The Farm

Just a few recent pics of the animals...

Nate's Home for the Holidays!

With Nate being stationed in Northern California, this was our first holiday season without the whole family together. Luckily though he was able to take leave a few days after the holidays so we just celebrated then. In addition to opening Christmas gifts during his stay, we also celebrated Nate's 26th birthday by hosting a dinner at our house for the birthday boy!

US Air Force birthday cake for Lieutenant Adaoag

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Icing made by Cathy Young

Healthier Eats

Here are a few of our most recent homemade meals...

Chalupa made with Crumbles meat substitute, fresh toppings and a side of zucchini.

Morningstar "chicken" stirfy with bok choy and green beans paired with brown rice and quinoa.  Homemade cheese rangoons on the side.

Our latest fave soup.  Watercress soup made with organic watercress from the Pearl Farmer's market.  The best part is that no heavy cream is necessary.  On the side--garlic and pesto crostinis.

A lighter version of Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting (recipe here!)

One Year, Y'all

On December 30, 2012 Marco and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary!  There are so many wonderful things that we are thankful for this first year of marriage:

*Honeymooning in Spain
*Marco's Match Day
*His medical school graduation
*The start of my final year of grad school
*Beginning of Residency for him
*The purchase of our first home
*Our 29th birthdays

...and then there's all the happy little things in between-- all of which we are truly grateful for.

For our special day, we celebrated with an amazing dinner at Wildfish.  Here's to another 80 years!

So excited for a special date night with hubby!

Christmas Day 2012

On Christmas day we had brunch with Marco's mom, Gina-- and what a wonderful brunch, indeed!  On the menu: Spinach quiche, French toast casserole and the most perfect mixed fruit salad. Such a great start to the day was followed by more gift-giving and receiving!

Mom's Nativity Scene

...happy tummies...

Gizzy and Aunt Laura

Man-sized snuggies handmade by Laura for her brothers (note: Danny was at work and was therefore unable to model his snuggie)

After Christmas Brunch we jetted off to Aunt Alicia's for some Christmas Lunch and White Elephant gift exchange. 

Made Santa Hat Brownie Bites again this year.  Fortunately this year, I was able to enjoy one before they were all gobbled up.

Marco and Pops with their matching vests

The Festive Fashionista

Christmas Eve 2012

For Christmas Eve, Marco and I had dinner with my Mom & Dad, sans little brother.  Nate, aka Lieutenant (see here),  is stationed in California and spent Christmas Eve working. :(  We are definitely excited though for his trip home in just a few days! :)

After dinner, Marco and I dashed over to Abuelo & Abuela's house for gift-giving and receiving! (...and more eating...)

Just like last year, Marco & I made some Glogg based off a recipe from NPR.org (get it here) and bottled it up to share with the family.  Glogg is a vodka and Port-based Scandinavian drink infused with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, served warm during the Christmas season. 

The Glogg recipe calls for potato-based vodka soaked with raisins and cinnamon sticks. These raisins, not surprisingly, become a tasty little treat afterwards.

The cousins with matching beanies

Me, Mel, and Laura with homemade shawls compliments of Aunt Alicia.  The shawls are super soft and come equipped with pockets to keep hands warm-- perfect for movie watching on the couch!

Marco was so happy to have Christmas day off! (as was I, of course!)<3

When the weather turns cold, the boots come out.

This is what happens when you leave your camera laying around.  There's no telling what kind of 'selfies' you might find later on...hehe. Luckily, this one's pretty.

Come on over!

A few days ago we had Marco's family over for some dinner, dessert and a little gingerbread fun.

Teamwork, people!

Official Gingerbread Engineers

Bravo, team!

Left: No get-together is complete without cupcakes from my fave bakery in town, Bird Bakery. Their cupcakes are by far the best we've ever tasted. Not surprisingly, Bird is offering special holiday flavors that are just as delicious!!
Right: A favorite holiday flavor--Chocolate cupcake with Peppermint buttercream icing topped with real candy cane pieces!