A Very Merry Mirrored Chrismas!

This year was a huge year for Christmas in my family. Not only was it Cadee's first Christmas, but we were also hosting Christmas Eve for the first time ever for my mom's side. Needless to say, when I got home on the 14th, our house was at DefCon 5 - code red. There was so much to do (including buying a Christmas Tree - per my request...sorry family!). As well, there was the shopping, the decorating, and creating the menu for our Christmas Eve dinner.

Since I had been away from a proper kitchen for quite some time, I had asked if my mom wouldn't mind me taking that entire project over - from concieving the menu to shopping for the ingredientes, to actually preparing the entire meal. For a brief moment, I think there was a "Hey, are you trying to steal my cheese?" feeling from her, but when she realized what there was still to do, I think she was willing to pass off the project.

So, I did just all of that - I created a very interesting meal plan, and shopped for all of the ingredients. Then, the night before, I actually started the prep (it soooo felt like the "calm before the storm" prep time on Top Chef). I wasn't nervous at all, and actually quite enjoyed that time...but then came Christmas Eve, when the nervous flop sweat began to drip...

Now, before I go any further, let me share with you my very optimistic and __ menu:

Appetizers:
- Tomato and Pepper Bruchetta
- Antipasto Platter with olives, meats and cheeses
- Greek Skewers with Chicken, Tomato, Cucumber and Pepper and a cucumber sauce (fancy, I know...)

Main Meal:
- Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloins
- Parmesean Polenta (from Switzerland!)
- Orzo Pasta with fresh parsley, garlic and parmesan
- Asparagus Bundles wrapped with Bacon (and we have high colestral?)
- Dill Carrots
- Fresh Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
- Breads

Dessert:
- Chocolate Fondue with fresh Strawberries, Marshmallows, and Swiss Cookies
- Mini Cheesecake Fruit Tarts with Raspberries and Kiwi)
- Mulled Wine

Hungry yet? I know I am...

So, needless to say, I had my work cut out. But, I did have my trusty sous chefs by my side - my mom and Missy (I know...she actually was of assistance...dang...). I did have my "Out of my way!" moments, but let's face it, in the kitchen, I realllllly like my space and have control issues...So basically, if you asked to assist me, and I kinda of pushed you out of the way, Sorry!!!

Ok, but thats still not it...Ok, so as I was preparing the desserts, I was kinda rushing aroung, and had my Uncle Mark kind of asking me a lot of questions and sort of blocking my view of the foyer...but at the time, since I was so frazzled I had no idea why...

So, when my dad asked me to quickly come into the living room because they had "A half birthday/half Christmas gift that they wanted me to have before others started opening their gifts," I was at first very, "Are you kidding me...I am sort of in the middle of something...", but I listened and followed him through the dining room. At that time, I noticed that he began to get "Church Giggles"...you know, that silent but hysterical laughter...and as I turned further, I noticed 4 people with cameras standing around the tree...

...and then I saw it...or I should say...and then I saw me...That's right, my parents got me a larger than life cardboard cutout of myself...(really, could I make this up!?)

Now, you may be thinking...what on earth would have prompted my wonderful (and apparently quirky) parents to purchase this...unique...gift for me? Well, apparently I may have said in a previous blog entry that one of my Life List points is that I want a wax figure/cardboard cutout made of myself...So basically, I asked for it!...

But, really, this entry needs some explanation. See, I had really meant that I had wanted to become so famous one day that an establishment of some sort would honor me by creating one. You know, like when I go promoting my book of blog entries, maybe standing next to me at the book signing at Barnes and Noble could be this life-sized me holding a book...I don't know...just a thought...

Oh, and here is the creepiest part...The "second me" is actually about 3 inches taller than me. So basicaly, it's just peering down at me...freaky!

So, needless to say, we had quite the memorable Christmas! Dinner went off with (nearly) no hitch, Cadee was spoiled beyond belief, and my bed now has an occupant for the next four months! No more lonliness for my family!