.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and cover with a new piece of foil. Preheat oven to 350 bake the casserole for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake 15 more minutes the French toast bake should be browned and set.